Chapter LXXXI: Letter XXVIII

Alençon has retraced his steps to Laon, whither the Queen Mother has gone to visit him. Of the reason of this step I am not sure, but probably his object is to be near Cambrai. It is well known that great disturbances lately took place there; certain of the citizens conspired with officers commanding posts in the neighbourhood, and either took the town or were within an ace of taking it. The French, however, still hold the citadel.

November 2, 1583.