An account of the present war between the Venetians & Turk with the state of Candie (in a letter to the king, from Venice) / by the Earl of Castlemaine.

May it please Your Majesty,

THE Kingdom of Candie, since the taking of Rhodes and Cy∣prus, has ever been the aim of the Ottoman Empe∣rours, to the end (the Chri∣stians having no harbour

in the East) they might fall upon the West with all se∣curity and ease.

In the year 1645. (when the whole Christian World was at odds) Ibra∣im, the Father of the pre∣sent Monarch began this War, who in the depth of a long Peace unexpectedly set upon the Venetians, and made this the pretence of his Quarrel:

It seems in their former Agreement (among many other Articles) the Re∣publique did engage not to give shelter to the

Knights of Malta in any of their Ports or Havens. In 1644. it hapned that the Galleys of the Order took a Sultana, who with three Millions of Crowns was going to pay her Vows at Mecha: These making homeward with this great Booty, were constrained ei∣ther for want of good weather, or water, by stealth to strike into a by-Port of Candie; where (having put on Shore some Horses they had got) after Refreshment they safely returned to their own Isle.

The year following the Turk provided a Fleet (in great and small) of 460 Sail, protesting to the Se∣nates Embassadour it was for Malta; but when they had pass'd by, neer as far as Sapienza, they again tack't about, and without the least Declaration of War, lan∣ded Sixty thousand Men, which presently sate down before Canea. The Re∣publique being in this manner surprised, provi∣ded for their defence as fast as they could; yet before their Courage

was awak'd they lost the whole Kingdom, ex∣cept the Metropolis Can∣die, and three adjoining In∣sulets (of much value for their Ports) viz. Carabusa, Spina longa, and Suda. This prosperous Success made then the Grand Signior own the War, laying open∣ly the sheltering the Malte∣ses to the charge of the Se∣nate; but had he received any check at the first, 'twas privately decreed (to sa∣tisfie the Venetians) that the Captain Bassa should lose his Head, as if the design

had been his Capriccio, without the least order for it.

After the taking of Ca∣nea and Rhetimo, they soon became Masters of the Field, and in 1648. began the Siege of Candie, ma∣king then so furious an On∣set, that they entered the Breach, and for seven hours were within the Town; but the Valour of the De∣fendents beat them out a∣gain with infinite loss and damage. In Anno 49. they made another Assault, which proving vain, they

have now left off for ever the thought of winning the place by Storm.

On a rising Ground (where formerly the Enemy pitch'd their Tents) neer three Miles from the Old, they have built another Town, which is called New-Candie; here resides the Bassa, and here have they fortified themselves, blocking up the City, so that there's now no Com∣merce but by Sea, which sends yet plenty of all things that can be requi∣site or needful.

If the Turk were pro∣sperous here, he had not the like Success in Dalma∣tia; for this being neerer home, the Venetians so got the start, that they not on∣ly preserv'd their own, but took whatever they de∣sign'd, still beating all Sup∣plies, though thrice ex∣ceeding theirs in number. Of 46 places taken, none was preserv'd but Clissa; the rest they have destroy∣ed, leaving waste in bredth at least fifty miles, and so along even to the Confines of Albania. The Towns

upon the Shore (Zara, Se∣benico, Trau, Spalato, Almis∣sa, Cataro, and Budoa,) be∣ing a defence for the Gulph, they keep (as be∣fore) well Fortified: Nor has the Turk on the Sea∣side but Narento, and Ca∣stelnuovo, both which are so shut up with the Gallies there on purpose attend∣ing, that they are able by Pyracie to do no harm at all.

When the War here be∣gan, part of the Morlacks (who are Croats, or Dal∣matins, but so called from

the Hills where they lived) revolted from the Sultan, and threw themselves into the Protection of the Re∣publique: These, though kindly received, do not in∣habite the Towns, either out of fear they may again fall off, or by reason that having store of Cattle, they could not attend them with such commodi∣ty and ease. Their dwel∣ling then is under the walls of the Strong Places, where they build Huts; and here being well defended, they lye secure, enjoying the

advantage of the Fields; and besides, whenever they please they can make their plundering Excursions in∣to the Enemie's Country. Against these the Turks bear a mortal hatred, at no time giving Quarter, un∣less it be to put them to new pains and torments. Never were people more a∣gile and strong of Body, or that could suffer hardship with more patience then they; and yet for all these innate Virtues, they can∣not be made Souldiers, (I mean the major part) since

no Art will Reduce them to the exact Rule of Mar∣tial Discipline: the great∣est good they are now fit for is to do harm, which commonly happens, they daily running out in head∣less Troops, and often re∣turning home with Cattle, Slaves, and other useful Booty.

