THE HISTORY OF THE Venetian Conquests From the Year 1684. to this present Year 1688. Translated out of French by J. M. Licensed Octob. 2. 1688. LONDON Printed for John Newton at the three Pigeons over-against the Inner Temple-Gate in Fleet-street 1689. The Author's PREFACE THE War maintain'd by the Confederate Princes against the Turks being the Subject of the Hopes as well as inquisitive Discourses of all Europe I thought I might do good Service to the Publick by communicating to the World these Memoires of the Venetian Conquests having receiv'd them from an Eye-witness of those Exploits It may be said of the Turks in their present Consternation that they are half vanquish'd before they are assaulted The Christian Armies have by their late Victories made themselves so formidable that they strike Terrour and Amazement among the Infidels We have Examples of it in the Morea where upon the first approach of the Venetiens the Turks quitted Patras the Dardanelles the Cities of Lepant Corinth and Misitra and whatever was under their Command in that Country But that which makes most for the Venetians Glory is That those Places which the Turks never durst attempt with less than an hundred or an hundred and fifty thousand men were by them subdued with a far inferior number So that if we consider the swiftness of their Conquests we may easily believe that Republique to be in a good Capacity of recovering its ancient Grandeur and that it will have a great share in the Glory of overthrowing that vast Colossus which has so long been the Terrour of all Christendom The Losses it has suffered since the Establishment of the Turks in Europe are well known Salonica the richest City of Macedon was taken from it by Amurat II. who destroy'd that famous Wall that stop'd his passage and secur'd that Seigneurie from his Invasions In the year 14â—0 Mahomet II. seiz'd himself of Negropont and part of the Morea and Albania having a second time ruin'd the Corinthian Wall which the Venetians had rebuilt In the year 1500. Bajazet II. took from them Lepante Coron Modon and Duras Selimus II. possess'd himself of the Kingdom of Cyprus in the year 1570. Canea and Retimo in Candia were taken by Ibrahim and lastly the Capital City of the Island fell into the hands of Mahomet IV. who was since dethron'd But by the following Relation of what has pass'd from 1684. to this present year it will appear that the Venetians wisely taking advantage of a happy juncture of times have recover'd a great part of what the Turks during the course of so many years had taken from them In a word here are particularly set forth the most important Circumstances of so great an Action The Order of Precedence Venetian Galley Captain of the Gulf. Galley of Malta General His Holiness's Gal. the Patrone Gal. of Malta the Patrone His Holiness's Gall. His Holiness's Gall. His Holiness's Gall. His Holiness's Gall. Gall. of Malta Gall. of Malta Gall. of Malta Gall. of Malta Gall. of Malta The Proveditor of the Fleet his Squadron His own Galley Gall. Zaune Pizamano Gall. Marco Barbarigo Gall. Alessandro Beregan Ven. Gall. Andrea Pasqualigo Ven. Gall. Anzolo Corner The Captain of the Gulf his Squadron His own Galley Ven. Gall. Isepo Bolani Ven. Gall. Camillo Trevisan Ven. Gall. Francesco Pona Ven. Gall. Teodoro Corner Ven. Gall. Gerolamo Priuli Ven. Gall. Daniel Venier The Governour of the Galley-slaves his Squadron His own Galley Ven. Gall. Zuane Contarini Ven. Gall. Zuane Quirini Ven. Gall. Francesco Moro. Ven. Gall. Gasporo Bragadin Ven. Gall. Anzolo Michiel Ven. Gall. Michiel Magno  Galley of Tuscany  Galley of Tuscany The Van-Guard Galley of Tuscany  Galley of Tuscany   Galeass Capt. Ordinary  Galeass Morosini  Galeass of Bassadona  Galeass Bono  Galeass Pizani  Galeass Cap. Extraordinary  The Van-guard was to make discovery till all the Army were come up The same Van-guard upon occasion of Battel was to place it self amongst the Galeasses yet without falling in the Stern of them or hindring the use of the Side-Guns The Left Wing Ven. Gall. Governour of the Galley-slaves Ven. Gall. Zuane Quirini Ven. Gal. Francesco Moro. Ven Gall. Gasporo Bragadin Ven. Gall. Anzolo Michiel Ven. Gall. Michiel Magno Ven. Gall. Zuane Contarini Ven. Gall. Daniel Venier Ven. Gall. Isepo Polani Ven. Gall. Marco Barbarigo Ven. Gall. Anzolo Corner Ven. Gall. Andrea Pasqualigo Ven. Gall. Otavian Vekier Ven. Gall. Alessandro Beregan Ven. Gall. Zuane Pizamano Ven. Gall. Proveditor of the Fleet. Ven. Gall. of the Captain of the Gulf. Gall. of Malta the General His Holiness's Gall. the Patrone Gall. of Malta the Patrone His Holiness's Gall. His Holiness's Gall. His Holiness's Gall. His Holiness's Gall. Galley of Malta Galley of Malta Galley of Malta Galley of Malta Galley of Malta Gall. Tadero Corner Gall. Francesco Ponà Gall. Camillo Trevisan Gall. Captain of the Gulf. The Right Wing  Galley Vincenzo Priuli   The Rear-Guard  THE HISTORY OF THE Venetian Conquest c. The First Book 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 Sr. 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 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 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
