The Achievements of the Knights of Malta (Volume 2)

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1831. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER II. Election of Id Isle Adam-- Correspondence with the Emperor Solyman--New declaration of war between Turkey and the Knights--Defensive Preparations--Arrival of the Turkish Armament-- Gallantry of Prejan de Bidoux-- Opening of the Turkish Trenches--Arrival of the Sultan Solyman--His stratagem to reanimate his Trtmps--Attacks on the Tower of Saint Nicholas, and Bastions of England, Italy, Spain, Provence and Auvergne--Severity of Solyman towards his Generals'--Renewed assaults on the Bastions--Tlie Chancellor IX'Amaral accused of Treason--His Execution-- Sanguinary struggle at the Bastion of Spain-- Offers of Capitulation rejected-- The City declared untenable--Pacific Negotiations--Renewal of Hostilities-- Capitulation -- i'/s/c Adonis interview with Solyman--Departure of the Knights from Rhodes. Caretto died in 1521, and three candidates aspired to the vacant dignity. These were, Andrew D'Amaral, Grand Prior of Castile; Sir Thomas Docray, Grand Prior of England; and Philip Villiers de L'Isle Adam, Grand Prior of France. The arrogance of D'Amaral so completely disgusted the Chapter that he was unanimously rejected, and the votes were divided between the English and French knights. The Englishman possessed considerable natural abilities, great experience in diplomacy, and had, moreover, a princely revenue to recommend him; while in point of mental qualifications alone was his rival his equal. The great preponderance of French influence, however, decided the vote, and L'Isle Adam was declared Grandmaster. L'Isle Adam was in France when he was elected, but he lost no time in repairing to Rhodes. He sailed from Marseilles in the great carrack, and had only been a day or two at sea, when, through the carelessness of one of his attendants, the vessel took fir...