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 Cyprus, has ever been the aim of the Ottoman Emperours, to the end (the Chriſtians having no harbour in the Eaſt) they might fall upon the Weſt with all ſecurity and eaſe.

In the year 1645. (when the whole Chriſtian World was at odds) Ibraim, the Father of the preſent 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 Republique 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 either 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 Senates 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, landed Sixty thouſand Men, which preſently ſate down before Canea. The Republique being in this manner ſurpriſed, provided for their defence as faſt as they could; yet before their Courage was awak'd they loſt the whole Kingdom, except the Metropolis Candie, and three adjoining Insulets (of much value for their Ports) viz. Carabuſa, Spina longa, and Suda. This proſperous Succeſs made then the Grand Signior own the War, laying openly the ſheltering the Malteses to the charge of the Senate; but had he received any check at the firſt, 'twas privately decreed (to ſatisfie 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 Canea and Rhetimo, they ſoon became Maſters of the Field, and in 1648. began the Siege of Candie, making then ſo furious an Onſet, that they entered the Breach, and for ſeven hours were within the Town; but the Valour of the Defendents beat them out again 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 Commerce but by Sea, which ſends yet plenty of all things that can be requiſite or needful.

If the Turk were proſperous here, he had not the like Succeſs in Dalmatia; for this being neerer home, the Venetians ſo got the ſtart, that they not only preſerv'd their own, but took whatever they deſign'd, ſtill beating all Supplies, though thrice exceeding theirs in number. Of 46 places taken, none was preſerv'd but Cliſſa; the reſt they have deſtroyed, leaving waſte in bredth at leaſt fifty miles, and ſo along even to the Confines of Albania. The Towns upon the Shore (Zara, Sebenico, Trau, Spalato, Almiſſa, Cataro, and Budoa,) being a defence for the Gulph, they keep (as before) well Fortified: Nor has the Turk on the Seaſide but Narento, and Caſtelnuovo, both which are ſo ſhut up with the Gallies there on purpoſe attending, that they are able by Pyracie to do no harm at all.

When the War here began, part of the Morlacks (who are Croats, or Dalmatins, but ſo called from the Hills where they lived) revolted from the Sultan, and threw themſelves into the Protection of the Republique: Theſe, though kindly received, do not inhabite 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 commodity and eaſe. Their dwelling 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 into the Enemie's Country. Againſt theſe the Turks bear a mortal hatred, at no time giving Quarter, unleſs it be to put them to new pains and torments. Never were people more agile and ſtrong of Body, or that could ſuffer hardſhip with more patience then they; and yet for all theſe innate Virtues, they cannot be made Souldiers, (I mean the major part) ſince no Art will Reduce them to the exact Rule of Martial Diſcipline: the greateſt good they are now fit for is to do harm, which commonly happens, they daily running out in headleſs Troops, and often returning home with Cattle, Slaves, and other uſeful Booty.

In their Sea-affairs the Republique is ſo Triumphant, that were the particulars at large writ, 'twould ſeem it may be far more fabulous then true. 'Twas long after the War broke out before the Navies met, the Venetians being loth to hazard a Fight, which had they once loſt, and the Turks become Maſters of the Mediterranean, the deſtruction of them, and of Chriſtendom too, perchance muſt have alſo followed. The firſt buſineſs then of their Fleet was to furniſh their Maritime Towns with Men and Neceſſaries; and by doing this they had many private Encounters, in which having ſtill the better, it gave them ſuch heart and vigour, that ſince the year 47. they got many famous Victories, and by them are become ſo terrible now, that (unleſs it happen by chance) 'tis impoſſible 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 money: And this may poſſibly be true; for never was Army more duly paid; which cauſed the beſt Souldiers from all Parts even 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 Spirited, 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 〈1 page duplicate〉〈1 page duplicate〉 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-Souldier, and this to be reckoned according to the Standard 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 4r, or eighteen ſhillings. Of this, in Candie the Souldier 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 Armata 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 pilfering, and of ſometimes getting Prizes.

The Allowance to their Officers is very different also: for the Tramontans, or Forreigners (to encourage 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 Tramontane Regiment there is the Stato Colonello allowed, 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 Company. This Money they may convert to their own uſe, but the inſtitution was to diſtribute it according to their diſcretion amongſt thoſe that did well deſerve.

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

That which theſe Officers 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 hundred Slaves and 300 Souldiers go to the well maning 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 conſtantly ſix in the Fleet.

