The First Book.

1684 THE Doge of Venice being de­ceased the 26th. of April, 1684. and his place supplied by Signior Marco Antonio Giusti­niani, the Council sent Orders to S ^r. Ca­pello, their Secretary at the Ottoman Port, to declare War against the Turks, imme­diately upon the Conclusion of their Al­liance with the Emperor and Poland, and to make his Escape the best he could; which he accordingly did: for he had no [Page 2]sooner declar'd, but he retir'd from Con­stantinople in the habit of a Seaman, and embarqued himself, together with some principal Venetians, in a Frenchman of War call'd the Faithful, commanded by Monsieur Bidaut, who came as a Convoy to some other Ships. But the day follow­ing two of his Houshold, with six other Servants had the misfortune to be taken; the Merchants in the mean time taking refuge at the French Embassador's, where the Caïmacam of Constantinople would have made search after Sieur Ca­pello, but the Ambassador told him, if he attempted any search there without ex­press Orders from the Grand Signior, he should have cause to repent it; at which he was so surpriz'd, that instead of pro­ceeding in that Enterprise, he made many Excuses full of submission.

The Council also chose many Comman­ders in chief, and first Signior Morosini for Captain General, Dominico Mocenigo Proveditor General of Dalmatia, the Prince of Parma General of the Infantry; Signior Alessandro Molino, and Signior Antonio Bembo Captains extraordinary of the Ships the Sieurs Pauli Michieli, Mathew [Page 3]Pisani, and John Morosini Commanders extraordinary of the Galeasses, &c. Ge­neral Strazoldo quitted the Imperial Ser­vice for that of the Republique.

The Morlaques also for the greater part sided with the Venetians, and gave the Turks continual Alarms during the Sum­mer, and frequently carried off conside­rable Booties. The Morlaques will so of­ten be mentioned in this History, that I think my self obliged to give my Reader a more particular account of them, which here follows in the words of Monsieur Amelot de la Houssaye. ‘They volunta­rily put themselves under the Protection of the Republique in the year 1647. being induced to it by the Perswasions of a Priest named Stephen Sorich, a man who knew as well to manage a Sword, as to carry the Crucifix. They harass'd the Turks by continual Incursions, car­rying away what they could, and wast­ing what they could not carry away; and then retiring into the Mountains, where it was more difficult to find than overcome them, so well they knew the Bye-ways and narrow Passages of them. Besides their deep resentment of the [Page 4]Massacre made upon some of theirs, in the Year 1647. at Knin, a Place of the Bossina, by Tekieli Governour of that Province, and the barbarous Cruelty us'd towards Sorich, who was tortured to death in the Year 1648. the Interest of a Sequin, granted them by the Senate for every Head of a Turk, has so far engag'd them against those Infidels, that they have lost all hopes of ever making Peace with the Port. By these means is this brave Militia tied to the Service of the Republique, being otherwise e­steem'd a sort of men as unconstant in their humour, as their abode. They have no certain places of retreat, but build themselves Cottages in the open Plains, shunning the Licentiousness and Concourse of Cities, which corrupt Mi­litary Discipline. In the Year 1648. Clissa being surrendred to the Venetians, the Morlaques, who know not what be­longs to Capitulation, or military Faith, could not abstain from assaulting the Ottomon Garrison as they marched out, putting two hundred of them to the Sword; nor had one escaped, had not the Venetian Officers come in to hinder [Page 5]the Slaughter.’ It will appear by what follows, that the Conquests made in Dal­matia are for the most part to be attribu­ted to the Morlaques, who were always employed in the most difficult Enterpri­ses.

After most of the Commanders were gone with their Squadrons to the Levant, Generalissimo Morosini put to Sea from the Coasts of Italy on the 10th. of June, with five Galeasses, two Galleys, and sixteen other Ships, and set sail for Corfu.

The Campaigne was begun with the taking of the Isle and Fortress of Santa Maura: This Isle was formerly joyn'd to the Continent of Greece, and reckon'd a­mong the Western Islands, as those of the Archipelago among the Eastern: In effect, the whole breadth of Greece taken from East to West, divides the Archipelago from Santa Maura; it was known to the An­cients by the name of Leucas, and was part of the Kingdom of Ʋlysses, and is very near Ithaca, where that Prince and his Wife Penelope did reside. One of the Rocks of this Island serv'd formerly as the last Refuge for the unfortunate [Page 6]Lovers of Greece, who by leaping from the top of it, found a sad, but sure Re­medy of their tormenting Passion. 'Tis said that Sapho the famous Poetess, upon the news of her Lovers Falshood, gave the first Example of that kind. Others attribute to Cephalus, the first Essay of so uncommon a Cure for Love. But to re­turn to Santa Maura, 'tis certain it has always been esteem'd a place of great importance; it is adjoyning to Epirus, and is near the Morea, at the entrance of the Gulf of Lepante, where was fought that famous Battle in 1571. which won so much Glory to the Christian Army, and Don John of Austria who command­ed it.

The City of Santa Maura was re­duced under the obedience of the Vene­tians by Benedetto Pesaro in the year 1502. This General, with a succour of some Vessels from the Pope, King Lewis the XII. of France, and the Rhodians, landed part of his Army, and having, after an obstinate Fight in which many Turks were slain, made himself Master of the Bridge, forc'd the City to submit; but matters being soon after brought to an [Page 7]accommodation between Bajazet II. and the Republick, by the mediation of Bassa Achmet, it was agreed, that the Isle of Santa Maura should be restored to the Turks, which the Venetians the more wil­lingly consented to, on the account that that of Cephalone should remain to them. The League which they made with the Emperor and King of Poland against the common Enemy of Christendom, in the Year 1684. having oblig'd them to de­clare War, they resolv'd to attack Santa Maura after their General Morosini had held a Council of War at Corsu the 15th. of July with the chief Commanders of the Squadrons, and principal Officers of the auxiliary Forces. But before we en­tertain the Reader with any further ac­count of this Expedition, it will not be amiss to shew him the state and conditi­on of the Ships of War belonging to the several Potentates who had joyn'd their Interest with the Venetians, their number; and the order of Battle agreed on in case they had been forc'd to en­gage the Grand Signior's Sea-forces, which is here laid down as it was prepared at Corfu, and confirm'd at Venice.

The attack of Santa Maura being re­solv'd on in the Council held at Corfu, where were present Proveditor Gene­ral Cornaro, the chief Commanders of the several Squadrons sent by the Pope, the great Duke of Tuscany, and the Order of Malta, General Strazoldo, and other Of­ficers: Signior Morosini mustred all his Forces design'd to be landed. Two Bat­talions, each consisting of six thousand men, one being of the Pope's Forces, the other of Malta, mustred together with eight thousand out of other Companies. The first Line of this latter Battalion ap­pear'd with such splendour as was surpri­sing, being compos'd of a hundred Knights clad in their Coat-armours of red Sattin with the white Cross of their Order. The Army set sail the 19th. of July, and the day following arriv'd at little more than Cannon-shot distance from Santa Maura, and there cast Anchor. This Ci­ty extends it self Eastward upon an Isthmus, or neck of Land, and is joyn'd to the Continent Northward, by an A­queduct of three hundred and sixty Ar­ches in manner of a Bridge, not above three or four Foot in breadth: A wood­den [Page 9]Bridge of three Partitions af­fords a Passage to the Continent both on the East and West side. It is a Penin­sula of a considerable length; the head of it bears the name of St. John's Point. The Fortress in an irregular Pentagon, each corner is flanck'd with great Towers, and there are several small ones along the Curtain.

The Fleet being entred the Port of Demata, which is Eastward of the place, and is capable of receiving a great num­ber of Vessels, they landed some men. Signior Morosini also went on shoar, and visited all the Posts which they had taken view of, and a lodgment made by Cap­tain Manetta, in a place call'd Chiebe, of which he had made himself Master, being a House of Pleasure belonging to the Aga's Son: in the mean time he would not fire upon them till he had sent to summon the Governour of the place; he set forth to him by writing the just causes the Republique had to raise a powerful Army, the Turks having vio­lated the peace, by harbouring the Cor­sairs of Barbary, and using hostilities a­gainst the Subjects of that State. The [Page 10]Governour making no other answer, but that God would punish the Republique for taking that pretence of making War with the Grand Signior: The Admiral Flag was set up, and the Galleys and Galeasses began to batter the Fortress with their Cannon, and with above twelve hundred Bullets that were shot did much damage to the Houses and Fortifications, and entirely ruined a Mosque. There was continual fi [...]ing from the Turks. Ar­tillery, yet did it not hinder the Pope's Forces, and those of Malta and Tuscany from advancing to the place, and lodging themselves in the Suburbs, which they did without much interruption, the Ene­my not daring to sally: Their chief en­deavour was to hinder the Besiegers from raising their Batteries, but in vain; for they being soon put in a readiness, plaid up­on the Town with so good success, under the directions of Signior Lorenzo Venier, that they very much shatter'd the Walls, and the Bombs that were thrown in great numbers caused much disorder in the place.

The first day of August the Batteries raz'd the Bulwark to the ground, and [Page 11]widened the Breach, which before was considerable; they dismounted four pieces of the Enemies Cannon, and the Bombs set fire to several parts of the Town. The Works being advanc'd by the help of continual firing from the Cannon and Mortar-pieces, the Besiegers began to fill up the Ditch with Fagots and Sacks of Earth. At last, on Sunday the 6th. of August, the Turks hung out the white Flag to give notice they would capitulate; and about one in the Night, they sent three Deputies to Signior Morosini to let him know they were ready to surrender the place upon honourable Conditions; they demanded leave to march out with all their Goods, but no more was allow'd them than their Families, and what they could carry away on their Backs. The Hostages were sent the day following, and all the Slaves set at liberty on con­dition to serve on the Ships or Galleys of the Republique, in the quality of Sea­men and Souldiers. The Garrison being seven hundred men, march'd out towards the Evening with Sword and Musquet; they were ship'd and carried on the fur­ther Shore of an Arm of the Sea. At [Page 12]the same time the Venetians entred the Town at the Breach. The Booty given to the Souldiers was considerable; there was found great store of Provision in the place, and Eighty pieces of Cannon. The Venetians lost but 200 men in the siege. Monsieur Jouy a Frenchman, Serjeant-Major of the Army, and Colonel of a German Regiment, receiv'd a wound on his Thigh, and was shot through the Arm with a Musquet-bullet. Signior Mo­rosini immediately caus'd the principal Mosque to be bless'd, and Te Deum sung in it; it was dedicated under the name St. Saviour, it being on the 6th. of August, the Feast-day of the Transfigura­tion of our Lord, that the Turks hung out the white Flag. Another Mosque was likewise bless'd and dedicated to St. Ca­jetan, upon whose Feast-day the Christi­an Forces entred the place; the Govern­ment of it was conferr'd upon Signior Lorenzo Venier, a noble Venetian, and re­lated to the Venetian Ambassador then in the Court of France: All of that name were eminent for their Services to the Republique. Sebastian Venier was Com­mander in chief of the Venetian Army, [Page 13]when Selimus was entirely defeated at the Battle of Lepante.

General Morosini after having repair'd the Fortifications of Santa Maura, caus'd the Mortars and Bombs to be brought thither, and all Provisions and Ammuni­tion that the place might stand in need of, in case of a Siege, and chose out two thousand men, being all that were fit to march, many having been made useless by Diseases and Fatigue, and some left for a Garrison in Santa Maura. Colonel An­gelo della Decima was sent to the neigh­bouring Country to draw together all the Grecians he could to strengthen his Army. Signior Morosini having set sail, made for the Port of Petala, there to wait for ad­vice from the Colonel who was advanc'd about twenty six Miles from Santa Mau­ra, from thence to the Port of Drago­mette, where he cast Anchor and landed his Army, which consisted of two thou­sand Venetians, about one thousand of the Pope's Auxiliaries, and fifteen or sixteen hundred Greeks. This Army advanc'd on the Plains; and some Turkish Squa­drons that were posted in several places, and charg'd with the defence of the Pas­sages, [Page 14]retired without making much re­sistance. Saban Bacha, Governour of Preveza, had sent out these Squadrons to observe the motions of the Christian Ar­my, and finding from their observations, no reason to believe they had any design on the place, he march'd out to put him­self at the head of them, with a design to draw the Christians to fight and sur­prize them; but they having set fire to four or five Villages, return'd to Port Petala to reimbarque themselves after ha­ving wasted the Country during the space of five days. At the same time Signior Morosini with his Galleys got within view of Patras and Lepante, his design being to draw the Turks from that side, who, while the Venetians were dis­pers'd on the flat Country, had reason to hope it would be easie to charge them. Next he came to the Port of Demata, where he call'd a Council of War, in which the Attack of Preveza was re­solv'd on. The Conquest of that place was the only means to secure Santa Mau­ra so lately taken by the Republique, which otherwise lay much expos'd to the Infidels, and might easily be besieg'd.

The Fortress of Santa Maura is about [...]welve Leagues from the Gulf of Ambra­cia, by the Moderns call'd the Gulf of Larta or Preveza. Larta or Ambracia is a City of Epirus, which had formerly a Bi­ [...]hop; it is situated on the utmost Borders [...]f the Gulf, which is twenty five Leagues [...]n compass, and can contain a great num­ber of Ships. It was the Royal Seat of Pyrrhus, as Plutarch says. Alexander the Great confirm'd to the Ambracians the li­berty they had got by driving a Mace­ [...]onian Garrison out of their City. The Gulf of Ambracia is famous for the Vi­ [...]tory obtained over Anthony by Augustus [...]ear the Actian Promontory, in memory of which he caus'd a City to be built in [...]hat place, and call'd it Nicopolis. There are four Cities mention'd in History that [...]ore this name. The first in Masia, built by the command of Trajan the Empe­ [...]our after he had vanquish'd Decebalus, King of the Dacians; it is call'd by some Negeboli, by the Turks, Sciltaro. The second is in Bulgaria towards Walachia, where the Christians were defeated by the Turks in the Year 1396. in the time of Sigismond, King of Hungary. The [Page 16]third is a City in Armenia, by Castaldu [...] named Gianich, by others Chiorme; here the Arians caus'd great Troubles in the Year 370, by substituting Phoranus, one of their Party, into the place of the deceas'd Bishop Theodore; but they were constrain'd by the Inhabitants to allow them an Orthodox Bishop. The fourth is an Episcopal City in Judea, and the same with Emmaus. The name of Ni­copolis is Greek, and signifies the City of Victory.

The Fortress of Preveza, which now stands in the place of the ancient Nico­polis of Epirus, though it be less than Santa Maura, its situation, nevertheless, is as commodious, for it commands the entrance into the Gulf, and the Com­merce of Larta, which is considerable. The resolution of attacking it being fix'd, Signior Morosini sent out five Galleys, and six Galeasses, with orders to ap­proach the Castles that were called by the name of the Gomenizze, which being within view of Preveza, the design was to oblige the Infidels to divide their Forces, and send back the Souldiers they had drawn out of those Castles to [Page 17]strengthen their body that lay under the Cannon of that place; which Saban Ba­cha accordingly did: for being perswa­ded the Venetians would attack the Ca­stles, he sent back the greatest part of those Forces that lay about Preveza, who were received by the Turks with great demonstrations of Joy, and a Salvo of all their Cannon. The Army in the mean time having left Demata, came to Anchor on the 20th. of September about Nine in the Evening, at the entrance of the Gulf. The day following Captain Manetta having likewise entred the Gulf with twenty four Barks, and some armed Brigantines, landed there with part of his Forces, the Turks endeavouring to hinder it by the discharge of Eighteen Pieces of Cannon, and about two hun­dred Musquet-shot, which did no execu­tion. About break of day the Galleys which had lain at Anchor over-against an ascent of land called the Hill of Me­hemet Effendi, appear'd within Musquet-shot of the place. These Galleys by giving diversion to the Enemy, facili­tated the landing of part of the Forces which march'd on by land, and cross'd [Page 18]over a Branch of the Sea, about half a Mile broad, in Galeots. In the mean time the continual firing from the Gal­leys, hindred the Turks from coming near the shore. And this it was that de­ceiv'd them: They were perswaded the Venetians design'd to land their Force on that side, which caus'd them to give continual fire that way from their Cannon and Musquets, but without much annoy­ing the Christians. And the Forces on th [...] other side landed without any opposition and began to approach the place under the Conduct of General Strazoldo. Th [...] Turks commanded to hinder their land­ing, began to find their mistake, and [...] order to mend it, sent a Detach­ment of five hundred Spahi's, wi [...] command to ride full speed, and char [...] the Christians before all were landed▪ But they found them already drawn [...] in Battalia, and several of the Infidels we kill'd and wounded by their shot; [...] rest being seiz'd with fear, retreated such disorder, that it was impossible [...] many of them to get into the pla [...] The Christians having advanc'd witho [...] difficulty, made themselves Masters of t [...] [Page 19]out-Town, and posted themselves on the Hill of Mehemet Effendi, which com­mands the City. The same day Signior Morosini caus'd the Galleys and Galeots to approach yet nearer Preveza, and sent to summon the place, threatning the Turks, that he would give no quarter, if they deferr'd the surrender of it till they were reduc'd to extremity. The Officer who commanded there in the absence of Saban Aga, (who was gone to put himself at the head of four thousand men, to observe the motions of the Chri­stian Army, as is already said) refus'd to read the General's Letter, and caus'd the Bearer of it to be shot, not doubt­ing but the Governour would return in few days with Forces to raise the Siege. This haughtiness oblig'd Signior Morosi­ [...]i to put on shore his Cannon and Mor­ [...]ars to be mounted on Battery the day [...]ollowing. He viewed the Posts, and [...]rdered the Attacks; and on the 23d. [...]any Houses were ruined by the Bombs which had fired several parts of the Town, [...]nd dismounted some of the Enemies Cannon. Their Artillery was so ill ma­ [...]aged, that it did little or no Execution. [Page 20]The Besiegers fired upon their Batteries, with so good success, that there remained that Evening but one piece of Cannon on the place, fit for service. There was amongst the Christians but one Souldier kill'd and five wounded. The General, after having viewed the Works and Bat­teries, on the 24th. gave orders for de­scending the Ditch, where a Lodgment was made, and the next Night a Min [...] was fix'd to the great Tower of the plac [...] on the side next the Land. The breach being found considerable, the Works wer [...] continued from the 26th. with success and on the 28th. they made a Lodgment in the Ditch, and on the same day gav [...] order for the Assault, the Mine being ready to be sprung: The Turks would not wait the effect, but on the 29th. hung out the white Flag in token they would capitulate. They demanded th [...] same Conditions were granted to San [...] Maura; but Signior Morosini declared that all he could allow them, was, Th [...] thirty of the most considerable migh [...] march out with their Arms and Baggag [...] the rest with what they could carry abo [...] them, but without any Arms; and th [...] [Page 21]all the Christian Slaves should be set at liberty. The Turks having accepted these Conditions, march'd out the day follow­ing at the Gate towards the Sea, to the number of two hundred men: They had a Convoy of Grecian Barks, till they came within four Miles of Larta. Signior Morosini at the same time gave orders to seize the Gates, and place a Guard on them, and in other parts of the City, to preserve the Magazine, and prevent Pil­lage. This charge was given to thirty Venetians, twenty Malteses, ten of the Pope's Souldiers, and ten of the Floren­tines. The Standard of St. Mark was planted, and all the Turkish Banners taken down and carried to the Admiral-Galley. About two hundred of the In­habitants remain'd in the place: There were found forty six pieces of Cannon, of which eighteen were of Brass, and carried fifty pound Ball: All manner of Provisions were there in abundance, with great store of Musquets and Bullet, and six hundred Quintals of Powder. The Turks made every year a thousand Crowns of the fishing Trade there, but the Con­quest of Preveza has put the Republique [Page 22]in possession of the Gulf, and all the pla­ces of that Coast. Monsieur Bachili, who commanded a Party of Malta, was kill'd by a Musquet-shot at the Works, when they were making the Lodgment in the Ditch.

This done, the Auxiliary Galleys re­turn'd home; those of Malta arriv'd thi­ther on the 2d. of December. It appear'd they had lost but two men of Quality, and six private Souldiers at the taking of Santa Maura, but by reason of i [...] Weather, and the Fatigue of making In­cursions thirty Leagues into the Enemie [...] Country, they had contracted such Dis­eases, that within a Month five men o [...] note, and two hundred of the common Rank were missing; of the first amongst the dead and sick were reckon'd these that follow; Chevalier de Chasteüil, de Poix, de Sailant, Merargues, Bargerie, Gail­lard, Audifredi, Grecourt, Cluy, Quinsard, Moricane, Courtebonne, Escots, Argenteüil, l [...] Coupiere, Cinogli, Ruffo, Petroni, Magailoni, Don Girard Curtol, and Don Lewis d [...] Gongora: many others were sick, bu [...] Chevalier de la Barre recovered of hi [...] Wound: The Venetians took their Win­ter [Page 23]Quarters in the Isles belonging to the [...] Signior Molino Captain [...] of the Ships, after having [...] [...]hose Isles he had reduc'd to [...] of the Venetians, and gi­v [...] [...] [...]essary orders for their security, [...] back his Squadron to Corfu to winter there: General Morosini remain'd at Preveza with design, during the Win­ter, to make that place impregnable, and keep the Grecians in their Duty, and oblige them to imbrace the interests of the Republique. Although the Advantages the Venetians obtain'd in Dalmatia, were not very extraordinary, yet will it be requisite to give some account of them, what they did there, being but a Prelude to their great designs upon the Infidels.

