CHAPTER II.

_Respecting the Affairs of Khair-ad-din Pasha._

This pasha, who arrived at the highest honours of his country, was a brave and valiant soldier, and altogether an astonishing person. When he was brought before the Sultan Soleiman Khan, he was treated with the greatest attention, and was requested to write an account of his adventures. In compliance with this request he selected, from the writings of those who had been with him, accounts of his principal adventures; and having formed them into a book, he forwarded it to the Sultan of happy memory.

The greater part of these adventures we have extracted from that work, and shall here insert them in order.

The pasha’s name was Hezr. His father Iacub was a soldier’s son at Aja Ava, and at the capture of Metylini enlisted in the volunteers, and remained in that island. He had four sons, Is’hak, Oruj, Hezr, and Elias, each of whom carried on a trade at sea. Is’hak afterwards settled at Metylini; Oruj continued his voyages to Egypt and Trabalos Sham; and Hezr to Saros and Salonica. Whilst Oruj and his brother Elias were sailing to Trabalos, they were attacked by some infidels of Rhodes, and Elias fell in the struggle. Hezr was also made a prisoner, and remained some time in the island. When he regained his liberty, he petitioned Sultan Corcud, who was then in Anatolia, for permission to go out as a corsair; which being granted, he sailed with a galley of eighteen benches. He first plundered the infidels’ ships about Rhodes, and then passed over to the coasts of Italy, where he attacked some boats, and after several engagements, in which he took considerable booty, returned and wintered at Eskenderia. Thence he went to the island of Jarba, where he left his cargo, and made preparations for a voyage to the infidel countries. On the accession of Sultan Selim to the throne, his brother, Corcud Khan, was obliged to conceal himself, and the Mediterranean ships were prohibited from sailing. Khair-ad-din therefore took ship at Metylini, and sailed to Maghreb; whilst his brother Oruj proceeded to the island of Jarba. Here the two brothers met, and formed an agreement to carry on their wars together; after which they repaired to Tunis, and requested some place of abode from the governor. At that time Tunis was held by Beni Hefs, who appointed for their use the castle of Halk-al-vad, upon condition that he should receive a fifth part of all their plunder.

THE ENGAGEMENTS OF ORUJ AND KHAIR-AD-DIN.

After the winter had passed, and the season for sailing had returned, the two corsairs fitted up two vessels, and left Halk-al-vad. They first came in contact with a large Genoese vessel, with a cargo of corn, which they seized without any ceremony. Shortly afterwards they met a huge merchant ship laden with cloth: this they also took without any loss of time; and returned to Tunis, where they gave up a fifth part of their plunder, and divided the remainder. They then once more made for the infidel coasts, and soon met a Spanish vessel in full sail, to which they made up; but there being on board of her an infidel beg, they had to fight sharply for some time. At last however they took the ship.

The fame of these two men now began to be very conspicuous, and their valour was celebrated along the shores of the Mediterranean. On one occasion they went out with four ships, and proceeded to a castle called Bajaia (Bujia), in the vicinity of Trabalos (Tripoli), of which they had obtained possession. Here they were opposed by the Spanish fleet, which gave them battle; but they bravely resisted them, and by the favour of God were victorious. They took two of the ships, and dispersed the rest, except one which Oruj Reis sunk. After the engagement Oruj Reis went out, and whilst he was surveying the castle, the enemy made an attempt to recover their vessels. Whilst Oruj Reis was employed in repelling them, a shot from the castle wounded his left arm. His brother took him on board, and had his arm dressed; but, as the wound seemed incurable, they were obliged to amputate it. In the mean time they took a barge and several small vessels, which they sent to Tunis. Khair-ad-din himself sailed to the island of Majorca, which he attacked, reduced several of the fortresses, and enriched himself with the plunder of the villages. Whilst he continued his cruise, the capudan of Corsica came out with eight galleys, and made preparations for an engagement. Khair-ad-din turned upon the capudan’s galley and attacked it; but the contest was long, and many men fell on both sides. At last the infidels were beaten, and began to retreat. The two vessels which they had taken Khair-ad-din obliged them to give up. He then returned to Tunis, where he left Oruj Reis on account of his wound.

THE ENGAGEMENTS OF KHAIR-AD-DIN.

During the winter the warrior again went to sea, and became exceedingly rich, having taken in one month three thousand eight hundred prisoners and twenty ships. The captives he retained for himself, but all the booty he divided among his men. In the spring he again took the command of seven private vessels, and went to sea. On this occasion he attacked a town on the infidel coast, and having taken about one thousand eight hundred prisoners, he sold them for two thousand florins, and returned. Whilst his vessels were dispersed in search of plunder, one night after he had lighted his lantern, he was followed by four barges, which he did not observe till the next morning, when he turned upon them and took all the four. These were laden with cloth; and when he carried them to Tunis, he took out of them eight thousand pastas and bales of cloth. Previously to this, on the same night, he had given chase to another barge, which however contrived to escape from him, but it was taken by the other ships, and being a French vessel, and fully laden, he entrusted it to his nephew, Mohi-ad-din Reis, and sent it with presents to the Porte; in return for which, the Porte sent him two galleys and a robe of honour. After this no ship could venture to withstand Khair-ad-din.

THE EXPEDITION TO BEJAIA AND THE CAPTURE OF SHARSHAL.

The warrior and his brother once more prepared ten vessels, and went out on an expedition to Bajaia. On their way they attacked a small fortress called Sharshal or Jajl, which they took without any difficulty; and putting into chains a hundred infidels whom they found in it, they left three ships with fifty men to guard it.

