fhould wifh our affairs might be attended to by you, in whom we have the greateft confidence, fiich as good neighbours ought to have for one another. ' And it is the general intention of all Flanders, that merchants and merchandife pafs fafely from country to country, without fuffer-ing the fmalleft injury, May God take you into his holy keeping ! ' Wfitten at our army the 22d day of Octo-ber, in the year 1382, Philip von Artaveld re-gent of Flanders/ Three days after the firft letter had been fent to the commillioners from France, and while thefe lords were affembled in council in the hall, this fécond letter was brought by a varlet from Douay, who faid, that thofe who were before Oudenarde had fent it to them. It was carried to the hall where the commiffioners were, and read and confidered at leifure. At length the commiffioners replied to thofe of Tournay, who requefted their advice on the occafion ; J&entlemen, we would advife you not to have any acquaintance or dealings with the Flemings, for you will not be thanked for it in France. Neither receive nor open any letters which may come from them ; for, if it fhould be known in the king's council that you do fo, you will be blamed, and fuffer for it. ' Affairs will not long • remain in the ffate they are now in/ Thofe of Tournay anfwered, 6 They would follow this ad-vice, and, if it pleafed God, they would never do any thing to deferve a reprimand/ , The French commiffioners ftaid but three days 155