Some of the Burgundian lords, with about forty lances, having wished to try the strength of the French previous to their arrival before the city, suffered for their adventurous spirit; for they left half their number on the field. The governor, therefore, commanded that no one should go out without his orders. The first troops of Messire Charles d'Amboise showed themselves at nightfall on the northern side of the plateau, just beyond the range of boulevard D[38], and began to install themselves, setting up between them and the town, mantelets brought on carts, and fixed with the help of stakes driven in the ground. When it became quite dark, the Sire de Montcler tried to attack them; but perceiving that this vanguard was efficiently sustained by a large body posted in the rear, he retired after a slight skirmish. Next day, the 5th of September, Messire Charles d'Amboise sent some scouts into the lower town, and on the eastern side towards the mills, which he took without striking a blow, for they were not guarded. Immediately, some bombs were discharged at these mills, and the besiegers were obliged to abandon them for the moment, for at the second discharge one of the roofs fell in. The Sire de Montcler organized his troops as follows:-- In each of the four wards mentioned above, 200 armed men from the town were intrusted with the guard and defence of the ramparts 800 There remained 500 Burgundian foot soldiers, among whom there were bombardiers and culverineers 150 Skilled javelin men, archers, and arbalisters 250 Pioneers 100 The Germans who were not on friendly terms with the inhabitants were posted in reserve in the abbey, amounting to 800 And in the castle, amounting to 400 The men-at-arms, partly in the abbey 200 Partly in the castle 200 Partly in the neighbourhood of the gates 50 ----- Total of force 2,950 ----- It was evident that the garrison was not numerous enough to attempt sorties; it had already enough to do to guard its defences in presence of a besieging army amounting to nearly six thousand men; an army moreover which might receive reinforcements. The governor was clearly awake to the facts, and felt that he must economise his strength.