After this they went on to the castle of Bajaia, where they landed their men and took out their cannon. Having closely blockaded it, they took it by assault on the fourth day. Besides those who fell, they took five thousand prisoners; and the plunder of the castle they allotted to the twenty thousand Arabs who had come to their assistance. They then laid siege to the second castle, which they surrounded for twenty days; but at last, their ammunition falling short, they sent for assistance to the Sultan of Tunis, who however denied it them. In the mean time, an infidel fleet of two hundred vessels arrived, and placed more than ten thousand soldiers in the castle. Thus the Moslem troops were driven desperate and obliged to withdraw. Previously to this they had run their ships into the river; and the water having subsided, they were left on the land; and not being able to put them to sea again, they were obliged to fire them.

They then went overland to Jajl, taking with them the prisoners they had taken from the fortress. The distance was sixty miles. At this place were stationed Oruj’s ship and Khair-ad-din’s galley of twenty-four benches. Oruj Reis remained at Jajl, whilst Khair-ad-din with three ships proceeded to Tunis, where he bought four others, and with seven volunteer ships, making in all fourteen, he put out to sea. Soon after he was joined by Kurd Oghli Mussaleh-ad-din Reis with fourteen ships; and his fleet now consisting of twenty-eight sail, he proceeded to the infidel coasts. Near Genoa he saw eight barges laden with corn, and having made himself known, they suffered themselves to be taken without any resistance. On his return he met twelve more, all which he also took. These were laden with cloth. The twenty barges he sent by Kurd Oghli to Tunis, whilst he himself went to join his brother.

DEPARTURE OF ORUJ REIS TO ALGIERS.

At this time there was in the harbour opposite the castle of Jezaier (Algiers) a small fortress on an island about an arrow-shot from the city. The Spanish infidels had by some means obtained possession of this castle, and had thus in a manner shut in the inhabitants of the town. The unfortunate Algerines were therefore obliged to submit to them and pay tribute; till at last the oppression of the infidels became insupportable, and they wrote a letter of invitation to Oruj Reis. This letter Oruj received at Jajl, and having perused it, made preparations for his departure. The castle of Jajl he gave in charge to his brother, and came to Algiers. There being here no regular governor, he entered the town and took up his abode in it. Khair-ad-din also sent nearly three hundred men to Jajl, whilst he himself returned to Tunis; and as he was engaged with Kurd Oghli in dividing the plunder, he met his brother Is’hak, who had just arrived at that place with the two ships from the emperor and another from Gallipoli.

ATTACK OF THE FRENCH UPON TUNIS.

The proceedings of Khair-ad-din Reis having surprised and alarmed the infidel nations, the French became enraged, and sent a fleet of thirty-three triremes against Tunis. On their arrival they landed at Benzarta; and Kurd Oghli being there at the time, he left his ships and went into the castle. The infidels having made an assault, took four of the ships; but as they were about to attack the fortress, the troops of Tunis came out against them, fought bravely, and repelled them. The infidels in haste betook themselves to their ships, leaving six in the harbour, and proceeded to Halk-al-vad. Here also Khair-ad-din was in readiness; and valiantly repulsed them, not even suffering them to land; so that they were obliged to return disappointed. About this time Sultan Selim having conquered Egypt, Kurd Oghli went to meet him with magnificent presents; and having paid his respects to him, reported their engagement with the French. Khair-ad-din on the other hand fitted up four ships with five hundred men and cannons, which he sent with his eldest brother to Algiers, whilst he wintered at Tunis.

DEFEAT OF THE INFIDEL FLEET AND THE ARAB TRIBES AT ALGIERS.

When the Arab tribes and the infidels heard that Oruj Reis had obtained possession of Algiers, the latter prepared to attack that place with a fleet of forty galleys and one hundred and forty barges, containing fifteen thousand men. The Arab troops likewise, having marched by land, arrived before the infidels in the neighbourhood of Algiers. Oruj Reis with his followers being prepared for battle, first attacked the Arab troops on the land side, and killed great numbers of them. By the favour of God he was victorious, and the Arabs were routed and obliged to fly, leaving behind them nearly twelve thousand camels. After this the infidel fleet arrived, and having anchored near the castle, they began to land their men and take out their cannon. The castle being in a dilapidated state, Oruj Reis was repairing the breaches when the enemy made a sudden assault, and erected their standard on the fortifications. Oruj Reis now led on his heroes against them, and a hot engagement ensued. By the favour of God they were again crowned with victory, and succeeded in taking the standard of the infidels, whom they pursued and killed whilst flying to their ships. Only one thousand of them escaped, who, entering their ships, set sail and departed. After this Oruj Reis settled in Algiers, and the infidels were constantly harassed and routed. He then sent information of his victory to Khair-ad-din, to whom he offered the charge of the castle, as also that of Jajl. Khair-ad-din accordingly went to Jajl, and securing the sheikh-al-balad, made him engage to pay the annual tribute which he was in the habit of transmitting to the infidels. After this he departed and joined his brother.

THE CAPTURE OF TUNIS.

