Was the call for these troops known at home, would they not order them to proceed when the service near at hand loudly calls for them?
_this is the only thing in my opinion for consideration_.

If we lose this opportunity it will be impossible to recall it." From this desperate appeal he turns to Ball, with words of encouragement for his islanders.

"We shall soon hear to a certainty of at least 5,000 Russian troops for the service of Malta.

Within a month I hope to see 10,000 men in arms against La Valetta.

I have sent for Troubridge and Martin, that I may get a force to relieve Niza.