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Defence of Korcula (part two) (view source)

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"Following the demise of Troy these walls were built by Antenor"}}

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And so that because if it’s ageing it doesn’t collapse, care was taken by '''Antun Leoni''', who took care to return to it the original look and beauty. Some later day authors called the island and the city; '''Curzola''' (editors note: the name of the island at the time when this work was written, modern: Korčula). I was not able to find out the reason for this name. The length of the island from east to west is some 300 stadia, (which is about fifty miles) the width is not uniform, at the widest it is about 90 stadia (stade, is an ancient Greek unit of length). And at the narrowest is only 40 stadia. The height is up to 70. The mountainous part is unproductive and dry. The island is adaptable to planting of vineyards, and also for pastures, but it excels with it’s forests. Through the middle of the island we find a number of mountainous hills, which on the ends descend to small hills. The coast is curvy with many bays and coves, with many unsafe harbours, but it has a number of large bays where boats can take refuge in bad weather, on all sides. Eastern point of the island is called Raznjic, because looking like a tongue is extended from width of 8 to a thousand steps. The West end is separated into two forks. The largest one of '''Saint Ivan''' of '''Gradina''' which takes 50 stadia. Rain takes care of the water needs. But still not far from '''Vallegrande''' (modern: Vela Luka, Latin: valle maxima) the most 300 stadia away in the Great Field of village of '''Blatta''' (modern: Blato), in which there is a large amount of fresh water, where at certain times, it turns into a mud field, therefore the name Blato (Blatta) in translation means mud, and this is where the name comes from. Quite often sometimes two or three and as much as seven years that this water does not dry out, but when the water does go away, this field about 1500 feet long becomes very fertile. When it is cultivated, anything planted produces one hundred percent. This field belongs to a certain number of families, and every seven years it is divided according to a Hungarian custom, and is given to each head of the family. Women also receive ownership as long as they remain unmarried, but as soon as they marry they loose that right, also when entering into a family that has no right to this ownership. This right she cannot obtain by receiving a dowry or through inheritance, or in any other way. She even has no right to leave these families. Those who receive this land have right to only two parcels, one piece in a less productive section, and other on the more productive location. All of the parcels are of the same size, except some are a little larger, which are given to surveyors. There is six surveyors; three form the city and other three from the village. And this job is assigned to certain families, and cannot be passed to others. Size of the parcel is given according to the number of members in the family. In this field grows some king of greasy grass, on which animals like to graze. Then from it, their stomachs blow up than they die. The meat from these animals cannot be used for eating, as well as the hide cannot be used for leather, this resembles something similar to leprosy. It is said that if all of this field was cultivated, that it can feed not only the field workers and islanders but also the people on the neighbouring islands. Experts insist that the level of the field is below the sea level, that if a channel was excavated between the hills which divide this field from the sea, it cannot be drained into the sea. But you cannot excuse the negligence of the people. Regardless of flooding the field is not being worked on, or cultivated, except for a small part at the Eastern end that is most productive. The island with it’s surrounding small islands produces plenty of wine, wood, fish as much as is possible. Two trades dominate, these are stonecutting and shipbuilding.