Previously to the above affair, the beg of Tilmisan’s brother had gone to Spain, and returning with assistance, had taken Tunis. The inhabitants of that place having sought redress from Oruj Reis, he sent his brother Khair-ad-din to their assistance. On the arrival of Khair-ad-din the infidels had left their ships, and taken possession of the castle. He then secured their ships, landed his men, and after a siege of two days, the enemy capitulated, and gave up the castle. Hefs Zadeh also fled, and Khair-ad-din, not being able to find him, enriched himself with plunder, and returned to Algiers. The two brothers then divided the castles belonging to Algiers and Bajaia. These were ten in number; five on the east side of Algiers, and five on the west. Those on the east were assigned to Khair-ad-din Beg, and the others to Oruj Beg; a census being taken of the population of each division.

THE CAPTURE OF TILMISAN.

The governor of Tilmisan was at this time tributary to the king of Spain, and was obliged to transmit his tribute annually. Being alarmed by hearing that Oruj Beg and his brother had become masters of Algiers, he entered into negotiations with Spain to assist him in removing them from that place. But just as the Spanish fleet and his own land forces were preparing for the expedition, Oruj Beg was apprised of it, and leaving his brother at Algiers, went off with a few troops to Tilmisan. The inhabitants of this latter place having united with the infidels, and disobeyed their magistrates, the Ulemas had pronounced fatvas or decrees of death against them; but on the approach of Oruj, the commercial intercourse between the principal men and the other inhabitants was resumed. The governor being detected, was obliged to fly; and his two brothers, who were in confinement, availing themselves of the opportunity, made their escape, and fled to Fez. The governor, however, went to the port of Tilmisan called Vehran (Oran), and craved assistance of the Spaniards, who were then in the possession of that port. They forthwith gave him large supplies both of money and forces; and in addition to these, he collected by land about fifteen thousand Arabs, with whom, and fifteen hundred infidel matchlock men, he left Vehran, and came to Kalat-al-kala. Khair-ad-din being informed of this, sent his brother Is´hak Reis, with a few troops, to defend it. As soon as Is´hak had entered the castle the infidel troops arrived, and laid siege to it. One night Oruj Reis made a sally, in which he killed about seven hundred infidels, and took a hundred prisoners; but shortly after the enemy were reinforced by the arrival of ten thousand infidels and twenty thousand Arabs, an event which served to protract the siege for six months, during which time several battles were fought with equal fierceness and desperation on both sides. At length the towers fell, and the besieged, now become desperate, rushed out, and commenced plundering the enemy’s camp: a massacre ensued, and Is’hak, the brother of Oruj, and his followers fell. Having taken Kalat-al-kala, the infidels proceeded to Tilmisan, which they blockaded. Oruj Reis with his attendants betook himself to the inner citadel, and there remained shut up for seven months; during which period fierce encounters occasionally took place: but at length Oruj with his troops evacuated the citadel, and commenced a general attack upon the infidels. In the engagement which ensued he and his followers suffered martyrdom, and necessity compelled the inhabitants to yield.

ATTACK OF THE INFIDELS UPON ALGIERS.

In the spring the infidels fitted out a fleet of one hundred and seventy ships, which they manned with twenty thousand soldiers, and sailed to Vehran, where they were joined by three or four thousand troops who were stationed in that place. These, under the command of the beg of Tilmisan, proceeded by land to Algiers. Khair-ad-din, on his part, assembled his followers, and having encouraged them, desired the natives to go out to meet the beg of Tilmisan. When they met him they behaved respectfully to him, and abstained from offering any affront to his army: The troops of Khair-ad-din amounted to only six thousand, besides about twenty thousand Arabs whom he had subjugated. When the infidel fleet arrived, they anchored opposite the island, and sent a message demanding the surrender of Algiers. Khair-ad-din Beg thereupon took his station in the field; and when the infidels bore down upon him, they were repulsed with such bravery, that many of them fell; and by the help of God he was completely victorious, and the enemy fled in confusion to their ships. When the evening came on both parties withdrew. The next day they again fought from morning till evening, and on the third day the infidels drew off their field-pieces, and being thrown into the utmost fear and confusion, most of them were routed. Not more than about five or six thousand reached their ships, and escaped. Of the spoil .which Khair-ad-din took, he gave a part with a few horses to Hassan, the serasker of Tilmisan, and giving him the command of two thousand Arabs and seven hundred regular troops, sent him back to Tilmisan; but before he could reach it twenty thousand Arabs had risen in arms, and the governor had fled; and when he arrived, of nearly four thousand infidels, about seven hundred had made their escape, and fled to Tunis, the rest having perished in the revolt.

THE CAPTURE OF TUNIS.

In the spring Khair-ad-din Beg being desirous to take this castle, its governor solicited assistance from Spain. Accordingly fifteen barges were sent to defend it; whilst Khair-ad-din sent eighteen ships, and himself proceeded against it by land. When he arrived at the castle he took it by storm, but with difficulty saved the ships which he had sent, five of which were taken. He then returned to Algiers.

EXECUTION OF THE INFIDEL CHIEFS AT ALGIERS.

About this time, when Khair-ad-din’s ships were lying in the harbour, the Admiral Ferdinand from Spain entered it with a fleet of one hundred and ten ships. Khair-ad-din immediately came into the harbour, and after a hot engagement entirely routed the infidels. The admirals ship struck on the sand, when, in despair, he and six hundred infidels jumped overboard, and, with thirty-six captains, in all about three thousand men, were made prisoners. Two prisons underground were filled with them, and the city was crowded with those assigned to the natives. Some of them formed a conspiracy, and had made arrangements for their escape, but were detected. Soon after a messenger arrived from Spain offering 100,000 ducats for the ransom of the thirty-six officers. To this the Ulemas would not give their consent; saying, that the captains being expert in naval matters, and every one of them brave fellows, the sum ought to be doubled: this however was not effected. Khair-ad-din then sought some pretence for having them killed; and when he heard of their attempt to escape, ordered a general execution. For the body of the Admiral Ferdinand seven thousand florins were offered; but the Moslems considering it improper to deal in carcases, threw it into a deep well.