The War began to kindle in Dalma­tia by the frequent Incursions of both Parties; in one made by the Infidels to the very Cannon of Clissa, they carried a­way seven Prisoners, having ransack'd some Villages, but the Morlaques hearing of it, put themselves immediately on the pursuit; and having overtaken them, ob­liged them not only to quit their Booty and Prisoners, but to seek their own [Page 24]safety by flight; fifty of them were taken, and several kill'd or wounded.

In the mean time Signior Antonio Zen, Proveditor extraordinary of Cattaro, came to Perasto, his design being to forage round about Castel-Novo, and hinder the Garrison from gathering in their Harvest, and having for this purpose drawn to­gether a thousand fighting men, he be­gan his march towards the place the 22d. of July, and executed his design with so god success, that he not only set fire to all the Villages on the East side of it, but even to the Suburbs and lower Town of Castel-Novo, consisting of above three hundred Houses: He found there great store of Wheat and other Corn which he seiz'd. The Fire lasted from Morning till Noon, though the Turks made several Sallies to quench it, and beat off the Venetians, who still repuls'd them with such vigour, as forc'd them back into the place. There were twenty Turks kill'd on the spot, and fifty wounded in these Sallies in which they charg'd seven times. The disorder which is unavoidable on such occasions, was the cause that fifty Turks were involv'd [Page 25]in the Flames, and seven others fell into the hands of the Morlaques, who took them away Prisoners, with good store of Cattel, part of which was taken in the Suburbs, the Garrison not having time, in so great a Surprise, to secure them. To compleat the happiness to this day, the Proveditor General commanded one Galley and four other light Vessels to pursue three Fuists of Castel-Novo, which by the report of the Prisoners, were set to Sea as Pyrates: that Evening they met a Galeot of Dulcigno, com­manded by Solyman Aga, the famous Cor­sair of that place, who having kend the Venetian Vessels, endeavour'd to gain the shore, which he could not do with that speed, but two and twenty men were kill'd, and himself in the number. There were found in the Galeot two and twen­ty Christians whom this Corsair was car­rying into Slavery.

Sieur Valier, General of Dalmatia, made himself Master of the Castles of Sym and Narenta about the end of this year. He gave many Largesses to those who had shar'd in the danger of this Enter­prise; he gave new Clothes to his Soul­diers, [Page 26]and particularly rewarded the Banditi of the Kingdom of Naples, who expos'd themselves most in this action: He gave leave also to the Souldiers to carry away the Cattle that were in the neighbouring Meadows, being perswaded that by this means he should encourage them to their Duty, and gain success in his greater De­signs.

THE HISTORY OF THE Venetian Conquests, &c. The Second Book.

1685 WHILE the Morlaques, addicted to the Service of the Repub­lique, made frequent Incur­sions into the Enemies Territo­ries in Dalmatia, the Mainottes anima­ted each other to shake off the Ottoman Yoke in the Morea, and preserve their ancient Liberty, of which shall speak in the following Book. These Greeks took courage from the fame of the Ve­netian Conquests, they drew together in [Page 28]a body, and began to exercise their Ho­stilities with doubtful successes. The Turks sent some Forces from Braccio di Maina to bring them to their Duty, who soon overtook, attack'd and routed them, and continued the pursuit of them, being seconded by other Forces led on by a certain Bacha: But the Greeks back'd by unexpected Succours, and the presence of Signior Delfino, rally'd and charg'd with so much vigour, that of 3500. In­fidels, there escaped but 140. and of 130. men out of a Company of Atheni­ans, all but two suffered the same fate.

The deep resentment the Greeks had of the Massacre of Abbot Giona, whom the Infidels took in a Monastery situate near the Gulf of Preveza, and after­wards publickly empal'd, fomented their Revolt, and engag'd them so far, that they breath'd nothing but Revenge, and declar'd themselves open Enemies of the Port.

About this time the Heydukes, and the Inhabitants of Montenegro came to blows with the Turks, and several were kill'd and wounded on both sides; after that the Morlaques made an Incursion, and [Page 29]advanc'd towards Sing, and carried off store of Cattel, and some Prisoners, amongst whom one call'd Papursinovich Aga, of­fer'd upon the Field Five thousand Crowns, and seven Horses of great va­lue for his Ransom. The Turks after this Rencounter retired to Clin. The Bacha that commanded them, sent the noble Venetian, Gabriel Lombardo, who was there made Prisoner, to the Port, as a Mark of the advantage he pretended to have had over the Venetians.

In the mean time General Paulo Mi­chiel having drawn up a thousand Horse and some Foot, put himself at the head of three thousand Morlaques that were joyn'd in a Body under their Leader: These Forces made Incursions into the Country to curb the Turks. In effect, the Bacha of Bossine, who was march'd towards Hungary, was oblig'd to turn back towards Clin with seven thousand men under his command. Signior Michiel encamp'd his men in such order upon the Frontiers of Dalmatia, that he was still in a posture of defence; which Pre­caution gave the People of those parts a favourable opportunity of gathering in [Page 30]their Harvest with safety, and encou­rag'd the Morlaques to make Incursions in Parties, and ransack the Turkish Terri­tories. In the mean time the Fuists of Dulcigno took Sixty Fishermen near Cur­zole; and four Galleys of Malta sailing towards the Naval Army commanded by Generalissimo Morosini, met on their way a man of War of Tripoli, which after an obstinate Fight they took, and made three hundred Turks Prisoners, and re­leas'd many Christians from Slavery.

Though the Venetians and Morlaques thwarted all the attempts of the Infidels in Dalmatia, yet they drew up in the beginning of June to the number of eight thousand men, and laid siege to the Fortress of Duare. The Courage and Resolution of the besieged gave oppor­tunity to General Valier, and Sieur Mi­chiel, General of the Cavalry of this Pro­vince to come to their relief. These two Generals made it their endeavour, each on their side to break through the lines of the Besiegers, and took their mea­sures so exactly for drawing together the Venetian Forces under their Command, that marching with great expedition to­wards [Page 31]the Infidels, they attack'd them in three several places, and soon put them into disorder. In less than an hour's time the Turks found themselves oblig'd to raise the Siege with the loss of two hun­dred and fifty men that were cut in pie­ces, and seventy made Prisoners, of which number were forty Officers and one Lieu­tenant General Aga. The Booty that day was very considerable, they took one great piece of Cannon and two small ones, three Mortar-pieces, one Petard, fourteen Colours, and a Convoy of Pro­vision newly brought to their Camp, to­gether with the greatest part of their Baggage. In this action there were but six Christian Souldiers kill'd, and thirty wounded: The Enemy in his flight was pursued by the Morlaques, and notwith­standing the Basha of Bossina, who was but four Leagues distant, had upon the first noise of the Fight, march'd to their relief with four thousand Horse, they were defeated before he could come up, and the Venetians encourag'd with suc­cess, charg'd him so vigorously, that they forc'd him to fly as the others had done. The Booty and Prisoners were given to [Page 32]the Souldiers for a reward of their Ser­vice. Nine hundred persons towards Li­ca, to free themselves from their Subje­ction under Mahmut Aga Haradanovich, submitted themselves to the Republick; and General Michiel assign'd them Quar­ters for their safe retreat. Yet the Basha of Bossina would have made an attempt to repair his misfortune, had he not been inform'd that Chevalier Janco cover'd the Fortress before mention'd with four thousand Morlaques: He also soon after advanc'd into the Country of the Turks with three thousand and five hundred Morlaques, and meeting five hundred In­fidels, put them to flight, having kill'd one hundred and fifty, besides those that were drown'd in the River Narenta, thinking to save themselves at Gabella. In this action he made an hundred Prisoners, took a great Booty, and sent some Co­lours to Venice, as a Mark of his Vi­ctory.

The Naval Army under the Conduct of Generalissimo Morosini, came near the Coast of the Morea, where they began the Campaigne with the Siege of Coron, the particulars of which are to be seen [Page 33]in the following Relation, which as it is very exact, so is it full of Actions and Circumstances not generally known, tho' for the rarity of them, nothing can bet­ter deserve to be committed to Posteri­ty than these gallant Performances of the Knights of Malta, who so bravely signa­liz'd themselves, and shed their Blood in defence of the Christian Faith against the greatest Enemies of it. This Rela­tion was given from Malta; therefore when you meet with such words as Ours, our Lines, or the like, remember it is a Maltese that speaks.

The Squadron of Malta consisting of eight Galleys, and commanded by Signior Brancaccio, joyn'd it self in the beginning of June, with the Pope's Squadron of five Galleys, which bearing no Flag, put it self under the command of the Gene­ral of Malta. About the middle of June they arriv'd together at Port Dragomet, where the Venetian Fleet was, to which some days before, were joyn'd four of the Great Duke's Galleys; and after they had so regulated matters, that according to custome the Captain General of Malta was plac'd on the right hand of the [Page 34]Reale of Venice; and the first Post a­greed in the Councils of War, to Gene­ral Brancaccio. On the 20th. the whole Army set sail to the number of seven­teen Ships, five Gale [...], two and twen­ty Venetian Galleys, five of the Pope's, eight of Malta, and four of the Great Duke's, fifteen Galeots, and fifteen or twenty Barques or Brigantines. The in­telligence which Captain General Moro­sini had held for some Months with the Mainotts to encourage them to shake off the Turkish Yoke, made him believe, that he might by their means make good Progress in the Morea; but having heard as he came near their Coasts, that they had met with ill success in the Attempt they had made to procure their liberty, and that they had been forc'd to give Hostages to the Turks for assurance of their Fidelity, he found himself oblig'd to take other measures before he could attempt any considerable Enterprise. His first design was to attack Modon, the ca­pital City of the Morea; but having viewed the situation the 23d. of June, there appeared so many difficulties as to the landing his men and Cannon, as made [Page 35]him alter his design, and resolve on the Siege of Coron. This place call'd by the Ancients Corona, is by Land about twelve Miles distant from Modon, and situate beyond the Cape Gallo towards the Coun­try of the Mainotts. It is a Town of good Trade by reason of its situation; it has a Haven fit to receive a consider­able number of Vessels; it has the Sea on one side, and on the side towards the Land, it has a Wall fortify'd wth six Towers of an Antick Fashion. The Greeks and Jews inhabit the lower Town, and the Turks dwell in the Castle, which makes the upper Town. The Venetians were Masters of it in the fifteenth Age: Bajazet the Turkish Emperor took it from them, as also the Town of Modon, in 1499. Prince Doria of Genoa, who commanded the Spanish Fleet, retook it from the Turks in 1533▪ and lest in it as Governour Mendoz [...], with some Spaniards, who quitted it to the Turks some few years after; they knowing the importance of the place, seiz'd themselves of it, and it has ever since been in their hands.

The 25th, in the Morning the Forces were landed almost within Cannon-shot [Page 36]of the City without any opposition from the Turks; they consisted of three thou­sand Venetians, a thousand Sclavonians, two thousand and four hundred of those that were sent by the Prince of Bruns­wick Duke of Hanover, with the young Prince his Son, according to the Agree­ment made with the Republique; the Battalion of Malta consisting of eight or nine hundred Souldiers and twenty six Knights, one Battalion of the Pope's of four hundred men, and another of the Great Duke's, of three hundred, which made up in all about eight thousand Foot without the Cavalry. This Army was commanded by the Count St. Paul, a Ge­neral of great ability and experience, who had long time serv'd the King of Denmark, and Duke of Neubourg. The first Post in order of Battel, was taken by the Battalion of Malta, the Commander of which, Monsieur de la Tour Maubourg, had the general Command, with as uni­versal an Approbation, as he had on the like occasion at the Siege of Candia: He had also under his Command the Batalion of the Pope's Galleys. All this neverthe­less pass'd as well in the Camp as the [Page 37]Fleet, under the Orders and Direction of Captain General Morosini, and Signior Brancaccio General of the Galleys of Malta, which lay at Anchor near the Coast.

The approach'd the City under the shelter of Olive-trees, and nothing pass'd but some light Skirmishes: On the 26th. they open'd the Trenches, the Battalion of Malta, those of Brunswick, and the Pope's on the right hand towards the Sea, the Venetians and the Sclavonians on the left towards a Suburb or out-Town, of which they made themselves Masters without opposition. The same day we lost Chevalier San Vitali of Parma, who was kill'd in the Trenches by a Musquet-shot. The Works went forward without much interruption, and they rais'd two Bat­teries each of three great pieces of Can­non, with four Mortars for Bombs, to which they added afterwards two pieces of Cannon. The Enemy made but light Sallies in which they were vigorously repuls'd; their firing was moderate, and gave us cause to believe, that they were not in a posture to hold out long. But it appear'd by the consequence, that their [Page 38]Intention was to nourish in the minds of their men, the hopes of a speedy assistance from the Basha of the Morea, who had drawn together a flying Army of three or four thousand men, both Horse and Foot, which oblig'd ours to labour hard at their Works, for their shelter and de­fence, and to fortifie a certain eminence of Ground which on one side command­ed our Lines, and on the other, laid open the Country about. Here we rais'd a Battery of four pieces of Cannon, and one Mortar-piece.

The Basha of the Morea appear'd in effect, on the 3d. of July, and encamp'd within Cannon-shot of the Christian Ar­my; where having retrench'd himself, he mounted on a Battery four pieces of Cannon, which playing cross-wise with the Artillery of the place, did much in­commode our Works. This Basha gave us an Alarm every day by some warm Skirmishes, in which, nevertheless, the Turks were always repuls'd with loss. The besieged on their part redoubled their fire, and answered haughtily to the Sum­mons we sent them, threatning them to set fire to the Mines at which ours did [Page 39]work continually, but with less success than might have been wish'd, being forc'd to bring them through a Rock, which sort of Works took up no less than three Weeks time.

The Fortifications of the place were much ruin'd by our Batteries, and the Bombs had made great Destruction; but besides that, it had an advantageous situ­ation, having but one Front to guard, which was flank'd with great Towers built on the Rock; it was further defend­ed with eighty piece of Cannon, and store of Ammunition, and Provisions of all sort, and seven or eight hundred men in Garrison, besides others fit to bear Arms in so great a number as four or five thou­sand Souls; so that we could have no en­trance into the Town, but by means of the Ovens of our Mines, and vigorous As­saults, during which we were sure to be attack'd by the flying Army of the Turks.

This posture of Affairs caus'd us some trouble, but at last the Mines being ready to be sprung, on the 24th. of July it was resolv'd to make an Attempt, and all pre­parations were made for it. Chevalier [Page 40] Segres was to begin the Assault at the head of Sixty Granadiers back'd by a Detach­ment of Fuseliers and Sclavonians. Che­valier de la Barre, Lieutenant General of the Battalion of Malta, follow'd Chevalier de Refuge, the first Captain, at the head of a Party of our Forces, and some of the Pope's and Venetians; he was back'd by the Prince of Brunswick with an hun­dred and thirty of his men, and Mon­sieur de la Tour Maubourg follow'd with a Body of the Knights, in the midst of whom was the Standard of the Order; he had also with him some of our Com­panies, and some of the Pope's; but when every one had taken his Post, it happen'd that the Mine was not strong enough to blow up the Rock, so that it had not the Effect that was requisite to make way for the Assault intended.

At the same time that fire was set to the Mine, the Basha of the Morea attack'd the Redout and Battery we had rais'd on the Eminence that secur'd our Lines, with so much vigour, that the Venetians and Sclavonians who had the defence of it, though always accustom'd to behave themselves bravely, could not resist him, [Page 41]so that the Turks soon made themselves Masters of the Redout, and had already planted on it more than twenty of their Standards, when the News of this Confu­sion was brought to Monsieur de la Tour.

It appears by the Posture of the Forces commanded to the Assault, that he with his Knights was nearest to this Post of so great importance for the safety of the whole Army: He saw the Loss was not to be retriev'd but by some extraordinary Action, and therefore he undertook it without delay. He call'd upon his men to follow him, and having kiss'd the Cross of our Standard, with that sense of De­votion which gave life to all his Actions, he advanc'd with eager haste towards the Enemy, was the first man that leap'd into the Redout, and there with his own hand slew two Turks that oppos'd him, a t [...]ird coming behind his Back, at the first blow with his Cutlace struck off a light Helmet he wore, and at the second cleav'd his Head, and cast him to the Ground, where a Barrel of Powder taking fire, made an end of his Life. He was follow'd close by several Knights, amongst whom Cheva­lier de Termes having with his Sword [Page 42]run a Turk through the Body, receiv'd at the same time so great a Wound in the Head, that he f [...]ll down dead to the ground with his Enemy, and in that po­sture he was found after the Fight. Bro­ther-Servant at Arms Michon coming up courageously to the defence of the Com­mander de la Tour was kill'd by a Mus­quet-shot. The Chevalier de Grandmont receiv'd two Wounds with a Sable and one Musquet-shot. The Chevaliers de Bourgon and de Gaillard, and Brother-Servant at Arms de la Motte, were mor­tally wounded, the Chevaliers Piosasque and Doria Brasseuze but slightly; and Che­valier de Pont, who carried the Standard, having been assaulted by two Turks, kill'd one with his Pistol, the other with his Sword, being himself but lightly wound­ed. The Chevalier de Beaupre Choiseul was one of the first that cast themselves into the Redout, Chevalier Mechatin, Ma­jor of the Battalion, signaliz'd himself in the same manner; and in fine, all of them shew'd such courage, that they drove the Enemy from that Post, took eleven of their Banners, and planted there the Standard of the Order; at the sight of [Page 43]which, the whole Army crying out, Vive Malta, the Venetians and Sclavonians re­sumed their wonted Courage, and kill'd three hundred Turks, so that none escaped that had lodg'd themselves in the Redout. This days Work cost the Christians an hundred and fifty men.

The whole Camp acknowledg'd the Knights for their Deliverers, and extoll'd them to the Skies. The General Officers sent a Complement to the General of the Galleys of Malta; and indeed nothing would have been wanting to have made it the greatest, and most glorious Action that has been heard of, had it not cost the lives of so many brave men, and in particular of Commandant de la Tour, who was lamented by the whole Army, and whose Death Captain General Mo­rosini could not hear of without weep­ing. He was interr'd with all the Cere­monies that might serve to give testimony of the esteem they had for his merit; his Heart was preserv'd to be carry'd to Malta, with his Bones. It may be said of him, That his mind was compos'd of so many noble Qualities as scarce ever met in any other. His Piety was so exemplar, [Page 44]that the good Effects it produc'd on those that serv'd under him, can hardly be ex­press'd: The sweetness of his temper, his modest and engaging Carriage, his Wit, his Courage, and all his other Vertues, made him so agreeable to all, that the loss of him could not but be generally lamented. But since, according to his commendable custom, he communicated before he went to the Battel, we doubt not but the Sacrifice of his Life joyn'd with so Christian-like a Preparation, rais'd him to the state of everlasting Glory and Happiness in the other World. The Che­valier de la Barre, who always observ'd the same Foot-steps, was preferr'd to the general Command of the Battalion, and the esteem which all the World has for his merit, gives us no small satisfaction after so great a loss.

The 30th. of July the Enemy made a fresh attempt upon our Lines, and some of them with their Swords in their hands, cast themselves into the Redout, situate on the Eminence to which the Venetians had now given the name of St. John's Fort, as having been preserv'd by the the Valour of those Knights; but the [Page 45]Infidels were beat back to their very Trenches by the Pope's Forces, and those of the Republique; and they met with the like resistance in divers other Assaults, in which those of Malta had frequently the good Fortune to see them fly as soon as the Standard of St. John appear'd; the Barbarians exclaiming with loud Out­cries according to their custom in Battel, That were it not for this Battalion of Malta, they should soon bring their pur­poses to effect.

The besieged in the mean time defend­ed themselves with great obstinacy, tho' the Breach were very considerable on the side of the Attack where those of Malta were plac'd, and toward the Ve­netian Attack there was prepared a Mine of two hundred Barrels of Powder, the effect of which was expected to be very great. Our men waited with impatience the day of assault; but it being certain that the Turks of the Country who were grown to the number of six thousand men, would not fail to attack our Lines at the same time we mounted the Breach, it was resolv'd to prevent them by at­tacking them in their own Works, which [Page 46]was put in execution with all the Success imaginable on the seventh day of August. Our Forces having march'd out of their Lines in good order, the Turks, who were possess'd with fear, fell into such Confu­sion, that they suffer'd themselves to be cut to pieces without much resistance; we gain'd their Retrenchments, and made our selves Masters of their Batterie of four pieces of Cannon; we took from them a considerable number of Horses, and drove them far into the Country, with the loss of no more than two or three Souldiers of all our Forces, and not one of the Battalion of Malta: we kill'd a thousand of their men. An Action so extraordinary was with reason look'd upon as a stroke of God's Providence, and the Veneration the whole Army had for the Piety and Devotion of their de­ceas'd Commander de la Tour Maubourg, made it be believ'd and said amongst them, That without doubt it ought to be attributed to his Prayers. A Bark that arrived here since from Patras in the Mo­rea, reported that some Turks that escap'd from the Fight, represented the Defeat much greater than we knew, and that [Page 47]they affirm'd the Basha of the Morea was there kill'd, and his Army wholly dispers'd.

