172 THE HISTORY OF THE ORDER OF [book iv.

1713

A Papal brief to the grand master observes,—“ Although the recollection of how un-happy had been their former invasion ofMalta, will in every probability be quite sufficientto prevent the Turks from sending their expeditionagainst it; still his Holiness cannot but highlyapplaud the grand master’s preparations of defence,and promises his own troops; and hopes all theprinces of Christendom will aid him, in case of anattack. 1

A letter from the Doge of Venice to the grandmaster relates how the Turks were drivenfrom before Corfu, and forced to re-embarkafter repeated assaults, all in vain. 2 One from the Popeto the same, declares that his Holiness approves of the

_ _ Bailiff, Belle Fontaine, as Vice-Admiral, and1717 .

head of the entire fleet of the league. 3 That,

from the Doge of Venice to the grand master, nar-rates how at cost of theu blood and lives, theKnights of Malta aided us; for which wepresent to you and them our sincerest thanks. 4

That Perellos died about the middle of Febru-ary, 1720, and was succeeded by Zondadaribefore the 17th, we know; not only from

1716

1718

1720

1 Cod. Dipl. Geros, ii., Hum. ccclxxxvii.

2

id.,

id.

Id.

lii.—xi.

Giunta.

3

id.

id.

Id.

cccxciii.

4

id.

id.

Id.

lii.—xii.

Giunta