THE GOVERNMENT OF KHAIR-AD-DIN BEG AT ALGIERS.

During these transactions Khair-ad-din assembled the citizens of Algiers, and addressed them in these words:—“Hitherto I have given you every assistance, and I have fortified your castle by placing in it four hundred pieces of cannon; now appoint whom you please as your governor, and I will proceed by sea to some other place.” All of them simultaneously began to cry out and beseech him not to leave them. Khair-ad-din answered that the begs of Tunis and Tilmisan were opposed to him; but that if the khotba[22] and the coinage were made in the name of the Ottoman Sultan, he would consent to remain with them. To this they agreed; and Khair-ad-din having fitted out four vessels, and loaded them with spoils, arms, and various presents, as also forty valiant youths selected from among the prisoners, sent them as a present to Sultan Selim. The illustrious emperor graciously accepted them, and in return sent him a splendid sabre and a dress of honour, with a sanjak[23], which he gave in charge to one Haji Hussein, a servant of the Sublime Court. But on their way to Algiers eight Venetian galleys attacked them, and killed all the servants of Khair-ad-din Beg. Haji Hussein with three others escaped, and landed at Motone, whence he returned to the capital. On application to the Venetian governor, the ships were restored, and they once more set out for Algiers. On their arrival Khair-ad-din came out to meet them, and received with profound reverence the horse and sanjak, which the emperor had sent him. He then assembled his divan, and ordered the criers to proclaim the authority of the sultan. After having given a splendid entertainment to the messenger, and treated him with proper courtesy, he sent him back to the Porte.

INSURRECTION OF THE PEOPLE OF TUNIS AND TILMISAN.

On account of the above proceedings, the begs of Tunis and Tilmisan became jealous, and concerted measures to corrupt Mohammed Beg and Ibn Kazi, two of Khair-ad-din’s most powerful begs. They at last gained them over to their party, and by giving money to the Arabs, would have conquered Algiers; but Khair-ad-din maintained a defensive position, and did not submit to them.

THE CAPTURE OF MUSTAGHANIM.

As was previously mentioned, the two brothers of the beg of Tilmisan had fled to the king of Fez, and he having supplied them with forces, they marched against Tilmisan, and besieged it; but being deserted by their Arabs, Massoud (one of them) came over to Khair-ad-din, whilst his brother fled to Vehran. Khair-ad-din treated Massoud with kindness, and persuaded his Arabs to return to him: whereupon he again set out against Tilmisan with what forces he could collect, and having put his brother to flight, took the castle. But not long after this he broke his faith with Khair-ad-din, and joined the infidels; in consequence of which, Khair-ad-din sent assistance to his brother (Abdullah) at Vehran, whence the allies sent an army by land, and twenty-eight ships by sea, to a castle called Mustaghanim, which they reduced. They then sailed to the infidel coasts, which they plundered extensively, and taking on board all the Moslems they could find in Andalusia, returned to Algiers.

THE SECOND CAPTURE OF TILMISAN.

When Abdullah, the brother of Massoud, had left Vehran and come to Tilmisan, with the troops of Khair-ad-din, Massoud came out against him, but was routed in an engagement, and driven into the castle, where he was shut up twenty days. One night, however, two hundred men scaled the castle walls and threw open the outer gates; but Massoud, who was in the inner castle, made his escape with two hundred horsemen. The criers then proclaimed Sultan Selim sovereign of the place; and as soon as order was restored Abdullah was duly installed governor by Khair-ad-din. The khotba was read, and coinage was issued in the name of the emperor; and a garrison of an hundred and fifty men was left in the castle. On the departure of Khair-ad-din, Massoud returned and besieged it for three months; but the former hastened back to its defence, routed Massoud in an engagement, in which he made him prisoner; and he died in confinement.

REBELLION OF KAZI-ZADEH.

About this time Kazi-Zadeh, the governor of Tunis, revolted, and having excited the Arab tribes against Khair-ad-din, came and besieged Algiers. The infidels inhabiting a small island near Algiers also effected a passage, and attacked the city on one side. For six months Khair-ad-din was engaged in various battles with the besiegers, but still remained unconquered. At length, on the approach of winter, Kazi-Zadeh was under the necessity of begging a truce, and returned to Tunis. Shortly afterwards, however, he again sent an army against Algiers, under the command of his brother; but Khair-ad-din came out, and having completely routed them, sent in pursuit of the fugitives Kara Hassan, one of his attendants, who reduced all the fortresses belonging to Tunis. But Kazi-Zadeh corrupted him also, and induced him to come over to his own party. Khair-ad-din had now nothing left him but the city of Algiers; and even here the inhabitants began to be disaffected. Having discovered that it was the intention of the Arab sheikhs to leave the city, he assembled his followers, who, as about two hundred of the sheikhs were rushing towards the palace, the gate of which opened into three roads, attacked and dispersed them, taking several, whom they put in prison. The followers of Khair-ad-din recommended a general massacre in the city; but this he prevented. In the morning he assembled the citizens at the mosque, and reasoned with them. One hundred and fifty of the insurgents he sent to prison, and dismissed the others; whilst the twenty-five persons who had been the original conspirators met the fate they deserved. Peace was thus restored, which continued for two years.