For Gallies, there are in Dalmatia five; one in Corfu, and the like in Candie to be employ'd about Diſpatches; and in the Armata 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 miſerable people that ſell themſelves 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 proviſion 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 Venetians 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 Officers, which all Commonwealths are ſubject to: and were it poſſible to find Gallies and Galliaſſes, they would doubtleſs agree 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, preſerving ſtill a few to be a perpetual Remembrance in the Eyes of all, of their remarkable Valour and Bravery.

This is the whole number 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 demonſtrate 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 into 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 greater then all the Victories they had lately got; for then the Chance of War (he urged) was only contrary; but by this their cowardiſe the Turks confeſt themſelves now fully overcome 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 accidents 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 backward in the Plunder, when as ſometimes in Service they will diſpute the Generaliſſimo'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, exacting Tribute of the Iſles, and watching for Gallies that hover up and down, as alſo for the Caravans of Aegypt and Aſia, which often they light upon, to the infinite enrichment of the Grandees, and to ſome benefit alſo even of the ſmaller fry.

The Iſlands here are all ſmall, and many in number; 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 Annum: But the Turk is content with leſs, as not willing wholly to deſtroy his Subjects, which at preſent he cannot defend. Though the Republique thus Command 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 ruine 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 occaſion they might here have an aſſured Harbour of their own. Thoſe that are Garriſon'd by the Turk are Tenedos, Lemnos, Metelin, Scio, Negropont, Lango, and Rhodes; for the reſt, they are all open Tributaries (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 able to protect their own) that the Infidels ſuffer for their begining of the War.

The Venetians have often alſo hereabouts diſbarqu'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 Offenſive Place, or to let the Turks ſee, they can Conquer on Land as well as on Sea; or laſtly, by the deſign 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 Kingdoms had ſome, that have Served well, and thereby gained much Honour and Reputation.

Amongſt the Engliſh that Fought bravely, Captain Thomas Middleton (who had his Ship hired in the Service) did a moſt prodigious Action. It hapned that the Admiral, intending 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 Commander 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 impoſſible for him to offend the Enemy. Having no anſwer, or at beſt a bad one, and ſeeing it could not prejudice the Fleet, he drew off a little the Veſſel (his only Livelyhood) from the needleſs danger 'twas in. When the buſineſs was over, they diſmiſt him (in a Councel of War) with the Title of Coward, and all the Souldiers being taken away, he was left only with ſome 50 Engliſh, to return home, or whither 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 deriſion, 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 Commanded were kill'd, with 1500 to accompany them; and beſides the many that were wounded, the whole Squadron 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 preſented 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 conſent Ordered him a Chain and Medal of Gold, as a Teſtimony of their high Eſteem, and his own commendable Valour. Middleton afterwards died on his Journey home, leaving a Son who Commands here a Ship, and is very well eſteem'd by all the Nobility 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 ſingle 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 value for him, that he was uſually admitted into their moſt privy Debates. He, when he adviſed them to an Enterprize, would always be the foremoſt in the danger; and in this manner he did to his great Reputation at Fogies. The Venetians were there about 20 Ships, and by the Captains 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 followed; but having begun their Deſign preſently retir'd, fearing to be burnt themſelves, eſpecially ſeeing the Night drew on ſo faſt: In the mean while the Captain had caſt Anchor in the midſt of the Turks, and plying them every way with his great Guns, ſo hindred the putting out of the Fire, that had the reſt done what they ought (though already the damage was great) there would not have been (they ſay) ſo much as the leaſt Maſt left. Every body 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 forſaken, but alſo accompanied 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 originally of the Cheſhire Family. He brought a Regiment 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 abſolutely 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 cannot be imagined to hazard his ſo conſiderable Fortunes at home. On the other ſide, they never give the Command of the Souldiery 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 executive part to the Souldiers of Fortune, whom Money has made their Servants: And moreover, by this gathering of Forreigners 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 blindly leave all to the diſpoſing of Strangers: for they reſerve the directive Power to themſelves; and to that end chuſe every three years a Captain General, 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 Gentlemen) viz. the Proveditore, the Captain Extraordinary 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, executes 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 Souldiers, in taking away all direction from them, and puniſhing the leaſt grumbling with a ſevere Chaſtiſement.

Thus (though in ſhort) may be ſeen the manner of this War, which began through the Turks unſatiable 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 Venetians 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 formerly for their Navy or Free-booters, and more elſewhere then they had before the beginning of the Troubles.

