'amlwurfa &e/J THE GiAND IHIA0WDHJII& Of ASIA /M ,/ ( Ar/tt/Y/fM 7 ' ct/ If/' PAMOE/UVJA LOCESTE1K SQUAKE J . tTinnd Harbour of Malta. o’. H.M.S. the Faupnanl'. II (KM. S. 1he llinee/s Charlotte 1.0. The Touti of Floriamt. 2(1. Church of S? Jilin. 2. AL Speronara. \Chureh at' A'f.Bluiigo i// the 1 Flap Ship. 2(K The Custom House. 27. Church of S. f BaJ. 3. Fort Jlieeasoli. Town of Fa 3'eng/ea. /. 3. KM .. 'i the• Hastings. 'PI. Sa In tint/ /lottery. 28. Con rent. 4. Hava/ Hospital. 10. .Fn/mnee of the (laHey Harbour. / HrrMq/esh • the (tneen Doiyat/rr 22. Barmens J Italia. 29. Signal Staff ai the Fa lace. 3. Cotton era Lines. If KMX the Asia. J (> - "S ( in her Mare fe¬ 23. Water J‘art Fn/nuoe to La Ta/etta. 30. College of Jesuits. ti. Citta Tl/toriosa or 1/ Fojpo. IP. H.M.S. the Bel/erophon. ll. II.M.Ss/he Minrlen X- Fa la ret a. 24. (hnreh of S f Giacomo. (Tehee with Tiukish Filpri/ns, J i/ 7. Fori SlMt/gelo. IP). JIMS, the Talbot. J.8. H.M.S. the Eotlnev. 25. Chapel in the Centre of the Mai in a. * \ ptoeeu/ing to 3Jeeea. 32. HALS. the ('astor. 33. Lower Jlarmca/. PA. Hospital. 33. Light House in Hart S!£ into. 33. Wat eh Totter in Fori SfFJ/no. Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2018 with funding from Getty Research Institute https://archive.org/details/descriptionofvie00burf_18 DESCRIPTION OF A VIEW OF THE GRAND HARBOUR OF MALTA, AND THE CITY OF L A Y A L ETTA; NOW EXHIBITING AT THE PANORAMA, LEICESTER SQUARE. PAINTED BY THE PROPRIETOR, ROBERT BURFORD. LONDON: PRINTED BY GEO. NICHOLS, EARL’S COURT, CRANBOURN STREET, LEICESTER SQUARE. 1839. ■ MALTA. The Island of Malta is one of the most important of the British posses¬ sions in the Mediterranean, from its convenience, strength, and situation, possessing advantages both as a naval station and garrison, and as a com¬ mercial emporium, that canDot be too highly appreciated. From a distance, the Island has the appearance of a well fortified barren rock, but on entering the capacious and noble port, a view bursts upon the sight, at once imposing, picturesque, and interesting in the extreme;—a fine expanse of water presents itself, transparent as crystal, and placid as a lake, covered with innumerable vessels of all sizes, from British men-of-war to the Spenoraras and small pleasure boats of the Maltese, and surrounded by an amphitheatre of strong forts, and stupendous masses of fortification, sufficient to annihilate the most powerful naval force that could be brought against them. The southern shore, on the left of the port, is deeply indented by three considerable inlets, forming large and well defended harbours, the promon¬ tories, or points of land between, presenting numerous strong batteries, and several large towns appearing on the rising ground beyond. The northern shore varies but slightly from a straight line ; from the fortress of St. Elmo to the suburb of Floriana, is one continued series of wharfs, on which are ranges of warehouses, the Custom House, Pratique-office, Fish Market, &c., in front of which, numerous merchants and trading vessels, discharging or taking in their cargoes, add greatly to the bustle and activity of tiie scene; above, boldly rising, as it were, on noble bastions, with a most striking and pleasing effect, towers the city of La Valetta, the style and character of the buildmgs resembling those of no other city, and, perhaps, altogether being second in appearance to none, for every edifice being of a pure white stone, appears as if it were but just erected, and the whole sparkling in an almost cloudless atmo¬ sphere—unsullied by a particle of smoke, and being again reflected in the clear blue waters of the port beneath, forms a novel and most brilliant spectacle. Malta was known to the ancients by the name of Melite, or Melita—Pliny and Strabo both mentioning it by that appellation—it is renowned as having together with Gozo, formed “ Calypso’s Islands, The sister tenants of the middle deep, Where, for the weary, still a haven smiles, Though the fair Goddess long hath ceased to weep.” It was also the scene of St. Paul’s shipwreck, when sent prisoner from Rome, the Saint having resided three months on the Island. And, in later days, was for nearly three centuries the citadel and stronghold of Christendom. The Phoenicians had possession of the Island in 1519 B. C.; the Greeks in 73G B. C.; the Carlhagenians, when they held such power in the Mediterranean, 4 were the next masters, under whom it rose to such wealth and importance, as to attract the notice of the Romans, who in the first Punic war besieged and took it. The Goths and Vandals severed it