_Respecting the affairs of Khair-ad-din, from the time of his being
made Capudan of the fleet_.
The pasha, on his return from Aleppo, built sixty-one _bashderdés_[32]
and galleys, with which and eighteen vessels which he brought with him
from Algiers and five private ones, in all eighty-four, he was ordered
out to sea.
THE FIRST EXPEDITION OF KHAIR-AD-DIN PASHA.
On a propitious day Khair-ad-din Pasha sailed with the above-mentioned
eighty-four vessels, and went towards Messina, where he demolished the
castle of Reggio, which had been evacuated by the infidels. That night
he lay with lantern lights, and prayed for success in an expedition he
contemplated against Malta. Having had a favourable dream, he arose
and set sail during the night, and by morning reached a castle called
Santalohso, which he took and plundered. Seven thousand eight hundred
prisoners were taken, and the fortress rased. In the evening he again
sailed, and reached a fortress called Giatros, where he landed his men,
took it by the sword, and made the people prisoners. Here he found
eighteen full-built vessels, which, with the castle and houses, he
entirely destroyed. After this he went again to sea, and took another
castle in the neighbourhood of Anapoli, the people of which he also
took captive. Passing thence, he sailed a day and a night, and attacked
the castle of Sperlonca, where he took ten thousand prisoners, and
levelled the fortress with the ground. He then proceeded onwards,
attacked the island of Sardinia, and having plundered it, turned his
course towards Algiers; but the weather driving him to the Arab shores,
he was about to proceed to the castle of Bekerzet, when the governor
abandoned it, and went to acquaint Hefs, the king of Tunis.
KHAIR-AD-DIN’S EXPEDITION AGAINST TUNIS, AND THE ATTACK OF THE INFIDELS
UPON THAT CITY.
At this period the kingdom of Tunis was held by the Beni Hefs, Sultan
Hassan, the twentieth king of that branch, being the reigning monarch.
His brother Rashid had some time before this gone with Khair-ad-din to
the Porte, where a provision had been made for him.[33] Khair-ad-din
was exceedingly anxious to add to the possessions of the Sublime
Power the city of Tunis, and particularly the castle of Halk-al-vad
(Goletta), on account of the conveniences it afforded for the wintering
of a fleet, and its being a well secured place; and on representing
to his majesty the expediency of his project, he was charged with the
reduction of the place.
The Tunisians at this time were discontented with Sultan Hassan,
and Khair-ad-din coming against them ostensibly in the company of
Rashid, who however remained at Constantinople, was directed to
Halk-al-vad. Hassan now took to flight, whereupon Khair-ad-din left
the castle of Halk-al-vad, and entered the city of Tunis, which was
nine miles distant. The partisans of the Hefsi now held out the hand
of submission to Khair-ad-din, who collected and imprisoned them in
the castle, executing a few of the sheikhs. Hassan then commenced an
attack from the outside, and Khair-ad-din going without the gates, a
fierce battle ensued. Three hundred Arabs fell, and Hassan was routed
and fled. Khair-ad-din having thus subdued Tunis, wrote letters to
all the Arab Meshaïekh, and adopted measures for the apprehension of
Hassan. He also brought a few troops from Algiers, and registered the
subjects. The Tunisians having at length discovered that Rashid was not
with Khair-ad-din, became discontented and rebellious: but order was
speedily restored by putting to death some of the insurgents. Hassan,
on the other hand, collected a force at Kairavan, (Cyrene,) whilst
Khair-ad-din with his Arab troops, consisting of ten thousand men, and
thirty cannons, the carriages of which were propelled by sails, marched
from Tunis into the desert. The battle was commenced by the firing of
the artillery, and the enemy, unable to maintain their ground against
cannon and musketry, fled in confusion. Hassan being thus again routed,
the Arab sheikhs came over and submitted themselves to Khair-ad-din. At
this time a brother of Hassan, Abdul-momin, considering the absence of
the Sultan Soleiman Khan in Persia afforded a favourable opportunity
for his enterprise, went over to Tripoli. Charles, king of Spain,
also, excited by the Pope, united with Portugal, embarked twenty-four
thousand troops on board three hundred barges and galleys, and made
preparations for sailing. Just at this time Hassan sent a message to
the latter, informing them that he had besieged Barbarossa with his
Arab army in Tunis, and inviting them to come and take him prisoner.
They thereupon immediately resolved to go and take Tunis, and then to
resume their intended course. On the seventh day they arrived, and
entered the harbour by the left tower, near the castle of Halk-al-vad,
where they landed their men. When the Tunisians saw the infidels
they joined Khair-ad-din; and the castle of Halk-al-vad being rather
confined, the besieged cast a trench about it, raised tabors,[34] and
disposed their artillery. The infidel forces having fixed their camps,
for several days fierce engagements were fought, and more than six
thousand of the enemy were slain; but as they constantly received fresh
assistance from their rear, they kept their ground, and continued the
assault: they also raised mounds, and strengthened themselves with
one hundred and twenty pieces of cannon, which they landed from their
ships. For thirty-two days and nights they kept up an incessant attack
upon the castle, which exhausted their stock of ammunition. Thrice did
the Moslems force their mound, on each occasion killing great numbers
of the infidels; but the attack of the latter was so violent, that,
finding it impossible to hold out any longer, they were obliged to
evacuate the castle and secure themselves in Tunis.—The infidels then
took possession of it, when Sultan Hassan, coming up with a few Arabs,
mixed his own troops with the infidels, and sent letters, holding
forth great promises, to his friends in Tunis. The Tunisians were at
this time divided into four parties; one of them consisting of the
people of the castle, and the other three of Mar’esh. Khair-ad-din
having assembled these parties, thus addressed them: “You have received
letters from the infidels: what is _your_ intention? _I_ shall go
out and fight, but _you_ may remain in the city.” They cried out,
“God forbid!” and swore they would accompany him. Nine thousand seven
hundred men accordingly went out with him, the party that had seemed
favourable to the enemy joining them, though against their inclination.
