_ 481 _ The viceroy of Naples reports that a few days ago thirty large ships put in an appearance on the coast of Salerno. It was believed they were the fleet of Dargut Arrais, reinforced by the galleys that he captured and by other privateers that joined him. The suspicion is that they want to join the others that are about to depart from this region for abroad, or those that are to return once again from Barcelona. They could also be the Vanguard of the Turkish fleet about which, up till now, there is no certain news since its appearance in Métona. Some reports maintain that it returned to Constantinople and others that it is hanging around the archipelago. It should be regarded as a great good fortune and favour of Our Lord for this fleet not to set sail as in years gone by. If it did, it would cause unimaginable harm, not encountering any resistance from Christendom. Seven large well-equipped Christian galleys would not be enough to repulse the nine Moorish galliots, which do not carry the Janissaries, who spread terror throughout the world. With the Turk capturing all seven, it is assumed such people would not dare to fight, as might be hoped, or attempt to offend the Turk, unless God gave them fresh courage and the old shame. May he fight for this people and not condemn us to such a punishment for our sins.
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