Immediately after this Victory General Morosini sent Summons to the besieged, but they made answer haughtily, That they knew their Friends had been beaten, yet that they nevertheless were resolv'd to die rather than surrender, which made us think of preparing the Mine for a ge­neral Assault.

The 11th. of August was the day ap­pointed for it, and the Forces having ta­ken their Posts in the Night, about break of day the great Mine of the Venetians Attack was sprung, and had the Effect that was expected, and had given them an opportunity to enter the City at that time, had they not, instead of improving it, contented themselves with making a Lodgment on the Breach. In the mean while as soon as the noise of the Mine was heard, they Forces of Malta who were at the head of the other Attack, se­conded by the Pope's, and those of Bruns­wick, with great vigour gain'd the top of the Breach which had been some days open, though it was of very difficult ac­cess; but the Enemies having had time to [Page 48]fortifie themselves there, there grew a furious Combat, during which the Knights did all that could be expected from their valour, to force the Retrenchment; but it being well flank'd and furnish'd with Cannon and Artillery, they fir'd so ter­ribly upon them, that four of them were kill'd in the place, together with Compte de Fenelon, who serv'd with them in quality of a Volunteer, and more than thirty wounded. Chevalier de la Barre Commandant General of the Battalion, shew'd all the Courage imaginable on this last occasion; he was well seconded by the Pope's Officers, and those of Bruns­wick, of whom several were kill'd or wounded; but at last seeing it impossible to surmount those vast difficulties, they were constrain'd to retire.

Nevertheless this was so far from dis­heartning the Knights, that, having un­derstood how great a Breach the Vene­tians Mine had made, they resolv'd to give a fresh assault in the Afternoon at two places, but more furiously at the last Breach than the other. Every thing was prepar'd for it, when the Turks per­ceiving the design, on a sudden hung out [Page 49]a white Flag, and desir'd to capitulate. Four of them advanc'd to the Breach, and propos'd to render themselves, pro­vided they might have their lives and li­berty: But Captain General Morosini not willing to consent to any thing unless the Tower that made sure the entrance into the City, were first put into our hands; it happen'd unluckily while this was in treaty, that two Christian Souldiers quar­relling near the place, a Pistol was shot off, and the Bandelier of another took fire at the same time. The Turks of the City upon that believing the Truce was broke, and that they were not sincerely dealt with, fired a Cannon which kill'd several of ours: This was enough to make us resume our Arms. The Christians ha­ving cry'd out Treason, so briskly forc'd that little of a Retrenchment the Enemies had on the Breach, that nothing could hinder them from rushing into the City, where all were put to the Sword, except some few happy Men, and many Women and Children; Chevalier de la Barre ha­ving had much difficulty to secure from the rage of the Souldiers, those four Turks which came to parly with him. [Page 50]The Mine had buried under its Ruins the Governour of the place, a man of un­daunted Resolution, which happen'd well for the Christians, who otherwise would not so easily have made themselves Ma­sters of it.

Thus ended the Siege of Coron seven and forty days after the Trenches were open'd, during which time the Christian Army had two powerful Enemies to en­counter, over whom they gain'd a double Victory with all the Glory imaginable. The Venetians, with Count St. Paul, got much Honour. The young Count of Brunswick with his Forces, signaliz'd him­self in a particular manner. Those of Florence gave good Proofs of their Valour to the time of their reimbarking, which was some days before the end of the Siege. It is easie to judge how great a share of Honour is due to the Battalion of Malta, and the Pope's Forces who were always joyn'd with them. Chevalier de la Barre by many brave Actions maintain'd the ho­nour Sieur de la Tour had got. All the Knights generously sacrific'd themselves to the support of the Faith, having under­gon incredible Fatigues, and many of [Page 51]them shed their Blood, as may be seen in the List at the end of the Book, in which I have set down their respective Nations.

Let us now pass to Dalmatia, where though nothing happen'd of such impor­tance as in the Morea, yet it will be ne­cessary to inform the Reader of what pass'd worthy of remark in the Rencounters the Venetian Forces had with the Turks in that Country and elsewhere. It was re­solv'd to besiege the Fortress of Sing; and in prosecution of this design, the Ge­nerals march'd at the head of their Forces, and immediately invested it. The Tren­ches were open'd, a Battery rais'd, and some Cannon mounted in spight of the Infidels who continually fired upon them: They summon'd the besieged, who being well stored with Men and Provisions, scorn'd the Conditions of Surrender which were offer'd, and by their vigorous re­sistance oblig'd us to quit the Attempt, some days after the opening our Trenches.

On the other side, the Hayducs of Ca­ [...]aro advanc'd towards Goza, where they [...]ade great Havock, wasting all that Country with Fire; and Chevalier Janco [Page 52]march'd as far as Bilai, four days Journey beyond Sebenico, and burnt to Ashes Eighteen Villages, and two Castles that were Garrisons, and return'd at last to Zara laden with Honour, and a rich Booty as well of Cattle as other things, and attended by five hundred men well arm'd, who had forsaken the Turks to joyn with the Venetians.

A considerable number of the Infidels having come out of Castel-Novo to pre­pare an Ambuscade for the Christians, th [...] Morlaques who were always ready to dis­appoint the Turks Designs, follow'd the [...] so close at the Heels, that they mad [...] them retreat to the Town in great dis­order, after having kill'd and wounde [...] several of them, and taken away a consi­derable Booty with many Prisoners.

The Vayvode Janco took the Field a­gain to joyn the Croats that were subje [...] to the Emperor, and go with them t [...] destroy the Turks Iron Mines. Captain General Morosini, who was yet at Coro [...] caus'd the repairs of those Fortificatio [...] to be dispatch'd with great diligence and having put it in a posture of defen [...] set sail toward the Coast of Zarnata, at­tended [Page 53]by the Forces of Saxony, his De­sign being to seize that Town and two neighbouring Towers, by the means of which the Turks still kept the Mainotts in awe.

Zarnata is a Fortress almost round, and situate on a high place; he sent a De­tachment to summon the Garrison, to which the Aga who commanded the place, submitted the 11th. of September, though the Army was five Miles distant, and had not yet set foot on land. The Garrison which was numerous, consisting of six hundred men, was embark'd and guarded by a Convoy within a small distance from Calamata: But the Aga fearing the Pu­nishment which the Grand Signior inflicts on the unfortunate, remain'd among the Venetians: The Captain General gave him a Pension of thirty Royals a Month after he had receiv'd Baptism with twenty o­ther Turks. There were found in this place fifty one pieces of Cannon, two hundred Quintals of Powder, great store of Bullet, with other Ammunition and Provision. Signior Morosini having thus gain'd the Town, put in a Garrison of two hundred and fifty Foot Souldiers, [Page 54]under the command of the noble Vene­tians, Bartholomeo Contareni, and Angelo Emo; and upon the advice he had, that the Captain Basha was advanc'd with ten thousand men to lie before Calamata, he order'd the Saxons to be set on shoar to joyn the Army, which having advanc'd on the 12th. of September in Battel-array, to certain places where the Enemies were advantageously posted, to dispute the Passage, there happen'd some light Skir­mishes betwixt the Advance-guards: But whilst all things were preparing over­night to come to a set-Battel the next day, the Infidels decamp'd before day to retire under the Cannon of Calamata, which is situate upon the declining of a Hill on the side of the River Spinazza, in the Province of Belvedere, and has no other defence but a Castle built after the modern way, that can secure it from the Assaults of an Enemy. The Vene­tians surpriz'd this Fortress in the Year 1659. and quitted it after they had car­ried away the Provision which they found there in abundance.

The Turks not thinking themselves se­cure under the Walls of this place, con­tinu'd [Page 55]their retreat, having first set fire to the Magazine. Thus the Christian Ar­my entred Calamata without the least op­position, on the Feast day of the Exalta­tion of the Holy Cross, and immediately seven thousand Mainotts repair'd to the Venetian Camp, a Party of which pre­sently went in pursuit of the Infidels. There were found in the Castle nine Can­nons nail'd, and but little Ammunition: The Fortress was dismantel'd, Signior Morosini judging it unfit for a Garri­son.

The Squadron of Signior Molino, Cap­tain extraordinary, during the whole Summer, gave chase to the Naval Army of the Captain Basha, who whenever he had sight of the Venetian Vessels, made away; and his Cowardice was such, that meeting with Signior Molino's Fleet un­der Capo-Crio, consisting of seventeen Sail, he fled into the Port of Rhodes with six and twenty Men of War, and six and forty Galleys: The fear of a Sea-fight made him also lock up the Port with a great Chain, and he himself durst not come out, though the Venetians came often to dare him at the very mouth of the Ha­ven, [Page 56]and coasted thereabout fifteen days to entice him out.

Chevalier Janco who was in the Field, having notice that the Turks had a design of marching to the number of three thou­sand men, to fire the Suburbs of Se­benico, left there some men, and with another Reinforcement of twelve hun­dred Morlaques advanc'd within four Miles of the place, where having laid an Ambush for them in an advanta­geous Post, the Enemies were surpriz'd when they least thought of it; and being put into Disorder at the first charge, betook themselves to flight with great loss of their men.

After the taking of Calamata, the Forces of the Republique seiz'd Porto Vitulo, where were found fifty piece of Cannon, and ten of smaller Artillery, with store of Am­munition: Signior Lorenzo was there made Proveditor extraordinary. Ge­neral Morosini after that appear'd be­fore Chielifa, the Garrison not believing it self in condition to resist, accepted the Articles of surrender which were offer'd them, and the Standard of St. Mark was there planted; they reconsecrated the [Page 57]Church of St. Spindion for divine Wor­ship, and Signior Lorenzo Venier was made Governour of the place. This Fortress is situate on the top of a sharp Rock, about a Mile and a half from the Sea; it is a Mile in compass, of a square form, and is flank'd with five Towers for its de­fence. The taking of Chielifa was fol­lowed by that of Passana, where the Standard of the Republique was planted the 24th. of September, and the Sieur An­gelo Lazari, with the superintendent Geor­gio Foscarini, were chosen Proveditors extraordinary. This place is situate on a Hill in the Province of Maina, in the neighbourhood of the Gulf of Colochina, upon the Cape of Matapan opposite to Chielifa.

The Campaign ended with several Rencounters, which the Morlaques and the Mainotts had with the Infidels in Dal­matia, and in the Morea. The Turks al­so receiv'd some Losses at Sea, four of their Galleys being separated by a vio­lent Storm; that which belonged to the Basha of Negropont, was met by the fa­mous Corsair Manetta, and taken by two of his Galeots, with two hundred [Page 56] [...] [Page 57] [...] [Page 58] Turks that were on board, and eighty Christian Slaves, who were all set at li­berty.

Signior Morosini having set sail for Corf [...] to take his Winter-quarters there, pass'd by Preveza within view of Santa Maura, and sailed on to Trapano to view the Works they were making at that place, with four Galleys of the Isles: From thence he went to the Gulf of Larta, upon advice that the Governour of that Town, call'd Javanos, was on his march with fifteen hundred men to oblige the Villages of Xeromero to the contribution of Carazzo, which they had refus'd to pay. The Turks seeing the Fleet, be­took themselves to flight with their Go­vernour, which gave occasion to the Ge­neral to pass to Gomenizze, and endea­vour to draw them on thither; in his passage he was saluted by the Infidels who were there in Garrison with a single Volley of their Cannon; and having gi­ven a signal to the Galley Garzoni to an­swer them, she did it so dexterously, that the Bullet carried off the Head of one of the Barbarians, which struck such a ter­rour into the rest, that they resolv'd up­on [Page 59]the spot, to leave the place and save their lives by flying to a neighbouring Mountain, which they did. This ad­vantage oblig'd the Venetians to go on shore, and seize the Fortress which Signior Morosini caus'd to be demolish'd, having first order'd a Mass of Thanksgiving to be celebrated in the place: The Ammuni­tion and Provision that were found there, he caus'd to be carried on board his Ves­sels, with six piece of double Brass Can­non, ninety six pound of Bullet, and four quarter Culverins, with two other small Field-pieces, to convey to Corfu, which was but four and twenty Miles distant.

THE HISTORY OF THE Venetian Conquests, &c. The Third Book.

1686 THIS Year the Venetians continu'd, with great Success, the Conquests they had begun the year before in the Morea, which is a Peninsula call'd by the Ancients Peloponnesus; the num­ber of its Commonwealths, famous in History, rendred it very considerable a­mongst the Grecians. It was formerly divided into Achaia properly so call'd, Arcadia, the Country of Argos, Corinth, Elis, Sicionia, Laconia, and Messenia. [Page 61]It is at present call'd Morea, because in sigure it resembles a Mulberry-leaf; it is divided into the Dukedom of Clarence, which comprehends Achaia, Sicionia, and Corinth; Belveder formerly Elis and Mes­senia; Saccania anciently the Country of Argos and Tzaconia, where was Laconia and Arcadia: It is joyn'd to the Conti­nent Northward by a neck of Land cal­led the Isthmus of Corinth; on the West and South it has the Adriatick Sea, and on the East the Sea of Candia; its length from Corinth to Modon, is a hundred and seventy Italian Miles; the breadth is al­most of the same extent, and it is six hundred Miles in compass. The City of Sparta, or Lacedemon, which amongst the ancient, was the most celebrated of all Peloponnesus, falling under the Turkish Do­minion, has lost much of its ancient Splen­dour; they call Lacedemon, Misitra, and Co­rinth, Coranto. At present the most known are Coron, Modon, Clarence, Argos, Na­varin, Patras, Napoli di Romania, and Maina; that which is now call'd Braccio di Maina, is the Country of the Mainotts; they inhabit part of the Country of the ancient Lacedemonians, along the Sea­coast [Page 62]of the Gulf of Coron, and they are the only Greeks that have preserv'd themselves in form of a Republick against the Ottomans. The ruggedness of their Mountains, and the nearness of the Sea, has given them this advantage: But the City of Candia being taken, which hap­pen [...]d in the Year 1669. they fear'd they should lose their liberty, and that fear was the occasion that many of them sought new Habitations to live in quiet. The Genoüese receiv'd five or six hundred Families of them into the Isle of Corsica, and the Great Duke of Florence gave land with­in his Territories to a thousand more, who have setled themselves there within these few years. There are many con­siderable Mountains in the Morea, viz. Pholoe, Cyllene, Sepia, Poglizzi, Cronia, or Grevenos, Mintia or Mente, Neris, Nonaene, Artimisio, and Taygetus now call'd Borta. The Rivers are Carbon and Eurotas, now call'd Vasili-Potamos, Inachus, Linceus, and Spinarzza. The extent of the Isthmus of Corinth, which joyns the Morea to Greece, between the Gulf of Lepant and that of Engia, is six Miles. Many Princes have made it their endea­vour [Page 63]to divide all this Land from the Con­ [...]inent; Nero the Emperor made a Voy­age into Achaia expresly on that design; [...]e made a Speech to his men, and then [...]pened the Ground himself, and carried a Basket of Earth on his Shoulders, but could not succeed in his Design. The Morea being by the Greek Emperors di­vided amongst the Despots or Lords whom they named, became a Prey to the Turks, who easily possess'd themselves of it under Mahomet II. surnamed Boiuc, that is to say, the Great: He was the ter­rour of all Europe, and the most fortu­ [...]ate Prince of all the Infidels that ever [...]ate on that Throne. The Venetians a­ [...]one, who were Masters of Corinth and Argos, resisted for the space of some years, under the Conduct of their General Ber­told d' Est, a most courageous Prince of the illustrious Family that now rules at Modena. This unwearied General un­dertook with three thousand and six hun­dred Workmen to raise a Wall of six Miles in length on the whole extent of that neck of Land called the Isthmus of Corinth, with six and thirty Towers to hinder the Incursions of the Infidels; but [Page 64]being unhappily wounded on the Head with a Stone at the Siege of Corinth, h [...] died in the defence of that place, which the Turks soon after gain'd without much difficulty in the Year 1463. which oblig'd the Venetians to retire into the neigh­bouring Islands. I thought it proper to make this Description of the Morea, which may give the Reader an Idea of i [...] that may be of use in the following Hi­story. It is now time to return to the matter in hand.

Signior Morosini Generalissimo of the Venetian Army, being desirous to secure the Conquest of Coron and other place [...] taken from the Turks the last year, re­solv'd to employ his utmost force in the Morea, and judg'd it proper to begin with the Siege of Navarin. In Dalma­tia the Camp was opened with some suc­cesses; Signior Paolo Fosiorani drew to­gether six hundred Morlaques, and ad­vanc'd towards a Fort call'd Caraman, with design to surprise it, having under­stood by his Spies the weakness of the Garrison, and the absence of the Ag [...] that commanded it. The night favour'd his design, for having seiz'd all the out-Works, he took the main Tower of the [Page 65]Fort by scaling, and surprised the Infidels with a brisk and vigorous charge; part of the Garrison that made resistance, were put to the Sword, the rest yielded on discretion, and the Morlaques that were in the place came over to those of their own Nation. The Aga that was gone out of the Fort, was beheaded by the Command of the Basha of Bossine, for leaving his Post, and exposing it to the Assaults of their Enemies. After this the Morlaques of Clissa and Sebenico took the Fort of Ottoch, and got the better in several Rancounters they had with the Sangiac of Ertzegonine, who having drawn some Forces together to surprise the Tower of Narino and the Fort of Opusch, saw all his Designs dasht by the vigilance of the Morlaques, who kept the Field to observe his motions.

In the mean time General Morosini on the 2d. of June arriv'd before Navarin with the Galleys, Galeasses, and other Vessels to the number of two hundred Sail. The Forces of the Republique, the Pope, the Great Duke of Tuscany, and of Malta, were all join'd.

Navarin is a Sea-port Town of the [Page 66] Morea, in the little Country of Belveder; it is near Modon which lies Eastward of it and Arcadia; it is believ'd to be that which is call'd by the Ancients Pilus Mes­seniaca. Bajazet II. having taken it from the Venetians in the Year 1500. Don John of Austria, with other Confederates, attempted to retake it in the Year 1572. They landed a thousand men, Spaniards and Italians, under the Command of Alexander Farnese, Prince of Parma, who with ten pieces of Cannon attack'd it on the South side by land in the beginning of October. They batter'd the Walls for the space of three days, but the ground which was rocky, not suffering the Christians to in­trench themselves, and the Turks on the other hand having put store of Provi­sion and Ammunition into the place, and considerable Succours of men, they were forc'd to quit their Enterprise.

After the forces were landed, and Count Coningsmark their General had assign'd them their Posts, Signior Morosini Gene­ralissimo, sent to the Governour of old Navarin (an inconsiderable Town not­withstanding its advantageous situation) to summon him, advising him not to de­lay [Page 67]till it should be formally attack'd, threatning to give no quarter if the Gar­rison resisted. The Governour desir'd the rest of that day and the day following to consider; but news being brought, that the Ottoman General in the Morea, was marching to the relief of the place, Count Coningsmark had Orders to ad­vance under the Cannon of Navarin. The entrance of the Port is shelter'd by a neck of land on which one Regiment was posted; and at the same time some pieces of Artillery were brought on shore in great Barks. The besieged being dis­may'd at these Preparations, hung out a white Flag, and sent Deputies to the Ge­neral's Galley: The Articles of Capitula­tion were regulated, according to which they march'd out with their Arms and Baggage, to the number of four hundred men; there were but a hundred Souldiers among them, the place being defended by its situation, without need of a greater Gar­rison. They demanded to be sent to Alexandria, which was granted them. There were found in this place three and forty Cannons, with store of other Arms, Ammunition, and Provisions. After ha­ving [Page 68]left there a Governour with a Gar­rison of an hundred and sixty men, the Ge­neralissimo gave Orders to the Galleys to make into the mouth of the Haven, in order to attack the City of New Nava­rin; they could not do it without bear­ing the fire of a Battery that was on a Ravelin close by the Water, but they suf­fer'd no damage by it, only One Galley of the Isles, which Signior Cornaro caus'd to enter the Port on the 6th. of June at Night, receiv'd a Cannon-shot which put the Oars in disorder. The Cannons and Mortars were immediately brought to land with the Ammunition. Count Coningsmark caus'd a Battery to be rais'd of twenty pieces of Cannon of fifty pound Ball, and another of eighteen Mortar-pieces to throw the Bombs. The Gre­cians of Coron, and some other conquer'd places, being come to the Camp, they fell to take their Posts, and distribute the Attacks. The Garrison consisting but of a thousand men, was commanded by Ze­fer Aga, an Officer of great Repute, as it was known from a Greek that came out of the place; and at the same time they surpris'd a Renegade that carry'd Letters [Page 69]from the Serasquier of the Morea to Ze­fer, by which he assur'd him that he was coming to his Relief. Upon this news Count Coningsmark was detach'd to march up to him with a body of choice men. The Scouts having discover'd the Enemy some Leagues off, the Count made a halt, and set his men in Battel-array, but there was no fight by reason the Serasquier made a Countermarch and retired. The Count not thinking it pro­per to pursue them, march'd back to the Camp in very good order.

