HISTORY OP MALTA.
153
it was the general opinion that Bonaparte would neglect no-thing in his power which could possibly tend to preserve theonly remaining conquest of his famous expedition into Egypt.The people resorted in crowds that night to the theatre, wherethey sung in the most enthusiastic manner some verses com-posed on the occasion. So violent indeed were their trans-ports, that they appeared absolutely insensible to their mise-rable situation.
Different articles of provisions, at this time, were en-creased to the following exorbitant prices:
Lit.
SOUS .
£■
s .
d.
Fresh pork, per lb.
•
8
12
0
7
2
Bottle of oil, call-
i from
24
0
1
0
0
ed Cartouche. j
\ to
28
0
■ 1
3
4
1
i from
43
0 .
1
16
8
Pound of sugar '
L to
48
0 .
2
0
0
Pound of coffee, j
f from
48
0
2
0
0
I
t to
58
0
! 2
8
4
Large rats, especially those found in the bakehouses, wereextremely dear, and in much estimation. Almost all the dogsand cats in the city had been killed and eaten, consequentlywere become exceedingly scarce. Asses, mules, and horses,had experienced the same fate; except, indeed, a few belong-ing to the French, which were absolutely necessary for theservice of the garrison.
The mortality among the troops and inhabitants had
VOL. III. x