In their Sea-affairs the Republique is so Trium∣phant, that were the par∣ticulars at large writ, 'twould seem it may be far more fabulous then true. 'Twas long after the War

broke out before the Na∣vies met, the Venetians be∣ing loth to hazard a Fight, which had they once lost, and the Turks become Ma∣sters of the Mediterranean, the destruction of them, and of Christendom too, perchance must have also followed. The first busi∣ness then of their Fleet was to furnish their Mari∣time Towns with Men and Necessaries; and by do∣ing this they had many private Encounters, in which having still the bet∣ter, it gave them such heart

and vigour, that since the year 47. they got many famous Victories, and by them are become so terri∣ble now, that (unless it happen by chance) 'tis im∣possible to meet with the Enemie's Fleet abroad.

In the beginning of the War the Republique was at a great expence, their Officers affirming, That for the first four years they spent neer thirty Millions of Pistols, which is above twenty of our Sterling mo∣ney: And this may possi∣bly be true; for never was

Army more duly paid; which caused the best Souldiers from all Parts e∣ven to make Friends to be in their Service. The Rates are still the same; but (through their wants by the length of this contest) the Payment is thought so bad, that at present few come, unless they are Spi∣rited, as Planters are sent to the Indies. Seventeen thousand (within a little either under or over) are the number of those in this Service; for in the Kingdom of Candie there

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are not above 6000 in pay, 1000 more there are in their other fortified Islands, in the Garrisons of Dalmatia 4000 (besides a Regiment which the Pope maintains at his Charge); and lastly, in the Armata they keep about 6000 more. Thirty six Livres a Month is the Contract with the Common-Soul∣dier, and this to be reckon∣ed according to the Stan∣dard of the place where they are, which makes the income different; for 36 Livres in Candie amount

not to above 3 Reals, but in the Army they are equal to 4^r, or eighteen shillings. Of this, in Candie the Soul∣dier receives 6 s. 9 d. per mensem, and 16 ounces of Bisquet a day, and in Clothes to the value of 15 or 20 s. a year. In the Ar∣mata to each is paid only 4 s. 6 d. a Month, and the like allowance of Bisquet as afore: and after they have satisfied for their Armes they imbezil, if any thing remains, their Credit is own'd, which presently the poor wretches sell for

five or six in the hundred. Yet these last are thought to fare the best, by reason their Duty is easier; (for those of the City mount the Guard every second Night) and besides, are more in the way of pilfer∣ing, and of sometimes get∣ting Prizes.

The Allowance to their Officers is very different also: for the Tramontans, or Forreigners (to encou∣rage their coming) have far more then what they give the Italians; and the pay of both is reckoned

by Ducats, which may be valued at 3 s. 9 d. apiece.

Italians are thus paid per mensem. To a

• Colonel 100 Duc.
• Lt. Colonel 080 Duc.
• Major 060 Duc.
• Captain 040 Duc.

To each of these is low'd also the pay of 3 Common-Souldiers. Lieutenants they have none.

• Ensigne 020 Duc.
• Serjeant 010 Duc.
• Corporal 006 ½ Duc.

Strangers are thus paid. To a

• Colonel 150 Duc.
• ...
  • Lieut. Colonel
  • Major
  • Captain
  each 100 Duc.
• Lieutenant 050 Duc.
• Ensigne 030 Duc.
• Serjeant 015Duc.
• Corporal 010 Duc.

Besides, in every Tra∣montane Regiment there is the Stato Colonello allow∣ed, which is 200 Ducats a Month; and this to Regalé his Lieutenant and Major, who commonly have a share, though herein he may do as he please.