DEPARTURE OF KHAIR-AD-DIN BEG TO JIJELI.

A misunderstanding afterwards arose between the inhabitants of Algiers and Khair-ad-din Beg, whose troops quarrelled with the natives; and the intercourse between Algiers and the neighbouring places was interrupted. In this state of affairs, Khair-ad-din, being little better than a prisoner, determined on leaving the place; but was undecided as to taking his property with him. While he was perplexed about this matter, and was praying for direction, the Prophet (upon whom be the blessing of God!) appeared to him in a dream, and seemed to him to be commencing in person the operation of placing the warrior’s effects in a ship. At this time information had been received of the apprehension of Kara Hassan, with offers to deliver him up. Khair-ad-din, therefore, under the pretence of going to secure him, emptied his house, and in the morning loaded nine vessels with his property, and put on board his family and servants. He then called for the principal men of the town, and the men of Ibn Kazi, who wished to make peace with him, and throwing them the keys of the city, exclaimed, “The troubles of Islamism be upon your shoulders, ye wretches!” mounted his horse, and went down to his ship. That night he lay in the harbour, whilst the Algerines raised a great lamentation, and great and small came to bid him farewell, and entreated him for advice. Khair-ad-din recommended them to God, and telling them to wait three years, and that they might then go where they pleased, he weighed anchor, and sailed for Jijeli.

OPERATIONS OF KHAIR-AD-DIN AT JIJELI.

On his arrival at the castle of Jijeli, which is situated on the coast of Moghreb, and in which he fixed his residence, a great scarcity of provisions arose; to remedy which inconvenience, he went out to sea with seven ships. On the infidels’ coast he came up with nine barges laden with provisions, one of which he sunk, and took the remaining eight. With these he returned and produced plenty, for which the people gave thanks. Seven hundred infidels were taken out of these barges. He then built for himself a galley of twenty-seven benches, with which and nine other vessels he began to plunder on the coasts of Tunis, taking prisoners all who had been opposed to him, and burning their ships. Shortly afterwards he met six barges laden with corn in the Gulf of Genoa. When the people on board saw Khair-ad-din, they immediately surrendered their vessels, which he took, and went to Jarba. He now began to recover the favour of the people, and Aidin Reis, Shaaban Reis, and twelve other reises, having heard of his invitation, joined him with forty ships, and sailed on an expedition to the coasts of the infidels, all the towns along which they attacked and plundered; and having taken many prisoners, and acquired considerable wealth, returned, and most of them wintered at Jijeli.

THE DEFEAT OF KAZI-ZADEH.

As the power of Khair-ad-din now began to increase, Ibn Kazi, from fear of him, sent him presents; but as he was not very peaceably disposed, Khair-ad-din evinced no friendship towards him. About this time some of the ships of the former arrived from Spain with Moslems; but when they touched at Algiers Kazi-Zadeh would not permit them to land; in consequence of which they came to Jijeli, and laid their complaints before Khair-ad-din. Khair-ad-din, who had been directed in a dream to return to Algiers, rose up and addressed a letter to the sheikhs of that place, inviting them to join him. This invitation they accepted, and came over to him. Kazi-Zadeh, being informed of this, collected an army of twenty thousand men, and came out to meet Khair-ad-din, prepared to give him battle. He was defended on one side by a mountain, at the foot of which he raised a mound; but when the two armies engaged, he was put to the rout, and four thousand of his Arabs were killed. He then took refuge in a fastness of the mountain; but Khair-ad-din coming upon him, killed him, and put to flight part of his army. The number of his matchlock men did not exceed eighteen hundred. After this event, the Arab sheikhs from all quarters came and joined Khair-ad-din, who, by proper management recovered all his former possessions. When these transactions reached the ear of Kara Hassan, he fled with five hundred men to Sharshal; but Khair-ad-din pursued him with speed, attacked the rebel, took him prisoner, and put him to death.

RETURN OF KHAIR-AD-DIN BEG TO ALGIERS.

Khair-ad-din when he left Algiers promised to return in three years; and that period having now expired, he fulfilled his promise, and once more entered that city. This hero was in the habit of seeking Divine guidance in all his affairs, and foresaw in visions most of the circumstances attending the battles he fought. The Arabs now attached themselves to him, and the people enjoyed security and ease. Abdullah, the beg of Tilmisan, having for six years refused to transmit his annual tribute of ten thousand ducats, and having joined himself with the infidels, and issued the khotba and the coinage in his own name, Khair-ad-din sent him an admonitory epistle; to which however he paid no attention, and preparations for hostilities were commenced on both sides.

THE ENGAGEMENT WITH ABDULLAH.

