Bridg I will not trouble the Reader with the several opinions that men have about it only that it has been observed by several others as well as my self that sometimes it will pass contrary at the one side to the other and this commonly on a Southerly wind The next Island we come to in rank to the East is ANDROS This keeps its name being called by the Turks Endros The Inhabitants are all Greeks having a good large Town to the NEt. with no other walls but those of their houses which join together At the end of the lanes are Gates which every night are shut to keep out the Privateers In the Mountains are several small Villages which are built so convenient as they can see an Enemy long before he comes so they have time to hide themselves and the best of their goods in places made by their Industry in the Rocks Upon the whole Island there are not above 3000 Inhabitants They have a great many Mulberry trees and some years make above 10000 pound of Silk They agree at Constantinople for about 10000 Dollars yearly tho it stands them in above 12000 besides what the Privateers steal from them Corn and Wine are here very plentifull but their main stock is raised from Silk and Cattle with the latter and other provisions they supply Tine There are several good Harbours for small Vessels but only one for ships which is to the SEt. TINE formerly called TENOS And by the Turks Stendill lyes to the SEt. of Andros being about 70 miles in compass and the highest land of any of the Islands in the Archipelago It is under the Venetian Government and withstood the Turks all the warrs notwithstanding they landed their Army several times In the year 1658. the Captain Basha came to a Port to the Nh. called La Colebitre when in the night he landed 6000 men hoping to surprize them But the vigilant Islanders soon fled from their habitations and betook themselves to the Castle surrounding the hill under the great Gunns The Proveditore dispatcht away a Felucca to acquaint the Captain General at Argentiero and the Turks finding they could not take the Castle destroyed the Country burnt the houses and carryed away about 10 slaves The Castle stands on a high rock on the top of the Mountain It is much higher than any other part of the Island so as it may be discerned at both sides of the Island Upon any occasion of rejoycing Fires were made upon the top of the Castle which have been seen at the Island of Scio. The Inhabitants are most Greeks but these the greatest part are Roman Catholicks who have here a Bishop His Palace is at a place called Campos to the NWt. of the Castle distant from it about 3 miles There are above thirty Villages upon this Island and above 20000 souls Those of the Greek Religion are to the Eastward end of the Island having many pleasant Villages though seated among Rocks Tine hath but one Port which is secure for shipping It lyes in the strait of Andros called Palermo But the Road where the ships usually come to unload is called St. Niccolo about 6 miles South from the Castle to the East is St. Zuanni a small Port for Boats. To the North is another called La Cullebithra This Island has ever been a great Eye-sore to the Turks In the late Warr of Candia several Brigantines were mann'd out of this place which did continually torment the Turks in all their Quarters A famous Privateer called Georgio Maria was a terror to all the sea-Towns about the Archipelago He was of Corsica of a good Family He came into the service of the Venetians with a small Briganteen called the Lepetto or little Fox his success was so great that he built at Bagnio a place for slaves made square to the East of the City on the hill in which was an account of upwards 4000 that he had brought out of Turky into slavery of which he gave the tenth to the Generall From a small Vessel he came to command a squadron of three ships and Eleven Briganteens I will not give you an account at large of his several Victories if I should it would swell my Narrative to too great a Volume I will therefore only give you a Relation of his Death In the year 1667 Georgio Maria had been very succesful against the Turks carrying away whole Towns at a time so as complaint was carryed from all parts to Constantinople where his name was in every sea-faring-mans mouth The Captain Basha had particular orders to search for him and being at Scio advice was brought him that Georgio Maria with his little Armado was at the Islands in the Bay of Edremitt The Person who brought the news had a Gratuity order'd him and immediatly all things were order'd for departure but the Basha only and the man that brought the news did know for what place they were going There was in Port at Scio 36 Gallys and six ships of Tripoli The Captain Basha sent orders to the ships to be ready to sayle with his Gallys There being little wind the Gallys towed the ships till they were past the Island of Scio and drawing neare the Island Metelino with a small gale they sayled close by Molives The Sentinells on the Islands made fires to give notice to Georgio Maria and soon came themselves with the news that the Turkish fleet was coming towards those Islands Georgio Maria easily believed it and in a little time provided himself notwithstanding he was before getting ready to carine his ship With the help of his Briganteens he gets his ships out to the North of the Islands ordering the Briganteens to shift for themselves taking his last farewell of them The Fight was very sharp above 6 hours Georgio Maria was kill'd and his body thrown over board as he had desired his friends to do that it might not come into the hands of the Turks his ship was taken another was sunk and the third made its escape into the Bay of Smyrna and so to Tine Of the Turks were killed and wounded above two thousand of which in the Tripoly ships above 300. In the ship where Georgio Maria was of 200 men not above 20 were taken alive and those most of them wounded After this Victory the Captain Basha went to Constantinople towing up the ship in great Triumph at his Gallys Stern as he past the Serraglio point No man since Scanderbeigh has been so great a plague to the Turks His loss was generally lamented by the Venetians but especially by those of this Island whom he very much inriched He was made a Knight of St. Mark for the good service he had done the Venetians against the Turks The Inhabitants of Tine are better to pass than any other of the Islanders paying only their tenths to the Venetians They make great quantitys of Silk and Wine but have not corn nor wood to subsist a month being supplyed from
abundance of Cyprus trees Bonifacia stands on a rising ground having only the Walls of a Castle The Inhabitants are most Greeks very poor here is a Metropolitan who pretends to be next to the Arch-Bishop of Candia There are two Italian Churches the dores are made up with Walls to keep Cattle from going in The Greeks have four small Churches but one will contain more then all the Inhabitants They have now new named the place calling it Malafacia instead of Bonifaci good Face it being so much alter'd from what it was in former time From Bonifacia to the Labarinth is about 10 miles or three hours riding with most a plain Several men have several opinions about this building if I may call it so But one Signior Venetando who was born in a neighbouring Village gives this account that a certain King of this Island had so great a hatred for all women that he order'd this place for his Court and at last lived so private that he would not suffer any to come to him but such as ruled in his stead He would seldome come out but to worship at a Temple dedicated to Jupiter which stood close by it In this Labarinth he ended his days and had a famous Tombe built for him the ruins of which they shew you The Labarinth is above two miles about being so covered on the top with earth as it seems to be all of firm land we entred it with two torches and candles in Lanthornes having a line to direct us out again The way is plain under foot and archt over head some arches being