from their empire, and were, in their turn, expelled by Roger, the Norman King of Sicily ; it then remained attached to the Sicilian monarchy, until the Emperor, Charles V., in 1530, gave it to the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem, after their expulsion from Rhodes. The French, under Buonaparte, surreptitiously obtained possession in 1798, but two years after, were compelled to capitulate to the English. By the treaty of Amiens it was to have been restored to the Knights, but the peace being of such short duration, the British retained possession, in which they were finally guaranteed by the treaty of Paris in 1814. Malta is the most southern of the Islands of Europe ; indeed, until so settled by a recent Act of Parliament, it was always set down by geographers as being in Africa. It is situated between Sicily and tbe African coast, being sixty miles from the former, and two hundred from Tunis. The Island is about seventeen miles in length, nine in breadth, and fifty-five in circumference, composed entirely of white rock, covered by a very thin surface of earth. The Maltese, however, by dint of perseverance and industry, have overcome all apparent obstacles to cultivation ; by importing immense quantities of earth, with great labour and expense, they have rendered the before almost barren rock fertile in the extreme; wherever the soil will lie, cultivation follows, and, although rarely in any part more than two feet in depth, produces the most abundant crops of corn, cotton, clover, oranges, and other luscious fruits, vegetables, and flowers. Malta is as defensible as nature and art combined can render it; on one side the rock is of great height, and absolutely perpendicular from the sea; on all others, the fortifications are so strong, being often formed of the solid rock, that, if well garrisoned, no estimate can be formed of the time it might holdout, as the besiegers, in addition to a very numerous and well- appointed army, must have the mastery of the Mediterranean, to blockade its ports; indeed, the only enemy it need ever fear is Famine. La Valetta, the modern capital, stands on a promontory called the Heights of Scheberras, which divides the great harbour from the Marsa Musceit, or Quarantine Harbour. It was founded in 1566 by thegrand master, La Valette, immediately after, and in honour of, the defeat of the Turks. Large sums of money were contributed by the Kings of France, Spain, and Portugal, and the Pope; and the work was much assisted by the inhabitants of all classes, who voluntarily employed themselves to erect a town that was to be their defence. The works were completed in 1571, when the whole body of Knights, &c., entered in solemn procession, and took possession. The City is defended on three sides by the Port, and on the fourth by the strong works La Floriana, and the whole being entirely built of free-stone, of a pure white colour, presents an appearance of newness and cleanliness that is very striking. There are three gates of entrance, the Royal, the Marine, and one towards Marsa Musceit. The principal street runs from the Royal Gate to the Castle of St. Elmo, having seven others parrallel with it—these are in¬ tersected at right angles by eleven others, crossing the City from port to port; they are all straight, well paved, and drained, but being on an elevation, gradually sloping on either side to the water, the transverse streets are neces¬ sarily constructed with numerous flights of steps, which Lord Byron, who visited Malta in 1811, has anathematized as -“ Ye cursed streets of stairs, How surely he who mounts you swears.” 1 he several churches present but little externally to command attention ; the 5 style is bad, sometimes even grotesque, their mass and heaviness alone make them respectable. The various public buildings, consisting of the Palace, University, Town Hall, &c., and the ancient hotels of the different languages, or knightly fraternities, now converted to other purposes ; although not in good taste, according to established rules, are from their size imposing; no single edifice can be called handsome, yet taken together the whole is un¬ equalled. The houses seldom exceed a second story ; the lower parts are generally let us shops, or to the poorer classes; a low intermediate or mez- zanino floor, contains the sleeping rooms and offices, the principal apart¬ ments being on the upper story, which usually have large glazed balconies, projecting in the Spanish fashion, supported on finely carved stone work; the roofs being flat, form agreeable and much frequented terraces, and also serve