Signior Morosini having in vain sum­mon'd the Governour, before he began the Attacks, put in readiness a Battery of Mortar-pieces, which was so well ma­naged by the directions of Count San Felice Muttoni, that the Bombs which were of five hundred pound weight, set fire on the Town in divers places, which struck a great terrour into the besieged. The Battery of Cannon was in readiness on the 13th. and on the same day there was intelligence that the Serasquier ad­vanc'd apace, intending to surprise the Besiegers in their Camp, and that he was within six Miles of them. Count Conings­mark [Page 70]was again detach'd with seven thou­sand Foot, five hundred Horse, and the Dragoons of the Marquis de Courbon, and Count Bernabo Visconti: He march'd in good order in the beginning of the Night, and the next day found the Infidels to the number of eight thousand Foot, and two thousand Horse, intrench'd in a Val­ley, where it was impossible to come at them, but by a very narrow passage. The Dragoons commanded by the Mar­quis de Courbon, and those of Count Bernabo Visconti who immediately ad­vanc'd, having posted themselves in an advantageous place to bear the first Onset of the Enemies, gave time to the Forces that follow'd them to pass the narrow way. The Turks who might have taken advantage of this motion, made no At­tack; and Count Coningsmark set his Forces in order of Battel, and plac'd two small pieces of Artillery on an emi­nence of ground from whence they fir'd continually on the Turks, who seeing the Dragoons march proudly towards them, thought to hem them in with a Detach­ment of several Squadrons. But the Dra­goons not only bore the Onset with [Page 71]great courage, but alighting from their Horses, made the Infidels give way, and pursued them so successfully, that they dispers'd them; after which they bore so hard upon the Infantry, that they put them into disorder, which was encreas'd by the Forces that march'd after the Dra­goons. The Fight lasted two hours, and ended with the flight of the Turks, who lost above five hundred men in this acti­on, and had many wounded. There had been several that had rallied upon the occasion of two or three thousand Turks that were got together from several parts of the Morea, to reinforce the Serasquier's Army, and were come near the field of Battel; but it was in vain they renew'd the Charge, they were again put to flight, and forc'd to leave their Baggage and Tents. There were but very few Soul­diers either kill'd or wounded on the Christian side. Prince Maximilian of Brunswick encouraged his Forces by his Example, and shew'd at the head of them all the Courage a man could be capa­ble of. Many other Voluntiers of great quality signaliz'd themselves in the like manner on this occasion. This Defeat [Page 72]of which the besieged could not doubt, when they saw the Heads of the Turks kill'd in the Battel, and the Colours the Venetians brought away, made so general a Consternation in the City, that they lost all hope of being reliev'd; and after some Contests, came to a Capitulation. It was permitted them to march out of Navarin with Arms and Baggage to be transported to Alexandria. Count Coningsmark re­gulated the Articles of Capitulation in the Name of the Generalissimo: While they were regulating that Article that con­cern'd the embarking the Garrison, there happen'd a disaster that was like to have caus'd great Confusion: A Magazine of Powder took fire, and was blown up in a moment, an hundred and fifty Turks were either burnt or buried in the ruines, toge­ther with six Christians; the Governour was of the number; fifteen more were blown up and thrown from the place. It was presently said the Turks had prepared this Oven on purpose to destroy all the Christians they could draw that way. This was enough to make them put all to the Sword, had not the Generalissimo appeas'd the Souldiers. He receiv'd the [Page 73]excuses of the principal men of the place, who, when they brought him the Keys of the Town, and their Standards, ask'd permission to justifie themselves upon this Accident. It was found, in effect, that the Fire which was set to several Houses by the Bombs, being kept alive under the Ruines, had made its way to this Magazine only by the negligence of the Officers, whom the unhappy state of their Affairs had hindred to provide against such Ac­cidents. The Garrison consisted of a thousand Souldiers who embark'd with two thousand other Turks, to pass for Alexandria. On the 18th. of June Signi­or Morosini entred the Town with Count Coningsmark and the chief Officers of the Army, and the principal Mosque was made choice of to give God thanks in for this Conquest.

In the mean time the Christian Priva­teers met with the Turkish Caravan coming from Alexandria to Constantinople. The number of the Enemies Ships did not dismay them; they charg'd very vi­gorously, and after they had either taken, or disabled the Men of War which were their Convoy, they took the Caravan. [Page 74]The Ship called Alexander the Great, sur­pris'd also a Turkish Vessel of Eighty pieces of Cannon; for having discover'd it afar off, they hung out Turkish Colours, and made up close to her, with a design to board her, and quickly made themselves Masters of her before the Infidels could come to themselves, or prepare for Fight. Two Turkish Galleots had the same chance meeting the famous Corsair Manetta.

The Morlaques made many Incursions into the Enemies Territories, and amongst others, those of Sebenico and Traci being sent for that purpose, to the number of twelve hundred, foraging in the open Country, surpriz'd a Town called Da­pana, and return'd with store of Slaves and Cattel, having ransack'd, and after set fire to the Houses. In the mean time the Turks attempted no great matters in Dalmatia, their greatest Efforts being li­mited to the pillaging and burning some Villages between Clissa and Spalatro, for which purpose they had detach'd four thousand Horse: But an accident hapned, which frustrated their hopes of enjoying the Prey; for as they return'd with a great Booty, they fell into an Ambuscade which [Page 75]four hundred Morlaques had laid for them in a narrow way, which terminates at a steep unpassable Mountain, from whence sixty Peasants, who had quitted their Houses at the approach of the Turks, rowl'd down Stones of a prodigious bigness upon them who were streightned in their pas­sage. Thus the Morlaques having robb'd the Enemy of his Booty, and delivered the Slaves, return'd victorious with about two hundred Prisoners. Let us now turn our Discourse to the Venetian Camp in the Morea.

The Conquest of the two Navarins was follow'd by the taking of Modon, a Town situate in the Province of Belveder, at one end of the Morea; it was former­ly call'd Methona. The Venetians having assisted at the taking of Constantinaple, in the year 1204. Baldwin the Earl of Flan­ders, afterwards chosen Emperor of the East, gave them as a Recompence for the share they had in the dangers of the Siege. the Isle of Candia, the Cities of Modon, and Coron in the Morea, and that of Du­razzo in Albania, with the Isle of Corfu; this Isle was then in the Possession of the Genouese, who had for their Captain [Page 76]the famous Corsair Veterano. The Veneti­ans set sail the year following toward Corfu with thirty Galleys, and having met Veterano coming out of the Gulf, they attack'd him so successfully, that having taken seven of his Galleys, they gave an entire Defeat to the rest; after which, without any difficulty, they made them­selves Masters of Corfu, and soon after of Modon and Coron. Modon remain'd un­der their Dominion till the year 1500. when Bajazet the second, Emperor of the Turks, attack'd it by Sea and Land with an Army of 140000. men, and above 220. Sail of Ships. They made a vigorous de­fence, but the Proveditor Contarini fear­ing lest the besieged should yield the place for fear of not being relieved, chose five of his best Galleys, and having laden them with Ammunition and Provisions, which he knew they wanted, sent them to Mo­don: Four of them got happily into the Port, but that which was intended for the safety of the Town, prov'd the occa­sion of its loss. The besieged were so overjoy'd at this relief, that to see it come in, they quitted the defence of their Walls. The Turks took advantage of [Page 77]their Imprudence, and there being alrea­dy some Breaches made, they mounted them, and found but a small number of Souldiers to guard them, whom they soon cut to pieces. The Forces that ar­riv'd in the Galleys, would have made head against them, but they beat down all before them, and almost the whole City was fill'd with destruction by Fire and Sword; they neither spared the Gover­nour, nor the other Officers, and struck off the Head of Andrea Falconi Bishop of the place, who came in his Pontifical Habit to encourage the Inhabitants to their own defence.

Signior Morosini being come before this place with part of his Forces on the 21st. of June in the Evening, the next day he view'd the Haven, and observ'd the places proper for landing the rest of his Army. This Debarkment was made in very good order, the Infidels not using any great endeavours to oppose them. The other Forces had made one day's March by Land, since the taking of Na­varin, and arriv'd on the 22d. before Modon: This Town is situate upon a neck of Land that shoots it self into the [Page 78]Sea; it is fortify'd with a Wall of Free­stone fill'd on the inside with Earth; on the side towards the Land, it is shelter'd by a Bastion not joined to the Walls, and another rais'd Work all surrounded by a good Ditch Palisado'd. Count Conings­mark immediately gave order for the Cir­cumvallation, which was easie by reason of the deep Waters that are round the place. The 23d. they wrought on the Trenches, and on the 24th. they got Fa­gots in the Camp it self, which lay cross a Grove of Orange-trees, of which Wood they made 100000. The 25th. they be­gan with eight Mortar-pieces to cast their Bombs; they threw five hundred, of which eighty miss'd the Town, and thirty broke in the Air. The 26th. Count Conings­mark attack'd the Suburbs, and having made himself Master of them, secur'd the Avenues of the Streets, and put four Bat­talions of Sclavonians in the Gardens of the Suburbs, the 27th they summon'd the Town; the Disdar or Governour made answer, That he expected no Suc­cour but from God; That he was born to die, and that he would defend the place as long as there was a man alive [Page 79]in it, and that the last man should set fire [...]o all the store of Powder, that so the Town (if it must be cut off from the Turkish Empire) should not fall into the Power of the Christians. The 28th. they began to work at the Battery of ten pieces of Cannon; the 29th. they con­tinued to throw their Bombs, and to work [...]t their Fagots, and at their Battery; the [...]0th. the Battery began to play with won­derful success, and in three hours dis­mounted five of the Enemies Cannon; the Cannoniers then at the Camp were very expert, and shot as exactly with their Cannon, as a man could with a Musquet. The first of July the Forces of Malta open'd their Trenches, and carried on their Works two hundred pa­ces; on the 2d. the Spaniards reliev'd the Trenches, and Generalissimo Morosini summon'd the Town again; the Turks came to capitulate; the Governour pro­pos'd, That if they would give him two thousand Sequins he would perswade the Garrison to surrender, and urg'd that a Truce would be requisite to summon the Council; the Truce was granted on con­dition that the Works might continue on [Page 80]both sides. Count Coningsmark, besides the Workmen, had under his command five hundred Germans, by whose help they carried on their Works within thirty paces of the Counterscarp, with a Line of Communication of fifty paces, and a place of Parade on each side. On the 3d. the Disdar broke the Truce, alledging that he could not perswade the Garrison to surrender: The 4th. the Saxons reliev'd the Trenches, four Mortar-pieces with two Carcasses, were employ'd all night in casting Stones, the rest threw Bombs, a [...] usual; one Lieutenant-Colonel, and thirty Souldiers were kill'd. On the 5th. the Forces of Brunswick mounted the Tren­ches, the Battery of Bombs was advanc'd and one of Cannon begun, and the Trenches carry'd on to the Ditch. A [...] Deserter confirm'd what others had said That the Houses of the Town were al­most all ruin'd by four thousand Bomb [...] that had fallen amongst them, and tha [...] the Stones incommoded them most of all The 6th. the Florentines mounted th [...] Trenches; there was great firing on each side, and the Enemies did all they could to hinder the Works to go forward▪ [Page 81]all the Engeniers that were in the Trenches being hurt, Count Charles Koningsmark, Nephew to the General, and Colonel in the Most Christian King's Service, order­ed the Works, and markt out a place of Parade; and the Lodgment of the Coun­terscarps was made without much loss. On the 7th those of Malta mounted the Trenches again: twenty Knights and some Voluntiers, of which number were Viscount Turene, and Count Charles Ko­ningsmark, with fifty Grenadiers, lay o­pen on the right Angle of the Counter­scarp: the several Posts being not yet join'd, they were forc'd to work. That night a Battery of six Guns was made on an Eminence, which batter'd the back part of the Town. The clear Moon-light was the occasion that we lost some men; and two of the Knights were wounded. On the 8th, the Spaniards came again on the Trenches; they made three descents into the Ditch, and the Gallery was be­gun. The Turks fir'd a great number of Grenado's and Bags of Powder: In the mean time about Noon, the Christians were got to the Foot of the Bastion; which so dismay'd the Turks, that they [Page 82]hung out the White Flag, and gave Ho­stages. Two Principal Men of the Gar­rison waited on the Generalissimo, who deferr'd regulating the Capitulation till the next day. He sent them no Hosta­ges, tho they had sent six on board the Captain Galley. It was said by them, that the Serasquier, who had put five hundred Soldiers, and one hundred Cannoniers into the place before the Siege, gave orders to Cidi Achmet who was Governour, that he should defend it during the space of fifteen days, and then surrender it, if he were not reliev'd. The Capitulation was regulated on Con­ditions, That the Keys of the Magazines of Ammunition were to be sent the same day into the hands of Signior Mo­rosini, That the Turks should bring their Standards on board the Captain Galley, That they should all march out within four days, the Soldiers with their Arms, and what Baggage each of them could carry; and the Inhabitants with part of their Moveables; That Vessels should be allow'd to transport them to some Port in the Coast of Barbary; That they should leave behind them all the Christian Slaves, [Page 83]and the Negro's Men and Women that should be found in Modon, should become Slaves to the Republique. These Articles being signed, one hundred men were put into the Castle where the Standard of St. Mark was plant­ed; and two days after the Turks march'd out to the number of a thou­sand Men able to bear Arms, and three thousand other persons. There were [...]n the place about an hundred piece of Cannon, of which many were Brass, with great store of Ammunition in the Maga­ [...]ines. Fourteen hundred men were put [...]n Garrison for the defence of the City, and Signior Pavita was chosen Proveditor extraordinary.

Fortune declar'd her self on all sides for [...]he Republique; and this was not the only check the Affairs of the Ottoman Empire met with on this side. General Cornaro who commanded in Dalmatia, ha­ving join'd to his Forces those of the Mor­laques: they march'd from the Province of Zaro, under the Conduct of Cheva­ [...]ier Janco and Sieur Smilianich, with the Captains Possidona and Patolazzi; they [...]irected their march towards Conscho, and [Page 84]being arriv'd on the 13th to the Banks of the River Cattina, made a halt to­wards the Evening to refresh themselves; and having laid their bridge, past the Ri­ver in the night, and by break of day arriv'd to Climno; where having under­stood, that seven hundred Spahi's, and fifteen hundred Janisaries, with some o­ther Forces were encamp'd: they attack'd them with so much courage, that they soon made them give way. The Caval­ry endeavour'd to gain the open Coun­try, and the Foot to escape to the Moun­tains; but they were so close pursu'd that before they could compass their de­sign, above seven hundred of them wer [...] kill'd, and five hundred made Pri­soners. The Inhabitants of Climn [...] who were witnesses to this defeat retir' [...] themselves into the Castle, with desig [...] to defend themselves there, but in vain for the confusion they were in, havin [...] made them forget to shut the Gat [...] of the Town, the Forces of the Repub [...]lique and the Morlaques seiz'd it imm [...] ­diately, and the Castle also, by the neg­ligence of the Inhabitants, whom the ap­proach of an Enemy should have ma [...] [Page 85]more wary. Whatever was found in the City they carried away, and put to the Sword those that made any resistance; they set fire to the Houses, which spread­ing it self on all sides, burnt the Town and Castle to Ashes, blew up the Maga­zine with five hundred Turks, consum'd many stately Buildings and magnificent Mosques, with great store of Riches; the Women and Children were carried away Prisoners. It was a Town of good Trade; the Basha of Bossina made choice of it for his ordinary residence, by reason of its pleasant Situation, good Air, and fruitfulness of the adjacent Fields, which in this War were wholly wasted. In this Expedition one hundred and thirty Chri­stian Slaves were set at liberty, and more than sixty Families put themselves under the protection of the Republique. Sig­nior Cornaro march'd no farther on, but return'd with his Force, and the Mor­laques, laden with rich Spoils, having had but nine men kill'd and three and twen­ty wounded in this successful Enter­prise.

The Proveditor Extraordinary of Spi­nalonga in the Kingdom of Candie, gave [Page 86]an account to the Senate, that, besides many Incursions that had been made by his Garrison, from time to time, to the very Gates of the Enemies Towns, he had lately made a Detachment of part of his Forces, with design to fight the Infi­dels; that his Scouts having inform'd him where they lay encamp'd, he march'd towards them, and gain'd an entire Vi­ctory; and that having possest himself of an advantageous Post, which before had much incommoded him: the confusion the Infidels were in was redoubled, and most part of them kill'd on the place; some were drowned, and others disperst in the Mountains. There was also in­telligence that the Christian Privateers, had taken in the Sea of Candia eight Saics laden with Corn and other Merchandise bound for Constantinople.

After Signior Morosini had view'd the Fortifications of Modon, and given ne­cessary orders for its defence, he began to think of new Conquests, and call'd a Council of War for that purpose, where all the Principal Officers being present, it was resolved to attack the City of Napoli di Romania, so call'd by the Inhabitants of [Page 87]the Morea. Before he put his design in execution, he thought it proper to clear the Country of some Garrisons that were in the small places about Modon: he possest himself of the Town call'd Achaia; which tho it be not in it self very considerable, yet it serves to secure the other Con­quests which the Venetians have made, and are still making in that Kingdom. Whilst we leave the Army under sail towards Napoli di Romania, let us see what passes in Dalmatia.

The Forces of the Republique which are in these parts, have had many ad­vantages over the common Enemy, be­ing seconded by the Morlaques. Solyman Basha of Scutari and Albania, who took the Field in the Month of July, in order to besiege some place in the Territories of the Republique, took much pains to little purpose. 'Tis true he advanc'd to­wards the City of Budoa and the Castle of St. Stephens, with design to seize them, and having forag'd thereabouts, to lay siege to Cattaro: In effect he us'd so much diligence that he quickly got within view of the place with his Army, which con­sisted of twelve thousand men, and [Page 88]eight piece of Cannon, which gave some alarm to the Governour; but General Cornaro and the Count St. Paul having been inform'd of his design, had already prevented him with a number equal to his. The Basha, who believ'd his design would not come to light till after the ex­ecution of it, and imagin'd the Christians could take no measures to traverse it, en­camp'd himself within four miles of the place, near the Town of Briach, and stay'd for the Artillery and the rest of his Forces design'd for this Enterpise. In the mean time General Cornaro furnish'd the City with all things necessary for its defence, in case the Enemies should be so rash as to lay siege to it; and having ta­ken a view of their Camp, he set his men in Battel-array: The Basha did the same, and himself in person view'd the Venetian Army from a small Hill on the South side. The first day past in divers light Skirmishes and frequent Alarms with­out coming to a just Battel. But at the dawn of the next day, the Turks came upon the Christians with great fury and loud cryes, as is customary with them: The first Squadrons of the Morlaques per­ceiving [Page 89]their design, stay'd for them with­out stirring a foot, and with the help of their Artillery bore the first onset. In this Rancounter, a Cannon Bullet having car­ried off a Bough of a Tree, forc'd it so violently upon the Basha, that his Face was grievously hurt by it: This Acci­dent caus'd some disorder amongst the In­fidels, and was no small disadvantage to them; for Signior Cornaro, having ob­serv'd the Basha retire out of the Field to dress his Wound, drew his Army out of the Camp against the Enemies. Du­ring the space of four hours the Victory was in suspence, but the Christians be­ing reinforc'd by some fresh Battalions from the Galleys, the Turks gave ground on a sudden, and not being able to make head, retir'd in confusion towards their Camp; they lost six hundred men in their flight, and many were taken Prisoners. Notwithstanding this disgrace, a thousand Janisaries made a fresh attack on the Ca­stle of St. Stephen, but being briskly re­puls'd by the Garrison, they lost all hopes of taking the place, having lost an hun­dred men in the attempt. This ill suc­cess so enrag'd the Basha, that he had [Page 90]caus'd several of the Captains to be strang­led, had they not beg'd their lives with a promise of clearing themselves from the re­proach of cowardise on the first occasi­on; and in effect the fear of this reproach had so much influence on them, that two days after, having rally'd their Forces, they return'd in order of Battel to charge the Christians; but they fell short of their expectations, and were soon discomfited by those Forces that backt the Christian Army, with the help of the Cannon from the Galleys. There were four hun­dred kill'd on the place, and the rest forc'd to retire the third time in confusion; the Venetians closely pursuing them, being desirous to compleat a Victory they had so happily begun.

