2755

Late in 1249. Guido, miles de familia vicecomitis Melunensis, tells his uterine brother magister B. de Carnoto, studens Parisius, the course of events on the crusade in Egypt. He describes the sea-passage from Cyprus, stating that the original plan was to attack Alexandria and that the fleet, which he estimates at 1,650 ships, was driven off course by storms to Damietta; an inspirational speech by King Louis IX; the torture of captives leading to the information that Damietta was poorly defended; the battle against the Saracens (Sarraceni) on the shore, which he dates to Friday 4 June; the escape of Muslim prisoners; the landing of the king; the occupation of the city of Damietta on 6 June; the severe injuries suffered by Hugo Brunus comes de Marchia, who had been placed in the front of the army because of the scandalous nature of his life; the change of wind that drove Greek fire back on the city’s defenders, causing fires within Damietta, reminding the crusaders of what had happened at Antioch [during the First Crusade]; the chanting of the Te Deum, the purification of the Great Mosque of Damietta and the celebration of the Mass of the Blessed Virgin Mary there; the discovery of treasure and great stocks of provisions; the arrival of knights (militia) from the principality of Achaea (partes domini villa Herlwini) , Knights Templar, brothers of the Hospital of St John of Jerusalem, and peregrini; a debate in council whether to attack Alexandria or Old and New Cairo (Babilonia cum Kaira), although a decision is not yet known; and an exchange of letters of defiance between the sultan of Egypt and the king of France. This letter has been written for Guido by his relation Guiscardus, whose 2-year study for the mastership degree is being funded by Guido. Nothing has been heard about the Mongols (Tartari), but the Khwarazmians (Chorosmini) have been driven from the Holy Land. Guido will provide further news of the Mongols and others when Rogerius de Monte Fagi travels to the land of their lord the viscount in the Spring, in order to raise more money.