The policy and government of the Venetians both in civil and military affairs / written in French by the Sieur de la Hay, and faithfully Englished.

CHAP. XI. The Forreign General in Dalmatia.

NExt to the Proveditor-Gene∣ral, (which is a noble Vene∣tian) this Forreign General is the chief person both in the Countrey and Army, and has the Command of all the Militia, but so as he can do or attempt nothing but by the consent of the Proveditor, in whose absence he gives all Orders both in the Field and the Garri∣sons: and it is remarkeable, (whe∣ther they be chosen on purpose of different humours, or that the jea∣lousie inherent to their Command suffers them not to agree) they

are never in any great intelligence with one another, and yet (which is most strange) never at so much odds as to prejudice the State.

One thing in my judgement is something strange in this Charge, and that is the small authority this General has, for besides the ho∣nours and formalities pay'd him by the Souldiers, he has not the pri∣viledge to gratifie any of his men with a dayes pay, or a loaf of bread more than their due, but by the express Order of the Proveditor, and when he does, it is most cer∣tainly out of his own purse.

The Souldiers for the most part having greater difference and respect for the person who in all dangers is constantly at their head, fights a∣mongst them perpetually, and bears his share in all the difficulties they endure, the Proveditor (who thinks it beneath him to live in that

Community) keeps a constant eye upon the actions of his rival, and by the Soveraign authority with which he is endued, restrains any exorbitance that might flow from their affection.

In this manner they allow the Forreign General power enough to Command the Army, and to March them out when he pleases, yet with such restriction, it is clear they intend all should depend upon the Venetian, and that the honour of all noble atchievements should devolve upon him, as well as the power of punishments and rewards, as he is Commander in chief. Hence it is that the Souldier receiv∣ing nothing but from his hands, believes he is to serve nothing but the Commonwealth, and obeys his Outlandish General for no other reason but because he Commands for them; a policy by which they

are sure to be Masters, let who will Command, and secures them a∣gainst any apprehension of making of parties. Don Camillo Gonzague was General in this nature, the last Campagnia I made in their service, he died as he was upon his return at Capo d'Istria, not without suspi∣cion of having taken a Pill.

I shall say nothing of the Gene∣ral of Candia, he being but another arm, which receives its life and agi∣tation from the same head as the other. Some of these Generals have been punish'd severely, and particularly the late Monsieur de la Valette, who was made an eminent example of the power of their Chiefs, when they represent the body of their Republick, and it will not be long before the Cheva∣lier de Gremonville will be able to tell some Stories of his own.