The Forces of the Republick advanc'd their Conquests already made in the Mo­rea by the taking of Napoli di Romania: This place, which is three parts surround­ed by the Sea, is situate in the Gulf that bears its name on a crooked neck of Land: its Harbour is safe, and may con­tain a great number of Vessels; but the mouth of it is so narrow and difficult that two Galleys cannot enter a breast: [Page 91]A Castle seated on a Rock within three hundred paces of it, serves for its de­fence, and is so much the surer Guard to it, by reason that the Galleys and other Ships, not having a depth of water suf­ficient to bring them within Cannon shot, the Castle cannot easily be attack'd. Ba­jazet II. Emperor of the Turks, ha­ving in the year 1500. attempted to make himself Master of the Morea, drew together a powerful Army at Santa Mau­ra; he thought to secure himself of Na­poli di Romania, and as he was on his march thither, a party of his Cavalry be­ing advanc'd before the rest, those of the Town made a brisk Sally and cut them to pieces; which struck a great terrour into the Enemies, and made them quit that attempt, and go to besiege Modon; the taking of which place being succeed­ed by that of Coron, they were so puft up with success, that they thought them­selves sure of Napoli di Romania: they came before it again, and employ'd all their Force to make a Conquest of it; but the besieged shewed no less resoluti­on to defend it, in which they were not a little encourag'd by Paul Contarini, a man [Page 92]of great Honour: He had been in Coron at the siege of that place, and had fallen into the hands of the Turks. Bajazet knowing his Authority to be great, would make use of him to move the besieged to surrender; he advanc'd to the Walls, and seeing one of the Gates open, he spurr'd on with that speed, that having disin­gag'd himself from the Turks that were about him, he got into the place, and encourag'd the Inhabitants to make a good defence, and Bajazet some few days after rais'd the Siege and return'd to Con­stantinople. Solyman the II. having in vain attack'd Corf [...] in the year 1537. gave orders to Cassin Ba [...]a to carry on the War towards Napoli di Romania and the adjacent places. The Venetians who were enter'd into a League against him with the Emperor Charles the Fifth, oppos'd all the designs of the Turks, who having again besieg'd Napoli di Romania, were again constrain'd to make a shameful retreat with great loss. But at last the Venetians finding it for the interest of their affairs, to make peace with Solyman, sent Lewis Badoaro to Constantinople with full power to treat. All his endeavours [Page 93]to preserve Napoli di Romania, and Na­poli di Malvasia in the hands of the Re­publique (the only places they were pos­sest of in the Morea) were fruitless. For Solyman having been advertis'd by private intelligence, that the Republique had gi­ven him order to conclude a Treaty what­ever it cost, oblig'd him to give up those two places with two Castles in Dalmatia, viz. Nadin and Laurane. This was trans­acted in the year 1540. and since that time Napoli di Romania has continu'd under the Turkish Dominion.

Signior Morosini having resolv'd on the Siege of this place, set sail on the 27th of July: The Army consisted of eight thou­sand Foot and six hundred Horse, being the Forces of the Republique, which he embark'd on the Galleys and Galiots, with those of the Pope, the Duke of Florence, and the Battalion of Malta: There were other Auxiliary Forces, who were embarkt on the other Ships and Ga­leasses. A few days after, the Galleys and Galiots which set out first, arriv'd at the Port of Tolon, where on the 30th in the evening they landed without any oppo­sition; this Port is not above four or five [Page 94]miles from Napoli di Romania, which they invested on the 31st; and it was reported by a Christian Slave, that Hassan Basha, Mu­stapha Basha, and three Beys his Brothers, that were in the place, were the more resolv'd to defend it stoutly, for that there was a numerous Garrison, and great store of Am­munition and Provisions. On the first of August, having begun the Lines of Cir­cumvallation, they possest themselves of Mount Palamida, on which they rais'd a Battery: this Mount lies on the side to­wards the Continent, and is not ac­cessible but by a narrow way, which is between the steepest part of the Hill and the Sea. Three of the Soldiers that were commanded to cut of the passage of the water to the Castle, were kill'd, and four wounded; yet they executed their orders in spite of the Fire and Bombs of the Besieged. On the same day news was brought, that the Serasquier was encamp'd under the Cannon of Argos, but those that brought it could not discover their number. On the 2d of the Month, they were informed by a Rascian Deserter, that the fire which was seen the day be­fore in the City, had taken hold of [Page 95]above an hundred Quintals of Powder; that the ruins of the Magazine had chok'd up a great Cistern of water, and spoil'd another, and that the Inhabitants had but one Well left that was of use. The same day the besieged made a Sally with two hundred Foot and twenty Horse, but all they could do was to charge the advance Guards, and kill or wound six or seven Soldiers: The Germans came in, and being seconded by an hundred Mila­neses, presently forc'd them to retire. In this Sally Major Lauro d' Andria receiv'd a Musquet shot in his foot. The Ves­sels and Galeasses that arriv'd the next day with the rest of the Forces, reported that the Captain Basha would have come to the place with seven of his Galleys, in which there were above three thou­sand men, but that upon the advice they had, that the Fleet of the Republique was at the Mouth of the Haven they steered off towards Negropont.

The Generalissimo forgot nothing that might advance the good success of the Siege: He took a view of the place on the side towards the Sea, from on Board the Galley commanded by the Governour [Page 96]of the Galley-slaves; after which he took a turn on the side towards the Land, view'd the Posts of Mount Palamida, and judging it would be difficult to com­pass his design as long as the Sea was open [...]o the besieg'd, he resolv'd to go and attack the Turks in their Camp; knowing that the Serasquier was encamp'd four or five Miles from his Lines under the Cannon of the Castle of Argos. On the 5th they wrought at a Battery of eight Mor­tars, and as many Cannon of fifty pound Ball. On the 6th, Count Koningsmark left but fifteen hundred men to guard the Lines and march'd with the rest against the Serasquier. The Generalissimo advanc'd on his side with his Galleys, and having found a place fit for landing, near to Argos, he set a shore fifteen hundred Sol­diers and arm'd Seamen, to march under the command of Colonel Magnanini. This Conduct oblig'd the Turks to di­vide their Forces, they left a party to de­fend their Camp, and their Cavalry to the number of three thousand went out to meet the Venetians, who receiv'd their first fire with great courage and sted­fastness. Count Koningsmark marcht to­wards [Page 97]them in very good order, and find­ing his opportunity, broke their Ranks and forc'd them to fly; but he not think­ing it proper to pursue the Victory far­ther, the Enemy had time to carry off their Tents, and some part of their Bag­gage; the Galleys had orders to make near the Coast to serve as a safe retreat to those Souldiers that might be stragling for plunder. On the same day the Bat­teries of Mortars were finish'd, and be­gan to bombard the Town where fire ap­peared in several places: Two other Works were likewise carried on to bat­ter it on the side towards the Sea. On the 7th. fourteen Christian Slaves who had made their escape the Night before, reported that five hundred Souldiers and an Engineer had found means to get in­to the Town by Sea; that the Serasquier that had sent this relief, drew his Forces together near Corinth to join with those the Captain-Basha had landed. Signior Morosini summon'd the Governour, and upon his refusing to surrender, it was resolv'd to burn all the adjacent Villages, and by that means hinder the Turks to lodge themselves there. Count Conings­mark [Page 98]took upon himself the execution of this design, and soon made himself Master of Argos; those that defended it, quitted the place without striking a stroke. There were found in it some Provisions, with about twelve thousand pound of Powder. On the 8th. the battering was continued; five Grecians who escaped to the Camp, confirm'd what was reported by other Deserters concerning the De­struction the Bombs had made there; they added, that there was so general a dis­may amongst them, that if Mustapha Ba­sha had not opposed it, they would al­ready have accepted the offer of Capitu­lation. On the 9th, four hundred men of those Ships that had transported the Gar­rison of Modon into Barbary, were land­ed, and took their Posts. Advice was brought, that the Serasquier was on his march with his Forces, and a Reinforce­ment of two thousand men to make some new attempt, and it appear'd to be for the relief of Napoli di Romania. On the 10th. about an hundred of his Horse came within Pistol-shot of the Trenches. Signior Morosini with his Galleys went on the other side the Gulf for fresh Wa­ter [Page 99]and Forage to refresh his Soldiers, whom the Turks in parties did much in­fest, and surpris'd some as they were stragling, which retarded their Works, and weakned the Guard of their Trenches. Signior Pisani Captain ordinary of the Ships, arriv'd in the Evening with eight of his Men of War, one Saique and a Pinnace taken from the Turks. The fire that had been seen in the place, was put out by the rain that fell the same day. The Battery of eight piece of Cannon was put in a readiness on the 11th. and began to play upon the Town: The Bri­gadier of the Brunswick Forces was wound­ed on the Mount Palamida, at Count Coningsmarks's quarter, while he was viewing the Posts and the Battery of Mor­ [...]ars. On the 12th. seven Greeks who made their escape from the Town, re­ported that the Bombs had kill'd above twelve hundred Persons, That the Inha­ [...]itants being terrify'd, desired to capitu­ [...]ate; but the Governour persisted in [...]is resolution to defend the place till [...]he Besiegers had made a breach. Signi­ [...]r Duodo was sent with three Men of War [...]o take the Castle of Thermis, which [Page 100]being at his first approach surrendred to him by the Disdar, he plac'd a Garrison in it. On the same day the Battery was advanc'd by reason it had not suc ef­fect as was expected in the place where it was rais'd: towards the Evening they open'd the Trenches without the loss of one Man.

The 14th. 15th. and 16th. they con­tinued battering the Town, the Cannons and Mortars playing upon it without in­termission. Advice was brought, that the Garrison of Thermis, after they had surrendred the place, was conducted to A­thens, to the number of an hundred and fifty men. On the 17th. two Morta [...] were plac'd at the head of the trenches [...] they made no more use of he Battery o [...] the Mount Palamida, there being no nee [...] of Bombs now the greatest part of th [...] Houses were ruin'd. On the 18th. th [...] Galleys were sent for fresh Water an [...] Forage. While they were advancing their Works on the 19th. they perceiv'd a grea [...] number of Tents which the Turks ha [...] pitch'd in the same place where Count C [...] ­ningsmark had defeated them some day before, which oblig'd Signior Morosini [...] [Page 101]reinforce the Guard of the Lines with the Forces of the eight Men of War brought by Signior Pisani. He thought it also a matter of importance to the good success of the Siege, to guard that Arm of the Sea by which the Serasquier might have communication with the City; and for that design he ordered Monsieur Braga­din to advance with three Galleys besides four Feluques well arm'd, commanded by Chevalier Morel. On the 20th. the be­sieged made a salley, but retired at the besiegers first firing, three of their men being kill'd, and others wounded: They would have seconded this salled by a large Detachment of Horse, but they also re­tired without fighting. The Works ha­ving been advanc'd to the foot of the Counterscarp, on the 21st. all necessary Preparations were made for a descent into the Ditch. On the 22d. the Turks detach'd a thousand Horse and Foot, buy they retir'd on the first motion the Saxon and Brunswick Forces made to­wards them. On the same day arriv'd an English Vessel with Men and Ammu­nition. The 23d. the Enemy made a Sal­ley from their Camp, but after some light [Page 102]Skirmishes, presently retir'd. The Besiegers endured great Fatigues, being necessita­ted to be at their Arms Night and Day by reason of these continual Skirmishes. On the 24th. they fell to undermine one side of the Counterscarp. The 25th. the Galleys were sent to get Forage for the Cavalry about ten miles from the place. The 26th. after they had made their de­scent to the Ditch, they began to work at the Galleries; it was a piece of Work that prov'd fatal to the Major of the Battalion of Malta, who was kill'd on this occasion by a Musquet-shot, as Chevalier Alcena­go, Major General, had been some days before, viewing the Ditch. The Sersquier advanc'd nearer the Besiegers, which hindred the besieged from desiring a Ca­pitulation, notwithstanding the great con­sternation the whole Town was in; they were animated by his presence, and making no doubt of being reliev'd, they wrought at their Retrenchments that they might defend themselves in case the Besiegers should make so considerable a Breach as to venture on an Assault. On the 27th. Monsieur Venier return'd with the rest of his Squadron.

The Generalissimo saw his Army very much impair'd, several Officers being dead of their Distempers, many others were disabled, and therefore, since a lon­ger Siege could not but be very disad­vantageous to him, he resolv'd to go and attack the Serasquier afresh; and for that purpose, on the 28th. he made a great Detachment of Souldiers from his Ves­sels, Seamen, and Voluntiers, to make his Forces seem the more numerous. But on the 29th. at break of day the Se­rasquier prevented him, coming in per­son at the head of ten thousand men to attack the Lines; he presently made him­self Master of an Eminence which com­manded part of the Camp; and there being but one Squadron to guard that side, he made them give ground, and fell most furiously on the Battalion of Malta, which not only stood firm, but repuls'd the Turks with such vigor, that they were forc'd to turn back, and regain their Hill: Two Battalions of the Saxons, and those of Brunswick, commanded by Count Coningsmark, march'd against them, and charg'd them with the greatest Courage and Bravery imaginable. The [Page 104]Generalissimo caus'd his grand Detach­ment from the Ships and Galleys, to advance, having first given all necessary orders for the safety of the Camp, and having plac'd himself at the head of some select Forces, he charg'd the Enemies, whom this fresh supply and the other Forces that came from the Sea-side, had so terrify'd, that whatever their Officers could do, tho' they threatned them with their Swords in their Hands, and in ef­fect kill'd some, could not stop the others from flying. The Battel lasted seven hours, and was very obstinate on both sides. The Infidels left fourteen hun­dred of their men dead on the Field, and there were but three hundred kill'd or wounded on the Christians side. The Defeat of the Serasquier being made known to the Besieged, by the joyful shouts of the Army in their return to the Camp, and the Standards they had taken from the Infidels, on the tops of which they had fix'd the Heads of those they had slain in the Battel, it was now no time to consider what was to be done. The Governour sent three Deputies to the General's Galley, who granted them, [Page 105]that the Garrison should go out with their Arms and Baggage; That ten days should be allow'd them to embark, and that they should have a Convoy to Tene­dos. The next day the Capitulation was adjusted, the Turks put the Castle into the hands of the Generalissimo, and sent Hostages without receiving any from him. The 31. Signior Morosini, attend­ed by the Pope's Galleys, with those of Florence and Malta, went into the Town, and there gave necessary orders. On the first of September it was under derlibera­tion, whether or no they should pursue the Serasquier, but he himself took a­way the ground of that Consult, by retiring to Argos on the first tidings he had of the Surrender of the place. There were found in the Castle seventeen Brass Cannon, seven of Iron, and one Mortar; in the City, an hundred piece of Can­non, with great store of Ammunition and Provisions. There was great and so­lemn rejoicing at Venice for the taking of this important place; the Doge attend­ed by all the Noblemen assisted at the Te Deum, which was sung in the Ducal Church of St. Mark, where (as a token [Page 106]of extraordinary Joy) the Standard of the Morea was expos'd, which till now had not been unfolded in the space of these last hundred years. The great Services Signior Morosini had for some years perform'd for the Republique, de­serving a signal Recompence, the Senate intending to confer upon him a perpe­tual mark of Honour, made a Decree, that himself, his Brother, and all the eldest Sons of the Family, should for ever be Knights, and should enjoy all the Honours that attend that Dignity. The Senate being also desirous to pay some marks of their acknowledgments to Count Conings­mark, who, during the whole Siege, had done all that might be expected from his known Courage and Conduct, it was ordered, that he should be presented with a Gold Bason to the value of six thousand Ducats.

After the Capitulation, according to which the Garrison and Inhabitants of the place were to be convey'd to Tenedos, the richest of the Turks ask'd leave of the Basha to put their best Effects on board the Vessel where he with all his Family was to embark, believing that there they [Page 107]would be best secur'd. The Basha con­sented to their requests, without permit­ting them to come on board themselves. When they had set sail, he caus'd the Pi­lot to steer his Course towards Venice, with design to ask the Protection of the Republique, being accompanied by his Brothers and the Governour of Chielifa, they were accordingly taken into Pro­tection; and while they kept their Qua­rantane in the Hospital, Lodgings were provided for them in the Seminary of Noblemen. It was thought that the se­cret Correspondence Signior Morosini held with this Basha, did more contribute to the surrender of Napoli di Romania, than all the Bombs and Carcasses that had been employ'd against it. But this is most certain, that by this Conquest more than sixty Villages were brought under the Dominion of the Republique; Athens and many other places redeem'd them­selves from plunder by submitting to an annual Tribute, and offering a considera­ble Summ in hand.

Signior Proveditor of Dalmatia having disappointed the Designs of the Bassa of Scutari, was resolv'd himself to make [Page 108]some attempt on the Turks; the 19th. of September he march'd towards the For­tress of Singe with the Pince of Parma, General of the Infantry, and the Count St. Paul. They led up two thousand Foot which they had drawn out of the Garri­sons, six hundred of the regulated Forces, with a great number of Morlaques, both Horse and Foot, and brought with them four Mortars, and three Field-pieces: they were to pass through narrow and rugged ways; but they overcame that dif­ficulty, and in three days march arriv'd before the place where they distributed the Posts. The Batteries being made ready, they began to fire, and General Cornaro sent to summon the besieged: the answer was; The Christians should remember they had ineffectually at­tack'd that place the year before, and had bee forc'd to raise the Siege with shame and loss; and as for themselves, they were furnish'd with great store of all necessaries to make a good defence; That they had now good reason to be­lieve they should have the same success; the Basha of Ertzegovine was but one days march from the place, who would [Page 109]certainly relieve them if occasion were. The haughtiness of their Answer was ac­companied by an action of the like na­ture, for they shot the man that had been sent to summon them (who was a relation of Chevalier Janco) and by his Death confirm'd their intentions. General Cor­naro us'd all diligence to advance the Works, and continu'd firing on the place without intermission. On the 28th. the Breach being wide enough, they made an assault, and notwithstanding the stout resistance they made, put the Besieged in­to disorder, and forc'd them to quit the Town, and retire into the Castle; the Be­siegers attack'd them there with incredible vigour, and after a Fight of above an hour they took it, and cut in pieces the Garrison which consisted of three hundred Turks: Most of their Heads were pre­sented to General Cornaro, who order'd two Sequins a Head to be given to those that brought them. There was in the place a great Magazine of Ammunition, with eleven piece of Cannon. The Be­siegers had forty men kill'd, and an hun­dred wounded in this Expedition. The General gave the Government of the [Page 110]place to Signior Boloni, and left there two hundred and fifty Foot, and a hundred Horse in Garrison; after which he return'd to Spalatro, laden with Honour and Boo­ty. The Conquest of Singe was of great Importance to the Venetians, for by it the Possession of a very rich Territory of a­bove thirty Miles extent, was made sure to them. The season of the year being already much advanc'd, and the Snow beginning to fall in Dalmatia, the Pope's auxiliary Galleys, with those of Malta, having taken leave of the Generals, set sail towards Sicily; those of Tuscany ar­riv'd at Gallipoli the 22d. of September.

The Turks sustain'd also many losses at Sea; some time before the Galleys of Malta and Captain Venier had given chase to several Turkish Vessels, had taken some, and so block'd up the Caravan in the Port of Scio, that it durst not venture out; but the Fight that happened at Sea be­twixt seven Turkish Vessels, assisted by twenty Galleys of the Beis, and Signior Ve­nier, Captain extraordinary of the Vene­tian Vessels, was very much beyond these small advantages: The particulars of it are very remarkable, as well for the ine­quality [Page 111]of their Forces, as for the event of the Fight, which prov'd very success­ful to the Venetians, who in this action deliver'd many Christians, whom the Turks were carrying into Slavery. And thus it happen'd: Signior Venier, who was order'd to convey the Garrison of Na­poli di Romania, having understood in his return, that some Turkish Vessels were cruising about Rhodes, he desir'd to be in­form'd exactly where they were, and what was their number; it was told him there were but four, and no mention was made of the Galleys, either for that they had not been discover'd, or that there was some Treachery in him that made the re­port. In the mean time the number that was told him, being in a manner, equal to his, which was of three Vessels, he re­solv'd to fall on them, and advanc'd be­fore the Wind. But having sent to view their number, he was surpriz'd to hear it was so much greater than he had been told: He understood there were seven Vessels and twenty Galleys; and seeing so vast a disadvantage, he resolv'd to make back again, and endeavour'd it; but the Wind that favour'd his going [Page 112]forward, was against his retreat; the In­fidels soon appear'd, giving great shouts, as if they had been sure of the Victory Signior Venier, whom Discretion, no [...] Fear, had counsel'd to retreat, seeing i [...] too late to put that Design in executio [...] prepar'd himself for the Fight. Th [...] Turks in the mean time advanc'd wit [...] great resolution; but Signior Venier fire [...] so briskly upon them, that he held the [...] in awe, and they would not venture al [...] that day to come closer up to him. Th [...] Night being come, the Fight ceas'd with­out any great advantage on either side; both employ'd this time to repair the da­mage they had receiv'd: The Day no [...] sooner appear'd, but the Turks asham'd o [...] having no better succeeded with so great a [...] number, began the Fight afresh; Signio [...] Venier not only bore their Onset, but at­tack'd them himself as he saw occasion, especialy after some of the Enemies Ca­noniers were kill'd, which debarr'd them the use of their Cannon, and gave such advantage to Signior Venier, that he sunk some of their Vessels, and gave chase to the rest. The Infidels, who, during the Fight, had a particular care to keep the [Page 113]Slaves before mention'd, who were all in the same Vessel, were now forc'd to leave them to the Conqueror, who content with his victory, left off the pursuit, which, however, he could not well con­tinue, his Vessel having lost this Mast. The Infidels were made happy in their misfor­tune, by a circumstance, without which not one of them had escap'd, which was that some days before the Fight Signior Venier's Squadron had been dispersed by contrary Winds; had he had all his Ves­sels, 'tis easie to imagine how entire his Victory would have been; however 'tis to his great Honour that he came off so successfully in so dangerous a business.

The Infidels did all they could in Dal­matia (especially since General Cornaro had taken Singe) to make some success­ful attempt upon the Christians. The Basha of Ertzegovine drew together twelve thousand men, and march'd into the Field at the head of them, but attempted no farther than to make some Incursions about Zara, and burn some Villages; 'tis true, he advanc'd under the Cannon of Singe, and gave some Allarm to the Governour, who had been advertis'd [Page 114]some days before, that the Basha had in­telligence with some of his Officers, so that it behoved him to be vigilant whilst he was in his Neighbourhood; but the true reason that this Basha had taken the Field, was to put Ammunition in Clin, which he effected, though oppos'd by a Party.