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And so that because if it’s ageing it doesn’t collapse, care was taken by '''Antun Leoni''', who took care to return to it the original look and beauty. Some later day authors called the island and the city; '''Curzola''' (editors note: the name of the island at the time when this work was written, modern: Korčula). I was not able to find out the reason for this name. The length of the island from east to west is some 300 stadia, (which is about fifty miles) the width is not uniform, at the widest it is about 90 stadia [stade, is an ancient Greek unit of length]. And at the narrowest is only 40 stadia. The height is up to 70. The mountainous part is unproductive and dry. The island is adaptable to planting of vineyards, and also for pastures, but it excels with it’s forests. Through the middle of the island we find a number of mountainous hills, which on the ends descend to small hills. The coast is curvy with many bays and coves, with many unsafe harbours, but it has a number of large bays where boats can take refuge in bad weather, on all sides. Eastern point of the island is called Raznjic, because looking like a tongue is extended from width of 8 to a thousand steps. The West end is separated into two forks. The largest one of '''Saint Ivan''' of '''Gradina''' which takes 50 stadia. Rain takes care of the water needs. But still not far from '''Vallegrande''' (modern: Vela Luka, Latin: valle maxima) the most 300 stadia away in the Great Field of village of '''Blatta''' (modern: Blato), in which there is a large amount of fresh water, where at certain times, it turns into a mud field, therefore the name Blato (Blatta) in translation means mud, and this is where the name comes from. Quite often sometimes two or three and as much as seven years that this water does not dry out, but when the water does go away, this field about 1500 feet long becomes very fertile. When it is cultivated, anything planted produces one hundred percent. This field belongs to a certain number of families, and every seven years it is divided according to a Hungarian custom, and is given to each head of the family. Women also receive ownership as long as they remain unmarried, but as soon as they marry they loose that right, also when entering into a family that has no right to this ownership. This right she cannot obtain by receiving a dowry or through inheritance, or in any other way. She even has no right to leave these families. Those who receive this land have right to only two parcels, one piece in a less productive section, and other on the more productive location. All of the parcels are of the same size, except some are a little larger, which are given to surveyors. There is six surveyors; three form the city and other three from the village. And this job is assigned to certain families, and cannot be passed to others. Size of the parcel is given according to the number of members in the family. In this field grows some king of greasy grass, on which animals like to graze. Then from it, their stomachs blow up than they die. The meat from these animals cannot be used for eating, as well as the hide cannot be used for leather, this resembles something similar to leprosy. It is said that if all of this field was cultivated, that it can feed not only the field workers and islanders but also the people on the neighbouring islands. Experts insist that the level of the field is below the sea level, that if a channel was excavated between the hills which divide this field from the sea, it cannot be drained into the sea. But you cannot excuse the negligence of the people. Regardless of flooding the field is not being worked on, or cultivated, except for a small part at the Eastern end that is most productive. The island with it’s surrounding small islands produces plenty of wine, wood, fish as much as is possible. Two trades dominate, these are stonecutting and shipbuilding.

[[File:Venetian galley at Curzola-engraving.jpg|thumb|right|500px|A 19th century engraving of a Venetian galley fighting a Genoese fleet at the battle of Curzola in 1298. The Granger Collection-England]]

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This island lies in Illyricum <ref>Illyricum was a Roman province that existed between 167 BC and 10 AD, named after conquered Illyria, stretching from the Drin river (in modern north Albania) to Istria (Istra, modern: Croatia) in the west and to the Sava river (Bosnia and Herzegovina) in the North. Salona (near modern Split in Croatia) functioned as its capital. The province was then divided into Pannonia in the North and Dalmatia in the South. (ref from Wikipedia)</ref> opposite the coast of Monte Gargano,<ref>Editors note: Gargano is a historical and geographical Italian sub-region situated in Apulia, consisting of a wide isolated mountain massif made of highland and several peaks and forming the backbone of the Gargano Promontory projecting into the Adriatic Sea. (ref from Wikipedia)</ref>100,000 steps in distance across the sea. To the East there is island of Meleda (modern: Mljet), South is '''Lagosta''' (modern: Lastovo) with surrounding small islands. To the West some sixty stadia is''' Lissa''' (modern:Vis), North of us is '''Lesina''' (modern: Hvar) at distance of 30,000 steps, at the closest point. To the North is also bay of Neretva and along it an extended peninsula of Pelišac (modern Croatian: Pelješac), which Ptolomey called Eneys mountains. Reaching the delta of river Neretva extending over '''Ragusan's''' islands (modern: Dubrovnik), to the right and all the way up to Hvar (Lesina) to the left. At the junction with the mainland it makes connection only four stadia wide, where the ancient town of Stagno (modern: Ston) was established. From that point you can see city of Dubrovnik (Ragusa) as well as Hvar (Lesina) and Brazza (modern: Brač) to the West. Island of Korčula by it’s positioning creates two sea-channels; first to the East with Mljet (Meleda) and Lastovo (Lagosta), which extends for the entire length of the island, some 160 stadia wide, The other channel is created between it and peninsula of ~~Pelisac~~, which is about 76 stadias wide. This varies in length , but that one does not go more than 18 thousand reaches, and this one a little over 12. Korčula extends for this length until it is even with Hvar (Lesina) on the opposite shore. Mljet (Meleda) channel is without any islands, but Korčula on both ends has many small islands close to its shore, with many shallow rocky reefs, where it is dangerous for navigation. The city was built some 50 stadias distanced from the entrance to either channel, it points to the highest peak on the opposite mountainous peninsula of Pelišac, the city was erected on a relatively steep hill surrounded with fortified walls in circular shape, with seashore almost all around, except for the portion of South side where it is connected to the main island with and arched bridge, and a ditch under it. Buildings in the city are constructed of good quality white stone. The Cathedral with the bell tower is located in the centre of the city. Because of the slope in the terrain, the Cathedral extends in height above other buildings, giving those who approach the city a beautiful scene. In front of the Cathedral, in the middle of the city, there is a nicely tiled stone square. All of the city streets radiate from this square, in even order. This reminds as of the verses of a complimenting poet;'' “A circle with centre surrounded all over with tight order of streets; this is picture of Korčula.”''. Korčula gives Dalmatia not a small glory, when it is attacked the Venetian fathers carefully are guarding it. Exactly at this time, the city was well supplied with ammunition and other armament for defence, this was provided by Republic of Venice, by its great Rector Peter Bragadin. He sent to Venice a delegation of ten, led by '''Rafael Gabrielis''', who brought in many guns, spears, bow and arrows, six canons that could shoot balls of 20 pounds. When the war started, again Filip Rosanovic was sent and he brought back more explosives and other ammunition. From before, in the city we had armament of steel, and especially so called popes cannon, which was capable of firing balls of 30 pounds. In the armoury, there was also a large stock of other assorted armaments. Fortified walls as they were already old and aged, needed to be renovated. Our biggest fear was a small number of defenders. But, enough of all of this. Let us return to our story.

