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HISTORY OF MALTA.

amounted to rather more than seven thousand; but thereal reason was to examine whether any provisions had beenconcealed.

The only object which presented itself to the commissionerson this occasion, was the heart-rending spectacle of the mostdistressing poverty.

Towards the end of June, the provisions were distributedamong the inhabitants in the following proportions : each manreceived daily one pound and a half of bread, the women onepound, children under three years of age half a pound, andthose under twelve three quarters of a pound. Whoever pre-ferred having a certain quantity of grain in lieu of the abovedistribution received twenty-five pounds a-month (one thirdof which was barley), without distinction of age or sex. Thisquantity was calculated to be equal to one pound of breadeach person.

A bomb-ketch from Toulon, which had been missing fortwenty-four days, arrived at last towards the end of June. Shewas laden with wine, brandy, bacon, and vegetables ;—a mostfortunate supply for the French, whose spirits were greatlyraised, particularly as this vessel not only announced still fur-ther assistance which might be quickly expected, but a changehaving taken place in the French government. No officialintelligence had hitherto been received of this event, whichgeneral Vaubois immediately proclaimed, and every one sworeto observe the new constitution. The joy was universal, and