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 exercis'd their Magistracy during their Life and of those there have beeâ— Thirteen the first was Medon Son oâ— Codrus and the thirteenth Alcmeon afteâ— whom the Archontes exercis'd their Power for ten years only who succeedeâ— each other to the number of seven afteâ— which these Archontes were made annuaâ— Magistrates Dracon who was one oâ— them made so severe Laws for his Citizens that their excessive rigour gave oâ—casion to the Orator Demades to saâ— they were writ in Blood. Solon whâ— had that Dignity after him made suâ— as were milder and establisht Populaâ— Government Pisistratus having usurâ— the Soveraignty of Athens Hippias anâ— Hipparchus his Sons succeeded him dâ—ring the space of fourteen years thâ— latter was kill'd by an opposite Factioâ— and Hippias being droven out of Atheâ—â— calls the Persians to his assistance The lost the Battel of Marathon and teâ— years after were again defeated in 〈◊〉 Sea-fight near the Island of Salaminâ— These advantages made the Athenians 〈◊〉 flourishing Republick Lysander Gâ—neral of the Lacedaemonians took Athens 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 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 â—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 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 Poictiâ—rs in the Year 1356. without â—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 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 The Names of the Knights kill'd and wounded at the Siege of Coron FRENCH SIeur de la Tour Maubourg General of the Battalion of Malta kill'd in the Redout De Creus a Voluntier died of a Distemper caus'd by the great Fatigues De Montchalin Guard to the Standard wounded Junius a Voluntier wounded Du Breüil wounded in the Throat by a Musquet-shot in the last Assault Goudras second Lieutenant of the Grenadiers wounded De Saillans d'Estans second Lieutenant of Grenadiers wounded in his Thigh with two Musquet-bullets De Corein Mongon Guard to the Standard wounded in the Hand by a Musquet-shot De St. Pierre the same Du Pont wounded in the Redout De Tresmes-Gesures Voluntier died of his wounds receiv'd in the Redout De Bourgon a Voluntier dead of his Wounds receiv'd on the same occasion De Liré de la Bourdonnaye a Voluntier kill'd at the Assault Du Plessis Gette De la Brunetiere two Brothers both dead of the Distempers caus'd by the Fatigues Michon Aid Major kill'd in the Redout De la Mothe Voluntier dead of his Wounds receiv'd on the same occasion De Beaupré Guard to the Standard Boindin a Voluntier and Doria Brasseuse all three dangerously wounded in the last Assault De Bernieres second Lieutenant of the Brigadiers wounded in his hand by a Musquet-shot De Refuge a Captain De Sesseval a Lieutenant De Braigny and De Brosias Voluntiers all four wounded Des Aunois Voluntier wounded in his Thigh by a Musquet-shot De Gaillard Captain dead of his Wounds receiv'd on the Redout De la Minoye Voluntier kill'd at the last Assault De Galien Captain Tondu Voluntier dangerously wounded on the same occasion Roigne Voluntier wounded in his Leg by a Musquet-shot Lescaillon Descoulette De Fanesin Voluntiers Caulet De Sade De Guiers Lieutenants wounded De Cais Baron Voluntiers wounded ITALIANS 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 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 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 Vlysses 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 Lovers of Greece who by leaping from the top of it found a sad but sure Remedy of their tormenting Passion 'T is 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 't is 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 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 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 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 fiâ—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 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 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 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 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 â—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 Biâ—hop it is situated on the utmost Borders â—f the Gulf which is twenty five Leagues â—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 Maceâ—onian Garrison out of their City The Gulf of Ambracia is famous for the Viâ—tory obtained over Anthony by Augustus â—ear the Actian Promontory in memory of which he caus'd a City to be built in â—hat place and call'd it Nicopolis There are four Cities mention'd in History that â—ore this name The first in Masia built by the command of Trajan the Empeâ—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 third is a City in Armenia by Castalduâ— 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
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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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
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 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 It s 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 It s 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 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 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 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 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