This Basha, who is a daring man, gave some trouble to the Proveditor-General, who fear'd lest by the favour of the Ice, he would make some attempt upon the new Conquests; for which cause he promis'd great Rewards to the Morlaques, if they would continue firm to the Service of the Republique. But whatever he could do, some were found amongst them who had undertaken to kill Chevalier Janco their Commander, a man very much ad­dicted to the Venetians, for which reason he was become odious to the Basha, who had promis'd those Traytors a good Summ of Money, provided they brought him his Head; but he had notice of the Design time enough to prevent it. He caus'd one of the Villains to be seiz'd, the other made his escape, well knowing no mercy was to be hop'd after such a [Page 115]Crime. In the mean time the Proveditor General was uneasie under these Circum­stances, and sent an Account to Venice of the Trouble he was in, and how neces­sary it was to send him some assistance. Thus ended the Campaigne in Dalmatia.

In the mean time Signior Morosini, be­fore he took his Winter Quarters, pos­sess'd himself of the Isle of Maxos in the Archipelago, a Conquest not very consi­derable in it self, (but the place being well fortify'd both by Situation and Art) it may be of ill Consequence to the Turks, which obliges the Christians to work there with great diligence; and there are already eight thousand Workmen sent thither, the Republique sparing no Cost either for that, or any other Expences of the War. General Morosini, after he had been in the Archipelago, where the Turks trembled for fear, not thinking themselves safe in any Fortress, return'd to Napoli di Romania, where the Deputies of Athens waited for him to know upon what terms they might be admitted into the Protection of the Republique, desiring to do it by a voluntary Contribution, notwithstanding that the Infidels threat­ned [Page 116]to complain at Constantinople of their proceeding, as contrary to the obedience they ow'd the Grand Signior, and to de­stroy all by Fire and Sword, rather than consent.

Since we cannot too well know the brave, especially those who have taken upon them to fight, during their lives, for the Christian Faith, I suppose the Reader will not be offended that I present him with a List sent from Malta, containing the Names of all the Knights that made their Campaign this year 1686. in the Ve­netian Army, and of whom the formidable Battalion of Malta is compos'd. The Lis [...] of the Officers follows at the end of the Book.

THE HISTORY OF THE Venetian Conquests, &c. The Fourth Book.

1687 THE Forces of Dalmatia were not idle even in the Winter, but made continual Incursions into the Enemies Country, the severity of the Season not being enough to make them observe any kind of Truce or Cessation. The Inhabi­tants and Garrison of Santo Stephano sur­priz'd the Town of Antivari, all that op­pos'd them were put to the Sword; and having brought together all the Booty which consisted of Money, Moveables, [Page 118]and Plate, and of nine hundred head of Cattel, they retired with it to their Quar­ters. The Ships of the Republique which were cruising in the Archipelago, took six more of the Turkish Vessels which were laden with Provision from Ægypt, and bound for Constantinople, where both the Plague and Famine did rage.

Signior Perastino, Captain of a Vessel named, Our Lady of Mountaigne, arriving at the Port of Suda to take in Provisions and fresh Water, Signior Alvise Marcello, Proveditor Extraordinary, desir'd him to take in Water at Seignet near Canea, him­self having no more than was necessary for the subsistence of his Garrison. He ad­vanc'd on the side of Porto Nuovo, with eighteen Seamen, having a Convoy of fifty eight men to attend him by the or­der of the Proveditor. Ali Cubi, Go­vernor of Canea, having notice of it from the Inhabitants of Cisterna, sent im­mediately Ali Bey with eighteen Horse to view the Christians; the Ali having dis­cover'd them, retir'd to Cisterna; the Inhabitants dispatch'd a second Courier to the Basha of Canea, who made a second Detachment of threescore men. These [Page 119]two Detachments being joyn'd, yet durst not attack the Venetians, who had in­trench'd themselves at Citro, and were all arm'd with Musquets to receive the Infidels. The Basha having been inform'd of it by a third Courier, resolv'd to go himself at the head of a Detachment of four hundred Horse and Foot, scorning that a handful of Men should thus brave him. But his Son having disswaded him from that Enterprise, took it upon him­self, and march'd towards them with a design to break through them. They were receiv'd by the Venetians with Musquet-shot: The Fight was long and bloody, both sides encountring with e­qual vigour. The Basha's Son attack'd the Christians several times with all the fury of a Commander, resolv'd to con­quer in despite of Fortune; yet the Turks were at last forc'd to retreat by the fa­vour of the Night, with the loss of many men: There were an hundred wounded, of which number was the Basha's Son, who died in a few hours; his Horse and Sword were taken and sent to General Morosini. This Basha's Son was Nephew to the Sultan lately depos'd, about five [Page 120]and twenty years of Age; he shew'd in this Action a Courage and Conduct above his years: His Father was so enrag'd at this ill success, that he imprison'd the second Ali Bey, threatning to be reveng'd on him for the Death of his Son.

In the mean time the Turks, to keep their Forces in heart, resolv'd to besiege Singe in Dalmatia, endeavouring to per­swade them, that on the event of this Siege depended the Success of the whole Campaigne. In effect they invested the place with twenty thousand men com­manded by the Basha's of Bossine and Ertzegovine, and twenty six piece of Cannon, with some Mortars, which they divided in three Batteries. They thought themselves so sure of carrying the Town, that the next day after they came before it, they sent away eight thousand men to attempt to enter into the Province of Zoga. The Marquis Borri, General of the Battalia, and Governour of the place, writ to General Cornaro as soon as he found himself besieged, that he wanted neither Men nor Provisions, and that he was the more resolute to defend it, in that he hop'd he should in a short time [Page 121]be reliev'd. Signior Cornaro was over­joy'd to hear this resolution, yet did not in the mean time neglect to send a Reinforce­ment of men who got into the place, not­withstanding the vigilance of the Enemy. In the mean time the Turks with twelve thousand men that remain'd, attack'd a Rondel, and made three assaults one after another, in all which they were repuls'd. The Garrison made several Sallies with so good success, that they cut off the Heads of above an hundred Turks, and plac'd them on the Walls to give terrour to the rest. The Turks seeing themselves so mistaken in their measures, having re­manded their Detachment, sent to sum­mon the Governour, and to terrifie him, they let him know that no quarter should be given, unless he surrendred; that the relief he might pretend to expect, was at so great a distance, that the place would be taken before it could come: They bid him consider of it; but the best advice they could give him, was to provide for his affairs in good time. The Governour having receiv'd this Complement, gave them for answer, That if either Party had reason to fear, it must certainly be them­selves; [Page 122]That they were deluded by false hopes; That they might have inferr'd from the resistance he had already made, that it would not be easie for them to succeed in their design; That if instead of giving him advice, they would receive any from him, he advis'd them in good earnest not to persist in so vain an attempt; That he would have them know, that Gene­ral Cornaro was on his march to relieve him; and that to avoid a greater dis­grace, they would do well to retire, and make no longer stay there. This An­swer making them understand they had no fearful man to deal with, they con­tinu'd the Siege, but with so little suc­cess, that at the end of three Weeks they were no farther advanc'd than on the first day. In the mean time the brave resistance of the besieged having given time to General Cornaro to draw together his Forces, who were yet in their Quar­ters, he march'd to their relief. The Pro­veditor Zen, General of the Horse, join'd him with eighteen hundred men, and Chevalier Janco brought him a thousand Morlaques, which altogether made up fourteen thousand men. General Zen [Page 123]commanded the Cavalry, General San Paolo the Foot, and General Cornaro the whole Body of the Army. They arriv'd on the 22d. of April to a place call'd Lism, not far from the Enemies Camp, where they made a halt; two hundred men were sent to a Hill to give notice to the Be­sieged of the approach of Relief, by a Volley; at the noise of which the Infidels came to view the Christians, and found the whole Army was on its march to make them raise the Siege. The Turks would not stay their coming up, though they were the greater number. They prepar'd for their retreat on the 23. of April in the Evening, by sending away their Cannon and Baggage, which was follow'd by the Foot and Horse. The Besieged at the same time made a Salley, charg'd those that stay'd last in the Tren­ches, and fill'd up their Works. The E­nemies during the Siege, and in their re­treat, lost above three and twenty hun­dred men, and some Officers of several stations. In the mean time Chevalier Jan­co, who was gone before with his Mor­laques, was surpriz'd to see that the Turks had rais'd the Siege in such haste, and [Page 124]that their Horse had already gain'd the Bridge of Cettina. He entred their Camp, where he found some Barrels of Powder, some Swords, and one piece of Cannon, which the Enemies had left, having first nail'd it. The 24th. General Cornaro en­tred into the Town, being extremely well satisfy'd with the vigorous resistance the Garrison had made, and gave a thou­sand Commendations to Marquis Borri, and the other Officers who had signalliz'd themselves on this occasion. The Senate being advertis'd of it, caus'd considerable Presents to be made them, and the Soul­diers had each of them a piece of money. On the 25th. Te Deum was sung. On the 26th. the General retir'd to Spalatro, ha­ving first given necessary Orders for the reparation of the place, and the Forces return'd to their Quarters.

The Basha of Ertzegovine being next, that he could not succeed in his Enter­prise, took his revenge for that disgrace by wasting the Territory of Trau, reap'd the Harvest, and carry'd away all the Corn. This Basha gathered together three thousand men more, and march'd towards the Fort of Opusch, a little place [Page 125]situate on the River Narenta, with de­sign to attack it. He flatter'd himself with the thought, that he need no more than shew himself to gain the place; but the Governour of the place had very dif­ferent Sentiments, instead of opening the Gates to him, as he expected, he repre­sented to his little Garrison, that a glo­rious Death was better than a shameful Servitude, which was all could be ex­pected, if they surrendred on discretion, and that they would not die without sa­crificing a great number of the Infidels. Signior Cornaro having notice of this, thought himself oblig'd without delay to second the good resolution of the Besieg­ed; for this purpose he commanded some Forces of that side to march, and sent or­ders to Chevalier Janco to be there with the Morlaques, three Galleys, and some other Vessels to transport the Forces. This march, and the resolution of the Be­sieged, oblig'd the Basha to retire, not being willing to engage himself farther in an attempt which was like to prove as vain as that of Singe had been. But the Morlaques not content to have disappoint­ed their Enemies Designs, surpriz'd the [Page 126]Suburbs of Dumno, and several Villages of that Country, which they pillag'd and burnt: The Booty they carry'd away, consisted of many Prisoners, with a great number of Sheep and Cattel.

During this time the Pirates of Dulcig­no went on shore in the Territories of the Republique, and carry'd many away into Slavery, and amongst others, the Go­vernour of Citta-Nova, with all his Fami­ly. Some Vessels were commanded out to cut them off in their return, but could not light on these Pirates.

Count Coningsmark had shew'd much Experience, Courage and Conduct in the Service of the Republique. The King of Suedes, who had a value for him, ha­ving remanded him, the Doge writ the following Letter to his Majesty, which here you have in the same terms as it came from Stockholm.

The Plague, with which many Cantons of the Morea were infected, was the cause that the Venetians entred late into action. The Turks who were resolv'd to keep on the defensive part, might have made great progress on that side by opposing their Enemies with equal numbers, since the Pope's Galleys, those of Malta, and of Tuscany came not to the assistance of the Venetians, by reason of the apprehension they had of the Plague; but all prov'd quite contrary, and there was something so surprising and wonderful in the good success the Christians met with in the Mo­rea, that upon due reflection, it seems al­most incredible; the good understanding that was between the Generals, did not a little contribute to it, who, though some­times of different Sentiments, yet were always united in the same methods by the consideration of the publick good, as may appear by what follows.

A little before the Naval Army went from Climno, a Turkish Aga put himself under the Protection of the Republique, who reported that the Infidels had an Ar­my consisting of twelve thousand choice men, who were encamp'd near Patras, [Page 130]and another of six thousand near Misitra. The Venetians on the other side, had but seven thousand Foot, twelve hundred Dragoons, and about the same number of Sclavonians. The Pope's Forces, and those of Malta and Tuscany, not having joyn'd them for fear of the Plague, made a diminution of three thousand men.

The Commanders of the Venetian Ar­my, were Generalissimo Morosini, Count Coningsmark, who was happily recover'd of a hurt he receiv'd by the kicking of a Horse, and a Fever that was caus'd by it; Prince Maximilian William of Brunswick and Lunenburg, General, who was newly arriv'd with a Reinforcement of some fresh Regiments; and Lieutenant General D' Avila, who notwithstanding his great Age, was very vigorous.

Under the Conduct of these Com­manders, the Army left Climno the 20th. of July towards the Evening, and by the favour of the Wind, were the next day in the Morning near Patras; some were sent immediately to view the Dardanels that guard the mouth of the Gulf of Lepante, and observe whether they might land their Forces there; but they per­ceiv'd [Page 131]that the Enemies had made Re­trenchments all along the Coast. The same day in the Evening they went to the other side of the Gulf, but found that the Enemy expected to be attack'd on that side, and that they had divided their Army into four Camps; one being above Patras, another on the mid-way between Patras and the Dardanels, the third on the far­ther side of the Castle of Romelia, and the fourth on the nearer side of the Ca­stle of Morea. The Gulf of Lepante has four Rocks. The Ionian Sea runs into it by a mouth form'd by two Pro­montories which shoot themselves on each side into the Sea; that which is in the Morea is call'd Capo Antirio; it is guarded by a Castle which is call'd indifferently the Castle of Patras, or of Morea. The other which is in Achaia, is call'd Capo Rione; it has also a Fortress call'd the Castle of Ro­melia. These Castles are commonly call'd the Dardanels of Lepant. They are of a Square form, and have good Walls, with Batteries near the surface of the Water.

On the 22d. at break of Day they landed on the right hand of Patras, about the distance of two French Leagues from [Page 132]the Fortress, and a quarter of a League from the Turks Retrenchments. This landing was made without any opposi­tion, and it was said afterwards by the Prisoners, that the Serasquier suffer'd it on purpose, being resolv'd upon this oc­casion to conquer or die. The Christi­ans being posted along the Sea-Coast, about an hundred Turkish Horse came up and charg'd the Hanover Forces, but were vi­gorously repuls'd with the loss of twenty men, there being but two of the Christi­ans kill'd, and seven wounded. The next day a Council of War was held to debate what way was to be taken to attack the Enemies in their Camp, or force them to Battel. The way by land was very bad, and there was a Wood to pass of near a League and a half, so that that was judg­ed impossible; it was found equally dan­gerous to go by Sea, the Passage being very narrow, and the Enemy expecting to be attack'd on that side, had plac'd there a Battery of some Cannon; this made them resolve to go round the Wood, and attack the Enemy behind; which re­solution the Generalissimo could hardly be induc'd to approve, thinking their [Page 133]march would be at too great a distance from the Sea; but when Count Conings­mark had sent him an Approbation of it, sign'd by all the Generals and Colonels, he agreed to it.

They march'd in the Evening, having made Provision for some days, they left the Mountains on their right hand, and the Wood and the Sea on their left. They met with some very rugged ways in their march, and so narrow that they could not pass two a breast; from whence it may be judged with how much difficulty they brought on the Artillery, which was done by those of the Galleys. Signior Sanudo, Captain of the Gulf, had pass'd the Dardanels on the 23d. in the Evening to cut off the Communication between the Turkish Camps; and on the 24th. a­bout Noon the Christian Army appear'd before the Enemy in very good order, the forces of Hanover being for the greatest part on the right Wing, and the whole Army drawn up in a square Body.

The Enemy presently march'd out of the Trenches with ten thousand Foot, and four thousand Horse, and gave the first Volley, though at some distance; the [Page 134]Cavalry with their Swords in their hands, charg'd the Venetians on the left Wing, but Count Coningsmark advanc'd with his Squadrons, and all the Cavalry commanded by the Marquis of Courbon, who was very well seconded by Viscount de Turenne, so that the Turks meeting there with so strong resistance, turn'd all their Forces on the right Wing; there were amongst them two thousand Janiza­ries, each of whom had been regal'd by the Serasquier with five and twenty Re­als, and a promise of as much more after the Victory. The three old Regiments of Hanover made the Front and Flank of the right Wing, and those newly come, the main Body. They let their Enemies advance within ten paces distance, which made them attempt to hew down with their Swords the Chevaux de Frisei, but were repuls'd by such thick Volleys of Musquet-shot, that all their Efforts were in vain, though they several times renew'd the Charge; so that after they had lost a great number of their men, the Serasquier himself being wounded, and the Basha of Vallona kill'd on the place, the rest were forc'd to fly, and were hotly pursu'd by [Page 135]the Dragoons and Sclavonians. Count Coningsmark observing that the Forces of Hanover so well perform'd their Duty, and that they appear'd as void of fear as in their usual Exercises, could not but de­clare aloud, that he doubted not of Vi­ctory, since he saw those Forces in the place of greatest danger. He commended in publique before the Generalissimo, the undaunted Courage the Prince of Ha­nover had shewn both in this Action and past Campaigns, his Forces having been very much encourag'd by his brave Ex­ample. There were found in the Field above an hundred Turks kill'd, most of them on the side of the right Wing: About a thousand paces within the Wood, there had been above five hundred Turks slain, and a like number of wounded in the Camp; on the rest of the way through which they fled, there were found near an hundred more of these Infidels kill'd or wounded, without reckoning those that stragled, and were destroyed elsewhere, which in all might make near two thou­sand men, the [...]rest having escap'd and pass'd the Mountains in disorder. Of the Hanover Forces there were but thirty lost. Amongst the Officers, Lieutenant Butler [Page 136]of the Regiment of Rangrafe, was kill'd, and Captain Rabe, who was there as a Voluntier, receiv'd three dangerous Wounds in the Arm. A Colonel of the Sclavonians was kill'd and his loss very much resented, he being a man of singular merit. The Serasquier's great Standard was taken with ten others. The Tents had most of them been rais'd and carry'd away from the Camp, but there were found six pieces of Artillery, some Wag­gons laden with Ammunition and Bag­gage, and a great number of Horses and Arms: They took also fourteen Galleys which the Turks had left in the Gulf.

The Garrison of Patras having seen this defeat, and that Captain Negro was advancing towards them with some Vo­lunteers, quitted the place with all the Artillery and Ammunition that was in it. Patras is a very ancient City, and the Seat of an Archbishop; its situation is convenient for Traffick and Navigation. It takes up seven hundred paces of the Gulf of Patras, where the Port of Pa­normo is. In the time of Augustus the Inhabitants were Citizens of Rome: There are at this time many Jews, who make it a place of Trade, and it is the only [Page 137]place of these Coasts, where the Greeks of the neighbouring Islands, the English and the French are wont to traffick. It was a Dutchy in time of the Despots, but those Princes finding themselves too weak to defend it, sold it to the Venetians in the year 1408. the Turks took it from them in 1463. In 1533. Doria besieg'd it and took it; a little time after he made sure his Conquest by the reduction of the Fortress that commands it, which sur­rendred it self, though it had formerly held out against a powerful Army of the Emperor Constantinus Palaeologus. The next year the Turks return'd and expell'd the Venetians.

In the mean time Basha Mehemet, who was with six thousand men near the Ca­stle of Romelia, fled also with the Gar­rison of the place, having first blown up part of it. Guisulderem Mahemet, who was near the Castle of Morea, did the same, having discover'd the Venetian Gal­leys early in the Morning making towards the place from the Dardanels; but what is most surprising is, that the City of Le­pante, which is very strong, surrendred it self without resistance at the first dis­covery [Page 138]they made from far of the Vene­tians Naval Army. The Garrison went away with as much as every Souldier could carry on his back. The Generalis­simo entred the place, and set up the Standard of the Republique. Lepant is an Archbishop's See; it is built all round a Hill, on the top of which is the For­tress, surrounded with four thick Walls divided from each other by the Vallies where the Houses of the Inhabitants stand. The Haven is of five hundred paces, the mouth of it fifty, and the Channel is not deep. However the famous Pirate Darach Bey harbour'd there formerly with his Galleys. There have been four Temples consecrated, to Neptune, Venus, Æscula­pius, and Diana: There are at present seven Mosques, two Churches for the Greeks, and three Synagogues for the Jews. There are on the East-side near the Sea abundance of fine Springs which afford Water to the Mills for Powder us'd by those that dress Spanish Leather, the Trade of the Inhabitants being in that Powder. These Springs afterwards gli­ding on at the Foot of twelve great Plane trees, form a place of much delight, and [Page 139]then supply a great many curious Gardens with their Waters; their Banks are beau­tify'd with Citron, Limmon and Orange trees; the Territory produces excellent Wine. In the year 1408. Lepant was under the Imperial Seat of Constantinople, but Emanuel, who then rul'd, not find­ing himself strong enough to defend the place, put it into the hands of the Repub­lique, the Venetians put it into a Condi­tion of making a good defence. In 1475. it was besieged by thirty thousand Turks, who having batter'd it during the space of four months, in vain, were forc'd to raise the Siege. But in the year 1498. Ba­jazet the second attack'd it at the head of 150000. men, and took it.

