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HISTORY OF MALTA.

considerable loss, prepared a powerful armament the followingyear (176l), to revenge himself on the order; which, on theother side, neglected nothing to put itself in a proper state ofdefence, calling together the knights who were dispersed indifferent parts, and who all eagerly hastened to their respectiveposts. But the solicitations of the court of France preventedthis affair being pursued, and it was terminated by his Christianmajesty’s sending the bailiff de Fleury to Malta, where he pur-chased the Turkish vessel, which he immediately sent as apresent to the grand-signior.

France, the powerful support of Malta, had in return afaithful and zealous ally in the order. That court being dis-satisfied with the Tunisians, who had not respected the Frenchflag, declared war against them, and gave notice of it to thegrand-master, who felt particularly happy in reinforcing theFrench fleet with a squadron of galleys, and at once shewingthe tenacity of the order to the duties of its institution, and itsgratitude for past favours.

The two united squadrons began by bombarding differentplaces on the coast of Africa; and the Maltese galleys neverquitted the French fleet till it was resolved that they shouldboth return to their respective ports. The commander of theFrench squadron, M. de Browe, expressed the high sense hehad of the zeal of the order, as indeed did his sovereign, andbestowed the warmest encomiums on the conduct of theknights and the good behaviour of the crews.