When the infidels approached the castle, Khair-ad-din attacked them,
and fought bravely. A few Algerines having made their appearance in the
rear, the infidels turned back, and the Algerines pursued and killed
many of them. The enemy being now on the point of making a retreat,
the party that had been standing neutral fled towards the castle,
Khair-ad-din sent men to induce them to return; but failing in his
object, the others too began to fly, and he then removed his artillery
to the castle. The infidels supposing that the Turks had fled, began to
return, but after some slight skirmishing, as the evening drew on they
retired to their tents. Next morning Khair-ad-din having raised a mound
about the fortress, and sent his Algerines forward, leaving a person
called Giafer Agha in charge of the city, shortly afterwards followed
them himself. The infidels, being now greatly distressed by reason
of the great heat and the scarcity of water, were about to retreat,
when the Tunisians evacuated the city and fled. There were only four
thousand captives, who immediately freed themselves and shut the gates.
According to one account, the above-mentioned Giafer Beg had joined the
opposite party of Tunis, and had persuaded them to leave the place.
The infidels having taken to flight, when it was over Khair-ad-din,
with about two hundred men who had stood by him, pursued the fugitive
Tunisians, and turning them from the direction which Hassan’s army had
taken, brought them into the road leading to Bajaiah. The infidels
in the mean time came back, took possession of the city, and placed
Hassan on the throne. At his request they repaired the fortress of
Halk-al-vad, and garrisoned it with four thousand soldiers. The vile
race who had been the cause of the insurrection, and who remained in
the castle, were accused of adherence to Rashid, and the greater part
of them publicly executed.
KHAIR-AD-DIN’S RETURN TO ALGIERS.
About this time Khair-ad-din had given the fortress of Beled-al-enab in
charge to a certain capudan, whom he sent thither with fifteen small
vessels. On his arrival there, hearing of the attack of the infidels
upon Tunis, he sunk the vessels by order of the pasha. On the fifth
day after the above events Khair-ad-din went to Bajaiah, and thence to
Beled-al-enab, where he gave orders that each reis should bring out his
vessel, and placing several pieces of cannon at the mouth of the river,
he repulsed the infidel ships that attempted to approach. Having fully
equipped the vessels, he sailed for Algiers, the inhabitants of which
came out to meet him. After having had an interview with his family,
the pasha began to equip the nine vessels which were lying there under
the command of Murad Agha, with which and eight private Algerine
ones, after a stay of fifteen days, he went out to sea, having in all
thirty-two vessels under his command. He first anchored at a place
about thirty miles from Majorca, and early the next morning a salute of
fifty-six guns was fired from the castle. The pasha, telling his people
they should learn the cause of all this afterwards, then made sail, and
on his way took two barges, in which were some Tunisian captives. These
he set free; but put the infidels into chains, and burnt their ships.
From Minorca he sailed to a castle called Milota, into the harbour of
which he entered with infidel colours. The infidel fleet had put into
this port on its way to Tunis, and now when Khair-ad-din approached the
castle, the infidels, supposing it to be Andrea’s fleet on its return,
fired a salute. Two Portuguese barges that were coming in with a fair
wind, when they saw Khair-ad-din’s fleet tacked and were about to fly,
but on hearing the salute returned and anchored. Several infidels then
came from the castle to learn the news about Tunis; these Khair-ad-din
seized and put into chains. He also sent two boats to the barges with
the intimation, “Come along—Barbarossa wants you:” a mandate which the
terrified infidels obeyed; and ninety prisoners found on board were
liberated.
When Khair-ad-din came to these islands,[35] a report had been spread
that his intention was to plunder them, and the inhabitants were in
consequence greatly alarmed. The governor, in order to comfort them,
sent them a prisoner dressed like the pasha, with a message that the
king, having taken Barbarossa, had sent him to them that they might
burn him. The captive was accordingly burnt, and this gave occasion to
the salute. When however the capture of Minorca was made known, the
circumstance afforded a source of ridicule to the captives.
CAPTURE OF THE CASTLE OF MINORCA[36].
Khair-ad-din having landed his men, laid siege to this castle; and when
the attack had lasted four days, the governor of the island came out
with six thousand infidels, when, after a furious engagement, he was
routed, and his horse being hamstrung, he fell, and was killed on the
spot. The infidels, seeing this, surrendered the castle. Khair-ad-din
then abandoned the wealth of the place to the plunder of his warriors.
Five thousand seven hundred prisoners were taken, and eight hundred
were killed: and on the sixth day Khair-ad-din rased the fortress and
returned to Algiers.
CAUSE OF THE COWARDICE OF THE INFIDELS.
