The count de St Pol marched with his men from before Pontoise, to cross the river Oise at Pont St Maixence. At the entrance of the bridge, the captain of the fort came out to meet the count,—when, sharp words arising between them, the count would have seized the captain, had he not made haste to retire within his fort, whence he instantly discharged the cannon and cross-bows on him and his men. The horse of sir Ferry de Mailly was killed under him by a shot, and another man at arms had his arm broken. The count retreated with his army and crossed the Oise at Compiégne, and thence returned to his own country. The garrison of the bridge before mentioned followed a party of the count's men who were marching toward Mondidier, overtook and pillaged them.
On the same day, the count de Vaudemont marched his men from before Pontoise, as did several other great lords, and left the king in the state you have heard, to his no small displeasure, although he did not suffer it to appear, for he could not help it; and he was forced to bear all things patiently which God was pleased to send him. He daily employed his cannon and other engines against the walls and gates of the town, and also against the church of our lady, without, the walls, but possessed by the English, and held by them for a long time.
The walls of this church were so battered that, on the 16th day of September, the king resolved in council to storm it, which took place on a Saturday, and all within were put to the sword or made prisoners. This church was very high, and so near to the town that from the top could be seen almost every thing the English were doing,—and they could be thence annoyed with small cannons, culverines, and even cross-bows.
The church being won, it was ordered, that on the ensuing Tuesday, a general storm should be made on the town, to see if they could not conquer it. This was executed; and on the Tuesday, the king and his lords, having well armed their men, urged them on with shouting, 'St Denis! Town won!' A large party having forced an entrance, the townsmen fled to the churches and other strong places; but about five hundred of the English were soon put to the sword, and the remainder, to the amount of four hundred, made prisoners. Among the slain was an English knight called sir Nicholas Burdet,—but the governor of the town was taken prisoner. Only forty, or thereabout, were killed on the king's side at the attack, or died afterward of their wounds. Many new knights were made on the occasion: among whom were the brothers, John and Robert d'Estouteville, Regnault de Longueval, le bon Roly, and others.
With regard to the person who first mounted the tower du Frice[100], he was much praised by all for his valour, and was ennobled, himself and his successors, by the king, who also gave him large estates to support his rank. The king entered the town with those who had stormed it, and, on its being gained, issued his orders that no harm should be done to the inhabitants who had retired into the churches, excepting such as had borne arms. On his arrival with his banner in front of the great church, an Englishman issued forth and surrendered himself to him. He was mercifully received, and not only delivered without ransom, but the king made him handsome presents. He entered the church, and devoutly offered up his prayers and thanksgivings at the great altar, to God his Creator, for the good success he had experienced.
The French sought day and night after the English who had hidden themselves, and put them to death or made them prisoners. Thus did Charles VII. king of France, reconquer his town of Pontoise by a most gallant attack, notwithstanding the many and severe skirmishes that took place before it. In respect to the nobles, as well knights as esquires, and other captains, who were there in great numbers, very many behaved themselves valiantly and prudently,—but I was told that sir Charles de Bosqueaux was much praised by all.
FOOTNOTES:
[94] Cheuery. Q. Ennery?
[95] Hetonville. Herouville, near Pontoise.