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This island lies in Illyricum <ref>Illyricum was a Roman province that existed between 167 BC and 10 AD, named after conquered Illyria, stretching from the Drin river (in modern north Albania) to Istria (Istra, modern: Croatia) in the west and to the Sava river (Bosnia and Herzegovina) in the North. Salona (near modern Split in Croatia) functioned as its capital. The province was then divided into Pannonia in the North and Dalmatia in the South. (ref from Wikipedia)</ref> opposite the coast of Monte Gargano,<ref>Editors note: Gargano is a historical and geographical Italian sub-region situated in Apulia, consisting of a wide isolated mountain massif made of highland and several peaks and forming the backbone of the Gargano Promontory projecting into the Adriatic Sea. (ref from Wikipedia)</ref>100,000 steps in distance across the sea. To the East there is island of Meleda (modern: Mljet), South is '''Lagosta''' (modern: Lastovo) with surrounding small islands. To the West some sixty stadia is''' Lissa''' (modern:Vis), North of us is '''Lesina''' (modern: Hvar) at distance of 30,000 steps, at the closest point. To the North is also bay of Neretva and along it an extended peninsula of Sabbioncello (Pelišac,modern Croatian: Pelješac), which Ptolomey called Eneys mountains. Reaching the delta of river Neretva extending over '''Ragusan's''' islands (modern: Dubrovnik), to the right and all the way up to Hvar (Lesina) to the left. At the junction with the mainland it makes connection only four stadia wide, where the ancient town of Stagno (modern: Ston) was established. From that point you can see city of Dubrovnik (Ragusa) as well as Hvar (Lesina) and Brazza (modern: Brač) to the West. Island of Korčula by it’s positioning creates two sea-channels; first to the East with Mljet (Meleda) and Lastovo (Lagosta), which extends for the entire length of the island, some 160 stadia wide, The other channel is created between it and peninsula of Pelišac, which is about 76 stadias wide. This varies in length , but that one does not go more than 18 thousand reaches, and this one a little over 12. Korčula extends for this length until it is even with Hvar (Lesina) on the opposite shore. Mljet (Meleda) channel is without any islands, but Korčula on both ends has many small islands close to its shore, with many shallow rocky reefs, where it is dangerous for navigation.

