As neither the English nor Burgundians seemed to attend to this siege, the duchess-dowager of Burgundy sent in haste to the nobles of that country, to require, in the name of her son the duke, that they would assemble their men, and march to the relief of Crevant. The lord de Toulongeon, marshal of Burgundy, in consequence, assembled his men, and, with the united forces of the other lords, advanced to Auxerre to join the earl of Salisbury, the earl of Suffolk, the lord Willoughby, and other English lords, whom the duke of Bedford had sent thither to the amount of four thousand combatants, all picked men and tried in arms. To do these English honour, the count de Joigny, the borgne de Toulongeon, the lord du Vergy, sir John and sir William de Vienne, sir Regnier Pot, the lord de Rochefort, and many more notable lords, went out of Auxerre, to meet them on their march.
On their meeting, very great and mutual respects were shewn on both sides; and they rode together in handsome array into the town, where the earl of Salisbury was lodged in the bishop's palace. When they had somewhat refreshed themselves with meat and drink, the English and Burgundians assembled in the cathedral, and there entered into such resolutions as you shall hear.
This united force began their march toward Crevant; and when within a long quarter of a league from the town they dismounted. It was at the time very sultry; and they suffered much thus marching on foot, by the weight of their armour and from the extreme heat of the sun. This day were knighted William de Vienne, son to the lord de St George, John lord of Auxi, Philip lord de Trenont and Coppin de la Viefville.
The regulations that had been made by the chiefs of the English and Burgundians, when in the cathedral of Auxerre, were as follow:
First, that on the morrow, Friday, they would march away at ten o'clock in the morning, to fix their quarters near to Crevant.
Secondly, two marshals were to be appointed to overlook and inspect the army, namely, the lord du Vergy for the Burgundians, and sir Gilbert de Hallesal for the English.
Thirdly, it was to be proclaimed that the Burgundians and English should live in good harmony with each other, without quarrels or strife, on pain of being severely punished by their commanders.
Fourthly, that the whole should form one army; and that there should be six score men at arms, namely sixty English and sixty Burgundians, with as many archers, sent forward as scouts to gain intelligence.
Fifthly, it was ordered that when the army should arrive near any spot where a battle was likely to take place, proclamation should be instantly made for every one to dismount,—and those who refused should be put to death: the horses were to be led half a league in the rear; and all that should be found nearer the army should be seized and confiscated.
It was also ordered, that every archer should provide himself with a stake with two sharp points, to plant before him should it be found necessary.