When the king and the duke of Burgundy had held several councils on their further proceedings, it was agreed, that the duke should return to Picardy to oppose the Dauphinois, who were doing great mischief there by means of the influence of sir James de Harcourt. CHAP. LIX. THE LORD D'OFFEMONT ENTERS ST RIQUIER.--THE ADVENTURE OF THE LORD DE COHEN, GOVERNOR OF ABBEVILLE.--OTHER EVENTS THAT HAPPENED IN THESE TIMES. During the time that the duke of Burgundy was on his march, and when he was with the king of England, the lord d'Offemont and Poton de Saintrailles collected about twelve hundred horse, and, passing through Vimeu, crossed the Somme at Blanchetaque, where they were met by sir James de Harcourt: they thence proceeded to St Riquier, and gained admittance into the town through the influence of sir James. They treated successfully with Nycaise de Boufflers for the surrender of the castle of La Ferté, which was given up to them, as was that of Drugy, belonging to the abbot of St Riquier. When they had established themselves in these places, they overran the adjacent country, and even sailed on the river Canche, to a large village called Conchy, and completely burnt the whole, together with a very handsome church, into which the principal inhabitants had retreated with their effects, the greater part of whom were led prisoners to St Riquier. In another part, the strong fort of Dourier proudly seated on the river Authie, was surrendered to Poton de Santrailles; and, by means of this acquisition, the town and neighbourhood of Montrieul were greatly harrassed. The duke of Burgundy heard, on his return with his army, at a town called Croissy, that the lord d'Offemont and Poton de Santrailles had gained possession of St Riquier, and how they were proceeding. On this he assembled his council; and it was determined that men at arms should be summoned from all parts, and cross-bowmen from the towns under the dominion of the king of France, that St Riquier might be besieged. With this intent he went to Amiens, and solicited succours, which were granted to him. He thence dispatched his messengers to different towns, to make similar requests: the greater part of them promised to serve him liberally. When the duke departed from Amiens, he went through Dourlens, to fix his quarters at Auxi, on the river Authie, within three leagues of Saint Riquier. He was there rejoined by sir John de Luxembourg, who had been detached with a certain number of combatants, through Dourmart in Ponthieu, toward St Riquier, to make inquiry as to the number and situation of the Dauphinois.