1313

Oct. 1. Jaffa. Writing to the abbot of Clairvaux, King Richard I of England describes events after Acre fell to him and to the king of France. When negotiations with Saladin for the return of the relic of the True Cross and 1500 Christian prisoners broke down, Richard had 2600 Muslim [Sarraceni] prisoners killed, preserving only a few of the more noble as hostages. After the king of France left and Acre was restored, he prepared to march to Jaffa, accompanied by the dux Burgundiae with the French [Francigeni], comes Henricus and many counts, barons and people. The Christians marched with diffficulty to Caesarea, where they rested, before proceeding to Jaffa. Saladin attacked near the castle of Assur and was put to flight. The Christians sustained few losses, other than that of Jacobus de Avennis. Jaffa was reached and refortified, but Richard found Ascalon destroyed and much of the land ravaged. He intends to to stay in the Holy Land until after Easter, although he has exhausted his resources. The dux Burgundiae with the French and comes Henricus will remain. Richard appeals to the abbot of Clairvaux to encourage the recruitment of more settlers and crusaders.