Page:A History of the Knights of Malta, or the Order of St. John of Jerusalem.djvu/726

690 and the Justice, and on the 23rd August they both left the harbour, only, however, to meet the same fate as that of the Guillaierne Tell.

Nothing therefore remained but to capitulate, and a council of war was assembled to deliberate on the measure. It was found that the stock of food would be completely exhausted on the 8th September, even at the very reduced rate of consumption then adopted. It was in consequence decided that terms of surrender should be offered five days before that date. On the morning of the 3rd September, 1800, General Vaubois wrote to General Pigot, and offered to capitulate. Two British officers, Major-General Graham and Commodore Martin, were appointed to arrange the terms. These were accepted after some discussion, and on the 4th September the articles were duly signed. On the afternoon of the same day the British troops occupied Floriana, fort Tigné, and Ricasoli, and two of their men-of-war entered the harbour. On the 8th, the bulk of the French troops embarked on board the transports prepared for their reception, and set sail for Marseilles. During the siege, which lasted one day over the two years. the garrison expended 52,000 shot and shell and 700,000 musket cartridges. in this time they only consumed the full rations of seven months. All the horses and mules had been killed for the use of the hospitals after the beef had failed. Those of the inhabitants who had interest to obtain for the invalid members of their families small portions of liver or other entrails were considered very fortunate. A flight of quails passing over the town on the day that the commissioners entered, enabled General Vaubois, by the aid of a good cook. to furnish them with an ample dinner composed of what they imagined to be a great variety of food. Some surprise having been expressed at being supplied with so many excellent dishes at a time when it was thought the resources of the town were thoroughly exhausted, General Vaubois confessed that the quails and a couple of tame rabbits constituted the only animal food on the table.

On assuming the command of the fortress, General Pigot issued