Abdullah drew out his Arab troops, whilst Khair-ad-din marched against him from Algiers, and his efforts being crowned with success, he routed Abdullah, who fled, leaving behind him only eight thousand camels, which fell into the hands of the victorious troops. Abdullah then sent a messenger to sue for peace; and having read the khotba and issued the coinage in the name of the sultan, a peace was concluded, on condition that he should pay an indemnity of twenty thousand ducats, and an annual sum of ten thousand ducats for six years. His brother Ibn Kazi having also rebelled, Khair-ad-din marched against him, and compelled him to pay thirty _yūks_[24] of silver. Having now overcome most of the difficulties with which he had been surrounded, Khair-ad-din began to think of reducing the island opposite Algiers. On this island, which is about a bow-shot from the city, there was formerly a small fortress, of which the infidels by some means or other had obtained possession; and when Khair-ad-din took Algiers they filled it with ammunition, and strongly fortified it. Previously to that event these infidels exacted a tribute from the citizens; and whilst the Moslems were calling to prayers from the minarets, were accustomed to discharge the artillery, and thus did considerable injury. On the arrival of Khair-ad-din Beg at Algiers, they petitioned him to allow them to remain unmolested in their fortress, promising at the same time never to set foot within the city. Khair-ad-din however would not consent to a peace, but continued to annoy them. This state of things had now continued, fourteen years, when Khair-ad-din Beg blockaded the castle; and hearing that the king of Spain had resolved to send to its succour, he continued his attacks night and day for a whole week. The besieged then begged for quarter; but this he refused, and took the castle, sword in hand. Besides those who were killed, about five hundred men were taken prisoners. He then ordered that the castle should be rased, and the passage filled up, so that the centre might form a harbour; and it accordingly forms the present harbour of Algiers. He next made the infidels repair those parts of the town which they had destroyed with their cannon, and put their chiefs to death. Nine barges which had come to their assistance from Spain, not being able to find the castle, were about to return, when Khair-ad-din pursued them with fifteen galleys; took them all by force of arms, and returned to Algiers. Besides those who fell in the engagement, one thousand seven hundred men were made prisoners.

The moral this event teaches is, that a barge may be taken by a galley provided the commander of the latter be an experienced person.

THE WARS OF AIDIN REIS.

The admiral who had been taken in the above-mentioned expedition having informed them that the king of Spain had gone to Genoa, Khair-ad-din Beg appointed Aidin Reis to the command of his fleet, and sent him towards that quarter. The reis, sailing towards the infidel territories, plundered the coast about Marseilles, and took many Mudagils.[25] Fifteen vessels that had been sent from Spain to protect these parts were now cruising about; and Aidin Reis being desirous of attacking them, commenced a vigorous pursuit, and at length came up with them whilst they were lying off a barren island. A fierce engagement ensued, in which Aidin Reis took the admiral’s ship, and the others were voluntarily surrendered. Three of these ships he emptied and sunk, three he burned, and the rest he brought to Algiers. Khair-ad-din then reported this victory to the Porte.

APPEARANCE OF ANDREA DORIA, AND ATTACK OF KHAIR-AD-DIN.

When the infidel nations could no longer navigate the seas, and there was no safety along their coasts, the king of Spain called a council to determine what measures were to be adopted against Barbarossa.[26] (Barbarossa in Italian signifies one with a red beard.) Andrea Doria, one of the most valiant admirals of Spain, taking his hat in his hand, said, if the king of France would give him twenty of his galleys he would venture to attack Barbarossa. Spain had at this time concluded peace with France, and accordingly sent thither an ambassador to request the galleys. France, in order to preserve the peace, complied, and the galleys, together with the Spanish fleet, were given to Andrea, who with a complete army on board, sailed for Algiers. Khair-ad-din, on the other hand, equipped thirty-five ships at Algiers, and invited Senan Reis from Jarba, who fitted out seven vessels, and joined him. Khair-ad-din Beg had hoped to meet Andrea at Majorca; and in anticipation of this had fortified the castle of Sharshal, which he filled with Mudagils. But Andrea suddenly changed his course, and early one morning came upon Sharshal with forty ships, and landed his men. As they were about to commence their work of destruction, the Moslems came out of the castle, and after a fierce engagement, put the infidels to flight. Before they could reach their ships four hundred fell by the sword, and six hundred and forty were made prisoners. The rest got on board, and made their escape. When Khair-ad-din arrived he put all the captives in chains. Among these was Andrea’s steward, from whom they ascertained that his master was bound for Genoa, there to obtain a reinforcement of troops. Khair-ad-din therefore immediately sailed for that quarter; and having ascertained in the vicinity of Marseilles that Andrea had on his way passed near to that place, he went to an island about thirty miles from thence, and lay off there ten days. Here they took a vessel that was passing by laden with cheeses from Majorca, which had previously been taken near Toulon, a celebrated French port not far from Marseilles; but through the negligence of the warriors on board the goletta stationed there as a guard-ship by Khair-ad-din, the captain made his escape with his own ship and four others, and gave information respecting Khair-ad-din. The captain then returned to the fortress, whilst Khair-ad-din turned towards the Genoese coasts, and early next morning attacked a castle on the coast, which he succeeded in capturing, and took the inhabitants prisoners. In the harbour he found twenty-two ships; all of which he burnt, and demolished the castle. He then directed his course towards Genoa; but was driven back by a storm to the island off which he had formerly been lying; and here he remained until the storm had subsided.

THE FLIGHT OF ANDREA.

Andrea not being able to reach Genoa from Sharshal, entered a large river in Spain, and thence demanded from Genoa three thousand men, and a supply of gunpowder and arms. These the Genoese had already forwarded in two large ships to the place where he was lying. The storm however drove them to Khair-ad-din’s place of rendezvous, and one morning one of them passed near his fleet, which, immediately the sail appeared, weighed anchor, and ten vessels proceeded to attack her; when, after a fierce combat, she was taken and brought into port. A few hours afterwards the other ship also made her appearance; but owing to the approach of evening was too late to enter the harbour, and remained out at sea. That night therefore they did not molest her; but the next morning, as she was preparing to enter the harbour, Khair-ad-din gave orders to commence an attack upon her from a distance. Senan Reis however disobeyed these orders, and going too near, had a musket-ball aimed at him, and was obliged to return into the harbour; but Khair-ad-din, keeping up a distant fire upon the ship, gradually weakened her; and the infidels on board perceiving she began to leak, threw themselves into the sea, and were immediately made prisoners. The warriors then towed the ship to the shore, where they plundered her, and then sunk the hulk. They then dressed their wounded and buried their dead; first reading over them the prayers appropriated for the funerals of martyrs. This being done, they put all the infidels in chains, and set fire to the ship which they had first taken. Khair-ad-din having obtained from those on board these vessels information respecting Andrea, returned to the Arab shores. Andrea then left the river, and passing through the Strait of Gibraltar, went and lay in the harbour of Seville; whilst Khair-ad-din on his part returned to Algiers.