it the Dragons Port Cicero and Strabo Portus Piraeus 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 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 raminâ—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 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 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. The Temple of Minerva of the Doâ—â—â—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
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 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 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 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 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 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 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
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 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 Turks that were on board and eighty Christian Slaves who were all set at liberty Signior Morosini having set sail for Corfâ— 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 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 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 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 Sea-coast 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 happenâ—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 to divide all this Land from the Conâ—inent Nero the Emperor made a Voyage into Achaia expresly on that design â—e made a Speech to his men and then â—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 fortuâ—ate Prince of all the Infidels that ever â—ate on that Throne The
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 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 â—n the place about an hundred piece of Cannon of which many were Brass with great store of Ammunition in the Magaâ—ines Fourteen hundred men were put â—n Garrison for the defence of the City and Signior Pavita was chosen Proveditor extraordinary Fortune declar'd her self on all sides for â—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 Chevaâ—ier Janco and Sieur Smilianich with the Captains Possidona and Patolazzi they â—irected their march towards Conscho and 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 werâ— kill'd and five hundred made Prisoners The Inhabitants of Climnâ— who were witnesses to this defeat retir'â— themselves into the Castle with desigâ— to defend themselves there but in vain for the confusion they were in havinâ— made them forget to shut the Gatâ— of the Town the Forces of the Repubâ—lique and the Morlaques seiz'd it immâ—diately and the Castle also by the negligence of the Inhabitants whom the approach of an Enemy should have maâ— 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 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 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 'T is 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 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 their design stay'd for 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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
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 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 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 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 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 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 and by order of General
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 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 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 thâ— other side landed without any opposition and began to approach the place under the Conduct of General Strazoldo Thâ— Turks commanded to hinder their landing began to find their mistake and 〈◊〉 order to mend it sent a Detachment of five hundred Spahi's wiâ—â— command to ride full speed and charâ—â— 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 plaâ—â— The Christians having advanc'd withoâ—â— difficulty made themselves Masters of tâ—â— 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 Morosiâ—i to put on shore his Cannon and Morâ—ars to be mounted on Battery the day â—ollowing He viewed the Posts and â—rdered the Attacks and on the 23d â—any Houses were ruined by the Bombs which had fired several parts of the Town â—nd dismounted some of the Enemies Cannon Their Artillery was so ill maâ—aged that it did little or no Execution 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 Minâ— was fix'd to the great Tower of the placâ— on the side next the Land. The breach being found considerable the Works werâ— continued from the 26th with success and on the 28th they made a Lodgment in the Ditch and on the same day gavâ— 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 thâ— same Conditions were granted to Sanâ—â— Maura but Signior Morosini declared that all he could allow them was Thâ— thirty of the most considerable mighâ— march out with their Arms and Baggagâ— the rest with what they could carry aboâ—â— them but without any Arms and thâ— 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 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 iâ—â— Weather and the Fatigue of making Incursions thirty Leagues into the Enemieâ— Country they had contracted such Diseases that within a Month five men oâ— 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