Fifth Crusade
An Offer Refused
There now arrived, some time in February, emissaries from the Sultan with a request that they send ambassadors to the Egyptian camp to discuss terms. The Sultan offered to return all of the Kingdom of Jerusalem to the Christians, with the exception of two castles, plus a thirty year truce. In return for this, the Christians should evacuate Egypt immediately and agree not to attack it again for the same period of time. It was a generous offer, but it shows also how anxious was al-Kamil for his position. He greatly feared the loss of Damietta and perhaps was unsure of his ability to defend Egypt. Better the Crusaders should all go home. Besides, his brother, al-Mu'azzam, had in January destroyed all the fortifications of Jerusalem (and several other towns). The city could not possibly be defended.
King John wanted to accept the offer on the spot. He was supported in his position by the barons of Outremer and by the French. Cardinal Pelagius wanted to reject the offer and was supported by the Italians and by the Grand Masters of both the Temple and the Hospital. The army was deeply split; Pelagius used his legatine powers to overrule John. The offer was rejected. Al-Kamil sent back a second time, adding 30,000 bezants cash to compensate for the two castles, but again the offer was rejected by Pelagius.
The moment passed. Al-Kamil received reinforcements in March and military operations resumed. The Crusaders tried repeatedly to take Damietta by storm, without success, and some among them began to go home. The most significant loss was Leopold of Austria, who had been in the East for a year and a half and whose forces would be sorely missed. In the same month of May, however, Christian reinforcements began to arrive. Pelagius was encouraged enough to order fresh assaults, even though many of the barons opposed this.