Sir John de Croy commanded the first under his brother,—and he had with him Harpin de Richammes. During the march, all the baggage was placed between the van and main body; and the duchess, then far gone with child, was there also, with her women, and near to the duke.
The army marched in this array before the town of Troyes, that was held by the French, and advanced to Cappes on the line to Burgundy. Many of the burgundian lords now joined him, to whom he gave a gracious reception,—and having called a council of war, resolved on their future proceedings.
It was settled that the duchess should fix her residence with her attendants at Châtillon-sur-Seine, while the duke marched to lay siege to Mussi-l'Evêque, in the possession of the French. Great preparations were made, and many pieces of artillery were pointed against the gates and walls. The garrison once intended making an obstinate defence; but when they saw how numerous and well appointed were the duke's forces, and found they had no hope of succour, after eight days siege, they capitulated to surrender the place on having their lives and fortunes spared. On the conclusion of this treaty, they marched away under the duke's passports for St Florentin.
When the duke had appointed a new garrison, he went to the duchess at Châtillon, and his men at arms advanced toward the county of Tonnerre.
THE DUKE OF BURGUNDY RECONQUERS SEVERAL PLACES WHICH THE FRENCH HAD WON IN BURGUNDY.
When the duke of Burgundy had sojourned some days at Châtillon, he ordered the duchess to go to Dijon, where she was most honourably received, and he himself went after his army. He had Lussigines and Passy besieged; and the first was so hard pressed that the garrison surrendered on having their lives spared, but giving up their effects. Those of Passy also gave hostages to surrender on the first day of September following, unless the duke and his army should be fought "withal and beaten by his adversaries before that time.
Many other castles and forts held by the French, who were much alarmed at the great power of the duke of Burgundy, were yielded up to him, namely, Danlermoine, Herny, Coursaint, Scealefloug, Maligny, Saint Phalle, Sicry, Sabelly and others, to the amount of twenty-four. After these surrenders, the duke went to Dijon, and his captains and men at arms were quartered over the country. Sir John de Croy was the commander in chief at all these sieges of places that submitted to the obedience of the duke of Burgundy.