Summary

Three reports from Venetian consular officials in the Adriatic (Ethar Đokić and Ernesto Burović) describe how the Ottoman vizier of Shkodra, Hafis-paša, advanced against Montenegrin forces occupying Podgorica, Spuž, and Žabljak. The Montenegrins retreated after several clashes, leaving garrisons in Ottoman hands. Hafis-paša then withdrew to Shkodra, fearing revolts in Albania and coastal cities such as Ulcinj and Bar. The dispatches, preserved in the Zadar Historical Archive, show the fragile balance between Ottoman authority, Montenegrin resistance, and Albanian unrest during spring 1835.

Letter I – Ethar Đokić to Gabriel Ivačić

“Kastel-Lastva, 2 April 1835

When the Montenegrins saw the Turkish army approaching, they abandoned Podgorica, Spuž, and Žabljak.
Ten Montenegrins and eleven Turks were killed.
The vizier of Shkodra pursued them and intended to seize Vranjina Island, formerly under Mustafa Paša.
Rumours claimed he would invade Montenegro, but fearing Albanian plots—since Albanians had taken Peqinj, Kavajë, Durrës, and Tirana—he returned to Shkodra, leaving garrisons in Podgorica.

Zadar, Historijski arhiv 179 (b. XI.a c. X/2, April 4 1835)”

Letter II – Ernesto Burović to Gabriel Ivačić

“Budva, 4 April 1835

Learning that Hafis-paša was marching against them, the Montenegrins retreated to their borders.
The Turks pursued and killed ten men, suffering losses themselves.
Hafis-paša might have struck harder, but fearing rebellion in Albania, he withdrew rapidly to Shkodra.

Zadar, Historijski arhiv 179 (b. XI.a X/2, April 5 1835)”

Letter III – Ernesto Burović to Gabriel Ivačić

“Budva, 7 April 1835

The vizier forced the Montenegrins to abandon Podgorica, Spuž, and Žabljak, and planned to seize Vranjina.
Fearing Albanian uprisings, he returned to Shkodra on 2 April, leaving garrisons behind.
Rebellions erupted in Albania, Ulcinj, and Bar over excessive taxation.
The Kuči, Piperi, and Montenegrins continued their anti-Ottoman conspiracy, vowing revenge for their fallen.
In Ulcinj, residents expelled their commander after tax disputes.”

Zadar, Historijski arhiv 179 (b. XI.a c. X/2, April 10 1835)