ADVERTISEMENT.

During the blockade of Malta by the English, whose speriournavy and able officers left little room to doubt that it would shortlybe rescued from the hands of the French, and from those of therebels who had delivered it into their possession; the idea struck methat, unmindful of the sovereigns who, for nearly three centuries,had reigned over Malta in so glorious manner, this island was atthat moment regarded merely as a military post, of the same natureas that of Gibraltar. This refection first induced me to write theHistory I now present to the Public, which, as will plainly appear,was completed before the signing the definitive treaty :—this treatyhas proved the fallibility of my opinion on various points; I, how-ever, think it a duty to publish those opinions in their original state,hoping at the same time, that such a proof of frankness and sub-mission to superior judgments will entitle me to the indulgence ofthe able negotiators of a peace, which, by securing the tranquillityof Europe, is cheaply purchased at the expence of still more im-portant sacrifices .