The advantage the Enemy 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 Republique 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 people 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 without Sollicitation and Embaſſies; 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 preſent can, twice the number perchance will be ſcarce then ſufficient to perform, but more eſpecially if afterwards (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 before.

If it be expected the Venetians ſhould do it themſelves, 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 private Contributions, they could for once make ſuch a Levy, yet this their intention would be ſoon known, and moſt of the ſame Inconveniences follow: And thus if not able to finiſh the Project (the Turks being encreas'd) double the number 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 exhauſted 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 certainly arrive at the Iſle. The very ſight of ſuch an unexpected Succour will ſo amaze the Turk, that wiſe men think he will capitulate 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 Venetian Army, both thus reinforc'd, and alſo aſſiſted by 60000 Natives, who emboldened 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 being able to keep touch with their Militia, has done them ſuch diſcredit, that ſcarce any now voluntarily come to their Service. 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 expectation of Peace, which hitherto has made them bear their Load with ſuch Quiet 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 Republique, 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 conſiderable part (as the Rich and the Old, who neither want, or are fit for Preferment) wiſh for an Accommodation 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 heretofore the Publique Treaſury 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 Debentures of the Souldiers for 6 per Cent. the Particulars are all rich, whilſt the Cecca is wholly exhauſted and dry.

2. The aſſurance that no Chriſtian Prince will either now quarrel or plot againſt them: And thereſore they deem it prudence to be yet in a way of regaining the Kingdom, eſpecially while by ſo doing, they protect their dear Terra Firma from the danger it ever lies ſubject to, by the ſtill pretending Succeſſors of the Confederates 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 Treaties of this ſort; and the rather, ſince by the coolneſs 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 Money, when great and extraordinary Disburſements are made: for the Receipts and Payments paſſing 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 Relations are their Judges; and beſides, each man knows for the moſt part himſelf guilty of what is imputed to his fellow.

The Venetians had yearly 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 indiſpenſible 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 Friuli (which are parts of Italy) 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 gaping Princes.

For their better continuing the War, there's hopes ſtill left, that their Subjects will patiently bear the Taxes impoſed without Inſurrections. '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 denial 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 deſiſt from troubling Chriſtendom, is not by yielding, but by ſending them home with Loſs. Were therefore the Enemy unkennell'd here, he muſt needs return with great confuſion and diſgrace: For this footing which he has now in the Kingdom, is the only 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, leaving him his deſired Rule and Signory. Beſides, with Candie muſt alſo fall Zante, Cephalonia, and perchance Corfu too; both the firſt Places being inconſiderable for ſtrength, but of wonderful utility to Chriſtendom, as a Receſs for their Fleet, and abounding in all kind of Plenty. If then theſe Iſlands be taken, 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 neighbouring 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 (beſides the Venetians poſſibility of preventing) there are other cauſes that wholly divert him from the Enterprize.

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 Empire by Victories at Sea, they will at no time willingly engage with the Chriſtian Fleet; and therefore confeſs by the overthrows they have had, That theirs is at preſent to Tranſport Men and Neceſſaries, and not to Fight. Now whilſt Candie ſtands, and the other Harbours that depend on its reſiſtance, if the Turks ſhall ſend their Navy to fall on Italy, they are ſure to be met by ours, which they acknowledge will ruine them as often as they are aſſaulted. 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 indiſpenſible neceſſity) in the getting of a place, whilſt behind there remains ſomething yet to be ſubdu'd; And their ground for it is, That undoubtedly believing one day to be Maſters of the whole World, the method to be uſed is a progreſſion by degrees, and Patience; taking firſt the thing next them, and then what borders 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, having loſt but one Town more then it had before. But ſhould the Grand Signior on a ſudden ſtep too forward (as when by taking 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 Chriſtendom is at Peace does he commonly begin a War with Perſia; and if afterwards differences break out, he leaves then that uſually fruitleſs Enterprize, 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 probably imagined, if I look upon what the glorious Venetians themſelves with a ſmall Number have done, or conſider how deſtitute of Men and Strong Places 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 beſides, 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 therefore 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 reſiſtance. Doubtleſs he is but weak, as may be ſeen by his late utmoſt endeavour againſt the Emperour: And yet his ſeeming 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 Earthly 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 better, and yet the Turk expects his ends: And this is a Misfortune the Republique has, That their neareſt 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 Republique has loſt a Kingdom, and yet are ſtill Victorious; And though the Turks be Conquerors, the World may nevertheleſs ſee, That they are no longer Invincible.

Venice, Novemb. 14. 1665.