Raymond of Antioch had refused to march with Louis, and probably could not
have afforded to leave even had he wanted to. Likewise, Joscelin of Edessa was
preoccupied with defending Turbessel, so none of the major northern princes
were present. When the time came on June 24th to consider the objectives
of the crusader army, the strategy reflected southern concerns.
Many were worthwhile, and many were proposed, but too many seemed to be to
bring undue profit to this or that lord. The only target that was politically
neutral was Damascus. Some objected deeply, because there was currently a
treaty between the two cities, but there were enough minor grievances to allow
the treaty to be set aside. A majority favored an attack, for Damascus was
plainly the most immediate threat to Jerusalem.
This caused some of the crusaders to go home in anger, most notably Duke
Welf, but most of the army stayed and agreed to march.
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Debacle at Damascus |
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