It seems almost incredible that the Ve­netians should gain all these Advantages in the space of four and twenty hours, but it is certain they won the Battel, and gain'd these four important Fortresses in less than a day and a half, viz. from the Morning of the 23d. of July, to ten of the Clock the next day. They found in the Camp, and the places the Turks had quitted, one hundred forty five piece of Artillery, and in the Gulf of Lepant, se­veral [Page 140]Gallies, Galeasses, and other Ves­sels charg'd with Provisions, and some Christians whom they immediately set at liberty.

It happen'd some days before the action last mention'd, that Polani the Prove­ditor of Zarnata, detach'd two thousand men, who were joyn'd by a thousand more from the Proveditor of Coron; they encamp'd within two leagues of the Town of Larithene, their aim being to surprize it, which the Serasquier under­standing, he sent out an hundred and fifty Horse to view the Christians Camp. The Mainotts intercepted their passage, and advanc'd up to the Town; the Gar­rison sally'd out, to attack this handful of Mainotts; the other three thousand be­ing come up, those of Larithene, endea­voured to save themselves in the Town, but the others entred Pell-mell with them, and pillag'd the Town, giving quar­ter to none but four hundred persons whom they made Slaves.

After Signior Morosini had sent an account of these Progresses to the Re­publique, it was order'd by them in full Senate, That the Arms of this most il­lustrious [Page 141]General should be set up in the great Council Hall, and that Count Co­ningsmark's annual Pension should be en­creas'd six thousand Ducats. At the same time a Present of four thousand Ducats was assign'd to the Prince of Hanover, and a Sword of two thousand to Viscount Turene; the Marquis of Courbon's pay was encreas'd two thousand Ducats by giving him the place of Serjeant-General of the Battalia; and proportionable acknow­ledgments were made to all those who had had the Honour to signalize them­selves.

The first care the Generalissimo took after his new Conquests, was, not only to give solemn thanks to God, but to cause all the Churches to be re-conse­crated, which had been us'd by the In­fidels for Mosques. These Churches were dedicated under the Name of several Saints, and given to several religious Or­ders; at Patras one was consecrated to the Immaculate Conception, and given to the Coventual Fryers; another situate in the Suburbs, was dedicated to Saint Andrew, who (by the Report of several Authors) had there suffer'd Martyrdom [Page 142]under the Proconsul Ægeus; it was gi­ven to the discalc'd Carmelites. The Mosque of Lepant was consecrated anew under the name of Saint James, that City being reduc'd under the obedience of the Venetians on the Feast day of that Saint. Signior Morosini after he had pro­vided for the Government of the Church, took into his consideration the Govern­ment of the Places he had taken, and nam'd all necessary Officers, to the end that the People being furnish'd with all things, might enjoy that peace and rest which had long been unknown to them. Signior Girolamo Priuli was made Go­vernour of Patras, and Signior Pietro Grioni, Lieutenant; Signior Tadeo Gra­denigo, Governour of Lepant; and Mar­quiss Messulipa, Lieutenant; Signior Mar­co Barbarigo, Governour of the Castle of Morea; and Signior Girolamo Tepolo, Lieutenant: that of Romelia had for Governour, Signior Alvise Sagredo till fur­ther orders. Signior Morosini sent to summon the Castle Tornese, which is a Fortress near the Province of Belvedere, between the Gulf of Chiarenza and that of Arcadia; it is built upon an eminence [Page 143]about three miles distant from the Sea. The Aga who was there, made no resistance, but desir'd to capitulate, and after the first Summons quitted the place; it was the sole defence of two hundred Villages and Forts in that most fruitful part of the Morea; all which submitted themselves; an hundred and fifty Turks that desired it, receiv'd Baptism, the rest retir'd towards Achaia. There were found in Castle-Tor­nese nine piece of Brass Cannon, and twenty of Iron.

The Serasquier, after the loss of Patras, retir'd to Corinth with the remnant of his Army, and Signior Morosini being desirous to compleat his Victory, and at the same time let the Serasquier see he had both Courage and Strength enough to take that place whither he had retir'd with all his Forces, made towards the Gulf of Corinth with his Fleet, augmented now with four­teen Galeots which had been taken un­der the Castles of Lepant; in the mean time Count Coningsmark on his part ad­vanc'd thither by land.

The Serasquier having heard of this march, and not finding among the four thousand men he had, resolution enough [Page 144]to defend themselves, fell into such a de­spair, that he caus'd fire to be set to the Magazines of Powder and Victuals, and to some Houses in the City and Out-town, and blew up some part of the Fortifica­tions, and then took his flight towards Thebes, and so quitted the Morea. He sent Orders before to the Governours of some Fortresses to set fire to them, and joyn him with their Garrisons and Bag­gage in the craggy Mountains of Thebes, there to wait for relief from Constantino­ple. He burn'd, destroy'd, and kill'd all the Greeks he found in his way, because they seem'd not dispos'd to make such opposition to the Venetians as he expected; to which he added, That they were the cause of all the ill success of the War; but those of that Nation being provok'd by such barbarous usage, kill'd two thousand of his men, and made four hundred Pri­soners.

As they drew nearer to Corinth, they perceiv'd afar off the rest of the Turkish Cavalry on their flight, and the City ap­pear'd on fire; but it was quench'd be­fore it consum'd all the Magazines, and there was found great store of Victuals [Page 145]and Ammunition, besides six and forty Brass Cannon, and four of Iron. The chief of the Grecians who were come out of the City to meet the Venetians, fell at the feet of the Generalissimo in the name of the rest of the Inhabitants, and told him there were no Turks in the place, but that they believ'd some of them were at Misitra. A great Detachment was plac'd in Garrison at Corinth; two Companies in the Citadel, from whence a like number of the Turks were fled, and there the Standard of St. Mark was set up: Signior Morosini view'd the place, and provided all things they might stand in need of; he receiv'd the submission of the Metropolitan, and many other Bi­shops and Priests. They shew'd to the Venetians the Mount Parnassus, the Foun­tain of Helicon, and that of Pirene so ce­lebrated by Homer; a Statue of Janus found in the Suburbs of Corinth, the Tomb of Diogenes, the Ruins of the Tem­ple of Minerva, and several other pieces of Antiquity, as also the marks of the Wall built by the Venetians in the year 1463. to enclose the Isthmus of Corinth. Lewis Loredan General at Sea, having [Page 146]landed his Forces to joyn them with those of Bertold d' Este, and employ them joyntly on this Work; thirty thousand Workmen were set to it, who in the space of fifteen days finish'd it, adding to it double Ditches, and an hundred thirty six Towers. This Work was call'd Exa­milion by reason of its length, which was six miles; in the middle of it, as soon as it was finish'd, an Altar was prepar'd, and the whole Army heard Mass there. This Country was famous for the Isthmian Games, the Temple of Neptune, and the Forrest of Pines, of whose Branches Crowns were made for the Champions.

There are few places mention'd in An­tiquty that has suffer'd more remarkable changes of Fortune, or been oftner ruin'd than Corinth. It is near the middle of the Isthmus where the Ægean and Ionian Sea meet; its situation is so commodious, that it has been call'd the Eye of Greece, and Bulwark of Peloponnesus. It was, ac­cording to Plutarch, the chief City of all Greece; and Cicero said it was the Beauty and Glory of it. It was destroyed by the Romans under the Consul Memnius, and rebuilt by Augustus; it has been ruin'd by [Page 147] Amurath the second, and by his Son Ma­homet; it has furnish'd the Church with a great number of Saints. St. Paul re­main'd there eighteen Months, and we read in the Holy Scripture two Epistles writ by him to the Inhabitants of this place, whom he had converted: They se­parated themselves from the Communion of the Church under the Greek Empe­rors. Corinth was besieg'd in the time of the Emperor Emanuel, by Roger the Nor­mand, King of Naples, and reliev'd by the Venetians. About two hundred years after it fell under the Dominion of the Despots of Greece, who return'd it into the hands of the Venetians. Mahomet II. next made himself Master of it; it has had thir­teen Kings in the time of the first Dyna­stie, which began by Lelex, first King of the Lacedaemonians, and ended with Tisa­menes, Son of Orestes, their thirteenth King, whom Procles and Euristhenes, Sons of Aristodemus and Argia, drove out; they were Twins, and reigning together in Lacedaemon, made the second Dynastie: Their Posterity reign'd in the same man­ner divided into two Families Royal, the [...] of the Agides, or Euristhenides, who [Page 148]were the most famous and had One and thirty Kings; the other of the Proclides or Euripontides, who had but Twenty four.

The Citadel of Corinth, of which we have spoken, is call'd Acro-Corinth; it is a Castle built on the top of a high Hill, and was formerly thought impregnable, Art and Nature seeming to have contend­ed to make it strong.

The Generalissimo knowing there was yet remaining a great Body of Turks in Misitra, made a great Detachment of his regulated Forces and the Mainots, and sent them thither under the Command of Signior Polani. At their first appearing before the Place, the white Flag was hung out, and the Governour sent four Deputies to the Generalissimo, to desire the Garrison might have free Passage, but they were answer'd, That unless the Town would pay Two hunder'd thou­sand Piastres he would put all the Inhabi­tants from the age of Eighteen to Fifty into the Galleys, and that he would let none go but Women and those that were aged.

Misitra is a City so considerable that it deserves a particular Description: No­thing was more celebrated amongst the Ancients than the Names of Lacedaemon and Sparta. This City that now bears the name of Misitra was once call'd by both those names; the first upon the ac­count of Lacedaemon who succeeded Lelex, the other from Queen Sparta, Daughter of the same Lacedaemon and Europa; though some Authors are of o­pinion, that his last name was given by Spartus Son of Phoroneus King of Argos, who was its first Founder. Its Circumfe­rence has anciently been Forty eight Stades; the ground it stands on is part plain and part rising: The Mount Tayge­tus Commands it; but what is most to be admir'd, is, that this City preserv'd it self Eight hunder'd years, without Fortifica­tions, against the frequent Attempts of all its Enemies, and that it no sooner had Walls but it grew less Prosperous, and oftner chang'd its Master. Its Lati­tude is 35 Degrees 26 Minute: This City is divided into four Parts, the Ca­stle, the new Town, the middle Suburbss and the out Suburbs; this last is separated [Page 150]from the other Parts by the Vasili Potamos, over which there is a Bridge for Commu­nication; the Castle is situate on an E­minence which bears the form of a Sugar Loaf: there are several Cisterns of Water, and in the middle of it a Mosque, which was formerly a Church of the Christians; the Situation of it is so advantageous, that all Historians agree it was never ta­ken by force, though it has been briskly assaulted by the Venetians, and by Maho­met the Second. The Despots caus'd it to be built about the time when the Graecian Empire began to decay: Authors are not agreed concerning the Foundation of La­cedaemon; but according to the Calcula­tion of Father Petau, it might be 3422. years since this City was built; and so it will be more ancient than Carthage, Sira­cuse, Alexandria, Lyons, or Marseilles, which are reputed the most ancient Ci­ties of the World. The Despot Theodore in the Year 1405. sold Sparta and Co­rinth to Phillibert de Naillac, Prior of Aquitain, and Great Master of Rhodes, but the Treaty was without effect: Theo­dore left this City to his Nephew of his own Name, Son to the Emperor Emanuel. [Page 151]This Theodore the Second married an Ita­lian Lady, of the House of Malatesta, by which means the Title of Duke of Sparta fell to that Family; he succeeded his Bro­ther John in the Empire of Constantinople, and plac'd his youngest Son Constantine on the Throne of Sparta, which fell at last to the share of Prince Demetrius, from whom it was taken by Mahomet the Second in 1460. and 3200. years after its Foundation. Benedetto Colleone took this City in 1473. but by his death was pre­vented from taking the Castle. This City was under the Republque from the time of the Doge Henrico Dandolo; and Wri­ters agree not about the time that it was taken from the Venetians.

In the mean time the Albanians and Morlaques of the Morea pursu'd the Turks in their retreat towards Thebes, and kill'd and took Prisoners a great number of them. Many Graecian Families left Achaia to come into the Morea, and above Twelve thousand Inhabitants (of which Three thousand were able to bear Arms) did the same. Many also of Romelia de­manded the Protection of the Republick, and the Generalissimo order'd them some [Page 152]Ships for their Passage into the Morea. But let us now take a view of Dalmatia, where the Republick extends its Limits by new Conquests.

Many of the People of Dalmatia came daily to place themselves under the Pro­tection of the Venetians, and at the ap­proach of General Cornaro's Army, ten Villages, with the Basha that command­ed them, did the same. Count Noncovich, who Commanded the Militia of the Streights of Zagabria, joyn'd Two thou­sand of his Men to the Venetian Forces, and being enter'd into the Ertzegovine, took the Castle of seven Towers, where One hunder'd and fifty Turks were made Prisoners, besides those that were kill'd in the defence of it, and having pillag'd the Place set fire to it. In his retreat he laid an Ambuscade for the Governour of Smocco, and having taken him caus'd his head to be cut off, without giving any ear to the Propositions he made of Twen­ty thousand Crowns for his Ransom.

Signior Cornaro Proveditor general of Dalmatia, resolv'd to lay Siege to Castel-Novo, the Auxiliary Galleys having set out towards that Place, in order to joyn [Page 153]the Venetian Forces, but they would not obey him, because he was but in the quali­ty of Proveditor general; but the Senate took away this difficulty by sending him the Fanal, and the Gonfalon or Standard, with the Title of Captain General for that Campaign only.

Some time before the Forces set out for the Siege of Castel-Novo, they made an irruption into the Territory of Naren­za, and setting Fire to thirty Villages, fa­vour'd the design which Two thousand Morlaques had of joyning themselves to the Venetians. Six hunder'd that were thought fit to bear Arms were command­ed to joyn themselves to the other For­ces, and dispute the Passage with the In­fidels that were going to succour Castel-Novo. The Basha of Ertzegovine would also have hinder'd the Venetians from en­tring into the Territory of Narenza, but was vigorously repuls'd and forc'd to fly.

Chevalier Janco having put himself at the Head of a detachment of Morlaques, defeated a Party of Three hunder'd Turks, but it cost him his Life, for as he was go­ing to cut off the head of a Turk whom [Page 154]he had overthrown, the Barbarian shot off a Pistol and kill'd him; his loss was much resented both by the Morlaques and Venetians, especially the latter; for since he had embrac'd their Interests he had done them very great Services, and by his Courage and Conduct contributed very much to their Conquests in Dalmatia.

The following Relation of the Siege of Castel-Novo was sent from Malta; we may well believe it exact, since it comes from a Knight of the Order, who was an Eye witness of what pass'd in the Siege, and was himself in the greatest occasions of Danger.

Count Herbesteim Grand Prior of Hun­gary, and General of the Gallies of Mal­ta, who besides his Squadron of eight Galleys, had also under his command se­ven of those belonging to the Pope, ha­ving receiv'd express Orders both from his Holiness and the Grand Master, not to joyn the Venetian Army in the Morea, Commanded by Generalissimo Morosini, for fear of the Plague, having daily con­firmations of their suspicion that it was amongst them, found himself out of ca­pacity to employ him forces for the Ser­vice [Page 155]of Christendom, and after having been cruising on the Sea for the space of three Months, he did but wait the Orders of the Grand Master to return to Malta, when he receiv'd, in Calabria on the 2d. of August, a Packet from Rome, by which he understood that his Holiness had re­solv'd to make an Attempt on some of those Places the Turks held in Dalmatia along the Gulf of Venice.

This news having made him hasten to­wards that side, he arriv'd there on the seventh of August, and having advertis'd General Geronimo Cornaro of it, went to Anchor towards the Isle of Lezina to at­tend him there, who in the mean time was employ'd in gathering his Forces to­gether: After they had had some mutual Correspondence by Letters, they argreed on the Siege of Castel-Novo, but notwith­standing all his diligence General Cornaro could not be in readiness to act till the latter end of the Month.

Castel-Novo is a Place of great impor­tance to the Turks, Situate towards the Mouth of the Gulf of Castaro, which takes its name from another Place belonging to the Republique, lying at the lower end [Page 156]of the Gulf, the Garrison of which Place, as well as the Inhabitants of those that are adjacent being subject to the Venetians, are always at blows with the Militia of Castel-Novo, by reason of which these In­fidels are inur'd to War, and are esteemed the most courageous and resolute of all the Country. This Place is Situate on the Sea side, and extends it self on two Lines, the one looking towards Albania, the other towards the City of Ragusa; and where it reaches furthest into the Land, there is a Castle that Commands the whole Town: Besides this Castle there is ano­ther, or if you please an old fashion'd Fort apart from the Castle, which covers it and guards its avenues. The Place is encompass'd with old fashion'd Walls of thick and solid Stone-work, and flank'd with great Towers, between which there are some lesser, and though it has no out-works, the Ground about it is so ad­vantageous by reason of its unevenness, which forms certain Curtains where they may easily retrench, that it is incredible how difficult and dangerous the ap­proaches are.

The Christian Army, compos'd of a­bove One hunder'd Sail came within view of the Place, the 2d. of September to­wards the Evening, stronger in appear­ance than effect, since all the rest, but four Galleys, and two Men of War of the Venetians, and five Galleys of Malta, were Ships of Burthen, and inconsidera­ble. The day following they were busie in landing their Forces. Those of the Republique to the number of Six or seven thousand Men, chose for that purpose a place some Miles distant from the Town; those belonging to the Pope, and those of Malta, who made but one Body of a­bout Fifteen hunder'd Soldiers and twen­ty six Knights, Commanded by Chevalier Mechatin, General of the Forces of Mal­ta, landed on a flat, much nearer, where a little open Plain gave means to keep the Infidels at a distance from the Coast by the Cannon of the Galleys, having ac­cording to Custom taken the Post of Ho­nour to go first against the Enemies.

Our Men delay'd not to make tryal whether the Reputation of Courage, which the Inhabitants and Garrison of Castel-Novo had gain'd, were well ground­ed [Page 158]or no; for these Infidels having post­ed themselves upon two Hills, the one commanding the other, and separated by a great Valley, which was to be crost, as well as the Hills, by difficult and rugged ways to come to the Town, began to fire upon our Men on all sides to hinder their advance: But Chevalier Mechatin having made two strong Detachments, one Com­manded by Chevalier de Mareüil, accom­pany'd by a Body of the Knights, with whom was the Standard of the Repub­lique, born by the Commander de la Tour Maubourg, the other by Chevalier de Lu­signan Lezay, first Major of the Battalion of Malta, with whom was a Party of his Holiness's Forces conducted under him, by the Count Montevecchi, they fell upon the Enemy on both sides with so much vigour, that after an obstinate re­sistance, they were forc'd, in great dis­order, to quit the Posts they had taken, and make a hasty retreat under their Walls with great loss of their Men: Ours made themselves Masters of some Houses and other Posts of advantage within a large Musket-shot of the City, where they made a halt in the beginning of [Page 159]might, which gave an occasion to the Ene­mies to return in the dark, and retrench themselves on the Hills, and some from which they were driven with great diffi­culty. In the mean time Count St. Paul and Chevalier Mechatin advanc'd in good Order with the Body of the Forces, who were rang'd in Battalia as soon as they came from the Coast. The resolution with which the Chevaliers de Mareüil and Lu­signan marcht towards the Enemy, was such, that it may be said, that the terrour which it then struck into them, was after­ward the cause of the happy success of this Enterprise; but the Enemies firing very thick, and continuing it the whole day, they could not but lose some of their Men, amongst whom were the Che­valiers de Richebourg, de Barin, and de Guira, who dyed a few days after of their Wounds: The Chevaliers de Pernac, de Loumiers, Ventura, Caraffa, and Balla­ceüill were there also hurt.

From the 3d. day to the 8th. they were busied in forming the Camp and Lines, and putting ashore the Artillery and Mortars for the Bombs, the continual Rains having much incommoded them, [Page 160]and by order of General St. Paul they began to raise a Battery of two Piece of Cannon to beat down a House in which the Turks had fortifi'd themselves with­in fifty Paces of our retrenchments; but these Infidels remaining undaunted not­withstanding the Fire of our great Guns, and giving us no small vexation by their Musket-shot, it was resolv'd on the eighth in the Morning to make a De­tachment of the Popes Forces and those of Malta, under the command of Cheva­lier Mareüil, and employ them to drive the Turks from that Post, The Grena­diers commanded by Chevalier de Seire, and the Fueliers by Chevalier de Paulmy, advanc'd first and charg'd so furiously, that the Enemy not being able to bear the shock, fled away shamefully after some smart discharges, and quitted the Post, which ours immediately seiz'd. Then the Body of the Battalion of Malts advanc'd with the Standard of the Or­der, at the sight of which great shouts of joy in token of Victory being heard, ma­ny of the Chevaliers and Soldiers took occasion from thence to advance farther, and with incredible vigour drove their E­nemies [Page 161]to another great House but five and twenty paces distant from their Walls, and being become Masters of it, retrench'd themselves there. This advantage cost us dear; for though the Turks had not the Courage to maintain the place, yet the A­venues of it being commanded by an higher ground of a continu'd ascent, in form of an Amphitheatre, from whence the Turks gave terrible fire, as well as from the Walls of the City, and Castles, several of ours lost their lives; four Che­valiers being kill'd on the spot, and three and twenty dangerously wounded. Che­valier Mechatin perceiving that the Cou­rage of his men carry'd them on too far, advanc'd on purpose to moderate them, and bring them back to the main body; but the Turks firing continually on all sides, wounded Chevalier de Lusignan first Major, Chevalier de Seire Captain of Gre­nadiers, and Chevalier de Senicourt de Sessival, who died a few days after, re­gretted by the whole Army for his ad­mirable qualities.