about 10 foot high some more some less with several windings I made it my business to observe if there was any thing of a building in the pillars or sides but found it most an entire stone which they told me so cemented together that indeed it appeared so Here are a great many small places about 4 foot long 2 broad and 2 over which were for burying places There are abundance of batts which hang in clusters some are larger than ordinary We endeavoured to fright them scorching their wings by which we found there was life in them their sleep is observ'd to be much more sound with a No. wind than with a So. wind as the spring comes on they leave their palace We had almost ended our line being about 100 pikes which is above 80 yards and then returned out being a good hour in the Labarinth The damps are very great against rain it is always dropping but very dry with Northerly winds At the end is a lake and they tell you that some have attempted to go to it and have been drawn into it Our curiosity did not invite us to see it for were it not true as in probability 't is not the noisom smells are enough to stifle one To the South and close by is a small Village with two Churches which seem to have been Temples To the S with about 10 miles distant is that famous and great Mountain called Psillo Vuona formerly Mount Ida at 4 of the Clock it casts a shadow on the Labarinth on it are many pleasant Monasteries with Groves of Cypress trees and abundance of Fountains Some say the Coast of Barbary may be seen from the top From the Labarinth to Candia is about 10 hours riding most in a plain till within 10 miles of the City At the right hand about a mile from the road is a most stately Monastery dedicated to our blessed Saviour which was built by order of the Emperor Constantine the Great It hath always been continued to the Greeks and kept its splendor till the late Warr when it was much defaced There are abundance of Monasterys but very poor and some are shut up for want of Priests Candia Novo is about 6 miles from the City of Candia Southward being a strong Castle having Mount Jove to the West Here the Turks kept their Treasure and Ammunition in the Siege of Candia It is seated very pleasantly on a rising ground giving a prospect to the Sea. It is now chiefly inhabited by Greeks the Castle has a Garrison of Turks which the Basha intended to bring to Candia and demolish the Castle having writ to the Port about it but he had no answer Candia so famous and generally known for the brave defence it made against the Turk appears by the ruins to have been one of the best built Citys in the midd-land Seas It is seated on the North side of the Island almost midd-way between Canea and Sittia in a pleasant Bay having an artificial Port secured from the N o wind by a Mole about 200 yards long with a strong and large Castle at the head called Castel del Molo having 20 great Guns From the South is a low point of land which runs into the Sea No. which secures it from the Easterly wind 's and makes the entrance not above 30 yards wide upon this point of land the Turks have built a cover'd way with a very thick wall full of holes for small shot strongly arch't over reaching from the Arsenal to the entrance into the Port where is a small Fort with 4 great Guns also very strongly arch't over so as no Bomb can offend it At the right hand at coming out of the Gate to the Mole is a new Fort built with 4 very great Guns which lye level with the water over them are 8 smaller Guns This Fort is opposite to the mouth of the Port and is arch't over to prevent danger from Bombs or wild fire On the Mole are several great Guns planted with arches over them To the East of the Arsenal is the old Castle called La Battaria del Arsenal which is rebuilt with a ditch round it to bring in the Sea most cut out of a firm Rock The Port is almost round and secure against any wind for Gallys and smaller Vessels but there is not water enough for ships of any considerable bigness It is fill'd very much with the rubbish that the rains carryed into it from the City and would certainly have been choakt up in a few years had it not been for a French Merchant one Monsieur Dudei who to ingratiate himself with the Basha caused an Engine to be brought from Marselle to cleanse it There are the ruins of 12 Arches of the Arsenal and about 6 Arches are yet entire but they use them only to work in when the Gallys are there No Gallys having been built here The City is not repair'd towards the land where the Walls are so much shaken that it will require a great deal of time and cost to fortify them From the Port towards the West upon the Wall are 50 large Guns planted The Fort of St Andrea at the N. Wt. of the City is well repaired having a double wall towards the Sea. In all there are about 400 Guns planted on the Walls and out-works which are 6 miles in circumference The Gates of Candia are the best
ship which tarryed some time at Constantinople and in her return called in at Messina Legorne and several Ports of Spain having undergone many stormes at Sea and at last arrived in safety in the River of Thames At Wollwich she was hall'd into the dry Dock and being searched there was found a great piece of a rock in the bottom of her so fast in that it could not but with much difficultie be got out It passed the keel of the ship and was so close fixed in that it stopt the water from coming in This piece of Rock was carried to his Majestys Closet at Whitehall where it is carefully preserved The Islands in the Gulf of SMYRNA THere are 5 Islands which are not inhabited nor have they at present any distinct name saving one which is the largest known to the English by the name of the Long Island by other Nations Isola d' Eglese It is about 10 miles in length and not very broad There are some ruins in it which shew it was formerly inhabited and the ruins of a large Temple is still to be seen Another Island there is in the Bay close to the land near Vurlaw which a Greek told me was held in great Veneration in former times having had several fair buildings now nothing remains great or remarkable but the Cave which is cut out of a firm Rock almost square and supported with 4 pillars of the same Rock To the Eastward is part of an Altar in the middle is a Well but the water is not fit to be drank it is so brackish From the Island it is about a quarter of a mile to the maine where formerly was a made-way in the Sea for people to pass over being 30 Foot broad This way is now almost consumed yet I have past over it on horseback This Island I judg must be the once famous Classomene The other Islands are of no note The HELLESPONT or entrance into the Sea of CONSTANTINOPLE THE Hellespont called by the Turks Bogass Hisar is the Southern-most strait between Europe and Asia the two Capes or head lands are Cape Grego on the European and Cape Janizary on the Asian shore which are about two miles one from the other having two new Castles which stand low and opposite to each other and were built after the great fight betwixt the Venetians and Turks in the year 1656 close under the old Castles These two Castles have no other name then the New Castles and the Cape has the same name although it be corrupted by our Seamen who call it Cape Janizary taking the word Yenni bysar new Castles for Janizary a Soldier as also going into Smyrna they call Cape Giobernole for Cara Borun From the new Castles to the old is about 20 miles These latter are not a mile wide formerly here were the Cities of Sestos and Abidos and these are by the Italians called the Dardanelli I believe from the ruins of a City formerly called Dardanum not far distant The Castles stand opposite to each other having above 100 Guns in each most of which lye level with the water so as it is almost impossible any ship should pass upward without leave The Gunners there are expert Marksmen I have seen tryall made of their skill In the year 1670 the Captain Basha was there when an empty Butt was cast into the Sea about a mile above the Castles which the Stream