In consequence of this request, the Dauphinois did assemble in force in the neighbourhood of Compiègne, whence they were to begin their march. The duke, however, continued the siege with vigour; but, hearing of the intentions of the Dauphinois to force him to raise it, and to offer him battle, he called a council to determine in this case how he should act.
It was resolved, that the duke should break up the siege, and advance to fight the Dauphinois before they could effect a junction with sir James de Harcourt and the others. In conformity to this resolution, on the 29th of August, the duke dispatched Philip de Saveuses and the lord de Crevecoeur, at night-fall, from the camp with six score combatants, to cross the Somme at Abbeville, whence they were to advance into Vimeu, to inquire diligently into the state and condition of the Dauphinois, he earnestly entreated and commanded them to attend particularly to his orders, and to send him as soon as possible a true statement of what the Dauphinois were intending, adding, that his whole army should very speedily follow them.
These two captains rode during the night to Abbeville, where having refreshed their horses a little, they advanced into Vimeu. In the mean time, the duke of Burgundy secretly made his preparations for breaking up the siege by packing up his tents, baggage and stores, and, having set fire to his camp, marched strait for Abbeville. On his arrival there, those of his army who chose to eat or to drink were obliged to do so on horseback; for he would not suffer any one to dismount, as he was every moment expecting intelligence of the enemy from Philip de Saveuses and the lord de Crevecoeur.
When they had entered Vimeu, they observed about sun-rise, toward Oisemont, the Dauphinois in handsome array, briskly pushing forward, and making for the ford of Blanchetaque. They were so near, that some of the Dauphinois were taken by them; and by their means they acquired full knowledge of their intentions. They sent them instantly to the duke, who, as I have said, was at Abbeville, that he might hasten his march to meet them before they could cross the river.
The duke, on receiving this intelligence, was much rejoiced, and immediately quitted the town, and pressed his march as much as he could, leaving behind at Abbeville his archers and cross-bows. The Dauphinois saw the duke's army was pursuing them, and consequently, made all haste to gain the ford of Blanchetaque, and cross the Somme to Sir James de Harcourt, who was waiting for them on the opposite side near to Saint Riquier. During this time, repeated messengers were sent to hasten the march of the duke, who, on his side, was equally eager to come up with the enemy; and his forces pushed forward as fast as their horses could carry them.
The Dauphinois were in the act of passing the river Somme, when, perceiving the Burgundians, they deliberately changed their purpose, and returned to the plain, where they drew up in battle-array, and advanced with every appearance of giving battle to the duke, although they were very inferior in numbers to his army. Poton de Santrailles had joined them that night, with twelve others from St Riquier, in order to be present at the battle.
The two parties were now advanced near enough to observe exactly the numbers on either side; and because some of the duke's men were behind, several heralds and poursuivants were sent to hasten them forward.
Thus the two armies moved on for a considerable space, approaching each other; but sir James de Harcourt who, as has been said, was posted on the other side of the river, seeing the two parties ready to engage, never attempted to cross the ford to the assistance of his friends, notwithstanding he himself had sent for them, but returned to Crotoy, whence he had come that morning.
CHAP. LXII.
THE BURGUNDIANS AND THE DAUPHINOIS DRAW UP IN BATTLE ARRAY AGAINST EACH OTHER ON THE LAST DAY OF AUGUST.—THE CONSEQUENCES THAT FOLLOWED.