On the sea, the Combined Fleet had daringly completed its mission of firepower distraction. To avoid unnecessary casualties, Commander Major General Sisneros ordered a retreat beyond the effective range of the port’s cannons.
Just as several warships had adjusted their sails, he suddenly heard silence from the direction of the batteries.
Sisneros, somewhat perplexed, went to the bow deck of the “Advance” and pulled out his telescope. He immediately saw a flag with a blue and purple base and an Iris fluttering atop the battery.
“These guys are too fast, aren’t they?” he exclaimed in surprise to his adjutant, “Have they been landing for an hour?”
The adjutant checked his watch and shook his head:
“Not yet, Your Excellency. Only 48 minutes have passed.”
A twitch appeared at the corner of Sisneros’s eye. Just marching from the shore to that battery would probably take over half an hour. Had Bertier led his soldiers on a run directly into the pirate’s battery?!
He had thought that this corps, established only half a year ago and accompanied by a group of policemen, would have done well to capture the battery before dark. Yet, the battle was over before noon?!
This was probably not simply a novice troop…
If someone told him at that moment that it was the policemen who had taken the battery, he might have doubted life even more.
At the Guard Corps, medical officers directed the removal of the injured to tents while Bertier, looking at the combat statistics report just delivered by his adjutant, walked toward the battery on the slope.
Eight police academy students were killed and ten were injured. Three from Bertier’s Corps were killed and five were injured. This was because it was the first time the police academy students were on the battlefield, too excited, and charged too fast, which led to higher casualties. Otherwise, the number could have been lowered.
In terms of combat results, 282 pirates were captured alive and about 90 were killed. The battery at Bizerte Port was taken. The materials, such as cannons and muskets, had not yet been counted.
Due to the port’s characteristics, after capturing the coastal fortress, the dock and town behind it hardly put up any resistance.
In other words, one of the two main Barbary pirate bases in Tunisia, Bizerte Port, had been captured.
He ordered his adjutant to do everything possible to treat the injured. The troops that had been responsible for the initial landing were to rest on the spot, while the two newly landed battalions were to enter the town to hunt down the pirates.
By nightfall, the Guard Corps had completely controlled the entire Bizerte Port, capturing more than 40 pirates listed on the roster, while many more had already fled the port.
Looking at the still somewhat bright sky, the corps adjutant said to Bertier:
“Commander, should we send the Cavalry to chase those who fled? They probably haven’t gone too far.”
But Bertier shook his head, “Send the order for the entire army to rest and resupply in Bizerte for a day and a half, stocking up on some food and wine.”
“Ah? To rest that long?”
The adjutant was puzzled, “Sir, in doing so, the pirates will likely have the chance to escape far.”
“No matter, we will give them time to run,” Bertier replied with a smile, recalling Joseph’s plan, “We will set off southward after noon the day after tomorrow.”
To the north of Bizerte lays the sea; to the south, only Kairouan and Tunis City are options. Now, with the fierce battle going on at Kairouan Fortress, these pirates would have only Tunis City to run to, and that was Joseph’s true target.
…
Two days later.
Tunis City.
Inside the Ksar Hellal Palace, dozens of navy officers appeared disheveled, groveling on the ground, pleading with sobs:
“Great Bey, those Europeans attacked the port so suddenly, we cannot just let it go!”
“They even brazenly threatened to kill us! This is a direct insult to you!”
“Great Bey, you must protect us! Over the years, the navy has contributed a large amount of taxes for you…”
“Please rally the troops and chop off the heads of those infidels!”
Hamoud Ali furrowed his brows in frustration, besieged by one problem after another of late.
If it hadn’t been for Eunice’s sudden rebellion, which had led him to muster the Imperial Guard from all over Tunisia to suppress the revolt, leaving fewer than 500 soldiers to man the port, the Europeans would not have breached Bizerte Port so easily.
He waved his hand, silencing the naval officers who had just escaped from Bizerte, and turned to gesture the middle-aged official beside him to follow into the inner hall, frowning as he asked:
“Sinanidine, with the European army hastening our way, what do you think we should do about this?”
The middle-aged official was Tunisia’s Qadi, akin to a Chancellor. He pondered for a moment, then bowed his head and said:
“Great Bey, the Europeans have come to eradicate the pirates… because our navy has plundered their merchant ships and demanded high ransoms.”
“So, what are you suggesting?”
Sinanidine said in a low voice:
“Bey, technically, the navy is not under your control; if sacrificing them could avoid European censure, it might be worth considering.”
Qadi Hamoud Ali nodded thoughtfully at his words:
“You make a good point. Have the Imperial Guard detain those outside. Go tell the Europeans that they can be handed over to…”
Before he could finish, Hafsa, who had been quietly playing the harp, suddenly stood up and hurried over, bowing to him urgently:
“Bey, you must not give up the navy, Lord Qadi!”
“Oh? Let’s hear your reasoning.” Ali turned to look at her.
“You are the protector of all of Tunisia; if you cannot defend the navy now, it will cause all of Tunisia to doubt you.”
Sinanidine interjected hastily: “But the Europeans…”
“You need not worry,” Hafsa stated dismissively. “I’ve heard they’ve only brought two to three thousand men, and we have the Imperial Guard and the sailors of the navy; there’s no need to fear them!”
Before Sinanidine could object, she immediately added:
“Moreover, your great army is engaged in battle with the rebels. If you show any sign of weakness now, it could sway those who are still watching to join Eunice!”
Hamoud Ali immediately looked uncertain upon hearing this.
Since Eunice’s rebellion began, Hafsa’s judgment on the situation had been remarkably accurate, displaying her exceptional strategic insight.
And, indeed, as she had pointed out, he needed to demonstrate a strong front to subdue the various forces within Tunisia.
As for the Europeans, the navy had plundered their merchant ships, but as long as he compensated them with enough money, that should quell their anger.
Pondering this, he looked towards Sinanidine: “Qadi, take three million riyals and negotiate with the Europeans, you must save the navy.
“Also, summon the Imperial Guard to bolster the defenses of Tunis City.”
“But…” Sinanidine wanted to persuade further, yet seeing his resolute attitude, he could only accept the order respectfully and depart.
A subtle, undetectable glint flickered in Hafsa’s eyes. Although she didn’t know why Haji had instructed her to convince Ali to protect the navy, she had evidently succeeded. Explore hidden tales at empire
…
Bizerte Port was only 70 kilometers from Tunis City. After a three-day march, Bertier’s Corps had already reached the outskirts of Tunis City.
In coordination with their movement, the Combined Fleet also headed south to the Port of Tunis, leaving only one Escort Ship and a few small boats to blockade Bizerte Port—after taking the port’s battery, a small number of warships could complete the blockade task.