to collect the rain water, which is carefully preserved in tanks below. In¬ ternally, the houses possess much comfort and convenience; the stairs and floors being mostly of stone, are cool and pleasant in the very hot weather. The amusements of La Valetta are various and elegant; there is a handsome theatre, in which tolerable operas are given ; balls are well attended, and much social intercourse takes place amongst the natives; there is an excellent Public Library of 100,000 volumes in the Conservatorio, also a Garrison Library, with a Museum of Natural History, Antiquities, &c.; and several ex¬ cellent hotels afford the very best accommodation to strangers, on very reasonable terms. The several Charitable Institutions are under the direction of the Government, and are calculated to succour age and infirmity, rather than to encourage idleness. The population of La Valetta is large, being about 30,000, exclusive of troops; the whole population of the Island is above 100,000, which, considering its size, is immense. The natives generally are industrious and active, and are considered the best sailors in the Mediterranean. The costume of the better classes in the City is that generally worn by Europeans; all classes of females, however, wear the Onella or Faldetta of black silk, brought over the bead and partly hiding the face, mantilla fashion ; which when worn over the black silk petticoat, with a white muslin body, as it usually is, forms a most becoming part of their dress. The Maltese male costume is a singular mixture of Spanish and Italian ; a black cap, hanging half down the back, a little striped cloak or scarf hung carelessly over the shoulders, and a close-fitting jacket with innumerable buttons. Strangers from all parts are to be found at Malta —the constant communication, particularly by steam, with all parts of Europe, offers the greatest facilities for persons to visit the Island either for business or pleasure. EXPLANATION OF THE ENGRAVING. 1.—Grand Harbour. The Grand Harbour is about one mile and three quarters in length; the shores every where so bold that a line of battle ship can lie close against them, and so well defended by high grounds, that the largest vessels, in any number, ride in perfect safety in the most stormy weather. The entrance, which is scarcely a quarter of a mile broad, is commanded by the Forts of Rieasoli on the one side, and La Tigne or Point Dragut, on the other, and fronted by a battery of four tiers of guns, sufficient in themselves to prevent any fleet, however strong, from approaching the Capital. In 1798, when Buonaparte entered, and took possession of these formidable defences, almost without opposition, Cafferelli observed to him, “It is well. General, that there was some one within to open the gates to us, for we should have had more trouble in entering, if the place had been altogether emptv.” Napoleon captured here two ships of the line, a frigate, and four gallies, also 1200 pieces of cannon, 200,000 lbs. of powder, and an immense treasure. Being the head quarters of the Mediterranean fleet, the Port generally presents a very animated appearance, from the presence of some ships of war; the Maltese being also very partial to the water, the number of pleasure boats forms a pleasing feature in the view. Although apparently clumsy, they are clean, safe, and commodious, and are roweu w ith great velocity—the boatmen standing and pushing rather than pulling with the oar; they are always pro¬ vided with an awning and curtains of white cotton, and a more substantial covering for wet weather. The natives are also universally good swimmers— men, women, and children all swim like fish; hundreds of men and boys are seen disporting in the harbour for hours, and diving three or four fathoms for small pieces of money thrown in by the sailors. The Quarantine Harbour or Marsa Musceit, lies behind the City; it is large, and the accommodation for the performance of quarantine, which, since the plague of 1813, is strictly enforced, is very good. 2 .—A Speronara. The native vessel of the Maltese : a species of shallop, without a deck, generally from twenty-four to thirty feet in length, constructed with peculiar attention to swiftness ; they are employed as passage boats between Malta and Sicily, venturing occasionally through the Straits of Gibraltar, even to Cadiz. The crew usually consists of a Padrone and six rowers, who are accustomed to stand and push their oars, in the manner of the Spanish Gondoliers ; they are very expert in the management of the vessel, and have great skill in the weather, so that accidents rarely occur. 