Page:A History of the Knights of Malta, or the Order of St. John of Jerusalem.djvu/779

Appendix XII!. 741 allowed to act for themselves, or if they follow the French division, by their attorney, and on the settlement of their affairs they shall be furnished with passports for France, and the remainder of their effects sent on board, together with their capital, either in money or in letters of exchange as shall best suit their convenience. Answer.—Granted with reference to the answer given to the preceding article. Art. 10. As soon as the capitulation shall be signed, the English general shall permit the commander-in-chief of the French forces to despatch a felueca, properly manned, with an officer to carry the capitulation to the French government, who shall be provided with the necessary safeguard. Answer. Granted. Art. 11. The articles of capitulation being signed, the gate called Des J3ornbes shall be given up to the English general. and occupied by a guard consisting of an equal number of French and English, with orders to permit neither the soldiers of the besieging army nor any inhabitant of the island whatsoever to enter the city until the French troops shall be embarked and out of sight of the port. As soon as the embarkation shall have taken place, the English troops shall occupy the gates, and free entrance be allowed into the city. The English general must perceive that this precaution is absolutely necessary to prevent all disputes, and in order that the articles of the capitulation may be strictly observed. Answer. Granted conformably to what has been already provided against by the answer to the first article, and all precaution shall be taken to prevent the armed Maltese from approaching the gates occupied by the French troops. Art. 12. All alienation of property and sale of estates and effects by the French government whilst it was in possession of Malta, together with all exchange of property between individuals, shall be maintained inviolate. A nawer. Granted as far as justice and law will permit. Art. 13. The agents of the allied powers residing in the city of Valetta at the time of its surrender shall not be molested, and their persons and property shall be guaranteed by the present capitulation. Aaswer. Granted. Art. 14. All ships of war and merchant vessels coming from France with the colours of the republic and appearing before the port shall not be esteemed prizes, nor the crews made prisoners, during the first twenty days after the date of the present capitulation, but shall be sent back to France with a proper safeguard. Answer. Refused. Art. 15.—The commander-in-chief, the other generals, their aides-decamp, and the subaltern officers shall be embarked all together with the commissioners and their suites. Answer. Granted.