brought down and it being come between them in two shott it was sunk When the Basha departed he was saluted with two shott one past just at the Prow the other under the Poop of his Gally so near as the water spry'd into the Gally Here is a continual tyde or current which runs downwards to the South so strong as a Gally can hardly with a full stroak gain way against it nor was it ever known that the Stream did run upwards In the year 1665 I was a passenger in the Sampson Captain Samuel Chamblet Commander from Smyrna to Constantinople the winds being contrary we lay at anchor without the new Castles from May till the beginning of August for here in the Summer time the winds are most Northerly Our chief Mate Mr Frith was a very great Artist and often would make tryalls about the current which runs downwards he found that some times the water returned upward about 3 fathom deep when at the same time it run swift downwards above This experiment he tryed several times with one and the same effect Past the Hellespont the Island of Marmora shews it self being but small it has its name from the quantity of Marble which is there Several Slaves are employ'd to cut it out and some old Gallys transport it to Constantinople for the building those stately Mosques Bagnos and Palaces wherein it now flourishes Against the Gulph of Montania is the Island of Papa not inhabited About 16 miles from Constantinople are 7 Islands which some call the Islands of Princepe tho' one only hath that name which is the largest to it the Grecian Emperors did use to banish their Sons if guilty of any great fault now only one is inhabited called Chalcis which is to the No. of Princepe there being a small Village and two Monasterys in it Being so near to Constantinople I must give the Reader a short view of it The scituation for pleasantness and conveniencie and the Port for largness and security may sue for preeminence above all others The River between Constantinople and Galata is not broader then the Thames at London-bridge but hath much deeper water so that no bridg can be made over The largest ships may have their heads ashore and 18 fathom water at their stern The Arsenal next to that at Venice is the best in Europe The broadest street in Constantinople is not so broad as Lumbard street Very few houses if any are above three stories high they are built most with timber Their shops warehouses are most by the water side to which all people flock in the day time which makes it seem to be so populous The Grand Signor's Serraglio is seated on the most East point of the City having a prospect up into the Bosphorus 't is surrounded with a high wall near two miles round having upwards of 400 large Cypress trees regularly planted in it with many fair Summer-houses without the wall close to the Sea side The Turks call this City Stamboll to signify that it is abounding in all things and indeed it is the best supplyed with Flesh Fish Fowl Fruit and Corn of any great City in Europe Many having given a large account of it already I will forbear enlarging thereon In the year 1665 a Quaker who lived in Dover was perswaded to come to Constantinople to convert the Grand Signior those who set him on the design perswading him that he should have the gift of Tongues but he was disappointed in that and all other his expectations and without seeing the Grand Signor or
a man be hot in the plain in riding two or three hours up the hills he shall find so great an alteration in the air as is incredible About 15 miles from Retimo is a lovely Fountain called Bognare Bashe standing so between two mountains that at 2 in the afternoon it is shady continuing so all the rest of the day The water is so cold as will cause a dew upon any fruit that is put into it and be one never so hot to drink of this water it will do him no harm In the Summer time here are always some persons of Quality who bring their beds and continue for several days together The Sfacioti are a healthy strong and stout people they pretend to be of a very Ancient Stock some there are who derive their family from before the coming of our Saviour I saw a Callojero that was 110 years of age he was very lusty and could walk very well with a staff Part of these hills are under the Jurisdiction of the Bishop of Retimo and part under that of Canea From Retimo to Canea the Road is most by the Sea side passing by the Bay of Suda having the mountains of Sfacia on the left hand Canea is seated in a fine plain about 3 miles from the bottom of the Bay of Suda and upon the Sea to the North having a very fair harbour which may be called a double Port the one being round the other stretching away to the Eastward where are two Arsenals It is secure against the worst of weathers The entrance is narrow and not above 18 foot water To the West of which the Turks have built a new battery with 20 very large Guns and above it to the South is a great Cittadel in which are 40 good Guns To the East of the Entrance is another great Castle which commands the part called the Sabioniera with the Arsenal Round about the Port is a broad key which is always full with merchandize and is little inferior to the Port at Marseilles The houses are all very well built and not much batter'd The Walls are in very good repair having a dry ditch about 30 yards broad and 6 deep from the land on the other side The Walls are about 30 foot high within them the earth is raised about 10 foot higher than the Walls there being a walk between There is a mount which they call the Marteningo where formerly were 10 Guns but now it is of no use Toward the land there are 4 Bastions To the South is the great gate called La Porti di Retimo To the West is a mace placed on the Wall to shew where a Basha at the taking of the place first enter'd the City before the Gate is a half moon built of earth about 20 foot high at each end is a small Pyramid of mortar and sculls which are the sculls of Christians who were slain before the place in the year 1666. The Venetians then attempting to regain the place under the conduct of Marquis Vila a Savojard 5000 men were landed at Culatte at the bottom of the Bay of Suda and were encamped before the City several days The Turks sallyed out of the City to the Wt. surprizing the Christians and had a very great victory pursuing them to the Fort which was built at the bottom of the Bay. In this flight there were above 1500 killed and several taken Prisoners amongst the latter was one Captain Scot a Scotch-man who had his hand upon the draw-bridg of the City he was carryed afterwards to Smyrna in the Gally's and there redeem'd by the English Merchants but when he came to Venice his arrears were paid him and he returned his ransom to Smyrna which remain'd in bank till another like occasion should present it self The City is near three miles in circumference and is much better Inhabited than Candia having a Basha and other officers as in Candia only in all Councils the other hath the precedence The Country about is very pleasant being all a plain for above 6 miles to the South and West planted with young Olive trees so that it seems to be a Garden It is well supply'd both with Flesh and Fish of the latter there is great store for besides the Sea there is a Lake about 10 miles to the South which furnishes them with great variety of all sorts The trade is much greater here than at Candia it lying so convenient for the Morea Italy and other places The French have a great trade for oyl wools wax cheese and several other commodities having a Consul and two Merchants The Venetians have also a Consul but most of their oyl is shipped off from Suda to which place it is brought from Retimo and other places thereabout All great ships come to an anchor at a place called St Todoro being 2 small Isletts about 5 miles to the West of the Port of Canea there is very good anchorage and a small Fort to defend them On one Island notwithstanding it seems to be all stone and is very low there are several Fountains of water No Greeks live within the City They have a