Every Captain also has Capo Soldi, which is about 6 d. a Head to an Italian a Month, and 12 d. to a Stranger, for as many as they have in their Compa∣ny. This Money they may convert to their own use, but the institution

was to distribute it accor∣ding to their discretion amongst those that did well deserve.

The Reformado's have half the pay of their for∣mer Office: And for the Horse, they are not 500 in all, each of which have 16, the Cornet 40, the Lieu∣tenant 60, and the Captain 120 Ducats a Month, with some other Accidental perquisits.

That which these Offi∣cers do duly receive for their monthly Subsistance, is the bread, and about a

third of the Italian pay; the rest is in Arrear for the greatest part; and unless they can make good friends to the Cashier they must expect long, or sell this, as the hasty Common-Souldier did before them.

Concerning the Naval Force which they have, it consists of three sorts of Vessels, viz. of Galliasses, Gallies, and Ships.

A Galliasse is a Machine of wonderful advantage in these Inland Seas, being a Gally in respect of its Oars, & yet resembling a Ship in

its strength and ornament. These the Republique (of all Christian Princes) alone use; and though the Turk has many, yet he neither knows how to make them so good, nor to manage them with that dexterity the Venetians do. Five hun∣dred Slaves and 300 Soul∣diers go to the well man∣ing of one of these, which (being ever the destroyer of Gallies) in a Calm will be too hard for a Ship; but if the wind blows, the Ship is reckoned to have far the greater advantage.

Of these there are con∣stantly six in the Fleet.

For Gallies, there are in Dalmatia five; one in Cor∣fu, and the like in Candie to be employ'd about Di∣spatches; and in the Ar∣mata 24, each of which, one with another, carry 180 Slaves, and about 100 or 120 Souldiers. Of Slaves in their Fleet there are neer 8000, consisting of Turks, of Christians condemned, or of misera∣ble people that sell them∣selves for about 5 l. to the end of the War. These

last have 4 s. 6 d. a Month, and are not put into chains as the rest. The daily pro∣vision for all is 18 ounces of Bisquet, a little Rice and Oil, and perchance a coarse Shirt and Drawers in the year.

Of great Ships the Ve∣netians maintained about 25 formerly, and 16 now, amongst which there are but 5 of their own, the rest hired; for they find it less chargeable, or at least freer from trouble, to be at a certainty, and that without hazard, then to lye liable

to the Cousenage of Offi∣cers, which all Common∣wealths are subject to: and were it possible to find Gallies and Galliasses, they would doubtless a∣gree for them after the same manner also.

The Rate they pay for Ships is 1650 Ducats a Month, which comes to about 305 l. English: For this the Captain is bound to keep 60 Sailers, and to obey all Commands of the General, as if the Vessel wholly belonged to the Republique.

The Ships which they have of their own are those they take in War; and when there are many they sell most of them, preser∣ving still a few to be a per∣petual Remembrance in the Eyes of all, of their remarkable Valour and Bravery.

This is the whole num∣ber of their Navy; and with this they so affright the Turk, that now, on purpose to engage, he dares not appear; and should he set to Sea 200 of the best Vessels he could

get, they would not only attaque him, but be all more assured of a Victory then the odds of two to one can give a sober Gamester. To demon∣strate then the Courage of these, and the fear of the other, nothing can better do it then what hapned in the year 53. For at that time Fosculo (the Venetian General) with the like Fleet, strengthened with a few more Ships, drove in∣to the Harbour of Rhodes 8 Galliasses, 80 Gallies, and 64 Men of War; and

though he used all possible means to provoke them to fight, yet nothing could draw them to it. This made the Admiral of Malta declare, That he look'd upon that Action as great∣er then all the Victories they had lately got; for then the Chance of War (he ur∣ged) was only contrary; but by this their cowar∣dise the Turks confest themselves now fully o∣vercome and vanquished.

Moreover, it must needs be wonderful, that the Great Turk and his should

lose of all sorts above 2000 Sail, and yet they never took but a Gally of the Republiques, and one poor Pink of Victuals. Nor has the Venetian lost by the ac∣cidents of Fire and Storm 30 more, though now the War hath been of so many years continuance.

