stated in the Order, though for a time not permitted
to enjoy his former dignity of a commander. This knight was also accused of
having stolen a slave from a Maltese; but this accusation he stoutly
denied, giving, in proof of his innocence, that the man _bore on his
shoulder a brand, or mark_, by which he could be easily known as belonging
to him. (Vide Manuscript Records of the Order.)

The next letter in the following list to which I would briefly call
attention is that under date of June 21st, 1675, in which His Majesty
Charles II. refers to a misunderstanding which had taken place between his
admiral, Sir John Narbrough, and the Order of Malta. The nature of this
difficulty is well explained by giving a correct copy of the admiral's
letter to the Grand Master, which I have taken from the original now on
file in the Record Office of this island. It reads as follows:--

To the most eminent Prince, the Lord Nicholas Cotoner, Grand Master of
the Order of Malta.

Most eminent Sir,

After the tender of my humble service, with my hearty thanks for the
manifold favours vouchsafed unto my Master, the King of Great Britain,
&c., and for your highness' extraordinary kindness manifested to
myself--and, most eminent sir, since your favour of _product_, I have
sent on shore one of my captains to wait upon your highness with the
presentment of this my grateful letter, and withal to certify to your
eminence _that I did, and do expect, a salute to be given by your
highness to my Master's flag which I carry_, correspondent to the
salutes which you give to the flags of the King of Spain and the King
of France, which are carried in the same place, _it being the
expectation of the King my Master_.

Formerly your eminence was pleased to make some scruple of my command
as admiral, which I humbly conceive your highness is fully satisfied
in, since you received the last letter from the King of Great Britain.

Sir, I have, since my arrival at your eminence's port, often employed
the Consul Desclaous to wait upon your highness _concerning the
salutes_, but have not received any satisfactory answer thereto, which
I now humbly desire may be returned unto me by my officer; and withal,
that your eminence will be pleased to honour me with your commands
wherein I may serve you, which shall be most cheerfully embraced, and
readily performed by,