ORIGINAL ENGLISH ROYAL LETTERS TO THE GRAND MASTERS OF MALTA.
(Concluded from Vol. ix., p. 419.)
No. XI.
Charles the Second by the grace of God, of Great Britain, France, and Ireland, King, Defender of the Faith, &c.
To the most illustrious and most high Prince, the Lord Nicholas Cotoner, Grand Master of the Order of Malta, our well-beloved cousin and friend—Greeting:
It having appeared to us a matter of interest, not only to ourselves, but likewise to the whole Christian world, that we also should keep in the Mediterranean sea a certain number of galleys ready to afford prompt aid to our neighbours and allies against the frequent insults of the barbarians and Turks, we lately caused to be constructed two galleys, one in Genoa, and the other in the port of Leghorn; in order to man these, we directed a person well acquainted with such affairs to be sent, as to other parts, so also to the island of Malta, subject to the rule of your highness, in order to buy slaves and procure other necessaries. He having purchased some slaves, it has been reported to us that your highness' collector of customs demanded five pieces of gold of Malta money per head before they could be permitted to embark, under the title of toll; at which proceeding we were certainly not a little astonished, it appearing to us a new proceeding, and one contrary to custom, especially it being well known to us that our neighbours and allies, the Kings of France and Spain, are never accustomed to pay anything under the title of toll
for the slaves which they cause yearly to be transported from your island.
We therefore beg your highness, by the good and long friendship existing between us, to grant to us the same privilege in regard to this kind of commerce within the territories of your highness, as is enjoyed by both our said neighbours and allies, which although it ought to be conceded to us simply on account of our mutual friendship and our affection towards your highness and the illustrious Order of Malta, still we shall receive so gratefully, that if at any time we can do anything to please your highness, we shall be always ready to do it, with all attention, and most willingly.
In the meantime we heartily recommend your highness and all the members of the illustrious Order of Malta, as well as all your affairs, to the Divine keeping.