At the last-mentioned siege the Moslems had to resist the infidel begs
for some days, on account of their superior numbers: for had they not
possessed this advantage, they would not have fought in the position
which Khair-ad-din had taken; since it is written in their books that
it is lawful to fall alive into the enemy’s hand, and that they who
fall in battle do not enter paradise; their learned men also teach this
doctrine. It is related that Andrea Doria once asked a learned captive
the reason why our race were so brave in battle. The captive replied
that it was a miracle performed by our prophet, because that whoever
received his faith became brave, and would draw his sword even against
his own relatives. Andrea asked a farther reason, but the captive could
not give him any other, and said he knew no more on the subject. Andrea
then said, “Is it not written in your books that whoever flies from
battle goes to hell, and that if a person flies from two infidels he
cannot enter paradise? These are the words that make the Moslems so
brave. Now in our books it is written, that if a thousand men should
be attacked by one Moslem, and they know they are to be killed by him,
they need not fight him, because those who die in battle do not enter
paradise. This it is that makes us so cowardly.” This doctrine is also
taught by the Pope; the infidel soldiers however fight till they die,
caring little about a future state. The author has questioned several
learned men among the Christians on this subject, and has ascertained
that the case is not as stated by Andrea, who being an ignorant fellow
and unacquainted with books, spoke only his own ideas of the matter.
The Christians do not consider it lawful to turn from battle.
RETURN OF KHAIR-AD-DIN TO THE PORTE.
Whilst the king of Spain was on a visit to the Pope, and was boasting
that he had killed Barbarossa and taken Tunis, the account of the
capture of Minorca reached him, disclosed his falsehood, and obliged
him to return with shame to his own country. Andrea having also heard
of the fate of Minorca, resolved on going against Barbarossa. The
latter had just left Algiers, and on his way came in sight of Andrea’s
fleet, but not being observed himself, he took no notice of the fleet.
The pasha next touched at Jarba, and thence continued his course to
the Porte. The emperor at that time had just returned from Bagdad, and
Khair-ad-din having paid his respects,[37] was ordered to build two
hundred vessels for an expedition against Puglia, to the completion of
which he accordingly applied himself.
THE EXPEDITION TO PUGLIA.
The warlike pasha in the month Rabia-al-akher 943 (Sept. 1536) left
the royal arsenal with thirty light vessels, and sailing into the
Mediterranean, directed his course to a strong fortress called Castel,
which he captured after a hot engagement. Having secured the prisoners,
he plundered the fortress, and the winter season having set in,
returned to the Porte to repair and refit his fleet.
SULTAN SOLEIMAN’S EXPEDITION TO CORFU.
The cause of this expedition was this. In the time of Sultan Mohammed
Khan, the conqueror, the kingdom of Puglia had been subdued, but when
Keduk Ahmed Pasha succeeded to it, Spain demanded its restoration.
The warlike emperor therefore determined to send a large fleet to
that quarter; for the Grand Vizier Eias Pasha represented that the
sanjaks of Avlona and Delvina, situated opposite to Puglia, being now
subject to the Porte, the reduction of this territory ought to be
considered a matter of importance to the state. Kemal Reis, however,
having recommended the capture of Corfu in the first place, the Sultan
resolved upon going thither in person, and on a Friday, in the middle
of Zilhijé 943 (May 1537), Lutfi Pasha being then commander of the
fleet, Khair-ad-din sailed for the Mediterranean with one hundred and
thirty-five galleys and other vessels, amounting in all to two hundred
and eighty. Never before had so large a fleet sailed. Thirty thousand
sailors had been collected from all parts of the Ottoman dominions. On
the 7th of Zilhijé (17th May) the illustrious emperor with his two sons
left the capital, and set out on his journey, taking Smako on the way.
About the end of Moharrem, 944 (A. D. 1533), they passed Albassan, and
on the fifth of Seffer entered the plains of Avlona, where they had a
sight of the royal fleet, which had arrived and lay off that coast.
The Vezier Mustaffa Pasha, having been charged with the subjugation of
that part of Albania which was in rebellion, proceeded thither, and
subdued it, plundering the inhabitants. Avlona being bounded on the
west by the sea, and on the east by rebellious Albania, the natives
of which held intercourse with the infidel ships, by the advice of
Eias Pasha the whole of that line of country was subjugated; and the
rebels of Delvina having also submitted, territory to the extent of two
sanjaks was thus added to the Sublime Porte.
When the whole fleet was collected opposite Avlona, sixty vessels
were consigned to Khair-ad-din to conduct those that were bringing
provisions from Egypt. The chief commander, Lutfi Pasha, taking charge
of the remaining vessels, went over to the Puglia coasts, and attacked
a few castles, which he rased, first securing the prisoners and their
wealth.
As Khair-ad-din was passing the island of Corfu, about forty Venetian
galleys that were lying in the neighbourhood, seeing his fleet, and
supposing that he was leaving altogether, resolved to join the rest
of their fleet, which was then in the Gulf of Venice. On their way to
the rendezvous they were met by Lutfi Pasha on his return from Puglia,
who gave them battle, sunk two of their ships, took two, and the rest
escaped to Corfu. Khair-ad-din then brought his provision-ships to
Prevesa, and thence sailed to Avlona, where the sultans fleet had again
assembled.
ACCOUNT OF THE TREACHERY OF THE VENETIANS.
The Venetian infidels are a people famous for their great wealth,
their extensive commerce, and their deceit and perfidy in all their
transactions. Having by treachery taken most of the islands in their
possession from the Hungarian princes, and these islands being on
the borders of the Ottoman dominions, and deriving their subsistence
and trade from them, the Venetians from necessity maintain a show of
friendship, but are in reality the most inveterate of all the enemies
of the faith. During the above expedition, they being unmolested, the
governor of Gallipoli harbour, Ali Ketkhoda, happened to touch at Corfu
with two galleys on his way to join the Moslem fleet, when Andrea
Doria, who was there at the time, came out with the Corfiote vessels,
and attacked him. A fierce engagement ensued, in which the superior
numbers of the infidels overcame the warriors, and the battle having
lasted from morning till afternoon,[38] most of the Gallipoli vessels
were burnt or sunk, and the survivors were made prisoners.
