No Spaniards under a Cortez or a Pizarro ever had an apparently more hopeless task, and, to the credit of the filibustering host, it must be added that none ever succeeded more completely in the work of destruction before them. The bishops and clergy in the army exhorted the soldiers to confess and make their wills. Solemn religious services placed the army under the protection of the saints. Then the embarkation commenced. The knights with their chargers went once more on board the huissiers, or transports, which were so constructed that either large ports or a portion of the bulwarks opened readily, and could allow the knights to ride across the gangways while mounted. The rank and file, on board the larger ships, followed.
The galleys were manned
The galleys were manned, the fighting men clothed in battle array, and the vessels themselves made ready for action. Alexis was attended by numerous troops, and was treated with every mark of respect. The next morning at daylight, every one being in his place, the trumpets sounded; the signal for starting was given, and the expedition set out on the last stage of its journey to the imperial city. The knights had their helmets laced, their armor on, while their horses were arrayed in battle gear. Each galley took in tow one of the hussies with knights on board.
The crossbowmen fanciers went first to keep clear the coast for landing. No other order of precedence was observed. The vessel which could get over first did so. The distance from Scutari is under a mile, and was soon covered. The knights, though in armor, leaped overboard while the water was still up to their waists, and, lance in hand, made for the shore. They probably landed near the modern Tophana, or between it and the mouth of the Golden Horn. Some of the troops of the emperor saw the fleet approach, but they turned and fled from the bowmen before the cavalry was landed. The disembarkation was allowed to go on without interruption.
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