Tuscan galleys searching for Barbarian pirates according to the Dutch newspaper Oprechte Haerlemsche courant dated 14 August 1723

An item dated Basel 5th August reported that the 3 Tuscan galleys were cruysing at that moment above Longone for Barbarian pirates. The Turkish seemed to stop their activities that year and most of the sultanes in the Dardannes were already disarmed.

Maltese and Tuscan navy being strengthened according to the Dutch newspaper Oprechte Haerlemsche courant dated 27 July 1684

An item dated Venice 8th July reported that since the departure of general Molino with 13 warships, a fire ship and 3 warships of Malta towards Corfu 4 galleys of the Duke of Tuscany and the 2 ships bought by this republic from the duke of Savoy had arrived. The arrival of Maltese galleys was also expected. In the arsenal were 4 warships and 12 galleys under construction of 8 could be already be armed.

American frigates at Livorno, Italy according to the Nederlandsche Staatscourant dated 17 July 1818

Marseille, 30 June. According to letters from Livorno where there 3 American ships and two frigates lying while a fourth ship left some days earlier. Nothing was known if the Tuscan government allowed the American commodore to anchor at Porto Ferrajo.(1)

Note
1. See on this weblog the note “American frigates at Livorno according to the Nederlandsche Staatscourant dated 30 July 1818”.

American frigates at Livorno according to the Nederlandsche Staatscourant dated 30 July 1818

Munchen, 20 July. On the roads of Livorno were since some days three American frigates. The request of the commanding officer for permission to enter the port of Porto Ferraja was refused by the Tuscan government.(1)

Note

1. See on this weblog also the note “American frigates at Livorno according to the Nederlandsche Staatscourant dated 17 July 1818”.

Dutch warship Sint Pieter 1652-1654

Of the admiralty Amsterdam, hired merchant ship in 1652, paid off in 1654, an armament of 28 guns and a crew numbering 100 men. Part of squadron commandeur Adriaen Roothaes in Mediterranean, in July 1653 captured by British on voyage Venetia towards Amsterdam in July 1653, on 5 July recaptured by Tromp off Trapani, arrived on 16 July at Livorno, Italy, on 17 September left behind at Livorno due to condition hull, captain Pieter van Bree, on 19 February 1653 arrived at Livorno order from Admiralty Amsterdam (dated 30 January) to pay her off, end May 1654 confiscated by Tuscany an sold on public auction to compensate the in April by the Dutch warship Witte Oliphant destroyed British ship St. Joris.

The Dutch and Greek navies in the Mediterranean according to the Nederlandsche Staatscourant dated 5 June 1827

London, 20 May, Tidings from Gibraltar dating until 12 May reported that a Dutch brig of war which arrived at Tunis coming from Tripoli brought the news with her of the declaration of war by the Bey of Tripoli against Tuscany.

Frankfurt, 30 May. The newspaper Oesterreichischen Beobachter published some news items earlier published in the newspaper Osservatore of Trieste. One tiding dated Corfu 28 April reported the arrival of the Greek brig Neptunus master J.C. Belsario at Corfu 26 April, which left Aegina the 14th and the 15th Poro. Although it was first thought she was a merchant ship which intended to load a cargo of Turkish corn, the health officers inspecting her certificates discovered she was in fact a warship. Her certificates were signed by the so-called Greek government and Lord Cochrane as supreme commanding officer of the Greek navy. To preserve the neutrality her master was ordered to leave Corfu 27 April which he did in the afternoon.

Tuscan galley Toskanen sent out for chasing pirates of the Barbary States according to the Dutch newspaper Oprechte Haerlemsche couranyt dated10 May 1774

An item dated Livorno, Italy 23rd April reported that when tidings were received that two pirates of the Barbary States were active surrounding waters immediately was ordered to sent the royal galley Toskanen for chase for them. She immediately departed.(

Dutch tug Friesland picked at Southampton, England the dredger Madjoe up destined towards the Dutch East Indies. according to the Dutch newspaper Rotterdamsch nieuwsblad dated 14 July 1914

An item dated Baarn, Netherlands 13^th reported that the newly built Dutch tug Friesland depart on last Friday from Rotterdam, Netherlands towards Southampton, England arriving there on Saturday morning at 12.00 o’clock. The tug left at 15.00 o’clock towing the dredger Madjoe towards Makassar, Dutch East Indies.

