Croatian-Dalmatians to Fight in American Revolution of 1776

COUNT VESCOVICH

LETTER SIGNED WITH AUTOGRAPH SUBSCRIPTION, MANN (Sir HORACE, 1701-1786, British envoy in Florence, friend and correspondent of Horace Walpole):

Letter to Lt. General [James] Murray, informing him that he has received the King's approbation of what has been done 'with ample authority to exert every means in my power for the very important object in question' adding that it makes him 'tremble however for the safe arrival of the Vessels that may be sent down, nevertheless all risk must be run', reporting that General Paoli recommends that the Corsicans be incorporated 'in some English, or Hanoverian Regiment, in consideration of whatever future Events may happen', stating that he daily expects the return of Count Vescovich from Venice to raise a number of Dalmatians (Croatians) and wishing Murray 'compleat Success in the noble Exertions You are making for the defence of your Castle and for the Honour of His Majesty's Arms', 3 pages, folio, contemporary docket partly obscured, top edge turned over, Florence, 26 December 1781

In 1781, Minorca, where Murray was Governor, was threatened with a siege. Murray sent his wife and family to Leghorn (doubtless the cargo referred to in this letter). Murray shut himself up in Fort St. Philip and resisted the attempts of the Duc de Crillon to capture the fort and the bribe of £1m to surrender. Eventually, almost all his men tainted with scurvy, a capitulation was arranged and when laying down their arms declared that 'they surrendered to God alone, as the victors could not plume themselves on taking a hospital.'

In the book by Pjera del Negro, Il Mito Americano Nell Venezia del Settecento, 1975, Padova, on page 200-201, it is reported that 3000 Venetians (Dalmatians) went to the Garrison at Port Mahon, island of Minorca.

In Frederick Lane’s book, Venice a Maritime Republic, 1973, on page 425 it is reported that 3000 Venetian sailors were taken into the British Fleet during the American Revolution as reported by the French Consul. The majority were Dalmatian as per Lane. (Eterovich, A. 2003)