over and proceeded towards London. On
Saturday, the 23rd, the mayor and aldermen and all the companies rode
forth in their liveries to meet the king and conduct him and his train of
French prisoners through the City to Westminster. On Sunday morning a
deputation from the City waited upon Henry and presented him with the sum
of L1,000 and two basons of gold worth half that sum.(773)

(M411)

During the next eighteen months succeeding the battle of Agincourt, Henry
devoted himself to making preparations at home for renewing active
military operations. He had intended at midsummer, 1416, to lead an
expedition in person to the relief of Harfleur, but the command was
subsequently delegated to his brother, the Duke of Bedford. Proclamation
was publicly made in the city by order of the king, dated the 28th May,
that all and singular knights, esquires and valets holding any fief or
annuity from the king should proceed to Southampton by the 20th June,
armed each according to his estate, for the purpose of joining the
expedition.(774) In 1417 France was rendered weak by factions, and Henry
seized the opportunity for another attack. On the 1st February he issued
his writ to the sheriffs of London for a return to be made of the number
of men-at-arms and archers the City knights could furnish.(775) In March
the mayor, Henry Barton, was made a commissioner for victualling the navy
which was to rendezvous at Southampton.(776)

(M412)

In the same month the City advanced the king the sum of 5,000 marks,(777)
and in the following June a further sum was advanced by private
subscription among the wealthier citizens on the security of a Spanish
sword, set in gold and precious stones, of the estimated value of L2,000.
The sword was pledged with the subscribers on the understanding that they
would not dispose of it before Michaelmas twelve-month.(778)

(M413) (M414)

On the 9th August the king addressed a letter to the mayor, sheriffs,
aldermen and good folk of the City of London, informing them of his safe
arrival in Normandy and of his success in making himself master of the
castle of "Touque" without bloodshed.(779) To this the citizens sent a
dutiful reply on the 28th day of the same month, assuring the king of the
peaceful condition of the city. On the 2nd September an order went forth
from the Common Council of the City that each alderman should immediately
instruct the constables of his ward to go their rounds and warn all
sold