Spanish preparations to attack Algiers according to the Dutch newspaper ‘s Hertogenbossche Courant dated 27 June 1775

Spain tried in July 1775 with an landing of troops supported by warships to capture Algiers, part of the Ottoman empire after the Moroccan sultanate failed in capturing the Spanish fortress of Melilla between December 1774 and March 1775. The attack failed with high casualties on Spanish side.

According to an item dated Cartagena 16 May were the labourers working on the naval yards hardly any peace awarded. In the harbour were all ready 15 ships of the line and the masts of the other (war) ships suggested a whole forest. According to rumours was at Toulon a French squadron loaded with 30,000 centiners of hay and 12,000 centiners of gun powder and other stores and a large number of troops. This squadron was to join the Spanish fleet just some Maltese and Tuscan ships would do. An item dated Madrid 23 May reported that lieutenant general Don Peter Castejon the fleet would command.(1)

Note
1. This must be Pedro Gonzalez de Castejon en Salazar (1719-19 March 1783 Madrid).

Tunisian privateers quit succesful according to the Dutch magazine Maandelyksche Nederlandsche Mercurius De Maandelyksche Nederlandsche Mercurius dated September 1767

A tiding from Tunis reported that the Tunisian privateers daily brought in prizes, mostly small ships from Naples, Genoa and Corsica although recently a large Tuscan ship.

Privateers of the Barbary States harassing the Levant according to the Nederlandsche Staatscourant dated 24 April 1818

Rome, 3 April. The Algerian privateers were not the only one who harassed the Italian merchant trade shipping. Privateers from Tripoli also plundered the waters of Rome and Tuscany. The latter had men on board which were able to speak the languages of the countries of which ships they plundered just like using the flags of these countries.

Privateers of the Independents active in the South American area according to the Nederlandsche Staatscourant dated 11 July 1818

The Spanish brig Joseph II underway from Africa towards Havana, Cuba and the Inclita underway from Cuba towards Puerto Rico were both captured by a privateer of the Independents. The Tuscan master Benson arrived 18 April at Jamaica and was also “visited” by a privateer of the Independents. The same happened to the Sophia master Bull who arrived 22 April at Jamaica.

The navy of Morocco according to a description by M. Chenier published in 1788

I published my notes on this weblog dealing with the Moroccan navy in the period 1773-1774 using Dutch archives.(1) Of course there is also (some) literature available on this topic. In 1788 was a British translation published of the French publication written by M. Chenier dealing with the country Morocco. This publication gives valuable information dealing with the navy and ports of this country, so I made an extract as far as useful for this weblog.

P. 19: "The shore of Tetuan is only safe when the wind is in the west, at which time ships ride secure; but when it veers to the east, they must remain no longer".

p. 22: "The bay of Tangiers is not very safe when the wind is in the west … the cables are liable to be torn, and the ships to be driven ashore. The best anchorage, for frigates and the larger vessels, is at the eastern point, whence they may easily set sail whichever way the winds sets; the bay, however, is only dangerous during the winter".

p. 24: "The passage of the river of Laracha is of sufficient depth; the larger vessels of the Emperor usually winter there, where there are magazines for the refitting of vessels, but no docks for building, the wood proper for which is too distant, and the foil, which is mercly sand, not being sufficient firm for the erecting of stocks. The road of Laracha is insecure on winter when the winds freshen from the west and south west, but there is no danger between the beginning of April and the end of September".

p. 27: "The river of Sallee was formerly a port capable of receiving large ships; but the sand has now so choaked up the entrance, that ships of two hundred tons cannot enter it till their guns and ballast are taken out". 

p. 33: "There are some docks for building ships at Sallee and Rabat; but the difficulty of navigating the channel, and the probability that the sand will continue to accumulate, give ground to predict that, very soon, only vessels with oars will be able to enter the river". The road of Sallee is only to be frequented in the fine season, from the beginning of April to the end of September; when the wind blows from the south south west, which seldom happens but in winter this road is no longer safe;

p. 34: ships are exposed to be driven out to sea, and the shifting of the sands of the bar render any communication with the town extremely difficult. The best anchorage to be found is on the south side of the river next Rabat, and the ship should be moored between the tower of the mosque and that called Haffen, having the latter to be north. Great attention should be paid to the cables, as a great number of anchors here been lost". 

p. 314: "The reigning Emperor, who has not inherited the ferocity of his forefathers, having deprived the regency of Sallee of its riches, privileges, and independence, commanded the Corsairs to act for his

p. 315: profit; and, considering the redemption of slaves as a source of revenue, he has treated them with more humanity".