new town built to the South about half a mile off where are two long streets very commodious and here they injoy all the liberty they desire their Churches are open and the Bishop hath a very pleasant house living in good Esteem Close to this town runs a pleasant River which is seldom dry There are likewise several pleasant gardens well stock't with all sorts of delicious fruits The Turks have also some gardens here but they must retire into the City an hour before Sun set winter and summer or else must remain out all night the gates being then shut and a strict watch kept about the Walls The Turks of this place are generally very rich and incline to trade giving all encouragement to have Merchants come and reside amongst them There was an English merchant here one Mr Trenchard who was recommended to the French Consul to have his assistance but in a little time he grew weary of the place Here they keep their oyl in great Vessels called Tini which are square and made of wood some will hold 20 Tunns They have a special regard to preserve the esteem of their oyl nor will they force a merchant to take any longer than it comes clear not mixing the bottoms as in some parts they will by taking a hollow cane and putting it to the bottom by blowing through which they raise the foot of the oyl so that thick and thin goes together Here they sell the Foot of the oyl at an under price and this serves to make sope Most parts of Turky have an Esteem for Canea oyl above others Some will have it to be the better for that the trees are all so young others impute it to their care in the making for here they gather all their Olives whereas in the Morea they thrash them down with poles The wines are
GREECE with part of ANATOLIA La Graecia con Parte della Natolia ADVERSIS MAIOR PAR SECUNDIS To the Rt. Hon. Râ— Hencage Earle of Winchiâ—â—eâ—â—â—iscount Maidstone Baron Fitz Herbert of east Well Lord of the Royall Manour of 〈◊〉 Lord Leivtenant of the County of Kent and of the City and County of Canterbury Ambass adr. Extraordinary To the Grand Signeor in Ano. 1660. This Mapp is humbly D. D By B. Randolph Barnard Randolph Author Sold By Richard Palmer In Fuâ—â—â—â—ds Rents near Grayes Inn. And Tho Terrey at the Red Lyon without Newgate R. Palmer sculp THE PRESENT STATE OF THE ISLANDS IN THE ARCHIPELAGO Or ARCHES Sea of CONSTANTINOPLE and Gulph of SMYRNA With the Islands of CANDIA and RHODES Faithfully Describ'd by BER RANDOLPH To which is Annexed an INDEX Shewing the Longitude and Latitude of all the Places in the New Map of Greece Lately Published by the same Author Printed at the THEATER in OXFORD 1687. A. Terra ferma d' Achaja B. Citta di Negroponte C. Borghi D. Castello del Scoglio A. Part of Achaja B. City of Negroponte C. Suburbs or new Town D. Castle on the Islet NEGROPONTE LA Citta di Negroponte Capitale dell ' Isola di quel nome La quale ha doi miglia di Circuito senza li Borghi Dalli Greci su chiamata Calcis è devisa dalla Terra ferma della Provincia d' Achaja di un braccio di Mare nominato L'Euripo ò vero il Stretto di Negroponte Un Imperatore di Costantinopoli la donò con tutta L' Isola alli Signori Venetiani Il Anno 1204 per li Grandi Servitii che quella Republica hà resi al Imperio Diverse volte li Turchi minacciorono di pigliarla mà in riguardo della Fortezza del Sito differirono sin all' Anno 1469. E. Mahometto il Grande mandò una Armata di pus di 300. Navi Gallere altri bastimenti sottili Comparendo pol Iati in Persona alla Testa di Cento e vinti mille huomini Assedin la Citta per Mare è per Terra più d'un mese di continuo trauagliandola in piu forme Gli furono dati piu di vinti Assalti Generali Di Presedio è Guarniggione ui erano più di vinti quatro mille huomini che valorosamente resisterono al Nemico Sprezzando Il Offerte fattegli per rendere La Piazza La Citta fù presa per Assalto Generale a puochissimi del Presidio fù data La Vita Un Nobile Venetiano di Casa Erizzo con una picciola parte de suoi se retirò nel Castello del Scoglietto mà non poteva resistere a tante Forze havendo il Gran Signore promesso di donargli la vita si rese dopo fù per ordine suo segato per mezzo Una figlia toltagli fù tagliata in pezzi per non volere assentire alla volontà libidinosa del Tiranno In questa Speditione il Turco hà perduta più di quarauta mille huomini La Citta per hora è ben fortificata con Fortezze nove Le Fosse sono fatte piu fonde piu Larghe di quel che erano NEGROPONTE THE City of Negroponte Capital of the Island of that Name is two miles in Circuit without the Suburbs By the Greeks it was called Calcis and is devided from the main Land of the Province Achaja by an Arm of the Sea called the Euripo or Streight of Negroponte An Emperour of Constantinople gave it with the whole Island to the Venetian Lords Anno 1204. for the great Services that that Republick had render'd to the Empire Diverse times the Turks threatned to take it but in regard of the strength of its scituation they desisted till the year 1469. Mahomet the Great sent a Fleet of above 300 Ships Gallys and smaller Vessels he in Person appeared at the Head of above 〈◊〉 hundred thousand men besieging the City by Sea and Land above a month in which time above twenty assaults were given The Garrison were above twenty four thousand who Valiantly resisted the Enemy despising the offers made them to surrender the place The City was taken by General Storm very few of the Besieged were spared alive A Noble Venetian of the Family of Erizzo with a small Party of his retir'd into the Island Castle but could not resist so great a Power And the Grand Signior having promised to spare his life surrender'd himself He was afterwards sawn asunder by the Grand Signiors command and his Daughter cut in pieces for refusing to yield to the lustful will of that Tyrant The Turks lost above forty thousand men in this Siege The City is now well fortified with new fortifications and the Ditches made deeper and wider than they formerly were Sold by Mr. Nott in the Pall-Mall Mr. Basset at the George in Fleet-street Mr. Bennet at the Half-Moon in St. Paul's Church-yard and Mr. John Hill in Exchange-Alley NEGRO PONTE Anciently called EUBOEA IT Lyes to the North of Boeotia extending North West and South East about 120 miles Its Breadth at the broadest place not above 30. It was taken from the Venetians in the year 1471. The soil is very fertile affording all sorts of Graine Wine and Oyle as likewise Flesh and Fowl the Sea abounding with Fish Since the Turks have had possession of it most of the Greeks are Fled from the Villages and Townes So as the inland places are mostly supplyed by Albaneses who are the Shepherds and serve the Turks at their Farmes Formerly here were two Citys and 500. Townes and Villages Now there is but one which can be called a City which is the ancient Chalcis and now hath the name of the Island by the Turks it is called Egriboz It stands on a point of Land having the Sea two Thirds about it Betwixt it and the Maine is a small Island with a strong Castle From the Maine to the small Island is a bridge built upon six good Arches and thence to the Maine Castle is a draw-bridge about 30 yards Long. The Maine Castle is two miles in compass fortified with six very large Towers or Rondells The walls are high and thick with a dry ditch to the Land which is almost filled up with rubbish To the South of the Castle is a new Platt-Forme with severall very large Gunns which carry stone Shot of about 18 inches diameter When I was there in the year 1676. a Renegado was taken He was a Greek born on the Island of Candy turned Turk when the Vizier was at the Siege of Candy afterwards he marryed at Scio and lived very well but upon some discontent he made his escape from Scio and got to the Privateers of Malta with whom he lived some years landing on this Island he with some others were surprized and taken His companions were condemned to the Gallys but his sentence was to be shott away out of one of these great