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The city was built some 50 stadias distanced from the entrance to either channel, it points to the highest peak on the opposite mountainous peninsula of Pelišac, the city was erected on a relatively steep hill surrounded with fortified walls in circular shape, with seashore almost all around, except for the portion of South side where it is connected to the main island with and arched bridge, and a ditch under it. Buildings in the city are constructed of good quality white stone. The Cathedral with the bell tower is located in the centre of the city. Because of the slope in the terrain, the Cathedral extends in height above other buildings, giving those who approach the city a beautiful scene. In front of the Cathedral, in the middle of the city, there is a nicely tiled stone square. All of the city streets radiate from this square, in even order. This reminds as of the verses of a complimenting poet;'' “A circle with centre surrounded all over with tight order of streets; this is picture of Korčula.”'' Korčula gives Dalmatia not a small glory, when it is attacked the Venetian fathers carefully are guarding it. Exactly at this time, the city was well supplied with ammunition and other armament for defence, this was provided by Republic of Venice, by its great Rector Peter Bragadin. He sent to Venice a delegation of ten, led by '''Rafael Gabrielis''', who brought in many guns, spears, bow and arrows, six canons that could shoot balls of 20 pounds. When the war started, again Filip Rosanovic was sent and he brought back more explosives and other ammunition. From before, in the city we had armament of steel, and especially so called popes cannon, which was capable of firing balls of 30 pounds. In the armoury, there was also a large stock of other assorted armaments. Fortified walls as they were already old and aged, needed to be renovated. Our biggest fear was a small number of defenders. But, enough of all of this. Let us return to our story.

==Early Dawn of 15th of August==

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The enemy ships were all suddenly pushed against the city walls. Scared enemy, so that the ships would not break on rocky shore, in addition of our continued shelling, the rowers were made to row the galleys away from the rocks. Finally with great effort they moved away into the wind and against tall waves. They were able to move to the West and reach St. Nicholas monastery, to a small protected cove. O how blessed this help was. I can freely say, that what even a poet could not say for this our little city. ''”Happy is the one who has heaven on his side”''. Units of enemy’s infantry, seeing how the ships were chased away by the storm, hiding in the nearby cove gave up with their fight, and like madmen started to loot whatever they could in the Varos, residential area outside the city. They ransacked the churches and private homes, as well as the Monastery of Saint Nicholas, while they were forced to set on fire the damaged ships and their dead fighters. Number of them went back to their ships, while the others wandering around reached neighbouring Zernova (modern: Žrnovo), already exhausted from fighting, stole the bells. And very few remained outside city walls, occasionally firing. Around noon we noticed three officers, judging by the way they were dressed, watching down from the hill of Saint Blaze.

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Then we appeared on the city walls, pretending to be soldiers, one following another in formation, and with the beating of the drums; all of our men, young boys as well as the women and girls dressed in military uniforms, everyone armed with guns, led by Vicko Rosanovic. There we pretended that our numbers are as much as 1000 fighters. At nine o’clock in the evening at the base of the city walls, in the ditch one person came running dressed like the Turks, screaming that he is a Christian. We used the rope to pull him up the walls. He was not wounded although his clothes were cut up from the bullets shot at him by Vicko Rosanovic, while he was running, but he anyway survived. That was a Spaniard from Andalusia, and according to his story, he was Martin son of Martin Morales, by Turks called Ali. From him we found out not only of the attack leader Uluz Ali- Ochialino, vice king of Algiers, but also the strength and number of enemies fleet.We could not trust his statement that he was forcefully made a Muslim. He told us a story where he was taken prisoner some twenty years ago by Mulej Bagazon, king of Veles in Lybia, when he was only ten years old. With the rest of prisoners he was taken to Fes and there was forced to accept Moslem religion. He would probably never had left the captivity if the occasion didn’t come for escape. With all of these stories we kept this man tied up and under guard. In the meantime the wind calmed down, the enemy carefully moved their ships, from the cove next to St Nicholas to the opposite shore of Pelišac. There was no galleys left without any damage, from the twenty or so that sailed across. Some of the broken masts and cross beams, some missing beaks, others with broken ribs and damaged sterns. Ten were seen unable to move and were pulled by other boats. From the runaways we found out that 180 Turks were killed, and about the same number of their slaves in this fight. In the middle of the canal, two boats from Pelišac met them, bringing them gifts. Later on they told us how they were brought in front of Uluz Ali asking him to forgive the penalty they had to pay that was imposed on them as the citizens of '''Republic of Ragusa'''. He asked them if there was any military present in Korčula, their answer was they did not know, since they are a supposed enemy they are not allowed to visit the city. Then he asked if the Venetian galleys these last couple of weeks were visiting Korčula. Their answer was; they did, then they add that they left the defence personnel. All throughout Spain I conquered much larger and stronger cities, I could also take this one, but I don’t have time for that. Leaving them he sailed over to harbour of Viganj, at a distance of some three thousand steps from us. All during the night and also the following day they spent repairing their ships, and by busying themselves they left us alone. Our runaways while that morning at the attack of the enemy were lowering themselves by ropes down city walls, miraculously all survived. Some of them were hiding in the thick forests; some rowed over to the island of Lastovo (Lagosta), and some others arrived in Zadar (Zara) spreading the rumour how the city of Korčula is taken by the enemy and then set on fire. Also they said how the heroes of the defence, Archdeacon and his brother Vicko, at the city gates were killed by having their heads cut off. When this was heard by our Rector who was in Zadar (Zara) during the siege, thanked God for what had happened like he predicted. Those who left before the attack, have forgotten their misery, feeling sorry for us. But few days later when they learned the truth, the happiness turned to sadness. They turned away the untrue news and they were happy and proud what was accomplished, they happy, all returned home to Korčula.