In the beginning of his reign the Emperor had vessels built at Sallee, which would carry six-and-twenty, and even six-and-thirty guns; for the earthquake, so destructive to Lisbon, which happened on the first of November 1755, increased the depth of water at the mouth of the river to nearly thirty feet at flood time. The sands, however, annually accumulate, and the burden of vessels is obliged to be proportioned to the depth of water at the bar.

p. 317: "These large vessels inspired considerable fear, but little damage; heavily and disproportionately built, they were bad sailers, and perished, in time through the inexperience captains". 

p. 318: "When Sidy Mahomet had made peace with the principal nations of Europe, he collected all his vessels into a squadron, that he might maintain his marine force, and adds to its respectability. Five of these his frigates, or xebecs, as they were returning from Tunis in September, 1773 were encountered off Cape Spartel by the Chevalier Acton, at that

p. 319: time the commander of a small Tuscan frigate. After a few broadsides he disordered and dispersed four of them. Reys Laschmi Misteri, of Rabat, who led the van, had the courage singly to engage the Chevalier, as well to relieve his associates as to give them time to rally, and returns the charge; but the valorous men of Sallee were not of the same opinion; they made for the Port of Laracha, and two of the four, in their great haste, were stranded. Reys Laschmi Misteri was forced, after a short engagement, to strike and was brought into Leghorn"."The whole naval force of Sidy Mahomet consists in little more

p. 320: than six or eight frigates of two hundred tons burthen, with port holes for from fourteen to eighteen six-pounders, and, perhaps, a dozen gallies. He has a number of sailors registered, who receive a small pay, but which is not fixed; so that his subjects are little inclined to a seafaring life, and become sailors with reluctance. The choice of commanders is less influenced by the opinion entertained of their capacity than that of their known wealth; the Emperor seldom will trust his ships to any but rich people, who are able to answer for accidents: this necessary occasions the commanders to sail late, and return soon, taking care to avoid all perils which may endanger their fortune and peace of mind".

Source

The Present state of Morocco its animals, products, climate, soil, cities, ports, provinces, coins, weights and measures. With the language, religion, laws, manners, customs, and character of the Moors; the history of the dynasties since Edris; the naval forces and commerce of Morocco; and the character, conduct, and views, political and commercial of the reigning emperor. Translated from the French of M. Chenier. Vol I. London 1788. Digitized by Google. 

Note

(1). See also "The Moroccan navy in the years 1773-1774".

The Algerian, British, Egyptian, Greek and Turkish navies in the Mediterranean according to the Nederlandsche Staatscourant dated 21 June 1827

Frankfurt, 16 June. The British commodore Hamilton sighted 23 Turkish warships of the island Serpho. 

Paris, 17 June. Letters from Marseille reported that the merchants were afraid that in the port of Algiers ships were fritted out destined for action against Tuscany. It was a real danger that instead of Tuscany ships of Marseille became the victims. The fitting out of ships of the line and frigates 1st class at Toulon was done with all haste. The ships were loaded with victuals for a year.

At Marseille was the fitting out of a 20 gun-corvette and the building of a 60-gun frigate stopped. Both ships were built for the Pasha of Egypt. 

Livorno, 4 June. The privateers fitted out by the Dey at Algiers were mainly destined to attack Tuscan shipping. 

