grand master, you are already informed how there
has been discussion in my council and that of my brother-in-law of
Burgundy, as to the best manner of adjusting certain differences
between him and me. It went so far that in order to arrive at a
conclusion I came to this town of Peronne. Here we have busied
ourselves with the requisitions passing between us, so that to-day
we have, thanks to our Lord, in the presence of all the nobles
of the blood, prelates and other great and notable personages in
great numbers, both from my suite and from his, sworn peace
solemnly on the true cross, and promised to aid, defend and
succour each other for ever. Also on the same cross we have
ratified the treaty of Arras with its corrections and other points
which seemed productive of peace and amity.

"Immediately after this the Duke of Burgundy ordered thanksgivings
in the churches of his lands, and in this town he has already had
great solemnity. And because my brother of Burgundy has heard that
the Liegeois have taken prisoner my cousin the bishop of Liege,
whom he is determined to deliver as quickly as possible, he has
besought me as a favour to him, and also because the bishop is my
kinsman whom I ought to aid, to accompany him to Liege, not far
from here. This I have agreed to, and have chosen as my escort
a portion of the troops under monseigneur the constable, in the
hopes of a speedy return by the aid of God.

"And because it is for my weal and that of my subjects I write to
you at once, because _I am sure_ you will be pleased, and that
you will order like solemnities. Moreover, monseigneur the grand
master, as I lately wrote to you, pray as quickly as possible
disband my _arriere ban_ together with the free lances, and
do every possible thing for the mass of poor folks; appoint
well-to-do men as leaders in every bailiwick and district. Above
all, see to it that they do not indulge in any new and startling
conduct. That done, if you wish to come to Bohan, to be nearer
me, I would be glad, so as to be able to provide for any further
action that may arise. Written at Peronne October 14th.

"Loys MEURIN.

"To our dear and beloved cousin the Count of Dammartin, grand
master of France."[19]

Dammartin thought that this letter was phrased for the purpose of
passing Charles's censorship.