On another occasion, another governor of Gallipoli, Boustan Ketkhoda,
was sailing to Corfu with dispatches from Lutfi Pasha, when four of the
Venetian ships gave him chase, and captured him. It was of no avail
that he declared he was only going on an embassy. Fearing however
that the affair might become known, they sunk the vessel and cruelly
murdered all that were on board, except a youth who threw himself into
the sea, and floated on a board till he was taken up by one of the
ships of the fleet, which conveyed him to Lutfi Pasha. Lutfi Pasha laid
the matter before the Sultan, who, on account of these two outrages,
commanded that Corfu should be besieged.
SIEGE OF CORFU.
Accordingly, the expedition to Puglia having been abandoned, the
imperial fleet was ordered to lay siege to and plunder the castle
of Corfu, whilst the emperor left Avlona, and took up his quarters
over-against the island. According to one account, a bridge of boats
was constructed across the channel where its width did not exceed half
a mile, by means of which the armies of the faithful passed over to
the island. One hundred and forty villages in the neighbourhood of the
town were all pillaged, so that the town alone remained, against which
the artillery was drawn up, and the siege was regularly commenced.
But it being almost entirely surrounded by sea, they attacked it on
the land side for full forty-three days and nights. When however they
had opened the sally ports, and had several fierce engagements, they
found their time for warlike operations was exhausted, the setting in
of winter having commenced, and heavy rains falling, accompanied with
extreme cold,—added to which, the sailing season was past. The emperor
therefore, out of compassion for the army, sent Eias Pasha over to the
island with orders to raise the siege. Lutfi Pasha and Khair-ad-din
Pasha, however, remonstrated against this step, saying that so much
labour ought not to be thrown away, and endeavoured to make the matter
appear feasible: but there is an adage, “What is ordained must come to
pass,” and therefore their counsel did not meet the royal approbation.
One history relates that when it was reported to his majesty that
a cannon ball had killed four of his men, he declared he would not
exchange one of his brave warriors for a thousand such castles, and
immediately gave orders to raise the siege. In short, the reduction
of this place having been so long attempted without success, a divan
was held about the end of the month Rabi-al-akher, and after robes of
honor had been given to the nobles, presents to the naval capudans and
reises, two pieces of money to each of the cavalry, and one piece to
each of the infantry, on the 24th of the same month the troops retired
from the siege, and his majesty, passing through Perpol, Kortsha,
Prespa, Monaster, Florina, and Salonica, after a journey of twenty
days, arrived at Adrianople.
Lutfi Pasha and Khair-ad-din Pasha on their return landed at
Cephalonia, which they attacked and plundered, taking immense booty.
ATTACK OF KHAIR-AD-DIN UPON THE VENETIAN ISLANDS.
The royal fleet leaving Cephalonia proceeded to Motone, where
Khair-ad-din chose sixty vessels, with which he remained at sea, Lutfi
Pasha returning with the rest to the Porte. Khair-ad-din first touched
at Cerigo, whence he went to an island called Egina, which was a strong
fortress. To this, having prepared his artillery, he laid siege, and
after three days’ fighting, succeeded in capturing it on the fourth
day, when he took four thousand eight hundred prisoners, besides
considerable booty. He then went to an island called Merted,[39]
which he also took, and carried off twelve hundred prisoners. He
next proceeded to the island of Bara (Paros), which the infidels
defended with great obstinacy for some time: but it was at length
taken at the point of the sword, and yielded much plunder. On his
going against Naksha (Naxia), the infidels came out and agreed to an
impost. Khair-ad-Din’s men with his permission then went and plundered
an island in the neighbourhood, and returned with great spoils. The
victorious pasha then attacked another island, and in fourteen days
took three of its castles and made eleven thousand prisoners. Having
done this, he bound down these six islands to pay an annual tribute
of five thousand pieces of gold. In the course of this expedition
Khair-ad-din collected cloth, money, a thousand girls, and fifteen
hundred boys—plunder amounting in all to the value of four hundred
thousand pieces of gold: such at least was the calculation of his
wealth. He then returned to Constantinople.
THE CAPUDAN PASHA’S PRESENT TO THE SULTAN.
The morning after his arrival the pasha dressed two hundred boys in
scarlet, bearing in their hands flasks and goblets of gold and silver.
Behind them followed thirty others, each carrying on his shoulders
a purse of gold; after these came two hundred men, each carrying a
purse of money; and lastly, two hundred infidels wearing collars, each
bearing a roll of cloth on his back. These he took as a present to the
emperor, and having kissed the royal hand, was presented with robes of
the most splendid kind, and received the highest marks of honour; for
never at any period had any capudan done such signal service.
THIRD EXPEDITION OF KHAIR-AD-DIN PASHA.
The winter season being nearly over, Sultan Soleiman gave orders to his
veziers to equip a hundred and fifty vessels, and to send Khair-ad-din
to sea. Accordingly, although the ships were not ready, the veziers
pressed Khair-ad-din to sail; and he not consenting, they had recourse
to stratagem, saying that Andrea Doria had gone with forty vessels
to Candia, where he was waiting to intercept Saleh Reis, who with
twenty vessels had gone to bring the Indian merchandise from Egypt.
