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HISTORY OF MALTA.

Malta; I will now take notice of the extraordinary circum-stances which decided the moment for carrying their perfidiousplans into execution, with the motives they alleged in justifi-cation of their conduct. Lastly, in pleading the cause of theMaltese and knights, I will endeavour to place before theireyes the cruel misfortunes which must necessarily await them,should they be doomed to an eternal separation.

The members of the directory having made a temporarypeace with the continent, were suddenly deprived of the re-sources with which the pillage of their agents had hithertosupplied them. The riches carried off from Germany, Holland,and Italy, had been as quickly dissipated as acquired. Thewant of money, and the equal want of credit to procure a sup-ply, soon rendered their situation very embarrassing; particu-larly as the peace lately concluded left a victorious and discon-tented army to be paid, young and ambitious generals to berestrained within bounds, and men of letters to be bribed tosilence. Thus critically situated, a romantic expedition,worthy the days of chivalry, was imagined: this was calculatedto satisfy both army and literati, by presenting to the formerthe most brilliant prospect of military glory, and to the latteradvantages of various kinds. The command was given to ageneral whose influence was dreaded by the directory; for itwas very well known that he had obtained the confidence ofthe soldiers during war, and was much connected with artistsand men of letters in time of peace.