170 THE HISTORY OE THE ORDER OF

[book iv.

Knights of Malta dated 13th November, 1G94. But_ on the 4th of February of 1697 died thatgrand master, and was succeeded by Perellosof the Language of Arragon, and at that time Bailiffof Negropont. 1 And that Innocent XII. shouldimmediately send him a congratulatory brief is onlythat things took them natural course. 2 It is rathermore singular that the King of Persia wrote to thegrand master in 1699 ; as shall in part he given inthe Appendix, hut translated into Latin. 3 Again theDoge of Venice, as head of that republic, expressesthe gratitude of senate and people for the exertionsof the valiant and noble Knights of Malta at theprice of them blood. 4 From all has been seen, thereis nothing strange in the Pope’s consoling with thegrand master on the order’s having lost its headmosttrireme by shipwreck. 5 But in June, 1706, thesame to the same has a more pleasing theme,congratulation on a naval victory over the Tunisianpirates. 6 And another of thanks for his promptitude insuccouring the fortress of Oran. 7 For mainly to the

1 Seb. Paoli: Serie, ii. 485.

2 Cod. Dipl. Geros., ii., Num. ccclxxviii.

3 Id., Id., Id. liii. Giunta. — Appendix,

4 Cod. Dipl. Geros., ii., Num. lii.—x. 456. App. Num.ccxxxii.

ccxxiv.

Id.,

Id.

Id.,

Id., Id. ccolxxix.

Id., Id. ceclxxx.

Id., Id. ccclxxxii.

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