Khair-ad-din therefore with the forty ships that were in readiness (the
other ninety being ordered to follow) sailed on the ninth of Moharrem,
945, (June 8th, 1538,) accompanied by three thousand janissaries; and
Ali Beg, the beg of Koga-eili, Khorrem Beg, the beg of Tekké, Ali Beg,
the beg of Seida, and Mustaffa Beg, the beg of Alanieh, having joined
him, they proceeded to Imbro, where some time previously a vessel
containing seventeen pieces of cannon had been wrecked, and having
possessed themselves of these, they sailed to an island called Ishkatos
(Skiathos), which had a strong castle and harbour. In consequence of
the complaint of the governor of Negropont that the pirates were in
the habit of lying there and carrying on their depredations in the
vicinity, they conveyed their artillery from a distance of seven miles,
and blockaded the castle for six days and nights, taking it by assault
on the seventh day. A great number of the infidels were slain, and
three thousand eight hundred taken prisoners.
The ninety vessels from Constantinople, and Saleh Reis, with the
twenty under his command, had now arrived; so that, according to
the royal command, the fleet now consisted of a hundred and fifty
vessels; but the equipment and manning of the ninety from the Porte
not being quite complete, Khair-ad-din emptied and sent back twelve
of them to Gallipoli; the rest he despatched to the Negropont. The
fleet then touched at Eskeri (Skyro), which they left the same night.
In the forenoon of the following day, which was very foggy, they met
seventy of the Mediterranean pirate boats which had but the day before
attempted in vain to take Skyro. On the approach of Khair-ad-din,
however, the infidels of the castle surrendered, crying for quarter;
and he accordingly spared them, on the condition that they should pay
an annual sum of one thousand pieces of gold. At this place he remained
a short time, and oiled his vessels. With the plunder he took he filled
seven vessels, and sent them to Constantinople. Two cannoniers had
been sent from Candia to Skyro; but not arriving till the afternoon,
when the castle had surrendered, they were seized and brought before
the pasha, who having obtained from them the information he needed
respecting the enemy’s movements, divided his fleet into seven
squadrons, which he sent in different directions,—one cruising about
the islands to levy the tribute. He then sailed to Istandil (Tino), the
governor of which was a Frank, and the people Greeks. These immediately
surrendered, and the pasha agreed to molest them no further if they
would deliver up their chiefs, which they accordingly did. He then
appointed one of the principal inhabitants governor, and stipulated for
an annual tribute of five thousand pieces of gold. He next sailed to
Andro, the people of which also submitted. On this and a neighbouring
island he imposed an annual tribute of one thousand pieces of gold.
From Andro the squadron proceeded to Naxia, and received the tribute
from that island, the inhabitants firing a salute. In the afternoon
of the third day from this time, as they were sailing to Candia, they
perceived before them a huge barge, which seemed like a black mountain
rising out of the sea. They immediately bore down upon her; but she
received their fire for a considerable time without striking her
colours. At length, however, she was weakened by several balls striking
her prow, when the Capudan Ibrahim went in and took her in tow. On the
fifteenth of Seffer the fleet arrived at Candia, first touching at the
castle of Miloietimo, where they landed their men. They then plundered
twenty of the neighbouring villages, which had been abandoned by the
infidels, and proceeding thence to Bakorna, took the natives prisoners,
and plundered sixty of the adjacent villages. On the 17th they sailed
towards a very strong castle called Khania (Canea), and as the infidels
had fled into the fortress, took in a supply of water, and made
preparations to attack it. But several of the more experienced capudans
were of opinion that to attack this castle would be a most difficult
matter; because, being on the side next the sea strongly fortified, and
on the land side protected by a wall of three miles in extent, besides
being well stored with arms and ammunition, and strongly garrisoned,
to effect its reduction would require an armament of no ordinary
strength. For these reasons they desisted from their attack, but fired
the houses on the outside, demolished all the strong buildings in
the neighbourhood, and in the course of three days plundered three
hundred villages. They then came upon Menolilo and Retimo, the villages
of which they plundered. Thence they went to Ista (Setia), where
the inhabitants seemed disposed to resist: but finding themselves
unable to hold out, speedily took to flight. Most of them were taken
prisoners, and the rest were devoured by the sword. Two castles,
called Isklaria and Istilo, were next reduced, and eighty villages in
their neighbourhood plundered. In one short week the whole of Candia
was overrun and pillaged. More than fifteen thousand prisoners were
taken, of whom a few were sent in barges to Constantinople. The fleet
afterwards proceeded to the island of Kirpé, which had three forts.
Here they remained ten days, during which they took all the three, and
laid them under tribute.
The heat at this time became very oppressive, and hot winds like the
Sam[40] beginning to blow, and the sailors suffering much, the fleet
went over to the island of Ilki (Piscopia), where they rested for some
time. Sailing thence to Stanko, they broke up the levend frigates, and
manned the galleys with the sailors they found on board. Besides these,
they also took in a great number of infidel sailors from the islands
and the Anatolian coasts. They then reduced an island called Stanpalia,
which the pasha left to be plundered by the volunteer ships. This year
the Venetians possessed twenty-five islands, each having one, two, or
three castles; all of which were taken; twelve of the islands being
laid under tribute, and the remaining thirteen plundered.