In the mean time, on the same day, to give a diversion to the Enemy, and hin­der them from keeping all their Forces [Page 162]united towards the principal Attack, which was on that side of the place that looks towards Albania, the Galleys ap­proaching near the Walls, gave great fire from their Cannon on the side towards the Sea, while on the other side that looks towards Ragusa, they landed a Bo­dy of their men under the command of the Count of Monstier, Son to the Gene­ral St. Paul, who made their Retrench­ments towards the outward Fort which joyns not to the place, and continu'd their Works, as if they had meant to at­tack it.

For several days following they very much incommoded the Besieged by a Battery of eleven great piece of Cannon which was rais'd for the principal At­tack, and a vast number of Bombs which they cast into the place without inter­mission, whilst ours being lodg'd and for­tify'd in the Posts they had gain'd, were busied in advancing their Works in order to fix the Mine to the principal Tower of the Castle, by that time the Cannon should make a considerable breach in the Walls, the design being at the same time to as­sault both the one and the other.

In the mean time General Cornaro re­ceiv'd news, that six thousand men were coming to the relief of the Besieged, un­der the Command of the Basha of Bossina and Ertzegovine, for which cause he pos­sess'd himself of all the Hills and advantage­ous Posts to stop his further passage; all which Precautions notwithstanding, the Enemy having forc'd the Passages, which were guarded only by Morlaques, appear'd on the 15th. about two in the Afternoon [...]t the head of our first Retrenchments with their usual cries. Our Forces on [...]hat side were shaken with the fierceness [...]f the Turks pouring in upon them, but [...]he Count of Mostier, who was not far [...]ff, having opportunely back'd them with fresh men, they renew'd the charge in [...] vigorous a manner, that the Turks turn'd their backs, and run headlong one [...]pon the other; and there being no way or retreat, but through the narrow Pas­sages, ours taking advantage of their fear [...]nd disorder, made a great slaughter a­mongst them; eight or nine hundred [...]ere slain on the place, of which num­ber, the Morlaques being recover'd of [...]heir first fright, brought according to [Page 164]their custom, five hundred heads to Ge­neral Cornaro in token of a signal Vi­ctory, with a great number of Slaves, whose lives they had spar'd. There were taken also eight Turkish Colours, and in this action we lost but thirty men, of whom none were of note.

The day following all the Heads that had been cut off, were expos'd upon Pikes to terrifie the Besieged, and let them know the Succours they expected were routed. The place was summon'd but the Answer was made by the mouth [...] of Cannon and Musquet, so that ours be­gan to fire afresh, and continu'd their Works with more industry than before.

The 19th. we saw, to our great joy twenty Ships which brought eighteen hundred men to our assistance, we mount­ed the Trenches the same Evening, wher [...] Chevalier Zindodari, a man of singula [...] merit, was kill'd.

The Cistern was already finish'd, an [...] the Gallery was brought even to the foo [...] of the Wall, with a fair Prospect of a goo [...] effect, when, to our surprize, we foun [...] the Stone-work so prodigiously har [...] that it was impossible to strike off the lea [...] [Page 165]piece without very great labour, which no way suiting with the impatient desire of our men to come to blows with the Enemy, the rather for that the Season began to be severe by continual Rain and daily Storms, all their designs turn'd to making the Breach wide enough for an Assault by the help of their Cannon; and while they were busied in the execution of this project, two extraordinary things happen'd to our advantage.

The first was, that two Turks who had fled from the place, came to General Cor­naro, and assur'd him, that if he would give them good usage, they would so bring matters about, that several of the Town should yield themselves to him. This Proposal having mov'd the General to use them well, one of them voluntarily remain'd in his power, as an Hostage, the other attended by a Morlaque of known trust, return'd into the City, and there manag'd his Affairs with so much success, that he came back two or three hours af­ter with two hundred and forty other Turks well arm'd and equipp'd. This odd Adventure gave occasion to another accident which would have quite tired the [Page 166]constancy of any Garrison less obstinately resolv'd to endure the last extremities: For General Cornaro seeing their Forces so considerably diminish'd, and taking from thence a fresh occasion to summon them to surrender, threatning, that if they delay'd till the Assault, he would put them all to the Sword: They answer'd with their accustomed haughtiness, that they were resolv'd to defend the place to the last.

Upon which we began to fire upon them, and one of our Bombs lighting by chance into a little Fort near the Sea-side where the Besieged kept their Powder, and where the Women and Childten were put, as into a place of least danger, the fire catching hold of this Powder, blew up the Fort, and all that was in it, making a dismal spectacle, as may well be ima­gin'd.

On the same 28th. day the breach at last appearing reasonable wide, resolu­tion was taken to make advantage of the Consternation into which so strange an Adventure, in all probability, had cast the Enemies, and give the Assault in two places; for which purpose a body was [Page 167]fram'd of twelve hundred men. The Detachments of the Battalion of Malta, and the Pope's Forces, which made up one part of them, commanded by Chevalier de Paulmy, were to charge first on the right, on the side of the Castle, where the strongest Assault was to be made, while the Florentines, with other Venetian For­ces commanded by the Marquiss Borry, were to charge on the left, more towards the Sea, where there was a great Tower much batter'd by the Cannon.

But notwithstanding all their Efforts, the Attempt had no success, the Breach not being in that state as was imagin'd. In fine, when Chevalier de Paulmy, with several Knights, and the Detachments commanded by him, had with great vi­gour mounted the Breach, he plainly per­ceiv'd, notwithstanding the Enemies fire, that that place sunk into a Precipice on the side of the besieged, and that there was a strong Palisade behind, which the Turks were retrench'd, which with less difficulty, was found true after the taking of the Town. This impos'd upon him a necessity of contenting himself with the Proofs he had given of his Courage, and [Page 168]finding it impossible to make a Lodg­ment on that part of the Wall, which was ruin'd by the Castle, and lay open in several other places, he was forc'd to retire with loss of Men. Dom Ema­nuel Bru, Captain, was kill'd on the spot, and the Chevaliers d' Estaing, du Terail, de Clospac, de Chenau, de Glandenez, and de la Varene were grievously woun­ded.

Ours in the mean time endeavour'd to shake the Resolution of the besieged, and draw them to the side towards the Sea, by continual firing from the Galleys; the Saiques belonging to them, advanc'd under the Walls with Ladders, as if they intended to scale them; but then it ap­pear'd these Infidels were not men that easily took the Alarm; so far were they from being caught in the Snare that was laid for them, that on the contrary they seem'd more enrag'd, and defended the Breach like men in despair.

But on the other side, the Marquis de Borry's Attack, of which they had less hope succeeded much better, for the ruins of the great Tower prov'd such, that he found means to mount them, and [Page 169]lodge himself there, the Turks not being able to make any great resistance, the two Flanks of the same Tower (of which the Front only was ruin'd) serving him for a shelter from the fire of the Castle and other places near; so that now it be­gan to appear that this was the only part they should have attack'd. The Forces of Malta who had crept along the Breach, being advanc'd to take their Post there, it might now easily be seen the Victory would not be long de­lay'd.

In effect, the day following many of the Souldiers having posted themselves on several parts of the Wall from whence they had beaten the Besieged; and se­veral also having found means to get into the place, the Turks stood their ground, and knock'd down a great number of them; but seeing ours did not slacken their Courage, but enter'd apace notwithstanding their smart firing upon us, they resolv'd at last to retire into the Castle, and leave the Town in our hands.

There were some Turks who had taken refuge in the great Towers of the Town, [Page 170]and had their Lives and Liberty granted them. The day following, being the 30th. of September, those of the Castle having desir'd leave to Capitulate, sur­rendred themselves on condition that they might go out with their Arms; that it should be permitted them to carry away whatever they could on their backs, and that they should be allow'd Ships to carry them into Albania, which was punctually executed on the first of October. There went out above Nine hunder'd Men well arm'd who embarkt with about One thou­sand Women and Children: They ha­ving, as 'tis said, before the Siege sent a­way the greatest part of useless Souls: After this, thanks were given to God, and two Mosques that were in the Town, Consecrated, the one being Dedicated to the Blessed Virgin, the other to St. Jerom.

We parted from Castel-Novo the Fourth of October, and the Wind being favou­rable, after we had divided our selves from the Popes Galleys near the Pharos of Messina, on the Ninth we arriv'd happily in the Port of Malta.

At the end of the Book follows a List of the Knights of Malta kill'd or wound­ed [Page 171]at the Siege of Castel-Novo since their landing.

The Campaign ended with the taking of Castel-Novo, which is the most consi­derable Conquest that has been made in that Country during the present War. General Cornaro presently gave order for repairing the Breaches to secure it against any Assault. The Turks were so distract­ed with this loss, that they quitted seve­ral little Places about Castel-Novo. On the other side divers People of Dalmatia came over in throngs to side with the Re­publique: Amongst others those of Ert­zegovine sent Twenty four Deputies to General Cornaro, with Twelve Colours they had formerly taken from the Infidels, to beg of him to be secur'd. The Gene­ral having receiv'd them in a very oblig­ing manner, gave them Twelve Stan­dards to preserve themselves under the Protection of the Republique; and they, in token of their acknowledgements, immediately put themselves into the Field, with the Inhabitants of Bagnani, to the number of Four thousand, with design to fight a Basha who was there at the head of a thousand Turks Horse and [Page 172]Foot; he having notice of their march, retir'd to Cottone, where he thought to intrench himself; but understanding af­terwards that the Morlaques march'd di­rectly to him, he left the defence of it to Mustai Begh, and Three hunder'd Men he bestow'd on him, and fled away with the rest. In the mean time those of Ertze­govine having appear'd before the Place, the Turk desir'd to Capitulate, and ac­cordingly marcht out with his Garrison and retir'd towards Fossa. They seiz'd themselves of this Post, with six Colours, and the Territory of Casanza, which de­pends on it, and they found there good store of Provisions. Athens, which also submitted to the power of the Venetians, was the last of the Successes obtain'd this year by the Republique on the side of Greece.

After the taking of Corinth, the Vene­tian Army set sail towards Athens, and arriv'd on the Twenty first of September at Porto-Lione, which takes its name from a Lyon of Marble, ten Foot high, which stands at the lower end of the Port. The Modern Graecians call it the Dragons Port, Cicero and Strabo, Portus Piraeus; [Page 173]it has also been call'd the Port of Athens, it being but six Miles from that City. I had forgot to tell you, that, as this Na­val Army past by Napoli di Malvasia, the only Place the Turks had now left in the Morea, Captain Venier was commanded with his Squadron to Bombard it. In effect, the Bombs being cast into the Place with good success, made a dread­ful destruction, and the Bridge by which the City had Communication with the Continent was ruin'd: But all this not shaking the Resolution the Garrison had taken of defending themselves, the Army pass'd forward, hoping they should easily reduce it the next Campaign, especially since the Generalissimo had detach'd three Men of War and four Galliots, to block up the Place during the Winter, and hin­der them from being reliev'd either with Men, Provisions or Ammunition. Some Forces also on the Land kept it blockt up, to the end that the want of Provisions might reduce this City under the Obedi­ence of the Republique, which could not be easily carry'd by force. Let us now re­turn to the Siege of Athens.

As soon as the Fleet had cast Anchor at Porto Lione, the Principal Graecians of that Country came to signifie their Joy, for the arrival of the Christians, and the prospect they now had of being in a short time freed from the Turkish Tyranny; the Infidels had quitted the Town and retir'd into the Castle, where they seem'd resolv'd to defend themselves, and began to fire at a great rate.

Which oblig'd Count Coningsmark to raise two Batteries, one of six Cannon, the other of four Mortars, which were ready in a very short time, and the Can­nons play'd the same Evening. In the mean time the Generalissimo sent Fifteen hunder'd Men into the City, as well to seize it, as to preserve the Houses of those Graecian Inhabitants who had voluntarily submitted themselves; after which they summon'd the Besieged, who Proudly an­swer'd they were resolv'd to defend them­selves, upon which the Venetians saw themselves oblig'd to work at their ap­proaches, where a Serjeant Major and some Soldiers were kill'd: the works were continu'd eight days together, and a great number of Bombs were thrown into [Page 175]the Castle, which blew up their Magazine of Powder. The Serasquier having had notice that this Place was besieg'd, and that it was also hard press'd, gather'd to­gether in haste some Cavalry and four hun­der'd Foot, who being mounted behind the Horsemen, they march'd with all pos­sible secrecy, knowing the success of their Attempt depended on that. But Count Coningsmark having had intelligence of their march from those of the Country, he march'd against the, and put them to flight; and being return'd to his Men he had left about the City, he again sum­mon'd the Besieged, telling them they had now no relief to hope for. Fear had already seiz'd them, so that being of themselves dispos'd to desire some Com­position, they offer'd to surrender if they might go out with their Arms and Baggage. But the Generalissimo reduc'd their De­mands to these conditions.

1. That the Garrison should go out without Arms, and retire themselves to what place they pleas'd, that each of them should carry on his back on­ly what he thought most useful, and that they should have five days given them to embark.

2. That they should be convoy'd to Smirna, and that they might take Ves­sels at their own charge, if they de­fir'd to be transported elsewhere.

3. That they should not force any one to follow them.

By vertue of this Article, all the Slaves that were then in the Castle were to re­main there, and none to be carried away by the Infidels.

4. Lastly, if the Castle were found without Water or Victurals, the prece­dent Articles should be void, because the Garrison had surrender'd upon necessity.

These Articles being sign'd on both sides, the Venetians enter'd the Castle, and five days after the Infidels went out to the number of Three thousand, amongst whom were Six hunder'd Soldiers who embark'd for Smyrna; but there ramin [...]d above 600. who desir'd to be made Christians. There were found in the Castle 50 Piece of Brass Cannon, and some of Iron. Sig­nior Daniel Delfino was made Governour, and Count Tomio Pompei Proveditor.

The Naval Army was to winter at Por­to-Lione, and the Land Forces were quar­ter'd [Page 177]about Athens; they wrought at the building of some Forts, to hinder the Communication which Negropont might have with the Continent, and also to curb the Garrison of Thebes, which made fre­quent incursions about Athens. The Con­quest of this Place is so important, that it deserves a particular Description.

Athens is not far from the Gulf of Enghia, which makes part of the Ionian Sea; it is the Metropolitan of Attica, and the most ancient City of all Greece. King Cecrops was its Founder, Theseus enlarg'd it, and oblig'd those of the Country to settle themselves there. The Citadel is built on a sollid Rock, inaccessible on all sides but the West, on which is the en­trance; towards the East and South, the Walls make two sides of a Square; those on the other sides are not so regular by reason of the irregularity of the Rock which serves for their Foundation. It is Twelve hunder'd Paces in compass; at the bottom of the Hill may be seen some marks of a very high Wall, which for­merly surrounded the foot of it, and made the access more difficult; this Cita­del is in an equal distance between two [Page 178]Eminences, one towards the South- [...] and the Musaeum, which is as high as the Citadel, and within Cannon reach; the other is the Mount Achenius, whether they could not bring their Artillery, by reason the way was too steep and rugged, and at the top no plain but only a descent; it was there the Statue of Jupiter was formerly ador'd. The City is on the North of the Citadel, which entirely shelters it on the side towards the Sea, so that those that sail by imagine there are no other Houses but those of the Citadel, which is the reason that some who have not had the Curiosity to go ashore, have believ'd that all Athens was comprehend­ed within this Castle. The Situation of the City is very commodious for the In­habitants, for the Climate there being ve­ry hot, it lies happily expos'd to the North. There are yet to be seen a great number of Antiquities amongst which are,

• The Temple of Victory of the Io­nique Order, of which the Turks made a Magazine of Powder.
• The Arsenal of Lycurgus of the Do­rique Order, which serv'd for a Maga­zine of Arms.
• [Page 179]The Temple of Minerva of the Do­ [...]ue Order of which the Infidels made a Mosque.
• The Lanthern of Demosthenes, which is at this day the Hospital of Capucins.
• The Octogonal Tower of the Winds, design'd by Andronico Cireste, and men­tion'd by Vitruvius in his Book of Ar­chitecture
• The Temple of Theseus.
• The Foundations of the Areopagus.

There are four Mosques in the City and one in the Castle; the City is divided into eight Quarters; it had formerly de­pending on it One hunder'd seventy four Villages, each of which were as large as the City it self. Athens has been the School of War, and of all Vertues, and Mother of Sciences; and as this City is very ancient, it may be noted in general (without examining the time of its Foundation, or of those that built it) that the Kingdom of Athens began in the year of the World 2496. and lasted Four hunder'd eighty seven years under seventeen Kings, of which the first was Cecrops, and the last Codrus. To these succeeded the Archontes or Pretors, who [Page 180]exercis'd their Magistracy during their Life; and of those there have bee [...] Thirteen, the first was Medon Son o [...] Codrus, and the thirteenth Alcmeon, afte [...] whom the Archontes exercis'd their Pow­er for ten years only, who succeede [...] each other to the number of seven; afte [...] which these Archontes were made annua [...] Magistrates. Dracon, who was one o [...] them, made so severe Laws for his Citi­zens, that their excessive rigour gave o [...] ­casion to the Orator Demades, to sa [...] they were writ in Blood. Solon, wh [...] had that Dignity after him, made su [...] as were milder, and establisht Popula [...] Government. Pisistratus having usur [...] the Soveraignty of Athens, Hippias an [...] Hipparchus his Sons succeeded him d [...] ­ring the space of fourteen years; th [...] latter was kill'd by an opposite Factio [...] and Hippias being droven out of Athe [...] calls the Persians to his assistance. The lost the Battel of Marathon, and te [...] years after were again defeated in [...] Sea-fight near the Island of Salamin [...] These advantages made the Athenians [...] flourishing Republick. Lysander, G [...] ­neral of the Lacedaemonians, took A­thens [Page 181]in the Peloponnesian War, and there set up thirty Tyrants, who were droven out by Thrasybulus and some others. Athens suffered under Alexander the Great and some of his Successors. Demetrius re­stor'd it to liberty, and afterwards being netled at the affront the Athenians put upon him, by refusing to receive him, after he had lost the Battel of Ipsus in Phrygia, he besieg'd their City, and a year after took it from Lachares, who had made himself Tyrant there. After this it shook off the Macedonian Yoke, and subsisted some time with glory under the Protection of the Romans. Sylla took it from one of the Citizens, nam'd Aristion, who had also made himself Ty­rant there.

In spight of its misfortunes, the Re­putation it had for Sciences, still drew thither the Learned, by the Concourse of whom it was re-establish'd. It de­clar'd for Pompey and Caesar, who after the Battel of Pharsalia, had it in his power to punish them, gave them his Pardon in these words so Celebrated in History, That the Athenians had de­serv'd to feel the effects of his indigna­tion, [Page 182]but that in consideration of the Merits of the dead, he would shew fa­vour to the living. Augustus and his Successors had great regard for Athens; it was taken by the Scythians under the Reign of Galienus. Cleodemus of Athens, and Athenaeus of Bisance drove them out. The Emperor Justin in the sixth Age endeavour'd to restore it, and since that time History makes little or no mention of it for the space of Seven hun­der'd years. Balduin the Ninth of that name, Earl of Flanders, having been Crown'd Emperor of Constantinople in the year 1204. those of the Croisade, who had had share in the taking of this City, divided the Estates of the Graecians amongst themselves; Geoffrey of Ville hardoüin had Athens and the Achaia; [...]alduin in those days Besieged Athens without success, and Boniface soon af­ter took it. Since that, the Dutchy of Athens fell to the House of de la Roche. William de la Roche, Duke of Athens, and Lord of Thebes, being deceas'd a­bout the year 1300. his Daughter or Sister brought this Dutchy to Hugh de Brienne, Earl of Brienne and Liches. [Page 183]From this Match came Gualter the Fifth, Father of Gualter the Sixth, Earl of Brienne and Liches, Duke of Athens, and Constable of France, kill'd in the Battel of Poicti [...]rs in the Year 1356. without [...]leaving Issue. In the mean time the Arragonians usurpt the Dut­chy of Athens; and after divers Re­volutions, Rainier Accioli of Florence made himself Master of it, and granted it to the Venetians. Antonio, Bastard Son of Rainier re-establish'd himself in it, and from his Successor it was ta­ken by Mahomet the Second, Empe­ror of the Turks in the Year 1455. and it is one of the Two hunder'd Cities he took from the Christians, since which time it has always been un­der the Infidels. Vector Capella surpris'd it in the Year 1464. but being not able to take the Castle, he was forc'd to a­bandon his Conquest.

If the Generalissimo after the ta­king of Athens, had had Forces suf­ficient to Attack Negropont, he might easily have made himself Master of it; but the Garrisons he was forc'd to put in the Places that had been taken [Page 184]this Campaign, having reduc'd his Ar­my to a small number, he was oblig'd to put off the Execution of his de­signs to the next year; to which also we shall remit our dicourse, if what has been said shall appear agreeable to the Reader, of which the Bookseller will give the best account.