File:A history of the art of war, the middle ages from the fourth to the fourteenth century (1898) (14576472380).jpg

Identifier: historyofartofw00oman (find matches)
Title: A history of the art of war, the middle ages from the fourth to the fourteenth century
Year: 1898 (1890s)
Authors: Oman, Charles William Chadwick, Sir, 1860-1946
Subjects: Military art and science Military history, Medieval
Publisher: London : Methuen
Contributing Library: PIMS - University of Toronto
Digitizing Sponsor: University of Toronto

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her side the Egyptiansbegan cutting away the bank, and, the force of the currentaiding them, they succeeded in keeping the Ashmoun open. In one day they undid what it had taken us three weeks toaccomplish, says Joinville, for all our work in stopping thechannel was useless when they enlarged it on the other side. ^ Meanwhile, Fakr-ed-din threw a detachm.ent across the canallower down its course, and sent them to fall on the rear of theFrench camp : they were, however, beaten off with some loss bythe kings brothers, the Counts of Anjou and Poictiers (December25, 1249). This was but a diversion : the real centre of thefighting was the causeway; here the matter finally went ill withthe French. By hurling barrels of Greek fire at the belfreys and* cats, the Infidels finally succeeded in setting them in flames.Nothing could be done till they were rebuilt with ship-timberwhich the king bought for the purpose. But only a few days ^ Joinville, p. 221. PLATE XI. SebenirytickMouth DamiettaMouth
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:iGHBOURH00D OF Mansoukah 1250) MANSOURAH: THE FRENCH AT THE FORD 343 after the new engines had been erected, they were again burned bythe same means as before. A deep discouragement now pervaded the French host: itseemed that they had been brought to a complete standstill.But a few days later the Constable Humbert of Beaujeu dis-covered a Copt or a renegade Mussulman ^ who told him thatfour miles to the east of Mansourah there was a ford over theAshmoun, deep and difficult indeed, but quite practicable forcavalry (Feb. 7, 1250). The army had novv^ been stranded for nearly two months infront of Mansourah, and Louis felt that he must leave no deviceuntried, even though it were as- dangerous as that of crossing adeep ford in face of the enemy and without any possibility ofaid from his infantry. He accordingly resolved to attempt thepassage on the next morning. During the night of the 7th - 8th February his disposi-tions were made. The Duke of Burgundy and the barons ofPalestine with the

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