some French Merchants bought the Tribute for 1500 dollars each Island which they gather'd from the Inhabitants by working Cotton's and were considerable gainers To the North of Serfu is TERMIA anciently called ELEUSINE It lyes at the entrance into the Bay of Athens being indifferent low land but not very fruitfull Here are very good purging Waters and hot Baths The Inhabitants are very industrious the men in Fishing the women at their Needles Here they say the Island habit was invented and hath been A Greek Priest Un Prete Greco A Woman of the Archipelago Una Deâ—'a dell ' Archipelago a habit above 1000 years but few of them know the true original as I was informed by Monsieur Giraud consul at Athens which was thus A Prince in Athens had a Daughter who was guilty of a great crime for which she was condemn'd to be banished and to make her the more despised it was ordered that the sleeves of her upper Garment should be cut off to her shoulders with her smock sleeves hanging down to her hands her Pettycoats cut short to her knees with her smock at full length to her ancles her hair hanging down behind Being sent in this manner to this Island the Inhabitants enquired who she was and being told that she was a Princess that came to bath in the waters for her healths sake her dress pleased the common people and now it continues their habit in most of the Islands only their heads are better drest They have their hair plated intermixed with Ribbon which is put round the hinder part of their heads with a fine muzlin veil carelessly thrown over Their bodys have no sleeves to them but the better sort will have great wings hang down behind richly embroider'd That which serves for a pettycoat comes to their knees being plaited very thick I have seen one which was but an ordinary one that had above 40 pikes of dimity which is about 30 yards some have above 60 pikes and so weighty are their clothes which they wear that they cannot be nimble in dancing To prevent the trouble of pulling up their coats they are open before and fastned with clasps and eyes Their Smocks hang down to their ancles but they are very narrow with sleeves fastned at the wrist and a loose sleeve over them which comes over their hands being broad Their Stockings are most of red cloth hanging in plaits some with the clocks embroider'd Their slippers are sol'd with cork the upper part covered with red plush The men have several sorts of habits But the better sort have a long Vest strait to their body doubled over before reaching down to their ancles girt about the loins and the sleeves button'd at the wrist Over which is another Vest hanging loose with broad sleeves of black cloth resembling the Turks to shew their superiority over their brother Christians Their heads are shaved they wear most of them a red cap but some a black ZEA formerly called CIA Lyes to the North of Termia not above 10 miles but it alters so much in the temperature of the climate as it could not be more were it so many degrees distant The land is all very high and seems at a distance like an Egg. The Turks call it Yamurta Adasi i. e. Egg Island There is a very good Port to secure any Fleet but it has a very narrow Entrance At each side is a small Chappel that to the West are the Ruins of a Temple and not far from hence is the Foundation of an old City which a Priest told me was formerly called Juli. The Town is five miles from the Port. I came here in the year 1670 in the Noahs Ark of Genoua in which there were several Passengers who were not acquainted with the place and very desirous to go up to the Town The Guide would tell them it was close by the Port but before they came to the Town they had travelled so long as to understand Greek for when they asked where the Town was the guide would answer them inne konda Ephende it is hard by Sr tho' they were five miles from it the way being all unevenly rocky which made the Genouese wish they had not put on their new shoes and clothes The Inhabitants are a very healthy people No Oranges Lemons nor Olives will grow here to the South of the Town and higher stand several wind-mills which are very often blown down not withstanding they are built with very good Stone and Morter This Island and Tine are very seldom without much wind The chief product of the Island is Corn Wine and Velania The wine is very small in comparison to that of other Islands Here I saw a woman that went to the fields to gather Velania big with child and another in her arms In the field she was delivered and brought both her children well home CIR A formerly call'd CYTHNOS It lyes about 12 miles from Tine South West some Mapps name it Suda The Town is at the N E t point standing on a hill having a fine Bay before it and three small Islands where ships come to anchor The Inhabitants are Greeks but most of the Church of Rome The Capucins have a Church and Monastery They are free from the Privateers upon the score of the Capucins Most of their incom is from gardening and manuring the ground From hence Tine is supply'd with a great store of fruit It abounds with Muskmelons and Watermelons Wine and Corn they have enough for their own use LEMNOS Is a fair and large Island lying almost in the middle betwixt the Asian shoare and Monte Santo having several good Ports and Havens about it but the Principal Port is called Mudro which lyes to the South East above which stands a City with an indifferent good Castle where is a Garison of Turks to this part of the Island Monte Santo casts a shaddow in the Summer time at the Sun 's going down The Country is most level ground affording great quantity of Pasture land and here are the best sheep of any place here TENE DOS A. The City and Castle of TENEDOS B. New Castle C. Suburbs where the Greeks liue A. Citta et Castello di TENEDO B. Castello novo C. Borght doue Stanno Li Greci about To the N Et. is a place called the Saline Salt panns close to which is gathered the Terra Sigillata of which the Turks make water-pots more esteemed than so much China with us it is used for medicines Before the late warre with the Venetians the Island was very well peopled both by Turks and Greeks having above 50 Towns and Villages but there are now not above 20 Villages and those very poorly inhabited The Venetians took the Island in the year 1662 and ruin'd most places of strength carrying away the Garrison of Turks The Earth of this Island or terra Sigillata is the chief thing which they boast of telling many fabulous stories about it of which several
Vizier by the Right Honorable the Earl of Winchelsea's order was shipt aboard the ship Sun and sent for Legorn I have since seen The Prospect of the GRAND SERRAGLIO or Imperial Palace of CONSTANTINOPLE as it appears from Galata La Prospettiora del GRANSERRAGLIO vero Palazzo Imperial di CONSTANTINOPOLI come si vede da Galata An Arme of the Sea which devides the City of Constantinople from Galata Braccio di mare che divide la Citta di Constantinopoli da Galata A. The Entrance into the Serraglio from the City B. Lodgings for the Guards C. The great Hall for publick audience D. The Gran Signors Lodgings E. The Womens Lodgings F. Pleasure houses where the Gran Signore comes to see the Fleet go to and come from Sea G. Places for the Gran Signors Barges H. Part of Constantinople called Balat I. Entrance in to the Seraglio from Sea K. The Bosphorus or Channell which devides-Europe from Asia L. Part of the Asia Shoar M. S ta Sophia where the Gran Signore goes to his-Devotion every fryday A. L'Entrata del Serragdio per la parte della Citta B. Allogiamenti delle Guardie C. La Gran Sala di Audienza D. Apartamenti del Gran Signore E. Apartamenti delle Donne F. Gallerie doue il Gran Signore si porta perredere â—scire et entrare L. Armata di Mare G. Ridutti per le Barche del Gran Signore H. Parte durn quartiero di Costantinopoli deto Balat I. Entrata del Serraglio perâ— Mare K. H Bosphoro o vero il Canale che divide l'Europa da Asia L. Vista della Jerra ferma del Asia M. Moschea di S ta Sophia doue va il Gran Signore ogni Venerdi B. Randolph H Cuttance 〈◊〉 delin D Loggan Sculp him in Kent he being now of