THE KING OF FRANCE SENDS AMBASSADORS TO MONTEREAU-FAUT-YONNE TO TREAT OF A PEACE WITH THE QUEEN AND THE DUKE OF BURGUNDY.—THE INHABITANTS OF ROUEN TURN TO THE BURGUNDY FACTION.

Shortly after, king Charles and his constable sent as their ambassadors to Montereau-faut-Yonne, the archbishop of Rheims, the bishops of Paris and of Clermont in Auvergne, John de Harcourt count d'Aumale, sir Mansart d'Esne and sir Regnault de Merquoiques knights, master Guerard Marchet, the Judge Maye, John de Lolive, with others, to the number of sixteen, able persons, to treat of a peace between them and the queen and the duke of Burgundy.

On the part of the queen and the duke, the following ambassadors were sent to Bray-sur-Seine, the archbishop of Sens brother to sir Charles de Savoisy, the bishops of Langres and of Arras, sir John de la Trimouille lord de Jonvelle, the lord de Courcelles, sir James de Courtjambe, Coppen de Viefville, master Peter Cauchon, since bishop of Beauvais, John le Clerc, since chancellor of France, Gilles de Clamecy, master Thierry le Roi, John le Mercier, James Beaulard and master Baudet de Bordes. These ambassadors had passports given them from each party; and on their arrival at Montereau and Bray, they fixed upon the village of la Tombe, which was half way between these two towns, as the place to hold their conferences in. To this place the lord de la Trimouille was ordered with a body of men at arms for the security of their persons.

This conference lasted for about two months,—during which the ambassadors of both sides frequently had recourse to their lords personally, or by writing, in hopes of bringing the business to a happy conclusion.

At the same time, union was restored to the universal church; for after the consecration of pope Martin he released pope John from prison, who threw himself on the mercy of the reigning pontiff. He was very kindly received by him, and even created a cardinal,—but he died within a few days afterward.

About this period also, the inhabitants of Rouen, who were very favourable to the duke of Burgundy, sent secretly for some of the captains of his party, whom, with a body of men at arms, they admitted into their town; namely, sir Guy le Bouteiller, Lagnon bastard d'Arly; and instantly joining them, they made a sharp attack on the castle, which the king's men held out against the town, and continued it so long that the garrison surrendered on condition that they might retreat with safety. Sir Guy le Bouteiller was nominated governor. Lagnon d'Arly behaved so gallantly at this attack, that he acquired great renown, and the good will of all the inhabitants of Rouen. The king of France and his ministers were very much displeased at this event; but, to say the truth, the greater part of France was torn to pieces by intestine wars and divisions: the churches and poor people were ruined, and justice was no where obeyed.

[A.D. 1418.]