I had almost forgot to acquaint Your Majesty, That the Knights of Malta have yearly (till their now joining with the French at Gigery) assisted this State with 7 Gallies, which is the usual number they ever

keep. Yet though these Christian Heroes be as brave as the Swords they wear, the Venetian Fleet are no ways fond of the help; and this, I suppose, proceeds from their being Match enough for the aw'd Enemy themselves; and besides, they think the Knights are never back∣ward in the Plunder, when as sometimes in Service they will dispute the Ge∣neralissimo's Orders, and make their own Admiral Judge whether the Action be safe and fit.

That which the Armata now does (the Turk being thus terrified) is to rove about the Archipelago, ex∣acting Tribute of the Isles, and watching for Gallies that hover up and down, as also for the Caravans of Aegypt and Asia, which of∣ten they light upon, to the infinite enrichment of the Grandees, and to some be∣nefit also even of the smal∣ler fry.

The Islands here are all small, and many in num∣ber; nor can they be but poor, seeing (besides their

loss by petty Robberies on both sides) they now pay a constant Tribute to the Venetians also. These receive of them about 150000 Crowns per An∣num: But the Turk is con∣tent with less, as not willing wholly to destroy his Sub∣jects, which at present he cannot defend. Though the Republique thus Com∣mand in the Aegean, the Inhabitants think it not ill spent still to pay the Grand Signior something; and the reason is, because they know not how otherwise

to be out of danger of ru∣ine by sudden Invasions, when the Christian Fleet is distant from them. Of all these Isles Cerigo and Tino are only Fortified by the Senate. Each of these has a small Fortress, which heretofore they thought fit to keep, that upon any oc∣casion they might here have an assured Harbour of their own. Those that are Garrison'd by the Turk are Tenedos, Lemnos, Mete∣lin, Scio, Negropont, Lango, and Rhodes; for the rest, they are all open Tributa∣ries

(as I said) to both: but in more awe of the Republique, because they are Masters at Sea. And this is a loss, or at least a dishonour (in not being a∣ble to protect their own) that the Infidels suffer for their begining of the War.

The Venetians have of∣ten also hereabouts dis∣barqu'd, and taken several Towns and Forts; yet not with an intention to keep them, or to go on with a Conquest, since they cannot spare Men for the first, and want a strong

Army for the other: but this they have done, either to demolish some Offen∣sive Place, or to let the Turks see, they can Con∣quer on Land as well as on Sea; or lastly, by the de∣sign of a new General to get Reputation, in shewing his Wit and Courage.

Though no great Prince had fewer Subjects then Your Majesty in this War, yet none had those that have done things of more note; and herein each of Your three Mighty King∣doms had some, that have

Served well, and thereby gained much Honour and Reputation.

Amongst the English that Fought bravely, Cap∣tain Thomas Middleton (who had his Ship hired in the Service) did a most prodi∣gious Action. It hapned that the Admiral, intend∣ing a Design about the Dardanels, put Middleton in so desperate a place, that he was in danger from Land to be sunk at every Shot. He advised the Com∣mander of it, and withal told him, That the peril of

himself and Ship did not so much trouble him, as to be set where it was im∣possible for him to offend the Enemy. Having no an∣swer, or at best a bad one, and seeing it could not prejudice the Fleet, he drew off a little the Ves∣sel (his only Livelyhood) from the needless danger 'twas in. When the busi∣ness was over, they dismist him (in a Councel of War) with the Title of Coward, and all the Souldiers be∣ing taken away, he was left only with some 50 English,

to return home, or whi∣ther else he pleased. He had not parted long from the Armata, but in a stark Calm met with 25 Sail, of which 18 were the best Gallies the Great Turk could make in all his Fleet. These crying out in deri∣sion, That they would eat English Beef for Dinner, fell upon him, wanting no assurance, being assisted with the stilness of the Air, and their own Strength and Number. But for all this confidence they miss'd their aim; for after a long

and sharp Encounter, the two Bassa's that Comman∣ded were kill'd, with 1500 to accompany them; and besides the many that were wounded, the whole Squa∣dron was so shatter'd, that they had hardly Oars to get off, and were all unfit to Serve, at least for that year. The Captain had neither Wind, Sails, nor Tackle left to follow them; but with much ado he yet afterwards came safe to Candie, and there pre∣sented to the General a whole Tun of salted Heads

of those he had killed in their often boarding. His Excellency was astonished at the thing, and after all the caresses imaginable, he acquainted the Senate with it, who with universal con∣sent Ordered him a Chain and Medal of Gold, as a Testimony of their high Esteem, and his own com∣mendable Valour. Mid∣dleton afterwards died on his Journey home, leaving a Son who Commands here a Ship, and is very well esteem'd by all the Nobi∣lity for his Resolution and Conduct.