7 3.—Fort Ricasoli. A large, irregular, well built, and strongly fortified place. Erected about the year 1670, which requires about 1500 men to garrison. This fort, with the Castle of St. Elmo, completely defends the mouth of the great port, which is at this place four hundred and thirty-five yards across. The regiment of Froberg, composed of Albanians and Greek Christians, officered by Germans, who were quartered here in 1807, mutinied, killed two of their officers, and took possession of the fort, of which they continued masters for seven days. Having suffered from the want of provisions, they compelled the officer of Artillery to throw several shells into the City. Strong measures were then resorted to ; the fort was stormed, and many of the mutineers shot or hanged. A few who got possession of the powder magazine, blew it and themselves up. The north-east wind, called Gregali, blows with such fury, sometimes directly into the mouth of the harbour, causing so dangerous a sea, that the waves are sufficiently strong to re¬ move the guns from the embrasures. 4. Naval Hospital. This large and very fine building was commenced during the occupation of Malta by the French, as a Palace for Buonaparte ; after their expulsion it was suffered to remain in an unfinished state until 1830, when it was completed and converted into a Naval Hospital. 5. Cottonera Lines. A succession of strong bastions and other works, forming an extensive crescent, from the extremity of the works of St. Angelo, to those of La Sen- glea. At the back of the Dock Yard, and near the Isola gate, are some very good and healthy barracks, calculated to hold about 500 men ; they are sixty feet above the level of the sea, and form the head quarters of the troops doing duty on the eastern side of the Island. @ a Citta Vittoriosa, or II Rorgo. A considerable Town on the same point of land as St. Angelo, from which it is separated by a wet ditch ; it is also defended by a considerable line of works, extending from Galley Port, erected in 1551. II Borgo was the capital of the Island, and the residence of the Knights until the erection of La Va- letta. It resisted all attempts made against it by Othmanlus, in 1565, and thus deservedly gained the name of the Victorious City ; it contains about 4500 inhabitants. 7.—Fort St. Angelo. This noble fortress stands on a considerable peninsula, which separates Bighy Bay from Galley Port. It is extremely well built, and presents four tiers of guns of very heavy metal, and a cavalier. It was the only fortress when the Knights first took possession of the Island, to which the Grand Master, L’lsle Adam, added bastions, ramparts, and ditches, and erected an arsenal and storehouses. It was also repaired and strengthened in 1686. The distance between the Fort and the Marina on the opposite side is three hundred and fifty yards. 8 9.—La Senglea or Xsola. The fortress and town of La Senglea stands on the peninsula which divides Galley Port from the French Port. The shores are principally oc¬ cupied by the private yards of ship builders and others. On the land side, it is defended by Fort St. Michael, and a considerable line of works across the Peninsula, erected in 1554. It takes its name from the Grand Master, La Sangle, by whom it was fortified, and was called Isola, from having originally been an Island. The inhabitants having, during the Turkish invasion, re¬ sisted every bribe, and remained faithful to the Order, defending the place with so much valour, that it was called Citta L’Invitta, or the Invincible City. It contaius above 5000 inhabitants. In the rear of Isola stands Burmola, or Conspicua, “the Conspicuous,” a large town, having 10,000 inhabitants, com¬ manded by the works and fort on St. Margaret’s Hill. In 1806, the magazine at Burmola, containing three hundred and seventy barrels of powder and one thousand six hundred shells and grenades, was accidently blown up; many houses were destroyed, some small vessels sunk, and nearly one thousand persons killed or wounded. Between Isola Point and the Custom House the distance is three hundred and sixty yards. lO.—Entrance to the Galley Harbour. The Porto della Gallera, where the Galleys of the Knights were laid up during the winter season. The original covered slips into which they were drawn still remain, but are converted into stores and buildings connected with the Naval Arsenal, which, with the residences of the officers, occupies the greater part of the shores. The Government Dock Yard is at the head of the creek, and the Victualling Office and Cooperage on its eastern side; although the width of the port is not more than 250 yards, there is water suffi¬ cient to admit two-decked ships to lie close to the Dock Yard, to undergo necessary repairs. 