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Then we appeared on the city walls, pretending to be soldiers, one following another in formation, and with the beating of the drums; all of our men, young boys as well as the women and girls dressed in military uniforms, everyone armed with guns, led by Vicko Rosanovic. There we pretended that our numbers are as much as 1000 fighters. At nine o’clock in the evening at the base of the city walls, in the ditch one person came running dressed like the Turks, screaming that he is a Christian. We used the rope to pull him up the walls. He was not wounded although his clothes were cut up from the bullets shot at him by Vicko Rosanovic, while he was running, but he anyway survived. That was a Spaniard from Andalusia, and according to his story, he was Martin son of Martin Morales, by Turks called Ali. From him we found out not only of the attack leader Uluz Ali- Ochialino, vice king of Algiers, but also the strength and number of enemies fleet. We could not trust his statement that he was forcefully made a Muslim. He told us a story where he was taken prisoner some twenty years ago by Mulej Bagazon, king of Veles in Lybia, when he was only ten years old. With the rest of prisoners he was taken to Fes and there was forced to accept Moslem religion. He would probably never had left the captivity if the occasion didn’t come for escape. With all of these stories we kept this man tied up and under guard. In the meantime the wind calmed down, the enemy carefully moved their ships, from the cove next to St Nicholas to the opposite shore of Pelišac. There was no galleys left without any damage, from the twenty or so that sailed across. Some of the broken masts and cross beams, some missing beaks, others with broken ribs and damaged sterns. Ten were seen unable to move and were pulled by other boats. From the runaways we found out that 180 Turks were killed, and about the same number of their slaves in this fight. In the middle of the canal, two boats from Pelišac met them, bringing them gifts. Later on they told us how they were brought in front of Uluz Ali asking him to forgive the penalty they had to pay that was imposed on them as the citizens of '''Republic of Ragusa'''. He asked them if there was any military present in Korčula, their answer was they did not know, since they are a supposed enemy they are not allowed to visit the city. Then he asked if the Venetian galleys these last couple of weeks were visiting Korčula. Their answer was; they did, then they add that they left the defence personnel. All throughout Spain I conquered much larger and stronger cities, I could also take this one, but I don’t have time for that. Leaving them he sailed over to harbour of Viganj, at a distance of some three thousand steps from us. All during the night and also the following day they spent repairing their ships, and by busying themselves they left us alone. Our runaways while that morning at the attack of the enemy were lowering themselves by ropes down city walls, miraculously all survived. Some of them were hiding in the thick forests; some rowed over to the island of Lastovo (Lagosta), and some others arrived in Zadar (Zara) spreading the rumour how the city of Korčula is taken by the enemy and then set on fire. Also they said how the heroes of the defence, Archdeacon and his brother Vicko, at the city gates were killed by having their heads cut off. When this was heard by our Rector who was in Zadar (Zara) during the siege, thanked God for what had happened like he predicted. Those who left before the attack, have forgotten their misery, feeling sorry for us. But few days later when they learned the truth, the happiness turned to sadness. They turned away the untrue news and they were happy and proud what was accomplished, they happy, all returned home to Korčula.

With all of the problems and fear, shaking from excitement we realised that we were the victors, with Gods help, happy and proud of our bravery. You had to be proud to see those elders of 80 years of age running, with bravery handing over the ammunitions, as though they were the young twenty year olds.

