[Footnote N:  People occupying Bosnia, Servia, Herzegovina, and Montenegro.]

CHAPTER X.

Insurrection of Villagers—­Attack Krustach—­Three Villages burnt—­Christian Version—­Account given by Dervisch Pacha—­Deputation headed by Pop Boydan—­Repeated Outrages by Rebels—­Ali Pacha of Scutari—­His want of Ability—­Greek Chapels sacked—­Growth of Rebellion—­Omer Pacha restored to Favour—­Despatched to the Herzegovina—­Proclamation—­Difficulties to be encountered—­Proposed Interview between Omer Pacha and Prince of Montenegro—­Evaded by the Prince—­Omer Pacha returns to Mostar—­Preparations for Campaign.

We now arrive at that period when rebellion actually broke out among the Christians of the Herzegovina, and when things, in short, assumed the aspect which they now wear.

Before entering upon any account of the various risings which have occurred, I would remark that much blame attaches itself to the Porte, not only because of long years of misgovernment, but also on account of the supineness shown by its officials, who, in the presence of the most positive proofs to the contrary, treated the idea of a rising with supercilious disregard.  Frequently whole villages came in to declare that they should be compelled to rise, unless they received protection and support.  This was of course promised liberally, but the promises were never redeemed, and so they were driven to rebellion against their will, as a means of safety from the fanatical fury of their lawless co-religionists.

After two years of indecisive skirmishing, in which the Turks, always exposed in small parties, generally fared the worst, the Ottoman government appeared to awake to the necessity for pursuing more energetic measures.  This resolution was hastened by the revolt of the villagers of Yassenik, Lipneh, Garevo, Kazantzi, Doulatchi, Vralkovitch, Golia, Krustach, Beronschitzi, Yenevitza, Danitzi, and others in the neighbourhood of Gasko, who joined bands of Uskoks, with whom and the Montenegrins they attacked the blockhouse of Krustach.  As a punishment, three of these were burnt by the Turkish troops.  The version of the affair given by the opposing parties varies considerably, as may be supposed.  The Christians affirm that, after repeated acts of aggression on the part of the Bashi Bazouks, they took refuge in the mountains, but returned thence on being promised protection.  That they were one day astonished by perceiving the heights covered with soldiers, who entered and sacked the village of Beronschitzi.  No blood was shed, but the six sons of one Simon Gregorovitch were taken before Ali Pacha, who ordered them to instant execution.  The seventh son is reported to have been taken to Metokhia, where, after being tortured, he was executed.  The people escaped from Yassenik and Yenevitza, but in the former two women are said to have been killed and thrown into the flames of the burning houses.