Some time previous to this the Sultan Soleiman Khan had sent out Mustaffa, one of the _chiaoush_[27] of the Sublime Court, to obtain information respecting a peace that had been concluded with the king of France, and several other affairs. Khair-ad-din therefore wrote down all the particulars he had been able to obtain, and transmitted them by Mustaffa to the Porte. About this time also the son of Khair-ad-din, Hassan Beg, (who by his mother’s side was descended from the Prophet,) with some other reises, made two expeditions to Teiomlek, and took immense booty.

ATTACK OF ANDREA DORIA UPON CORONE, AND REBELLION OF THE GOVERNOR OF TILMISÁN.

The Sultan Soleiman Khan having in the year 938 (A. D. 1531-2) gone on an expedition into Germany, Charles V., king of Spain, came to Genoa, and suggested to the Genoese government that as the Grand Toork (i. e. the Great Turk) was engaged in war, a favourable opportunity offered to plunder the Roumelian coasts: but his brother Ferdinand, emperor of Germany, despatched a letter to him, intimating that there would be no great merit in attacking two or three castles, and requesting that he would rather come to his assistance by land. With this request he complied; and at the same time resolved to send his fleet, under the command of Andrea, to Motone. In order also to divert the attention of Barbarossa, he sent men to excite the beg of Tilmisan to revolt; and for this purpose he sent fourteen vessels to aid him in an expedition against Algiers. Khair-ad-din was at this time preparing for a voyage to the Sublime Porte; but immediately left his fleet at sea, and marched to meet the enemy by land. The two armies met in a desert, where a battle took place, and Abdullah, the beg of Tilmisan, was routed, and fled back to Tilmisan. At the intercession of certain persons, peace was restored, on the beg’s paying thirty thousand pieces of gold; and Khair-ad-din returned to Algiers. Andrea now, finding the sea clear, sailed towards the coast of the Morea, and attacked and took the fortress of Corone; the Capudan Ahmed Pasha, who had this year gone to sea with eighty vessels, arriving too late to save it.

In the Moghreb districts, Khair-ad-din having reduced the land side, sent his chiefs with fifteen vessels to the Spanish coast, where they burnt and destroyed the towns. Fifteen ships which had formerly been taken by the Spaniards were now found at an island called Kïounlugé, where an engagement took place, in which the Spaniards saved only one of them, and the remaining fourteen were brought to Algiers, where the immense booty they contained was divided.

STATE OF THE MUDAGILS OF SPAIN.

Charles V. having gone by land to the assistance of Germany, was obliged to return disappointed and mortified. Before his time the Moslems who remained in the Andalusian towns, though they paid taxes, were allowed to call publicly to prayers, and to exercise their religious ceremonies. But when Charles became king, he issued a proclamation forbidding any one to worship according to the forms of Islamism, and commenced the work of immolation among the faithful. The Moslems, being able to endure this no longer, began to form themselves into societies, and at length convened a general meeting, and took up their position behind a mountain, whence they sent to beg assistance from Khair-ad-din, who immediately sent over thirty-six golettas. On their arrival they bravely withstood the troops that came out to prevent the embarkation of the Moslems. A thousand men were stationed on the field, whilst seven voyages were performed; and all the Moslems were thus conveyed to the opposite shore, and delivered from the power of the infidels. On their passage they captured several vessels, and enriched themselves with plunder. On this occasion about seventy thousand Mudagils were brought over, who settled in Algiers and other places. This is the reason why most of the Algerines are Andalusians.

THE STRATAGEMS OF ANDREA AND OF KHAIR-AD-DIN.

When Sultan Soleiman Khan returned from his expedition into Germany, he sent a letter by Senan Chiaoush to Khair-ad-din Beg, saying that he intended to undertake an expedition against Spain; and requesting him to appoint some trusty person to govern Algiers in his stead, and proceed forthwith to the Sublime Porte; and that if he could find no such person, he would inform his highness. When it became known that Khair-ad-din was about to set out for the Porte, Andrea left Seville, and came to Genoa; and in order to prevent him from going, had recourse to the stratagem of sending to Algiers a barge laden with a quantity of merchandise, worth six thousand pieces of gold, and seventy of the prisoners he had taken at Corone, with instructions to inform Khair-ad-din that the king of Spain intended to come against Algiers. Khair-ad-din perceiving the trick, made a feint of unmanning his fleet, and casting trenches; and having emptied the barge of its cargo, allowed the men to depart; who, on their arrival at Genoa, gave out that Barbarossa had abandoned his intention of going to the Porte. This intelligence pleased Andrea, who immediately proceeded towards Corone.

EXECUTION OF THE INFIDEL CHIEFS.