15.—H. 1VI. S. The Hastings. The Hastings, 74, having on board her Majesty Adelaide, the Queen Dowager of England, preparing to leave the harbour. Her Majesty, after a residence of nearly five months on the Island, took her departure with a suite of about fifty persons, on the 1st of April, 1839, under a royal salute from the ships of war and batteries. The Hastings was accompanied by the Rodney, 92, Capt. Parker, Commodore; The Vanguard, 80, Sir T. Fellowea; the Asia, 84, Captain Fisher ; and the Castor, 36, Captain Collier. At seven, a.m., the fleet cleared the harbour with a light breeze, and the escorting division left her Majesty the following morning, during a severe gale ; and, after encountering some very stormy weather, returned to port on the 6th. 19.—Floriana. Towards the south, the city, at its junction with the main land, is protected by a line of works, extending from the great Port to that of Marsa Musceit, in advance of which, on the side near the Port, is a beautiful crown hornwork, with a covered way. The Floriana works consist of five successive lines, any one of which well-manned would be sufficient for defence; the ditches, which in some instances are ninety feet deep, are all excavated in the solid rock ; the greater part of the ramparts are in like manner formed of the rock, merely hewn into the required form. The whole works are considered perfect. 9 Beneath are large stores to hold corn, sufficient for three years’ consumption. Between the first and second line of fortification, stands the town of Floriana, which contains a church, a number of good houses, a public garden, and the parade ground of the Garrison; also, the barracks of the native Fencibles, who muster about five hundred and thirty effective men. The various works enclosing the different quarters of the city of La Valetta are of such strength and intricacy, that they would mount at least one thousand guns, and require twenty-five thousand men to fully defend, when they might be considered impregnable. The French had but six thousand men, yet held the city two years against the united efforts of the Maltese and English, famine alone compelling them at last to surrender; during which period they managed to cut off at least twenty thousand of their assailants. Buonaparte was so well convinced of the strength and completeness of the works, that on his departure for Egypt, being asked to give directions relative to the defence of the Garrison, he told Vaubois, the officer left in command, to lock the gates and put the keys in his pocket. 2.—Barracas D’Xtalia. The Barracas were, during the time of the Knights, used as public prome¬ nades ; they are now converted into extensive stores. S3.—Water Fort Entrance. The landing place, or marine entrance to La Valetta, forms an extensive crescent, from which a gentle ascent excavated in the rock leads to the gate. Immediately in front of the Drawbridge, stands a handsome fountain, orna¬ mented with a bronze statue of Neptune. Within the gateway a fine flight of steps conducts to the upper part of the Town. This gate is sometimes called Lascaris Gate, from Lascaris, a Christian renegade, in the Turkish army, by whose means, during the siege of Malta, notice was conveyed to the Knights that their opponents were about to transport their gallies across the land for the attack of La Senglea. Having been discovered making signals from this spot, he was pursued and compelled to swim to the Christian boats for his life. Stockades and chains were then fixed in the water in front of the Town, and many fierce encounters took place during the work, by large par¬ ties of armed swimmers from both sides. 26.—Church of St. John. The Cathedral, dedicated to St. John the Baptist, was erected in 1580, by the Grand Master. John de Cassierb, and was successively most profusely enriched by the Grand Masters, Knights, and others. The exterior presents but little to admire; like most of the churches of Malta, it is heavy, and of in¬ different architecture, but the interior is very rich in marble, carving and gild¬ ing, and the general effect is particularly good. In the various compartments of the roof, which is supported by some noble marble pillars, are some fine paintings in fresco by Matthias Preti II Calabrese, representing various scenes in the life of St. John. The rich and beautiful mosaic pavement is unrivalled ; it is wholly composed of rare marbles and valuable