Tunis, a Tuscan brig and a Greek privateer according to the Nederlandsche Staatscourant dated 6 September 1824

Tunis, 21 July. A Tuscan brig was in April searched by a Greek privateer and had to hand over the belongings of Moorish and Jewish inhabitants of Tunis. The brig was still anchored at Goletta until she paid the amount of 60.000 Tunisian piasters as compensation for the belongings. The Bey claimed that the master was a thief who agreed with the Greek privateer while the latter paid for the freighting of the belongings. More seriously the Bey didn’t care if the result was a war with Tuscany.

Greek privateers in the Levant according to the Nederlandsche Staatscourant dated 10 October 1825

Bona, 14 September. A small Tuscan vessel which departed towards Tunis with some Moorish and Jewish passengers and a cargo of tobacco belonging to the Moorish was in the night between the island Tabarque and Cape Negro captured by tow Greek goelettes fitted out as privateers.  The Moorish fought back and had some dead and wounded, the Greeks just two wounded. The cargo, crew and passengers including women and children with a total of 27 were taken on board of the Greek goelettes. These two ships were armed with 8 carronades and 48 men and arrived the day before yesterday off the entrance to the port of Bona. One of the Greek captains demanded 1.500 solid piasters as a ransom for the prisoners. After a short discussion 1.000 piasters were paid and the Greeks departed.

The Austrian and Greek navies in the Mediterranean according to the Nederlandsche Staatscourant dated 22 January 1829

The Austrian newspaper Beobachter complained earlier that the Greek government gave out privateer permissions. The result was several merchant ships with neutral flag were captured by Greek pirates and brought into Egina. As soon as the Greek government was informed that Russia the export of grain from the Black Sea ports had forbidden she feared for shortages for her own people. At the end of September she ordered her captain Sachini who with the brig Hydra and 5 of 6 smaller war vessels closed the Gulf of Volo to cruise off the entrance of the Dardanelles to prevent all merchant ships tot go to Constantinople. It was forbidden to harm the crews in any way but transport the cargo’s inviolate to Egina where they were bought if property of neutral merchants against the same price as be paid at Constantinople. These Greek warships were later strengthened until a total of ten with orders from count Capodistrias without that the representatives of supreme naval commanding officers of the Neutral powers were informed. Since 11 November were 4 Austrian merchant ships, 2 Neapolitan merchant ships and a Tuscan merchant ships brought into Egina and their masters were to summoned to appear for the Prize Council. All Turkish property was condemned while the rest of cargo was bought by the Greek government with the promise of a soon payment. In the night of 18-19 November 1828 seemed the Greek brig Il Cimbro commanded by the fire ship captain Nikomdos to try 4 Austrian merchant ships coming from Alexandria at Mityle to hold up. The merchant ships were however escorted by an Austrian corvette which hold up the Greek brig and brought her to Smyrna where she 23 November still was. The commanding officer of the Austrian squadron in the Levant Count Dandolo intended according to the newspaper to go 6 December with the Bellona towards Egina to demand to give the seized ships back. What he intended to do with the crew of the Greek brig was unknown.

Navies in the Mediterranean according to Johann Georg Heck in 1852

Thanks to the fact that nowadays more and more books are digitized we are able to read books that are some times for decades no longer available for the public for several reasons. That's quite a pity while these books contains useful information while the archives are destroyed, incomplete or nor accessible.

P. 17. “The Sardinian Navy has 5 frigates, with 60 guns; 2 corvettes, 6 smaller vessels, 12 gunboats, and 1 steamship.”

p. 18. “Tuscany has a small navy of 3 schooners and 2 gunboats.”

P. 18. “The navy of the Pope consists of 2 frigates and 4 smaller vessels.”

P. 18. “The Neapolitan Navy numbers 12 vessels, including 1 ship of the line, with 84 guns; 3 frigates, and 4 corvettes.”

P. 18. “The Austrian Navy has 8 ships of the line, 8 frigates, 4 corvettes, 6 cutters, 7 schooners, and several steamers and smaller vessels.”

P. 18. “The Turkish Navy consists of 10 ships of the line in commission and 5 not in commission; 15 frigates, 3 steamships, and several corvettes and other vessels.”

P. 18. “The Egyptian Navy at present has not more than 3 ships of the line, 1 frigate, 1 corvette, and 2 cutters.”

Source
Johann Georg Heck. Iconographic encylopeadia of science, literature, and art. Vol III. New York, 1852.