About the first of the War Captain George Scot of Fife brought also a Ship to the Fleet: He was so skilful in Gunnery, that he could not only kill a sin∣gle Man with his Cannon, but would also dismount any Piece that offended the Christians at the Siege of Candie. The Heads of the Armata had such a va∣lue for him, that he was usually admitted into their most privy Debates. He, when he advised them to an Enterprize, would al∣ways be the foremost in the

danger; and in this man∣ner he did to his great Re∣putation at Fogies. The Venetians were there about 20 Ships, and by the Cap∣tains counsel determined in the Harbour to fire the Enemies Fleet, consisting of about 140 Sail. Scot entred first, though there was on each side a Castle to defend the Port. The Admiral with the rest fol∣lowed; but having begun their Design presently re∣tir'd, fearing to be burnt themselves, especially see∣ing the Night drew on so

fast: In the mean while the Captain had cast An∣chor in the midst of the Turks, and plying them every way with his great Guns, so hindred the put∣ting out of the Fire, that had the rest done what they ought (though alrea∣dy the damage was great) there would not have been (they say) so much as the least Mast left. Every bo∣dy gave him over for lost; but yet in the morning he was seen to return, not only with a French Pettach which the Master had for∣saken,

but also accompa∣nied with a Galliass of the Enemies, and with one of the flaming Gallies too. He had a Son with him from the beginning, who at last was thought the better Engineer: but both, to the sorrow of all, sickned and died in the Service.

In the year 45. came Colonel Brereton hither, an Irishman by Birth and later Extraction, but ori∣ginally of the Cheshire Fa∣mily. He brought a Re∣giment from Germany with

him, and behaved himself so upon all occasions, in ordering Affairs, as well as in personal Valour, that they made him Sargente Generale, and thereby, in the vacancy, General of the Arms; which Charge also he should have abso∣lutely received, had he not died (as lately he did) of a Feaver in Candie.

Great Sir, It is here to be remembred, That the Republick trusts no Gally or Galliasse (being of so easie a Conveyance, and thereby a bait for a needy

Souldier) out of the hands of a Noble Venetian, who for such a slight thing can∣not be imagined to hazard his so considerable For∣tunes at home. On the other side, they never give the Command of the Soul∣diery to any of their own Gentlemen; but all the Officers (except some few of their ordinary Subjects) from the highest to the lowest are hired Strangers. The reason is, That finding the Roman Republique (which they much imitate) was always endangered,

and in the end ruined by its own Nobilities too much knowledge in War, and interest with the Men at Arms, they strive to make theirs Statesmen and Overseers, leaving the ex∣ecutive part to the Soul∣diers of Fortune, whom Money has made their Ser∣vants: And moreover, by this gathering of Forreign∣ers their People are not lessened, few of their own being lost, though in an overthrow the number of the Slain be great.

But 'tis not (May it please

Your Majesty) for all this to be thought, they blind∣ly leave all to the dispo∣sing of Strangers: for they reserve the directive Power to themselves; and to that end chuse every three years a Captain Ge∣neral, commonly a graver Senatour then knowing Souldier. To him for the avoiding confusion and Parties (like to the old Dictators) is given the whole Authority of the Senate: He then advises with the Capi di Guerra (who are all also Gentle∣men)

viz. the Provedi∣tore, the Captain Extra∣ordinary of the Galliasses, the like Officer of the Ships, with some others: and after he has heard their Opinions, absolutely determines himself: and then the General of the Arms in the best Military Order he conceives, exe∣cutes his Commands and Will.

In this sort then do they ballance the Ambition of their own, in using them to advise and not to act; and hereby can they check

the insolence of the Soul∣diers, in taking away all direction from them, and punishing the least grum∣bling with a severe Cha∣stisement.