stones, arranged with great skill, in various devices, each tablet forming an exquisite picture, finely polished, representing the arms of the most celebrated heroes who signalised 10 themselves as knights of the holy order, a perfectly unique performance. Behind the high altar in the centre of the church, stands a well-executed group of the Baptism of our Saviour, by a native artist; and there are several tombs in various parts, principally from Italy. In the Oratory of St. John is a fine painting of the beheading of St. John, by Caravaggio, which work, done expressly for the Church, procured him the Cross of a Knight, which he had come to Malta to solicit, that he might take vengeance on a Roman Knight who had insulted him, and refused a challenge. The Chapels of the eight languages or nations of Knights are rich and handsome; and a large subterra¬ nean Chapel contains the tombs and remains of twelve Grand Masters, in¬ cluding La Valette and the celebrated L’Isle Adam. During the reign of the Order, the religious ceremonies in this Church were performed with great pomp, and an immense number of gold and silver vessels, lamps, &c., were exhibited, St. John’s, in common with the other churches of the city, being extremely rich in holy vestments, reliques, &c. When the French plundered the public establishments, they are said to have taken from this church alone seven cart loads of precious metal; a fine pair of silver gates escaped their rapacity by being covered with paint. Sir Walter Scott, during his residence at La Valetta, in the latter part of 1831, frequently visited this church, and appeared to be much interested with the various memorials of, to use his own words, “those intrepid Knights, who, half warriors and half priests, opposed the infidels with the enthusiasm at once of religion and chivalry.” S7.—Church of St. Paul. A small church, in no other way worthy of remark, than as being one of several on the Island dedicated to the patron Saint; who has also the honour of having several villages, bays, towers, fortifications and caves named after him. The arms of Malta also exhibit him shaking off the Viper, by which act he is said, if not to have driven them from the Island, at least to have de¬ prived them of all venom. 2.9.—Signal Staff on the Governor’s Palace. The Governor’s Palace, standing nearly in the centre of the City, cannot be seen from the present position, the signal staff on its summit alone being visible above the surrounding buildings. This Palace, which formerly be¬ longed to the Grand Masters, is an immense quadrangular building, with a court-yard in the centre ; it forms one side of the Piazza St. Georgio, the prin¬ cipal square. Externally it is plain and unornamented, imposing alone from its vast size, but the interior is fit for the residence of a crowned head. The apartments are numerous, large, and convenient, the furniture splendid. St. George’s Ilall is scarcely equalled by any room in Europe. The galleries and corridors are painted with the Galley fights of the Knights. There are also some views of the Siege of Malta, by Matteo da Lecce, and some frescos by the pupils of Guiseppo D’Arpino. Some few good paintings, by Guido and other old masters, ornament the various apartments; also portraits of Grand Masters, some of the Kings of France, George the Third and Fourth, and others. There is also an extensive and well-arranged Armoury, containing many curious warlike weapons, &c. A large room in the Govern¬ ment House, formerly a kitchen, is the principal Protestant Chapel ; a second, for the use of the troops, is at La Senglea. Contiguous to the Palace is the Public Library and Museum, in a large and convenient building, formerly the Conservatorio. 11 30.—College of Jesuits. A very extensive building, the quadrangular court of which was appropriated hy Sir Alexander Ball to the use of the merchants, who use it as an Exchange. The Bank, and an Insurance Company, established in 1809, have also apart¬ ments in it. The Church, now dedicated to Jesus, is large, much ornamented, and contains two or three good pictures. 34.—Hospital. A large, commodious, well-conducted establishment. The interior consists of several spacious and well-ventilated apartments, admirably adapted for the reception of the sick, and capable of containing a vast number of patients. A Medical Library is attached. During the time of the Knights all the utensils used in this hospital were of silver. 35.