After this the fleet sailed towards Roumelia, and having broken up
the heavy sailing vessels at Kuzil Hissar, put into the harbour of
Negropont. They then took over the light sailing vessels by night to
Kara-Ata, where they oiled their sides, and returned to Negropont to
take in provisions. At this time Saleh Reis, who was a most valiant
commander, arrived at Negropont with thirty vessels; on which occasion
numerous salutes were fired.
THE GRAND BATTLE OF KHAIR-AD-DIN PASHA.
About this time information was received that the Spanish, Papal,
and Venetian fleets had assembled at Corfu, and attacked Prevesa;
whereupon Khair-ad-din sent twenty small privateers to that quarter,
which, on reaching Zante, came in sight of forty guard ships. These
latter immediately returned to their fleet and gave information that
Barbarossa was in the neighbourhood. The enemy then left Prevesa; which
circumstance being made known to Khair-ad-din, when he was near Motone,
he took in water at Helomej, and proceeded thence to Cephalonia, where
he landed his men and plundered the surrounding villages. Crossing
thence to Prevesa, the castle of which had been much injured by the
enemy’s cannon, he was preparing to besiege it, when he received
reinforcements during the night from Santa Maura. With this assistance
he entered the fortress, many of the infidels being slain in the
assault: and having planted his great guns, the infidels, exhausted
and terrified, left the place.[41] The pasha then ordered his troops
to repair the fortress; and in the mean time sent over a few private
vessels to the infidel coasts to obtain information. These on their
return reported that the Spanish, Papal, Portuguese and Venetian fleets
had assembled at Corfu. This intelligence was immediately forwarded
to the sultan, who was then on an expedition into Boghdan (Moldavia).
About the middle of the month Jemazi-al-avul the fleets of these
accursed infidels arrived and anchored about two miles from Prevesa.
THE NUMBER OF THE INFIDELS’ SHIPS.
Andrea Doria had fifty-two galleys; the Venetian general, seventy;
the Popes admiral, thirty; and the lieutenant of the Grand-Master of
Rhodes, ten. The Spaniards and Portuguese had eighty barges, and the
Venetians ten krakas, each of which contained two thousand arms of
different sorts, and was equal to fifty galleys. Andrea Doria’s own
ship was a huge galleon, with arms and ammunition beyond computation.
Besides these there were a few barges from different places; the
whole amounting to one hundred and sixty-two galleys, one hundred and
forty barges, and three hundred other ships, which, with the small
privateers, formed a fleet of upwards of six hundred sail.
The Moslem fleet consisted of only one hundred and twenty-two light
galleys. Khair-ad-din having held a consultation, and encouraged his
troops, began to make preparations for an engagement. He then lowered
the masts, giving strict injunctions to his officers to keep a constant
eye upon his movements. The private vessels he ordered to take a
position by themselves out of the line, and when
they came in contact with the enemy’s ships to fire their bow-guns. The
begs, seeing the number of the infidel ships, recommended the landing
of the men and artillery. Khair-ad-din however did not consider this
advisable; but having afterwards ascertained that the plan of the
enemy was to enter the bay of Prevesa by night, he landed his men and
stationed his artillery on the shore. The infidels shortly afterwards
landed, when he commenced a fire upon them, whilst Mourad Agha, of the
line of privateers, Tourghoudjé, Kouzloujé Mohammed, Sadek Reis, and
several others, attacked them in the rear, and filled them with terror.
Two days after several of the enemy’s light vessels came up to the
strait of Prevesa, where the arrogant wretches opened a fire upon the
Moslem vessels. The brave and experienced pasha, unable to bear this
insolence any longer, beat his drum and cymbals, hoisted his flags, and
sailed out of the bay, with the intention of there meeting the fleet
of the despicable infidels. Casting anchor about six miles from land,
he waited until the rest of the Moslem vessels should join him; and
when they were all assembled, and had taken their proper positions,
gave a signal, at which each of the hundred and twenty-two ships fired
three guns, and coming forward to the attack, the brave Moslems filled
the air with their shouts. This struck dismay into the hearts of the
infidels, who, as evening approached, weighed anchor and fled towards
Corfu. The pasha then returned to his former position. That night,
whilst praying for direction, he saw in a dream great numbers of fishes
issuing out of the harbour; and rising up at midnight, he sailed in
that direction.
ATTACK AND FLIGHT OF THE INFIDELS.
On the third of Jemazi-al-avul, as Andrea Doria was preparing to
enter the Gulf of Lepanto, Khair-ad-din sailed to Bahshiler, and
having reached that place, he sent men to the mast-heads, who descried
masts in the neighbourhood of Santa Maura and the harbour of Ingir.
He therefore immediately weighed anchor, and sailed, prepared for an
engagement. The infidels observing them, came out to meet them; and
the wind being in their favour, the Moslems were overwhelmed with
fear, for galleys are not able to compete with barges under such
circumstances. Khair-ad-din however wrote two verses of the Koran, and
threw one on each side of his vessel; when the wind immediately fell,
and the barges lay motionless. This occurrence teaches that commanders,
however celebrated, ought not to trust in human means alone, but also
to pay all possible regard to spiritual means for ensuring success.
