HISTORY OP MALTA.

33

On the death of Didier de St. Jailles*, John d’Omedes waselected grand-master (1536) by the Spanish faction, which, owingto the protection granted by Charles V. to the order, began toshow an inclination to take the lead in the convent. The troublesthis occasioned during the mastership of Omedes, and afterwards,during that of Cassiere, will presently be perceived; so true it is(and it cannot be too often repeated), that on the independence ofthe order must ever rest the power of protecting the Christiancause.

The emperor having reason to complain of the government ofAlgiers, fitted out a most formidable armament, with an intention,as it appeared, entirely to extirpate the infidels from the coasts ofBarbary. He, in consequence of this resolution, demanded fromMalta all possible assistance. The whole of the knights offeredthemselves to join the expedition; but only four hundred were per-mitted to embark, each of whom was accompanied by tw T o servantsin arms. In order to appear more conspicuous to their enemies,they wore upon the breast a covering of crimson damask or velvet,upon which shone a white cross. The first sally made by thegarrison of Algiers, gave them an opportunity of signalising them-selves in the most valiant manner: it may, indeed, be said, withtruth, that their exertions saved a great part of the Christian armyfrom being cut to pieces. The advanced posts had been surprised—the infidels were proceeding towards the emperor’s quarters, when

* Died at Montpellier, September 26.

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