While the duke of Burgundy, earl of Flanders, was waiting at Lille the answer from Ghent, he was informed of the loss of Hulst and Axel, and instantly assembled his army, with the addition of a large reinforcement from Burgundy; for he had ordered the lord de Beaumont, marshal of Burgundy, to join him. Before this army could be ready to take the field, a large body sallied out of Ghent, on the 23d of September, for Harlebeck, a considerable village near to Courtray, which they set on fire, killing the inhabitants indiscriminately, without regard to sex or age. The duke, on hearing this, instantly dispatched his nephew, Adolphus of Cleves, with a handsome force of men at arms and archers, to Courtray. On his arrival, he found every one in the utmost alarm, although the ghent men were returned home. When the duke's army was ready, he sent to Courtray the marshal of Burgundy as commander in chief. Sir Anthony, the bastard, was ordered to Dendermonde,--sir Simon and sir James de Lalain were sent to Oudenarde,--sir Anthony de Wissoc to Alost,--and sir Adolphus of Cleves returned to the duke at Lille. The marshal, on his arrival at Courtray, caused it to be proclaimed throughout the flat countries, that all who were inclined to the duke's party should carry their effects to strong places for their security, and more especially those who were within five leagues of Ghent. The consequence was, that the greater part withdrew with their effects to Ghent. The marshal then ordered all the prisoners from Ghent to be hanged. On the other hand, the ghent men showed mercy to none, nor would they accept of any ransom, however great the sum offered, so deadly was this warfare now become,--but more on the side of Ghent than on that of the duke. The marshal, learning that all the provision and wealth of the low countries had been carried into Ghent, gave orders for all the villages within five leagues of Ghent, and even as far as that town, to be burnt, more particularly such as were on the roads leading to or from it; and if the Picards and Burgundians left any undestroyed, the ghent men burnt them, so that the greatest desolation afflicted all Flanders. Among other acts, sir James de Lalain made an inroad to the walls of Ghent, burnt two of their mills, and carried off to Oudenarde fifteen waggons laden with corn, that were going to Ghent, for this time no sally was made against him. At another time, the marshal of Burgundy marched to Ghent, with the intent of combating the ghent men, if they would come out, but they refused. He then returned to Poulcres, a strong castle, took the lower court by storm, and then set it on fire, because the garrison had retreated into the castle, which was too strong to be then attempted, and returned to Courtray.