Thus (though in short) may be seen the manner of this War, which began through the Turks unsatia∣ble avarice of getting Candie; and without this, 'tis certain they can never be quiet in the Levant.

It is true, They have got the Kingdom (the Ve∣netians without their Walls having not a foot

left); yet are the Turks still frustrated in their aims, since they have no one Port to winter a Fleet in; and on the contrary, the Christians have here the same Harbours as for∣merly for their Navy or Free-booters, and more elsewhere then they had before the beginning of the Troubles.

The advantage the Ene∣my has now got, is hardly yet of greater consequence then the enjoyment of so much Ground, for which he has paid (besides infinite

dishonour and losses) at least 400000 Men; when as on the side of the Re∣publique there died not a fourth of this, though the Clime and Pestilence were great destroyers; nor could the tenth of the loss be called their own and proper Subjects.

After all this stir, and purchase at so dear a rate, it is a most certain truth, The Turks are here now thus weak, that a sudden Recruit of 10000 Men would utterly beat them out of the Island: All peo∣ple

do therefore wonder why it is not done: But some of the Reasons I find for it are these ensuing.

To get this Supply must be by the Aid of Forreign Princes, or by Levies made at their own Charge.

From Christian Allies the Force now required cannot be expected with∣out Sollicitation and Em∣bassies; neither if this would obtain it, could it be done without the Turks having notice of it; and doubtless thereupon would they send a Supply

to their own, by which, what so many Men at pre∣sent can, twice the number perchance will be scarce then sufficient to perform, but more especially if af∣terwards (through some disgusts, or by their not being able to do what they came for) this friendly Succour should retire, the Republique will be left with a stronger Enemy on their hands, and so in a worse condition then be∣fore.

If it be expected the Ve∣netians should do it them∣selves,

I must answer, I verily believe they are not able, having run behind (as they say) so much in the beginning; But if at last, through pri∣vate Contributions, they could for once make such a Levy, yet this their in∣tention would be soon known, and most of the same Inconveniences fol∣low: And thus if not a∣ble to finish the Project (the Turks being en∣creas'd) double the num∣ber of those that now keep Garrison, must be hereafter

requisite. Nor can it be but hard to maintain new comers, since through the poverty of the Publick they are forc'd to shuffle with the few that Serve.

So much does the ex∣hausted yet cunning State fear over-briskly to engage this lazy Prince, lest Anger should raise him to that Life and Fire, which by experience his Natural Temper never can.

The most obvious and easie way now left with this little Supply to regain Candie, seems to be, when

the Barbary Pyrats shall provoke Christendom to punish their Robberies, to take that opportunity of sending from their Coast 20 Sail, which with a fair Wind in ten days will cer∣tainly arrive at the Isle. The very sight of such an unexpected Succour will so amaze the Turk, that wise men think he will ca∣pitulate and be gone; but no body doubts of the Success if they come to blows, since all his strength here amounts not to 20000 good Men, which

being in dismay by this unlook'd for help, cannot be able to resist the Veneti∣an Army, both thus rein∣forc'd, and also assisted by 60000 Natives, who em∣boldened by the new Aid will undoubtedly be up in three days.

Notwithstanding this, they make no question at Constantinople of getting in the end the Place: for they well imagine how poor the Publique is, and that the report of not be∣ing able to keep touch with their Militia, has

done them such discredit, that scarce any now volun∣tarily come to their Ser∣vice. They know too, that the Taxes are heavy on the Venetian Subjects, and hope thereby they may be moved through desperation to Rebel, it being impossible (they think) to feed them much longer with the expectati∣on of Peace, which hither∣to has made them bear their Load with such Qui∣et and patience.

Moreover, the War, as it is now managed, costs

the Grand Signior little, the Island maintaining the Force he hath there; and for the present havock at Sea, it commonly belongs to private Merchant-men; and therefore he resolves to depend upon time, which as it brings change, so if it proves in the least unfortunate to the Re∣publique, he is certainly sure of his ends.

After this manner does he think to weary out the Venetians, and in fine force them to ask Peace, which he resolves not to grant,

unless it be bought with the surrendring of Candie, and its other remaining appendices.