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There was around one hundred refugees, and no one felled in the enemy hands except Catarina the daughter of Marko Radosich, the shepherd from Varos. At dawn some appeared asking for forgiveness. Most people refused to talk to them , while throwing rocks at them. Archdeacon asked them to stop that and suggested that they should be brought back into the city by pulling them with the ropes, up the walls. It is not nice to be mean, actually one of them was wounded in his forehead. When everything is fine, how fast we forget love toward others. Not long ago we were asking for God’s mercy with tears and screams, and not with willing hearts, but from fear from greater dangers, and by being located in the city that had to defend itself. Then we criticised our friends and compatriots, because of the mistakes they naively made. And so there was no reason for these people to soften their feelings, but only that there will be in this city next time more fighters in the case that we are attacked again. Even though some people could never agree with these refugees, the archdeacon with his words succeeded in silencing them. In the night of August 17, Uluz-Ali with his ships sailed away towards Hvar (Lesina). But Karakozije with his 55 boats sailed through or channel, a little after our third nightly guard. Not paying attention to us he proceeded to Hvar (Lesina), while we were expecting that he may come towards us. This same day came a sentry from one of the hills saying how there on the sea horizon there is a large boat, that is heading from Lastovo (Lagosta). A while later this sailing ship arrives and brings Nikola from Otranto, who brings us the news, how soon there will arrive our (Venetian) fleet intent to fight with the Turkish fleet. This was a great news for us, even though the archdeacon knew that our allied navies did not exactly unite, but anyway he felt it was a encouraging news. This one actually came to find out about the numbers and strength of the enemy fleet.

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We being glad to hear the friendly support, and then we let him to jointly with archdeacon write a letter to his excellency the Dodge in Venice, and send this letter across the sea to Apulia and then by land route to Venice. We also wrote a letter to the chief commander of '''Venetian fleet''' , telling him also of the Spaniard from Granada whom he took and handed over to the duke Venier. We are not sure if he completed all of his given tasks, but I guess that he missed some duties, because it was heard that the letter was handed to Augustin Barbarigo, than, this letter never reached the dodge. Uluz-Ali and Karakozije spent six days plundering Hvar (Lesina), leaving the town and settling in the hill fortress. They set most of the town on fire along with two monasteries, The Franciscan one and also the Dominican. Inside the wall many churches and public buildings. Causing so much damage all over the island of Hvar (Lesina), sailing freely all around the island , they continued their burning, killing and plundering. Only the town of Jelsa (Civitas Vetus Ielsae) defended their fortress, and people of Sutomore bravely defended themselves, as they say they killed 200 Turks. It is also said that the women from there used rocks instead of arrows to cause damage to the enemy. There also appeared the '''pirates from Neretva''' (modern: Neretvani)<ref> The Narentines, who are referred to today mainly as ''Neretljani'', were a nation of Slav pirates. Firstly known as ''Arentanoi.''</ref> , and they as well caused a lot of damage. In six days from one village they took about 70 souls. Uluz-Ali with his fighters just before 23rd of August, in the middle of the night staying close to the shore of ~~Pelisac~~, quietly sailed past Korčula, sailing in straight line. Karakozije this same day from western end of peninsula of Pelišac, crossed our channel and reached the port of Porto Barbier (Račišće) around three o’clock with 56 galleys, then by changing course reached again shore of Pelisac. We didn’t know what this crossing back and forth meant. We feared that they possible unloaded soldiers in Račišće (Porto Barbier), who could attack us again from the land. So that whole night we spent worrying that we may be attacked again, but most of us felt that we will be glad to fight and for some it would be a chance to correct the conduct they showed earlier. Others feared that the end was coming this time, and feeling sorry that they returned to the city. Regardless, everyone was praying God for help. I can truly sum up our feeling of the fighting, that because possibly of situation I found myself in blindly believing that this was truly an end, and that death was certain.