Among the infidel chiefs who were taken in the two ships before mentioned[28] there were twenty men of rank, and captains, and one hundred and twenty brave infidels, who wore golden chains about their necks. One of the captains was the son of the grand-master, (μεγα μαγιστωρμεγα μαγιστωρ,) who had been sent out from Rhodes; and when the agents of the Genoese government arrived to treat for their ransom, they offered large sums (amounting in the whole to 20,000 pieces of gold) for him and several of the captains. This offer the begs were disposed to accept; but the _ulema_ (priests) prevented them, saying, “That as these were powerful enemies, it would be imprudent to give them their liberty.” The unfortunate prisoners were thus left to despair. To keep them prisoners at Algiers was deemed impolitic; and to put them to death seemed scarcely more advisable; for, in either case, it was certain that the infidels would employ the money intended for their ransom in purchasing Moslem captives for the purpose of putting out their eyes, since they had previously to this cut off the noses and ears of several Moslem chiefs, cutting the cartilages, and otherwise maiming them; upon which Khair-ad-din had sent a remonstrance to them, which had the effect of making them desist from torturing their captives. Thus it was that Saleh Reis and Torghudjeh, who were captives, escaped the torture. Khair-ad-din however anticipated the consequences of retaining his prisoners; for having seen in a dream that the captains had murdered the jailer, with a view to effect their escape, he, by way of experiment, instructed the latter, who was one of his relations, to ingratiate himself with the prisoners, and endeavour to discover their secret. This he effected; and so entirely did he possess their confidence, that they intrusted him with a letter to the governor of Bajaiah, requesting him to send them a ship, and informing him that it was their intention to murder the guard of the prison, and thus make their escape; that there were seven thousand prisoners in Algiers; and that if they did not succeed in taking the city, they should at all events escape from prison. Having first showed this letter to Khair-ad-din, the jailer proceeded to Bajaiah to deliver it. On his arrival there he delivered the letter; and a vessel was immediately prepared and sent off, so as to reach the prisoners that night. The jailer, having been treated with the greatest respect, returned, and related all that had passed to Khair-ad-din, who immediately sent out a vessel to seize the one sent from Bajaiah, which had just arrived; when the infidels on board, about 120 in number, together with the captains in the prison, were put to death, on the above accusation. Their letters he sent to the Genoese, who recognised the handwriting, and necessarily kept silence.

DEPARTURE OF KHAIR-AD-DIN FOR THE CAPITAL.

Khair-ad-din having thus disposed of most of the captives, appointed Hassan Beg, one of his most faithful servants, governor in his stead, and with several vessels fully equipped sailed for the Sublime Porte, in order to pay his respects.[29] Passing by Sardinia and Sicily, he went on to Genoa, near which place he one morning suddenly attacked and plundered a castle. Before this was made generally known he left Genoa, and proceeded towards Messina. On his passage thither he met eighteen barges, all of which he took, and made the infidels on board prisoners; and on approaching the town set fire to the barges. Being informed that Andrea with twenty-four galleys and twenty-six barges had gone to Corone, he sailed to Prevesa, whence the infidels sent intelligence to Andrea that Barbarossa was seeking him, and cautioned him to be on his guard: and in consequence of this information he went and secured himself in Brindisi. Khair-ad-din, hearing this, sent twenty-five vessels in pursuit of him. These overtook seven Anapolitan ships that were following Andrea, five of which made their escape to Anapoli; and the other two they took, and returned to Khair-ad-din. At this time Khair-ad-din and his fleet had arrived at Navarin, where he had an interview with the Capudan Ahmed Beg. He then proceeded to Corone, and there liberated a few of his captives. On his arrival at the Straits he received a pressing invitation from the emperor (whose glory is like that of Jemshid) to enter Constantinople, which he did, amid the firing of numerous salutes.

ARRIVAL OF KHAIR-AD-DIN AT THE SUBLIME PORTE.

On that day, which was about the middle of the year 940 (A. D. 1533), the vessels were moored opposite Galata; and on the morning following Khair-ad-din entered the house of the Capudan Ahmed Beg, in the At Meidan, which had been appointed for his reception. On the divan day, he went to the divan, taking with him eighteen reises, his companions, and rich presents, where he had the honour of kissing the royal hand, and had innumerable favours conferred upon him. The reises were also admitted into the august presence; and having kissed the royal hand, each received a dress of honour and had a stipend allotted him; and his majesty commanded that they should be sent to the royal arsenal, and there exercise their skill in constructing vessels.

KHAIR-AD-DIN GOES TO ALEPPO.

The illustrious emperor being prepared to set out on his sixth expedition, (which was to be to the Irakin,[30]) in the above-mentioned year (940), in the month Rabi-al-Akher, (Oct. or Nov. 1533,) sent forward the Grand Vezier Ibrahim Pasha to winter at Aleppo. This general now sent a letter of invitation to Khair-ad-din, with a request that the emperor would allow him to depart. The emperor having at this time directed all his forces, both military and naval, to that quarter, expressed in an interview with Khair-ad-din his consent to his departure. Khair-ad-din then set out by land; and on his arrival at Aleppo, the vezier called a divan, and performing the ceremonies of the istakbal,[31] showed him great respect. Khair-ad-din, having according to custom kissed hands, had a place assigned him under all the begs and pashas. Next day, however, when he came to the assembly, he was clothed, according to the custom of the Osmanlis, with the robe of the begler-beg of Algiers, and took his seat above all the other begler-begs. After two or three days spent in feasting and transacting unimportant business, he was sent back to the Porte, where he arrived in twenty-four days, and resumed his affairs.