The Senate being well convinc'd of this, a con∣siderable part (as the Rich and the Old, who neither want, or are fit for Prefer∣ment) wish for an Accom∣modation on these Terms; for fearing the conclusion will be thus, they desire betimes to spare their own and Subjects Purses; but the Major part are still for War: And this is also thought to move them to it.

1. First, The Gain the Men of Action make by the Trouble: For hereto∣fore the Publique Treasu∣ry was to a Miracle full, and the Nobility poor; now, on the contrary, by the Prizes yearly taken, by the advantage of Offices, and by often buying De∣bentures of the Souldiers for 6 per Cent. the Parti∣culars are all rich, whilst the Cecca is wholly exhau∣sted and dry.

2. The assurance that no Christian Prince will either now quarrel or plot

against them: And there∣sore they deem it prudence to be yet in a way of re∣gaining the Kingdom, e∣specially while by so do∣ing, they protect their dear Terra Firma from the dan∣ger it ever lies subject to, by the still pretending Successors of the Confede∣rates in the League of Cambray.

3. The incertainty how long after this also they shall be yet quiet; for 'twould be ridiculous by so disadvantageous a loss to purchase Rest, when 'tis

impossible to be assured but the following Month a new pretext of War will be found, unless they yield up Zante, Cephalonia, and Corfu, and so in infinitum.

These are some of the chief Arguments which make them refuse all Trea∣ties of this sort; and the rather, since by the cool∣ness of the Turk they doubtless may sustain this defensive War with their own yearly Income: But they pretend they are in Debt, and that 'tis not half enough.

Republiques are always ill Managers of their Mo∣ney, when great and extra∣ordinary Disbursements are made: for the Re∣ceipts and Payments pas∣sing through so many hands of their own, every body gets: Nor are they yet in fear of punishment, if their Thefts exceed not all shame, seeing their Re∣lations are their Judges; and besides, each man knows for the most part himself guilty of what is imputed to his fellow.

The Venetians had year∣ly

heretofore to the value of 800000 l. English, and perchance have half as much more now by their unusual Impositions; and to speak truly, their in∣dispensible Charges are great: for (besides the Robberies of Ministers, and the numerous Civil Magistrates, that draw much) they must not be look'd upon as if Candie, Dalmatia, and the Fleet were the only things of Expence: Istria and Friu∣li (which are parts of Ita∣ly) lie sometimes liable

also to the Incursions of the Turk: Nor were it prudence in them wholly to disfurnish their Estates in Lombardy, which is bounded with so many ga∣ping Princes.

For their better continu∣ing the War, there's hopes still left, that their Subjects will patiently bear the Taxes imposed without In∣surrections. 'Tis the present Custom of the Senate to send for Money with a Complement (calling it a Donative) to the Towns and Territories belonging,

(as Padua, Vicenza, Verona, &c.) and then the Chief of these Places raise it as they themselves think fit. Now these well know, if the War upon necessity should end, by reason of their de∣nial to contribute, That the Senate being in Peace, will no longer entreat them to give this, but then force them to pay more, both to punish their crime, and also to re-fill their drained Coffers against a new occasion: For 'twould be a folly in them to think ever to quiet the Turk by Concessions.

To make the Port de∣sist from troubling Chri∣stendom, is not by yielding, but by sending them home with Loss. Were there∣fore the Enemy unken∣nell'd here, he must needs return with great confusi∣on and disgrace: For this footing which he has now in the Kingdom, is the on∣ly thing he can shew for the unspeakable damage that from time to time he has suffer'd; yet should he at last master the Place, he would not think he has paid too dear, seeing by

the purchase he quite drives the Christians out of the Levant; and let them then be never so strong at Sea, without a new Conquest they can only molest and not hurt him; for the weather and want will force them back, lea∣ving him his desired Rule and Signory. Besides, with Candie must also fall Zante, Cephalonia, and perchance Corfu too; both the first Places being inconsidera∣ble for strength, but of wonderful utility to Chri∣stendom, as a Recess for

their Fleet, and abounding in all kind of Plenty. If then these Islands be ta∣ken, Italy must needs be in an ill condition, the Turks Navy Harbouring safely so neer, with which he can Land in a trice what men he please, whensoever he shall think fit to Invade.