—Lighthouse, Fort St. Blmo. Fort St. Elmo stands at the extreme end of the point of land or promontory on which the city is built (which is at that spot about three hundred yards broad), and defends equally the entrances to both the ports, the walls rising almost from the water’s edge. It is a large and well constructed work, great portions of which are formed in the solid rock. The first portion was erected in 1551, various additions were made at subsequent periods, and the whole was nearly rebuilt in 1686. There are two ranges of well-constructed Barracks within the Fort, the upper being occupied by the Royal Artillery, and the lower, facing towards the Quarantine Harbour, by the Infantry on duty for La Valetta. The various Barracks form integral parts of the fortifications of the city, the principal walls being common to both ; the Barrack Yards are formed in the Quarries whence the materials were taken for the walls, and many of the apartments are excavated in the rock. The Barracks are so numerous, and so well adapted to the purposes for which they were intended, that whatever number of troops may be there, they ought never to suffer from being over-crowded, or from want of every accommodation that barracks can afford. The British Troops at Malta are between two and three thousand men, consisting of the 47th, 59th, 77th, and 92d Regiments. The Fort of St. Elmo bore a prominent part in the siege of Malta by the Turks, in 1565. Solyman’s force, consisting of 159 vessels, conveying 30,000 land troops, and a number of store ships with artillery, &c., arrived off the Island about the middle of May, with some loss effected a landing, and immediately commenced operations against St. Elmo, with ten 80-pounders, two long culverins, and an enormous basilise carrying stone balls of 1601b. weight. The Garrison of the Castle was little more than 300, indeed the whole force of La Valette, then Grand Master, was only 700 Knights and 8500 soldiers. From the 24th of May to the 16th of June, daily assaults were made, hut so strong were the Avails, and so determined the bravery of their defenders, that they Avere ineffectual, and attended Avith great loss to the besiegers. Ashamed of the resistance made by a single castle, and annoyed by the continual firing from Forts St. Angelo and La Senglea, the Bashaw determined that on the last named day there should be a general assault by sea and land, Avith his Avhole force, which, after the most extraordinary and unremitting exertions on both sides for six hours, terminated by the retreat of the Turks, with a loss of 2000 men, and La Valette managing to throAV a 12 reinforcement of 150 volunteers into the Castle. On the 21st of June another terrific assault took place, and the assailants were again repulsed, but the ranks of the brave defenders of St. Elmo were by this time so thinned, that, unable any longer to oppose so mighty a force, and seeing that all chance of relief from their companions was hopeless, they determined to perish at their post; having taken the Sacrament, and for the last time embraced each other, they repaired to the walls ; at day-break the Turks returned to the attack, with renewed vigour, and this last and terrible assault ceased only when there was not a single Knight or Maltese alive to offer opposition. The Turks lost 8000 of the flower of their army, the Order 130 Knights and 1300 soldiers. The Turks now turned their whole force against La Sengleaand the Burgh, which the gallant La Valette determined to defend to the last, and to perish rather than surrender; for two months continual atlacks were made, the besiegers being invariably repulsed with great loss. On the 20th of August the Turks, having been strongly reinforced, made their last terrific attack, simultaneously by sea and land, with a force of at least 80,000 men, and after a long and fearful struggle, were again unsuccessful. The Viceroy of Sicily arriving at the same time on the Island with a considerable army, they risked hut one battle, and then precipitately retreated, leaving upwards of 25,000 of their best troops amongst the dead. The loss of the Order during the struggle was 260 Knights, and about 7000 soldiers and inhabitants. 36.—Watch Tower Port, St. Elmo. Beneath this Tower are deposited the remains of General Sir Ralph Aber¬ crombie : a monumental record marks the spot. In another part of the Fort is the tomb of Governor Sir Alexander Ball; and in the circuit of the ram¬ parts are many other tombs, recording names interesting to Englishmen—Sir Thomas Maitland, the Marquis of Hastings, Admiral Hotham, Sir R, Spencer, &c. &c. IN THE LOWER CIRCLE IS NOW OPEN A SPI.ENDID VIEW OF ROME, ANCIENT AND MODEHN. ADMITTANCE ONE SHILLING. Geo. Nichols, Printer, Earl’s Court, Soho.