THE CAPTURE OF TILMISAN.
The governor of Tilmisan was at this time tributary to the king of Spain, and was obliged to transmit his tribute annually. Being alarmed by hearing that Oruj Beg and his brother had become masters of Algiers, he entered into negotiations with Spain to assist him in removing them from that place. But just as the Spanish fleet and his own land forces were preparing for the expedition, Oruj Beg was apprised of it, and leaving his brother at Algiers, went off with a few troops to Tilmisan. The inhabitants of this latter place having united with the infidels, and disobeyed their magistrates, the Ulemas had pronounced fatvas or decrees of death against them; but on the approach of Oruj, the commercial intercourse between the principal men and the other inhabitants was resumed. The governor being detected, was obliged to fly; and his two brothers, who were in confinement, availing themselves of the opportunity, made their escape, and fled to Fez. The governor, however, went to the port of Tilmisan called Vehran (Oran), and craved assistance of the Spaniards, who were then in the possession of that port. They forthwith gave him large supplies both of money and forces; and in addition to these, he collected by land about fifteen thousand Arabs, with whom, and fifteen hundred infidel matchlock men, he left Vehran, and came to Kalat-al-kala. Khair-ad-din being informed of this, sent his brother Is´hak Reis, with a few troops, to defend it. As soon as Is´hak had entered the castle the infidel troops arrived, and laid siege to it. One night Oruj Reis made a sally, in which he killed about seven hundred infidels, and took a hundred prisoners; but shortly after the enemy were reinforced by the arrival of ten thousand infidels and twenty thousand Arabs, an event which served to protract the siege for six months, during which time several battles were fought with equal fierceness and desperation on both sides. At length the towers fell, and the besieged, now become desperate, rushed out, and commenced plundering the enemy’s camp: a massacre ensued, and Is’hak, the brother of Oruj, and his followers fell. Having taken Kalat-al-kala, the infidels proceeded to Tilmisan, which they blockaded. Oruj Reis with his attendants betook himself to the inner citadel, and there remained shut up for seven months; during which period fierce encounters occasionally took place: but at length Oruj with his troops evacuated the citadel, and commenced a general attack upon the infidels. In the engagement which ensued he and his followers suffered martyrdom, and necessity compelled the inhabitants to yield.
ATTACK OF THE INFIDELS UPON ALGIERS.
In the spring the infidels fitted out a fleet of one hundred and seventy ships, which they manned with twenty thousand soldiers, and sailed to Vehran, where they were joined by three or four thousand troops who were stationed in that place. These, under the command of the beg of Tilmisan, proceeded by land to Algiers. Khair-ad-din, on his part, assembled his followers, and having encouraged them, desired the natives to go out to meet the beg of Tilmisan. When they met him they behaved respectfully to him, and abstained from offering any affront to his army: The troops of Khair-ad-din amounted to only six thousand, besides about twenty thousand Arabs whom he had subjugated. When the infidel fleet arrived, they anchored opposite the island, and sent a message demanding the surrender of Algiers. Khair-ad-din Beg thereupon took his station in the field; and when the infidels bore down upon him, they were repulsed with such bravery, that many of them fell; and by the help of God he was completely victorious, and the enemy fled in confusion to their ships. When the evening came on both parties withdrew. The next day they again fought from morning till evening, and on the third day the infidels drew off their field-pieces, and being thrown into the utmost fear and confusion, most of them were routed. Not more than about five or six thousand reached their ships, and escaped. Of the spoil .which Khair-ad-din took, he gave a part with a few horses to Hassan, the serasker of Tilmisan, and giving him the command of two thousand Arabs and seven hundred regular troops, sent him back to Tilmisan; but before he could reach it twenty thousand Arabs had risen in arms, and the governor had fled; and when he arrived, of nearly four thousand infidels, about seven hundred had made their escape, and fled to Tunis, the rest having perished in the revolt.
THE CAPTURE OF TUNIS.
In the spring Khair-ad-din Beg being desirous to take this castle, its governor solicited assistance from Spain. Accordingly fifteen barges were sent to defend it; whilst Khair-ad-din sent eighteen ships, and himself proceeded against it by land. When he arrived at the castle he took it by storm, but with difficulty saved the ships which he had sent, five of which were taken. He then returned to Algiers.
EXECUTION OF THE INFIDEL CHIEFS AT ALGIERS.
About this time, when Khair-ad-din’s ships were lying in the harbour, the Admiral Ferdinand from Spain entered it with a fleet of one hundred and ten ships. Khair-ad-din immediately came into the harbour, and after a hot engagement entirely routed the infidels. The admirals ship struck on the sand, when, in despair, he and six hundred infidels jumped overboard, and, with thirty-six captains, in all about three thousand men, were made prisoners. Two prisons underground were filled with them, and the city was crowded with those assigned to the natives. Some of them formed a conspiracy, and had made arrangements for their escape, but were detected. Soon after a messenger arrived from Spain offering 100,000 ducats for the ransom of the thirty-six officers. To this the Ulemas would not give their consent; saying, that the captains being expert in naval matters, and every one of them brave fellows, the sum ought to be doubled: this however was not effected. Khair-ad-din then sought some pretence for having them killed; and when he heard of their attempt to escape, ordered a general execution. For the body of the Admiral Ferdinand seven thousand florins were offered; but the Moslems considering it improper to deal in carcases, threw it into a deep well.