The unfortunate infidels, stationing themselves in regular lines, now
began to discharge their artillery; which, however, wanted strength to
make it efficient. A galleon first came out and opened a heavy fire,
but was driven back by the fire of the fleet. Khair-ad-din succeeded
in taking several of the barges by attacking them from a distance, and
thus gradually weakening them. Andrea Doria and the general having now
come up with their galleys, were about to commence an attack, when the
brave pasha bore down upon them, and commenced a heavy fire, which
obliged them to bring round their barges. The balls from the barges
now fell like rain, and the two fleets were so enveloped in smoke,
that they could not see each other. The enemy’s galleys several times
attempted to take the Moslem vessels in the rear, that so they might
take up a position between them and the other ships and barges. The
latter, which, from their size resembled floating castles, were dashing
against each other with great violence; nor was it possible to separate
them. At length, after nine of the barges had been driven back by
the strength of the Moslem vessels, the pasha (of lion-like courage)
redoubled his exertions, and keeping up a brisk fire, sunk several,
and clearing a way through them, passed on to the galleys, strictly
prohibiting his men from plundering a single barge. The infidels were
astonished, and overwhelmed with terror at the impetus of the warriors:
and their small galleys being unable any longer to maintain the fight,
they turned their faces to flight. The slaughter continued during the
whole of the interval between the two hours of prayer, and most of
the barges were either destroyed or sunk by the cannon. Andrea Doria
seeing this tore his beard, and took to flight, all the smaller galleys
following him. The Moslems, supposing the barges were of less value
than the galleys, pursued the latter, and succeeded in capturing two of
them.
In the evening the wind fell, which obliged them to remain on the scene
of action; whilst the unfortunate infidels set fire to the remaining
barges, which continued to burn till morning. Such wonderful battles
as those fought between the forenoon and sunset of that day were never
before seen at sea.
Next morning the pasha went to Santa Maura, where he gave his son
charge of two captains he had taken, and despatched him to the sultan
with the news of the victory. He then proceeded to Prevesa, where the
begs kissed his hand and congratulated him. Sultan Soleiman Khan was
at this time hunting at Ianboli, where the pashas son on his arrival
was received with the greatest honors; and a divan being assembled,
the proclamation of the victory was read, all present standing, and
thanksgiving and praise were offered to the Divine Being. The Capudan
Pasha then received orders to make an advance of one hundred thousand
pieces of money to the principal officers, to send the proclamation of
the victory to all parts of the country, and to order public rejoicings
in all the towns.
Andrea Doria after his flight made Corfu his place of rendezvous;
whilst the pasha on the 14th of the same month started from Prevesa by
night, and on the evening of the following day arrived at Bahshiler;
but finding no traces of the infidels there, he returned to Prevesa.
The privateers having obtained his permission to plunder Cephalonia,
proceeded thither, and left nothing behind them but the bare fortress.
On the other hand, whilst the pasha was engaged in repairing the
fortress of Prevesa, information was brought him that the infidels had
attacked Durazzo; upon which he cleared his galleys, and stood out to
sea the same night. Next morning he attacked the fort of Parga, put the
inhabitants to flight, took four hundred prisoners, and plundered and
set fire to the castle. On his way to Bahshiler he took two barges; and
after resting there two days, on the morning of the third, he again
sailed to the channel of Corfu, where he was overtaken by a violent
storm, which obliged him to put into Avlona, where he was detained
for ten days till the weather cleared up. During this time the army
suffered greatly. While there the pasha received orders either to
winter there, or to return to Constantinople, as he might think most
advisable. He chose the latter alternative, and immediately sailed
for Constantinople. On their way the fleet had to encounter another
dreadful storm at the strait of Beberjek, but succeeded in reaching
Gallipoli, and thence proceeded to Constantinople, which they entered
amidst the firing of numerous salutes.
CAPTURE OF CASTEL NOVO BY THE INFIDELS.
Andrea, taking advantage of the storm which detained Khair-ad-din at
Avlona, returned and attacked Novo; and the governor being a weak man,
he with the most consummate assurance took possession of it, garrisoned
it with six thousand soldiers, and left it.
EXPEDITION OF SOLEIMAN PASHA TO INDIA.
Spain had just completed the conquest of the New World; and so early as
the year 900 (A. D. 1494.) the Portuguese, emboldened by her success,
proceeded from the Western to the Eastern Ocean, and passing along the
Mountains of the Moon, (where the blessed Nile has its source,) and
the coasts of Abyssinia and Zanguebar, penetrated into India, and took
possession of the fortresses of Sind. The kings of that country being
too weak to resist them, the king of Guzerat applied for assistance to
Sultan Soleiman Khan. This zealous monarch, with the view of driving
the oppressive infidels from the coasts of Yemen and India, equipped a
fleet of thirty galleys in the road of Suez, and gave the command of
them to Khadem Soleiman Pasha, chief of the emirs of Egypt, who left
the port of Suez about the end of Moharrem (940 A.D. 1533), and arrived
on the seventh of Rabi-al-avul at the city of Aden, on the coast of
Yemen, the fortresses of which, under the command of Amar Ben Davud,
he took possession of, and having considerably strengthened them, gave
them in charge to Behram Beg. He then proceeded towards Div, an Indian
port in the possession of the Portuguese, which was the principal
object of his efforts. The winds being favourable, he arrived in the
beginning of Rabi-al-avul at the citadels of Goa and Kari, situate in
the neighbourhood of Div, and also in the possession of the Portuguese,
where he landed his men and artillery, and took both these fortresses;
a thousand infidels falling by the sword. He next laid siege to Div,
the citadel of which was defended on three sides by the sea, and on the
land side by very strong fortifications; on which account he deemed it
advisable to land twenty thousand men, and a considerable quantity of
ammunition. The siege had how lasted a month, and the king of Guzerat
had in vain expected the ammunition and provisions he had demanded from
Prince Mahmoud. This prince, frightened at the murder of Amar, the emir
of Aden, would neither come himself nor send succours. The besieged
infidels then, as a last resource, persuaded Mahmoud that the murder
was committed by Soleiman Pasha, and that any good the latter might do
him would be dictated by treachery. Deceived by these insinuations of
the infidels, he decidedly refused the succours. This refusal, together
with his open opposition to them in other matters, and the peace he had
made with the infidels, obliged the Moslems to raise the siege of the
citadel: and they accordingly reimbarked their artillery and departed
for Shedjer, where they arrived safely in twenty days. The governor of
this city having surrendered, the fleet departed for Aden and Zebid.