another perswasion The present State of that famous Island and Kingdom of CANDIA THE Island of Candia which in old time and now by the Turks is called Crete hath followed the other parts of the Empire of Greece and is now subjected to the Tyranny of the Turks after a Warr for above 27 years In which time the Venetians tho' in comparrison as a flea in the beard of a Lyon to the Ottoman Forces did bravely and with an unparallel'd Courage defend the City of Candia to the last extremity After a close Siege for near 2 years continuance the Vizier there in person and with him the best of all the Ottoman Forces they were forced to surrender yet upon the most honorable termes that they themselves could propose carrying away with them not only their Cannon and all other amunition but also the bells which were in the Steeples and whatever else they thought worth the Labour The Vizier was so over-joyed that the City was surrender'd to him that he appointed several of the Turkish boats to assist the Venetians if they should have occasion of their help in carrying their goods to the ships He was so observing of his word in the Peace that he caused two Janizarys to be put to death for attempting to force their way into the City All Europe has heard of this great Seige how many thousand Bombs were cast into the City How many Mines and Fornellos were blown up and how many bold assaults the Turks made They had at last workt themselves so near the Walls that it was impossible for the besieged to make use of any of their great Guns For no sooner could a man appear to level a Gun but there was a shower of bullets and arrows so that the Turks would often attempt to undermine the Walls and the Venetians did countermine them and when they met under ground they fought most desperately The Venetians have an Engine which they call trombo di fuoâ—â— it is as long as a half Pike the Staff bigger At the end are two Irons about two Foot long in the form of a fork In which is fastned a trunk made of Iron and some are of wood in it are five charges each firing severally at a certain time and carry several bullets to do execution as far as a Pistol They set fire to it at the fore part and have a touch to reach from one chamber to the other Another Invention they had to fish up the Turks when they attempted to undermine their Walls They had hooks made in the forme of a boats grapling the points sharp fastn'd to a rope and 4 or 5 foot of chain at the end These hooks they often cast over the Walls amongst the Turks and seldom failed to bring up a Turke some fastned by the clothes others by the body I have heard some of the officers say they have taken several in a night For when the hook was fastned they gave them not time to unhook themselves but had them soon over the Walls and many a Turk have the common soldiers eaten At the Greeks leaving Candia there happned a most sad accident a new ship called La Fregatta Galliera or the Gally Frigot was pitcht upon for transporting most of the Principal of the Gentry and the greatest part of the riches of the Citizens there was also besides what were mounted 50 great brass Guns the Passengers were between 250 and 300 besides 200 Mariners and upward Being between a little Island called Ovo and the Port of Cerigo the ship open'd and not a man was saved The rest of the Fleet got well some to Zante others to Ceffalonia Corfu and Venice landing the Greeks as they had a fancy to the place which they came to or as they found freinds Thus they left their Estates to the Enemy and not above 5 or 6 Greeks remained who being in years and sickly withal desir'd leave of the General that they might tarry and end their days there In the Articles of peace it was concluded that the Venetians should keep possession of three small Islets which are close to the Island of Candia and have each a very strong Castle The Turks did laugh at their proposals saying we have the Henn and the Chicken will follow of course of these Isletts you shall have a further account hereafter This Island had 20 Citys and above 1000 Towns Villages and large Monasterys now there is not above 4 Citys and 300 Towns and Villages To give you an account of them I will begin with the eastern part This was formerly a Province called Sittia the head City had the same name standing in a Bay at the North East part of the Island at the West side extending from the North to the bottom of the Bay Southerly above a mile in length The Castle stood on a rising ground to the N Wt. of the Town built of a course Marble stone The Venetians finding the place was not Tenable caused several mines to be made by which they destroy'd the Castle and Town and so went to Candia By the ruins it may be seen the builders had no thoughts so soon to have left them most
of the Walls are intire and some have lower rooms with beams which are patcht up and serve for store houses to put corn in when any ship comes to lade In the year 1680 I was here and loaded a Sattee of Provence Captain Iseppe Bremon who belonged to Cassis about 10 miles from Marsellis The Wheat was the Basha's own which he sold at 3 Timins a Killoe i. e. about 14d. the Bushel The Turk who came with me from Candia was an ordinary Servant But as we travelled the Road and when we came hither he would domineer at a strange rate Here are no Inhabitants nearer then 12 miles at a small Village called Alona saving at a small house and Chappel which is a Metoiki or Chappel of ease to a Monastery up in the Mountains about a quarter of a mile from the Sea. Amongst others the Greek Priests brought their tenths to the Turks They all desire to have a Seaman to measure their Corn rather then the Turks for they will stir the corn about with their hands and press it down But the Master was content to take it with a just measure and Favoured the poor Greeks what he could At Alona resides the Basha's Lieutenant who has 100 Spahees to guard the Coast from Privateers but more to gather in the tenths The Greeks maintaine them at their own charge To the Eastward of Sittia on a point of land is a Monastery dedicated to St Isidoro to which belongs a great Revenue it maintains about 40 Calojeros There are several rich Lamps and other ornaments of Silver and Gold. Here they shew you the Picture of the Blessed Virgin which they say was brought by Angels from Stancoi and was found in a cave of that Mountain They have Lands on the Island of Rhodes where they have a Metoiki and several Calojeroes to gather in the cropps of corne oyl and wine the Turks allowing them to enjoy it calling it Vacofa or possessions for Gods use yet they will receive their tenths from it The Gomina or Overseer of this Monastery had made his Escape taking with him above two thousand pieces of Eight in ready mony and plate but being pursued he was taken at Scarpante an Island lying in the midd way between Candia and Rhodes by the Basha's order put to death To the South of Alona about 10 miles is a very high Mountain called by the Turks Basha Dogg from it may be seen the Sea to East West North and South Here are the Ruins of a Castle called formerly Barozza 't was built by a Gentleman of that name It is square about 60 Foot high with a tarrazzo and battlements on the top each square is about 40 foot The Wall is very thick the door about 10 foot from the ground having a dry ditch about it Of these there are several about the Island as the old built Castles are in Ireland For formerly the Candiotes did use to Warr amongst themselves but now all such quarrells are ended by their subjection to a common Master The City of Girapetra is to the South of the Island having no secure Port but an open Road where Vessels in the Summer time may be with security from the Weather but not from Privateers for while I was there they carryed away a Saike which came from Alexandria The Town is wall'd round and hath a small Castle which lyes higher then the Town Here is continually a Garrison of 200 Janizaries besides there are several Turks who are Merchants so that in all they can raise 500 fighting