RRR: Correspondence/envoy
1148
year: 1184
initiator: Baldwin IV
recipient: E., magister Templi A. and magister sanctae domus Hospitalis Jerusalem R.
institution: Templars
additional institution: Hospital of Saint John of Jerusalem
text: c. Oct. King Baldwin [IV] of Jerusalem writes to Patriarch E., magister Templi A. and magister sanctae domus Hospitalis Jerusalem R, [who had left in June, [190] carrying with them the royal banner and the keys to the Tower of David, the city of Jerusalem and the Holy Sepulchre to present to the Emperor Frederick I, King Philip II of France or King Henry II of England, should one of them agree to come to the assistance of the Holy Land]. He is glad to hear from them that they have landed safely at Brindisi. He reports that c. 9 -10 July Saladin invaded the territory of Cratum and devastated the region for 3 weeks. On 31 July he penetrated the city of Cratum and, erecting 14 petraries, besieged the castle for 4 weeks. On learning of the approach of the king, he burnt his siege engines and withdrew by way of Nablus, which he devastated, while the population sought refuge in the castle. He then proceeded to Sebasten, the bishop of which redeemed his city and 80 captives, Arabia, Magnum Gerinum, Parvum Gerinum, a Templar villa, and the Hospitaller castle of Belverium, devastating the land and seizing captives as he went.
c. Oct. King Baldwin [IV] of Jerusalem writes to Patriarch E., magister Templi A. and magister sanctae domus Hospitalis Jerusalem R, [who had left in June, [190] carrying with them the royal banner and the keys to the Tower of David, the city of Jerusalem and the Holy Sepulchre to present to the... more
sources: Delaville Le Roulx, Cart Hosp 1:444-5, no 662; also ed. in Ralph of Diceto 2:27-8 (RRH no. 638)