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We being glad to hear the friendly support, and then we let him to jointly with archdeacon write a letter to his excellency the Dodge in Venice, and send this letter across the sea to Apulia and then by land route to Venice. We also wrote a letter to the chief commander of '''Venetian fleet''' , telling him also of the Spaniard from Granada whom he took and handed over to the duke Venier. We are not sure if he completed all of his given tasks, but I guess that he missed some duties, because it was heard that the letter was handed to Augustin Barbarigo, than, this letter never reached the dodge. Uluz-Ali and Karakozije spent six days plundering Hvar (Lesina), leaving the town and settling in the hill fortress. They set most of the town on fire along with two monasteries, The Franciscan one and also the Dominican. Inside the wall many churches and public buildings. Causing so much damage all over the island of Hvar (Lesina), sailing freely all around the island , they continued their burning, killing and plundering. Only the town of Jelsa (Civitas Vetus Ielsae) defended their fortress, and people of Sutomore bravely defended themselves, as they say they killed 200 Turks. It is also said that the women from there used rocks instead of arrows to cause damage to the enemy. There also appeared the '''pirates from Neretva''' (modern: Neretvani)<ref> The Narentines, who are referred to today mainly as ''Neretljani'', were a nation of Slav pirates. Firstly known as ''Arentanoi.''</ref> , and they as well caused a lot of damage. In six days from one village they took about 70 souls. Uluz-Ali with his fighters just before 23rd of August, in the middle of the night staying close to the shore of Pelišac, quietly sailed past Korčula, sailing in straight line. Karakozije this same day from western end of peninsula of Pelišac, crossed our channel and reached the port of Porto Barbier (Račišće) around three o’clock with 56 galleys, then by changing course reached again shore of Pelisac. We didn’t know what this crossing back and forth meant. We feared that they possible unloaded soldiers in Račišće (Porto Barbier), who could attack us again from the land. So that whole night we spent worrying that we may be attacked again, but most of us felt that we will be glad to fight and for some it would be a chance to correct the conduct they showed earlier. Others feared that the end was coming this time, and feeling sorry that they returned to the city. Regardless, everyone was praying God for help. I can truly sum up our feeling of the fighting, that because possibly of situation I found myself in blindly believing that this was truly an end, and that death was certain.

When Karakozije was sailing by I actually did not make any moves, because I become brave from the past encounter, so I felt that these galleys were not as strong as those in Uluz-Ali’s fleet. These were made for shorter trips and did not carry as many soldiers. After the fourth nightly guard the ships from Karakozije reached the shore of Trstenica just east of Sabbioncello (Orebic), only three miles east of Korčula. There the stayed for about two hours. They formed a line, appearing, as they were to head toward us and attack again, then again they leave formation. Finally four small galleys reached our island of Badija where there is a Franciscan monastery. There they set the monastery on fire and stole the church bells. This monastery was one of the nicest ones in all of '''Dalmatia'''. Beautiful church could not completely burn, because it was all built with cut stone, while everything inside that was wooden had burned. Wall were all damaged by smoke and blackened. Later on all of these ships sailed over to Lumbarda (Lombarda), where there are our summer homes. There they met with 1500 men who night before have disembarked in bay of Račišće (Porto Barbier). That night they rested, spread over the entire width of the island, starting from the centre they advanced eastward, inspecting every rock and hill, the valleys and caves, they took 34 peasants as prisoner. They also took many domestic animals, and that which they could not drag with them they left laying dead for eagles and crows to feed on. In Lumbarda (Lombarda) their senses or any reasoning left them, after drunkenness, and partying in the home courtyards, they left, after setting all those homes on fire. Finally we noticed in direction of Mljet (Meleda) a boat on sails and oars heading towards our island, and also Karakozija galley which headed directly towards this boat. Where they joined, and after some exchanges, together they sailed away. We concluded that the order was delivered to Karakozije from the Turkish fleet, to as soon as possible join the rest of the fleet. We also received information on this from our side. Next day, not only did we hold our usual yearly celebration that was started by our ancestors in memory or our home towns attack by terrible Aragonian navy 80 years ago, but also to give thanks best we could, for surviving the recent attack, where we collected several of Uluz-Ali’s cannon balls and arrows as trophies, which we placed right next to those from Aragonian attack.

== Here our Grandfathers Inscribed ==

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Here our grandfathers inscribed following; HERE WE STOPPED THE NAVY BELONGING TO KING OF NAPLES THESE HANGING ARMAMENTS ARE PROOF OF OUR VICTORY, THIS FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS. In similar fashion we also inscribed a testimony that we dedicated to God and Virgin Mary, as well to our protectors St. Bartomew and Saint Mark, principal protector of our town as well to all other saints; as follows;

Peter Z.

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