men There is about it a very fine plain full of Olive trees and some pleasant Gardens Their houses are well built of good stone the rooms very lofty but few houses above two storie high In the year 1675 one Monsieur Crevellier a famous Privateer landed 500 men in the Bay of Spina Longa travelling in the night he came next morning just at the dawning of the day and found the Turks at their Sabbah namas morning prayer so he made himself master of the Town carryed away 200 slaves nailing up the Guns which were in the Castle The Turks which were at the South part of the Town betook themselves to some small Vessels for they had not the heart to return home to fetch their armes Monsieur Crevellier to retreat with this great prize resolved to kill what horses he found securing twenty for himself officers to ride at the reare This enter prize was effected in less then six hours after they enter'd the Town for they did not tarry to ransack the houses much After they were departed about 300 men Turks and Greeks were got together and marched a mile or two out of town and had not Crevellier kill'd the horses he could never have got out of the Island It is very strange that so many men could come with that secresy as not to be discovered and that the hearts of those Turks should be so dull'd Immediatly they dispatch't expresses to the City of Candia Writing to the Basha that above 1500 Christians had landed and carryed away 200 Prisoners most of them men of the Garrison the Basha asked the messenger if the rest of the Inhabitants were a sleep or dead No says the messenger but their hearts were being all surprized some in their Mosques and some in the Coffee houses and not a man that had his senses Most of the horses being also kill'd The Basha asked him how he escaped he answered that he had the wit to hide himself as a great many others did There were three Gallys in the Mole at Candia under the command of one Babba Hassan who were sent out to look after Crevellier but to no purpose for they returned without seeing him Since there is an order that the Gates shall be shut an hour before Sunn set and not opened till an hour after morning prayers and now there are several guards on the Mountains besides the Basha of Candia has threatned the Providitore at Spina Longa to complain to Venice if he suffer any Privateers to come into that Bay so as for some years they have attempted nothing The Country towards the South is not so mountanous as to the North and Northwest parts having several large and pleasant plaines which have many ruins of fine town's To the East of Girapetra about 10 miles I went to see a Cave under the Mountain of Iro as they now call it where they say St Paul preached it is a large Chappel having 12 pillars all cut out of the Rock which was done by the Christians in the night time Some say it was finished in less then a months time Close by is a Fountain where they say he used to Baptize and it is now called St Pauls Fountain the water thereof is very good to cure such as have sore eyes From Gierapetra to Bonifacia is 14 hours riding most in plains very delightsome there being very high Mountains to the North with most pleasant valleys between and
I ever saw the Arch or Gate-house being about 100 yards long and the Gates 10 broad the Arch is all built of firm stone It will take up three hours to walk round the out-works There are several mines which were never blown up Every mine had a distinct name I was in one mine which was above a mile in length being about 6 foot high and three broad All the plain for above two miles without the Walls is like a new plow'd field where you cannot walk but must see pieces of dead mens bones None are permitted to walk round the works but such as have a Licence and a Janizary with them The Turks take a delight to give an account of the strength of the place and especially will shew you a small Cave or arch where the Venetian General did use to sleep as they tell you to secure himself from the Bombs Not above one eighth part of the houses that formerly were are now inhabited very few being left entire nor do the Turks repair any but those where they dwell the chief Mosque is well repair'd it was formerly a Church dedicated to St Mark and stands to the E t of the great Piazza to the South of it are part of the Walls of old Candia close to which are built up a row of houses two storie high for the Janizaries The Basha's Pallace is a little below the great Mosque on the other side of the way opposite to it is the great Hall formerly called La Sala di Consiglio which is a very stately building of white Marble with several works in Basso Relievo to the S Et. of it stands the Church of St Francisco with an entire Cloyster which is a Mosque The street from the Mole to the chief Piazza is in good repair being broad and pav'd with an even stone the houses are also well inhabited But that part towards the Wt. is a heap of ruins amongst which live the Jews who have very large houses but some of their upper rooms have no other shelter from the weather but a few matts made fast upon poles The beams of the old houses are bought up and carryed to Venice Zante and other places and being made of Cyprus wood they serve to make chests and cabinets many of which have been brought to England The number of the Inhabitants of the City is not reckoned to be above 10000 with Greeks and Jews There is a continual Garrison of 2000 Janizaries besides the Basha's guardes Since the taking the place they have granted liberty to all who will come to inhabit there but all their incouragement cannot bring the Candiotes to dwell there Formerly the Plain was full of Olive trees with delightsom pleasure-houses and gardens Now nothing but ruins are to be seen The City stands on a rising ground from the Sea. The houses were so built with tarrazzis as most from the tops could have a sight of the Sea. From Candia to Rettimo is about 12 hours riding The City stands on a point of land very pleasantly having a Port to the East which is almost choakt up so as no Gally can get over the barr being laden but Brigantines and smaller Vessels are very secure against all winds Towards the Sea are no Walls the Rocks there fortifying the place so as an Enemy can only come by land This place was the first the Turks made themselves Masters of putting all to the Sword to give the greater terror to the rest of the Island Since they possest it they have built three new Forts towards the Sea and a wall with a dry Ditch to landward It is now chiefly inhabited by Turks who trade to Constantinople considerably The houses are here intire according to the Venetian manner of building There are some Greeks that dwel in the City but they have a small town about a quarter of a mile off where are 2 Churches where they have free exercise of their Religion The Country hereabout is very pleasant full of Olive trees and from the Sea side the land rises easily to the foot of the Mountains of Sfacia about 8 miles from the City which from the Sea seems to be all a wood from which Mountains run several pleasant streames and one very large river called Platonico which is continually full being supplyed from above a thousand Fountains which the Mountains produce These Mountains of Sfacia are abounding in all things necessary for life and nothing can be more delightsom in the Summer time They reach near 30 miles towards the S Wt. in length and in some places about 10 in breadth coming down close to the Bay of Suda The Cheese which is made here is bought up by the Venetians and other Merchants and transported to France Italy Zante c. It is the best Cheese that is made in any of the Southern parts and generally as good as our Cheshire Cheeses being made as bigg Besides which they have great store of Honey Wax Silk Wool Cordovan-Leather and a sort of goats Hair little inferior to that of Angura in Asia No Olives Oranges or Lemons grow here There are above 100 Villages on these Mountains besides several Monasteries The Inhabitants are a Warr-like People and withstood