Fifth Crusade
Pelagius in Command
At last, a Crusade was being led by the Church. Cardinal Pelagius was not the most tactful man, but he was a determined champion. He certainly took a firm hand now, enforcing strict discipline and enjoining severe punishments for those who shirked their duties or who tried to go home again.
Despite his determination, however, Pelagius was unable to lead the army on any meaningful activity. This was partly due to the fact that he was a cleric, not a baron, and so had no direct authority to command. Moreover, he had lost the support of many in the army, including those who despised him merely because the Italians supported him. In council, one baron after another pleading one excuse after another, and nothing was done. Perhaps most significant of all was that everyone was waiting for the Emperor.
Frederick II had again taken a crusading vow and his army was supposed to have set out in 1221. It did not do so, but the expectation of the arrival of the great Frederick and his legions of soldiers gave ample reason for the army at Damietta to decide to wait and be cautious.
Besides, they all knew that al-Kamil was encamped at Mansourah, only about twenty miles up river. Any sort of significant expedition meant risking defeat in the field, or a sudden descent on Damietta and loss of the city. Better to stay put. Better to wait for Frederick, a real commander. And so they waited. And al-Kamil built what had been a winter camp built in desperation into a full-fledged military city.