When I arrived here, I much admired why the Enemy from the neigh∣bouring Continent did not on a sudden Transport 9 or 10000 Men, and thereby possess himself of these places that are weak,

being a great loss to his Foes, and so pertinent for his Designs and Business. But I have since found (be∣sides the Venetians possibi∣lity of preventing) there are other causes that whol∣ly divert him from the En∣terprize.

As, first, Should he make the Surprize now, yet he could not accomplish his purpose of setting upon the West: For seeing the Infidels declare, They are not to encrease their Em∣pire by Victories at Sea, they will at no time wil∣lingly

engage with the Christian Fleet; and there∣fore confess by the over∣throws they have had, That theirs is at present to Transport Men and Ne∣cessaries, and not to Fight. Now whilst Candie stands, and the other Harbours that depend on its resi∣stance, if the Turks shall send their Navy to fall on Italy, they are sure to be met by ours, which they ac∣knowledge will ruine them as often as they are assault∣ed. And thus till they have wholly subdued the

Kingdom, they can have no safe passage for their Fleet to these Isles, let them take what Season of the Year they please.

Again, It thwarts the Turkish Maxim, to hazard much (without an indi∣spensible necessity) in the getting of a place, whilst behind there remains something yet to be sub∣du'd; And their ground for it is, That undoubted∣ly believing one day to be Masters of the whole World, the method to be used is a progression by de∣grees,

and Patience; ta∣king first the thing next them, and then what bor∣ders upon what they got last: And by this means they are not only free from an Enemy at their backs, and danger in Retreats, but have thus lull'd asleep Christianity hitherto, as thinking it self yet far enough from danger, ha∣ving lost but one Town more then it had before. But should the Grand Sig∣nior on a sudden step too forward (as when by ta∣king of Otranto he got

footing in Italy) he is sure to be presently beaten out, and in danger also to awake his Enemies so far, that all Christian Princes might again joyn in a League, which is the only thing he fears. To avoid therefore this, when Chri∣stendom is at Peace does he commonly begin a War with Persia; and if after∣wards differences break out, he leaves then that usually fruitless Enter∣prize, to gain upon them, who, were they united, would Conquer more in

Five years then ever he yet got in Fifty.

I cannot think this (Royal Sir) altogether a Christian Bravado, but that which may be proba∣bly imagined, if I look upon what the glorious Venetians themselves with a small Number have done, or consider how destitute of Men and Strong Pla∣ces all his Provinces are; or lastly reflect upon the wideness of his Dominions on this Sea; so that 'twere impossible to defend them all were they ordinarily

populous; but they are not so, as I said; and be∣sides, most of the people there are also Christians. I cannot estimate his Strength by what it is in Hungary, and thereabouts; for those Frontiers being but comparatively little, he can defend them with his prime Men; and there∣fore if ever his ruine be by force, he must be plaid with on that side only, and attaqu'd on this. Here his Enemies may pick and chuse; and if by chance one Country be found

well mann'd, the Wind without charge in 24 hours will carry them to another, which a hundred to one will yield without resi∣stance. Doubtless he is but weak, as may be seen by his late utmost endea∣vour against the Empe∣rour: And yet his seem∣ing Greatness strikes such terrors in every body neer him, that all now allow there is no medium left, but either Christianity must destroy this Antichrist, or he it; that is, in their Earth∣ly Rule and Dominion.

The present State then of the Venetian Affairs is; The City of Candie is in a good condition, the Island lost; in Dalmatia and the Sea they have had the bet∣ter, and yet the Turk ex∣pects his ends: And this is a Misfortune the Repub∣lique has, That their near∣est Neighbours think they want no help: And thus may they be tired out, if not beaten at last, to the infinite loss of Christendom.

Gracious Sir,

To conclude, No War (as hitherto) was ever

more extravagant then this; for in it the Repub∣lique has lost a Kingdom, and yet are still Victori∣ous; And though the Turks be Conquerors, the World may nevertheless see, That they are no lon∣ger Invincible.

Venice, Novemb. 14. 1665.