Emir Ahmed, having taken possession of the country, was then its
governor. On the approach of Soleiman, the emir shut himself up in a
fortress, which was subsequently taken, and the command of the province
of Yemen was given to Mustafa Beg, son of Mohammed Pasha Bikli.[42]
Soleiman Pasha, after remaining a month at these places for the defence
of Yemen, sailed for Jidda, where he arrived on the twentieth of
Sheval. Immediately on his arrival there he undertook the pilgrimage
(to Mecca), and whilst the fleet continued its voyage, accompanying
the caravan, he proceeded by land to Egypt, and at length reached
Constantinople, where he obtained a seat in the divan.
EXPEDITION OF KHAIR-AD-DIN TO CASTEL NOVO.
The recovery of Castel Novo, which some time before had fallen into the
hands of the infidels, being considered a matter of importance both
to religion and the state, on the return of spring Khosrow Pasha, the
begler-beg of Roumelia, who had remained at Sophia, was sent thither by
land. Khair-ad-din also, on the eighth of Rabi-al-akher, sailed with
one hundred and fifty vessels, and with thirty-seven pieces of cannon
besieged the fortress. After a discharge of eight thousand two hundred
shots, on the twenty-second day the walls of one of the fortresses were
reduced and the fortress itself taken. Novo had two large fortresses;
they therefore proceeded to the other one, which they also took by
assault, making the infidels prisoners. The pasha then rebuilt the
castle, and placed twenty-six pieces of cannon in it. He then sent
his troops to plunder the country of the infidels, and returned to
Constantinople with immense riches.
ATTACK OF THE KING OF SPAIN UPON ALGIERS, &C.
In the year 948 (A.D. 1541) the emperor went with his army on an
expedition into Hungary, and sent Khair-ad-din at the same time with
seventy galleys to guard the Mediterranean. At this time too, the king
of Spain, in order to assist the emperor Ferdinand, and to plunder the
Moslem territories, sailed with his fleet towards the Venetian coasts.
When he heard that Khair-ad-din was at sea, ashamed to return to his
own country, he proceeded to Algiers. For some time previous to this
Khadem Hassan Agha, to whose care the pasha had confided Algiers,
having equipped thirty galleys and golettas, had been carrying on a
system of plunder on the Spanish coasts. The king of Spain therefore
embarked troops to the number of fifty thousand, four thousand of which
were cavalry, on board a hundred galleys, and sailed for Algiers, where
he arrived on the twenty-eighth day of Jemazi II., A.H. 948. Hassan
thereupon immediately held a divan, and encouraged his men. Meantime
the infidels had pitched their camp, and were attempting a trench, when
Hassan Beg, with six hundred Turkish and two thousand Arab horsemen,
sallied out and attacked them by night. In the confusion which ensued
and the darkness of the night the infidels fell upon each other,
and three thousand of them were killed; and the warriors returned in
safety to the castle. By the decree of God, on the fifth day there
was a violent storm of wind and rain, which drove most of the enemys
heavy barges ashore, and sunk several; their ammunition too was wet,
and their cannon and musketry unfit for service. Hassan Beg therefore
made an attack upon them, and after a hot engagement of two hours,
returned to the castle. In this storm a hundred and six of the infidels
ships were driven ashore, and four galleys into the harbour. In these
were one thousand four hundred Moslem prisoners, who were immediately
liberated. The infidels, mortified and disappointed, now retired and
assembled at a cape called Tementos, whence they set out on their
return to their own country. They were pursued by the Moslems, who slew
great numbers of them: whilst the Algerines, observing the violence
of the stream of dissension which was strongly agitated among them,
plunged into it, and sunk or destroyed many of their ships. Those who
escaped embarked on board the remaining vessels, and on the 26th of
Rajab again put out to sea, but were again overtaken by a storm, which
drove them to Bajaiah, and at length with great difficulty made their
way to Spain. Not long after this memorable defeat by the storm, which
is recorded in the Spanish histories, Charles V. entered a monastery
and became a recluse; and his kingdom passed to his son.
FRANCE CRAVES ASSISTANCE OF THE PORTE.
In the year 949 Francis king of France sent an ambassador to the
Sublime Porte, to request the aid of a naval force and other
assistance, in consequence of a terrible feud that existed between
him and Spain. Orders having been given this winter to fit out a
considerable number of vessels, Khair-ad-din, in compliance with this
request, equipped a hundred galleys, and in the spring of the year 950
sailed with a complete fleet for France. Several historical accounts
agree in this statement. On this occasion victory deserted the arms of
the pasha.
DEATH OF KHAIR-AD-DIN PASHA.
The pasha, after remaining at sea two years longer, to protect its
navigation, returned to the Porte, where he died on the sixth of
Jemazi-al-avul, 953 (A.D. August 1546), upwards of eighty years old,
and was buried in his tomb at Beshektash. The period of his death is
chronogrammatically expressed in the sentence,[43] “The chief of the
sea is dead.” May the mercy of God be extended to him!