They then went overland to Jajl, taking with them the prisoners they had taken from the fortress. The distance was sixty miles. At this place were stationed Oruj’s ship and Khair-ad-din’s galley of twenty-four benches. Oruj Reis remained at Jajl, whilst Khair-ad-din with three ships proceeded to Tunis, where he bought four others, and with seven volunteer ships, making in all fourteen, he put out to sea. Soon after he was joined by Kurd Oghli Mussaleh-ad-din Reis with fourteen ships; and his fleet now consisting of twenty-eight sail, he proceeded to the infidel coasts. Near Genoa he saw eight barges laden with corn, and having made himself known, they suffered themselves to be taken without any resistance. On his return he met twelve more, all which he also took. These were laden with cloth. The twenty barges he sent by Kurd Oghli to Tunis, whilst he himself went to join his brother.
DEPARTURE OF ORUJ REIS TO ALGIERS.
At this time there was in the harbour opposite the castle of Jezaier (Algiers) a small fortress on an island about an arrow-shot from the city. The Spanish infidels had by some means obtained possession of this castle, and had thus in a manner shut in the inhabitants of the town. The unfortunate Algerines were therefore obliged to submit to them and pay tribute; till at last the oppression of the infidels became insupportable, and they wrote a letter of invitation to Oruj Reis. This letter Oruj received at Jajl, and having perused it, made preparations for his departure. The castle of Jajl he gave in charge to his brother, and came to Algiers. There being here no regular governor, he entered the town and took up his abode in it. Khair-ad-din also sent nearly three hundred men to Jajl, whilst he himself returned to Tunis; and as he was engaged with Kurd Oghli in dividing the plunder, he met his brother Is’hak, who had just arrived at that place with the two ships from the emperor and another from Gallipoli.
ATTACK OF THE FRENCH UPON TUNIS.
The proceedings of Khair-ad-din Reis having surprised and alarmed the infidel nations, the French became enraged, and sent a fleet of thirty-three triremes against Tunis. On their arrival they landed at Benzarta; and Kurd Oghli being there at the time, he left his ships and went into the castle. The infidels having made an assault, took four of the ships; but as they were about to attack the fortress, the troops of Tunis came out against them, fought bravely, and repelled them. The infidels in haste betook themselves to their ships, leaving six in the harbour, and proceeded to Halk-al-vad. Here also Khair-ad-din was in readiness; and valiantly repulsed them, not even suffering them to land; so that they were obliged to return disappointed. About this time Sultan Selim having conquered Egypt, Kurd Oghli went to meet him with magnificent presents; and having paid his respects to him, reported their engagement with the French. Khair-ad-din on the other hand fitted up four ships with five hundred men and cannons, which he sent with his eldest brother to Algiers, whilst he wintered at Tunis.
DEFEAT OF THE INFIDEL FLEET AND THE ARAB TRIBES AT ALGIERS.
When the Arab tribes and the infidels heard that Oruj Reis had obtained possession of Algiers, the latter prepared to attack that place with a fleet of forty galleys and one hundred and forty barges, containing fifteen thousand men. The Arab troops likewise, having marched by land, arrived before the infidels in the neighbourhood of Algiers. Oruj Reis with his followers being prepared for battle, first attacked the Arab troops on the land side, and killed great numbers of them. By the favour of God he was victorious, and the Arabs were routed and obliged to fly, leaving behind them nearly twelve thousand camels. After this the infidel fleet arrived, and having anchored near the castle, they began to land their men and take out their cannon. The castle being in a dilapidated state, Oruj Reis was repairing the breaches when the enemy made a sudden assault, and erected their standard on the fortifications. Oruj Reis now led on his heroes against them, and a hot engagement ensued. By the favour of God they were again crowned with victory, and succeeded in taking the standard of the infidels, whom they pursued and killed whilst flying to their ships. Only one thousand of them escaped, who, entering their ships, set sail and departed. After this Oruj Reis settled in Algiers, and the infidels were constantly harassed and routed. He then sent information of his victory to Khair-ad-din, to whom he offered the charge of the castle, as also that of Jajl. Khair-ad-din accordingly went to Jajl, and securing the sheikh-al-balad, made him engage to pay the annual tribute which he was in the habit of transmitting to the infidels. After this he departed and joined his brother.
THE CAPTURE OF TUNIS.
Previously to the above affair, the beg of Tilmisan’s brother had gone to Spain, and returning with assistance, had taken Tunis. The inhabitants of that place having sought redress from Oruj Reis, he sent his brother Khair-ad-din to their assistance. On the arrival of Khair-ad-din the infidels had left their ships, and taken possession of the castle. He then secured their ships, landed his men, and after a siege of two days, the enemy capitulated, and gave up the castle. Hefs Zadeh also fled, and Khair-ad-din, not being able to find him, enriched himself with plunder, and returned to Algiers. The two brothers then divided the castles belonging to Algiers and Bajaia. These were ten in number; five on the east side of Algiers, and five on the west. Those on the east were assigned to Khair-ad-din Beg, and the others to Oruj Beg; a census being taken of the population of each division.