HISTORY OF MALTA.

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This command was given to the Bailli de Freslon, an officer ofdistinguished reputation in the French service; and a betterchoice could not have been made for forming a corps, which,though particularly useful to the order, might sometimes, per-haps, become troublesome. The regiment was soon complete,and disciplined in such a manner as perfectly to answer theend proposed. The Christian powers Avere now satisfied, anddid not insist that any more regular troops should be levied.This regiment being destined to do duty at the city La Valettaand the different forts, a corps of twelve hundred men wasraised for the defence of the country and the coasts: this con-sisted entirely of Maltese, who were to be incorporated withthe numerous regiments of militia, in case of an attack, or ofa descent of the enemy.

The grand-master felt the impossibility of succeeding inthe plans he had projected for the good of the order, withoutsome more effectual assistance than the power vested in thecouncil, he therefore convoked a general chapter, at which hepresided himself, and where the principal objects taken intoconsideration were the finances of the state, the manner oftheir administration, and the making a new assessment of taxeson the possessions of the order. The regulations relative tothe hospitals were improved, the revenue encreased, and parti-cular days in the week fixed upon for the knights of the differ-ent languages to attend on the sick. Though the ships of warbelonging to the states of Barbary were destroyed, and they

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