the Turks above 20 years after Rettimo was taken living as the Mainiotes in the Morea There are such difficult passages to them that an army cannot march Now at last they are brought into obedience and by humbling themselves to the Vizier he granted them great privileges to incourage them least they should take part with the Venetians who have the Island of Suda so near them As the Vizier past by in his way from Canea to Candia they brought him several presents which the Mountains produced which he was so well pleased with that he exempted them from going with him and paying their attendance on him only he obliged them to furnish the Camp with mutton at a certain rate Most of his own provision was carryed from hence Sheep at three timins about a shilling a piece butter at a timine the oke a groat for two pound 8 ounces Cheese at the same rate and at this price they were obliged to carry it as far as the Camp before Candia where an officer gave them an acquittance which was abated them out of their tribute They have a certain Drugg called by the Venetian Oldani much of the colour of Liquorish in balls it is a very great conforter of the head having a pleasant smell being burnt it gives a very pleasant sent Most of this is bought up by the Venetians and sent to Venice Here is also a sort of wood which the Greeks call Platte iksillo it burns like a torch gives a most fragrant smell much of it was used to burn at the Siege Every night at the Viziers and other great mens tents they had fires of this wood the wood being cut small and put into an Iron grate at the end of a pole fastned in the ground If
generally Esteem'd above all others The red muscadine they call here Leattico 't is a richer wine than Tent at Cadize and much more pleasant I have seen it sold at 15 gallons for half a dollar White muscadine is not so good as that at Luxuria in Ceffalonia Some are of opinion that in the Warr the true Muscadine grape was lost on the Mountains there are smaller sorts of Wine so as a man may have what sort he pleases All sorts of Provision are very plentiful but in the Summer time the mutton hath generally a bad tast which proceeds from their feeding on some hearb on the Mountains Here are Fowl of all sorts in abundance but especially a bird called Beccha Figge which is almost a lump of Fat they are valued about 4 for an asper or 8 for a penny Turtle-doves and Quailes are very plentifull Their Beef is small but very sweet Of Fruits there is no sort but what they have I never saw larger pears than are brought from the Mountains being a sort of Sugar pear Their muskmelons are very good but their water-melons are singular Salating there is all the year of all sorts no place is esteem'd to have larger and better Endive and Carduus than there are here I have seen Sugar canes of a great height full as good as what are brought from Grand Cairo There are abundance of Simples which are bought here for France and Italy Some say the reason why no Venemous thing will live on this Island is the quantity of Dittamo that grows here Others say it has only been since St Paul set foot upon the Island Most of the Candiotes pretend to have great knowledg in Simples The women are experienced Doctoresses One I have reason to say was very skilful she having in a little time wrought a great cure upon me For by accident a Bullet having past through my Legg I applyed my self to her and in 15 days she cured it She did not allow me to eat any flesh till it was perfectly well They have several antidotes against the Plague but they had not the effect they pretended for several of the Doctoresses were swept away by that disease but most certain it is that after St John Baptists day it did here abate as they always observe it in most of these Eastern parts There are several other places that have had the name of Citys which are now heaps of ruins many hundred stately Pallaces there were that now have only some Walls and those most fallen down The Candiots keep their Habit that is the women but the men are most alla Turchesca especially the better sort They are as Ignorant of the Antiquity of their Country as the Moreotes that have been above 200 years in slavery There is no Latin Church upon the whole Island as I was informed but what is shut up or converted to the Turks use Before the Turks conquered this Island there were above a million of Souls whereas now there are not 80000 of which not obove 30000 Turks on the whole Island The Isletts which the Venetians have about the Island of CANDIA are 1. CArabusa to the West end of the Island about six miles from the main having a very good Port between the Islett and the main Island the Castle is very strong having about 80 Guns In the late Warr it withstood several assaults but it lying so far from any considerable City the Turks did not so much mind it as they did Suda Here is a continual Garrison of Venetian soldiers and a Proveditore who is under the Inquisitore at Suda In time of peace with the Turks they have a continual trade and very good correspondence with them having all sorts of provision at very reasonable rates 2. Spina Longa lyes about 40 miles to the East of the City of Candia at the Entrance of a great Bay. The Islett is not above a mile and a half about it has a very good Fortification round it besides 't is steep all about so as an Enemy cannot well land It is not above a mile from a point of land where the Turks raised a Battery and continued for a week to batter the Castle but to little Purpose for most of their dwellings are in Caves under ground Here and at Carabusa is no water but what is brought them by shipping or what they save in great Cisterns and Jarrs Here is also a Proveditore and a Garrison of Venetian soldiers 3. Suda lyes in a great Bay about 30 miles from Retimo West 12 miles from Canea and 9 from the bottom of the Bay South East having the land to the South about a mile and to the N Wt. not above half a mile distant The Island is about 2 miles in circumference not above 50 foot above the water at the highest part being all rock and steep round To the S Wt. lyes a long Rock about 10 foot above water and not above 20 from the Island against it is the Entrance up to the Castle very steep and winding having two Gates and a strong counterscarp before you pass into the main Castle The Wall about the Island is low but very thick To the Wt. is a Mount called il Marteningo about 30 Foot high and 300 in circumference very strongly built with small stone and mortar which has above 1000 shot in it They are so fast in that it would indanger its falling if they should be pull'd out The Castle is quite round the Islett wherein and upon the Marteningo are about 120 Guns planted The Turks have several times attempted to take this place and to that purpose in the year 1659 they built 6 Castles three on each side of the Bay from whence they continued to batter it and secured the Harbour so as no Ship or Gally could come to bring them succor but what in the night small Vessels would adventure to get in In the year 1665 the Captain Basha attempted to assault it he came with 45 Gally's but durst not adventure to land any men He caused the Gallys to batter that part which is to Sea-ward while on the other side they continually fired from the 6 Forts The Venetian Fleet was so dispersed that they could not come to relieve them The besieged were much streightned for provision but most for want of water for above a month they had but a pint a day and were so disheartned that they near inclined to surrender the place But it pleased God to shew them his goodness in a signal manner by a shot from the Enemy which did cleave a rock in sunder at the bottom a little above the Sea out of which sprang a water which sufficed them to drink I have seen the Fountain and drank of the water tho it is not very pleasant Several Officers that were in the Island when it was Besieged avouched this for a truth It being noted in the Venetian History of Suda The winds coming about Northerly the Venetian Fleet came from