'It is, therefore, very dear and beloved uncle, my intention to act with you and the other lords my relatives, whose counsels I shall follow, and none others, for the restoring of this desolated kingdom; for I know you are one of the greatest of its princes,—and in its welfare you are more concerned, as the dean of the peerage, and a prince of such high renown, and who has been so highly displeased with the present disorders in the government. I wish, therefore, that you and my other relatives would assemble to consult on the surest means of bringing about a reformation of the abuses and grievances that exist in every branch of the government, to the relief of the poor people, who are unable longer to bear their burdens, and of restoring order in the better administration of justice and the finances, to the great happiness of the realm, and to the eternal honour of those who shall, with God's pleasure, so usefully employ themselves.
'I, therefore, very dear and beloved uncle, entreat, that, for so good a purpose, you would give me your support and assistance, and employ also my fair brother Charolois, your son, in my aid, as I have been always confident in your friendship,—and that we may speedily meet is my most earnest wish. It is my meaning shortly to enter France, and take the field accompanied by the other princes and nobles who have promised me their assistance: I shall, therefore, beg, that you would, as speedily as may be, raise as large a force as possible to enter France on your side; and should you be unable personally to accompany it, I shall hope that you will send it under the command of the count de Charolois. At the same time, you will depute to me some of your most confidential counsellors, with whom I may advise, in conjunction with the other princes, as to what may be done for the public welfare, and by whom you may have information of my good and just intentions; for I am determined to regulate my conduct after the advice of yourself and the other princes and lords.
'Whatever the count de Charolois shall recommend, in your absence, for the general good, you may be assured that I will support him in, and maintain to my latest breath.
'Very dear and beloved, let me know at all times whatever you may wish to have done, and it shall be accomplished with my whole heart.—I pray God that he may grant you a long life, and accomplish all your desires.
'Written at Nantes, the 15th day of March.' Signed, 'Your nephew, Charles.' The address was, 'To my uncle the duke of Burgundy.'
About this time, James de St Pol returned from England, whither he had been sent by the count de Charolois, as well to do honour to king Edward's marriage as to negotiate for his assistance against the king of France, should there be occasion, or at least to prevent him from being engaged against him; for the king of France had before sent the lord de Launoy to conclude a treaty with king Edward, to the prejudice of the count de Charolois. The king of England, however, would not listen to it, and had even transmitted to the duke of Burgundy the king of France's proposals, which greatly astonished the duke, as well in regard to their contents as that the lord de Launoy had been the bearer of them.
On the 8th day of April, in this year, was a conjunction of Saturn and Jupiter, whence the learned foretold that great miseries would befal the world.
A CORRESPONDENCE TAKES PLACE BETWEEN THE KING OF FRANCE AND THE DUKE OF BOURBON.—THE KING PUBLISHES OTHER LETTERS THROUGHOUT HIS REALM,—AND THE COUNT DE NEVERS ISSUES PROCLAMATIONS IN ALL THE TOWNS WITHIN HIS LIEUTENANCY FOR THE KING OF FRANCE.