No. XI.
Charles the Second by the grace of God, of
To the most illustrious and most
high Prince, the Lord Nicholas Cotoner, Grand Master of the Order of
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 really 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.
Given from our
Your Highness' good Cousin and
Friend,
CHARLES REX.