Page:The Book of Orders of Knighthood and Decorations of Honour of All Nations.djvu/681

318 capacity of Commanders-in-chief, have done their duty with peculiar skill and success. These last named bear the titles of 'Excellency' and Grand Cross Knights. It is prohibited to petition for nomination into this class.

Knights of repeated and new acts of distinction and merit, receive pensions, viz. a Division-General 15,000, a BrigadierGeneral 12,000, a Colonel 10,000, a Captain 6000, a subalternofficer 1095, and a private 750 reales.

For a third exploit or distinction, the pension becomes hereditary, and passes after death, to the widow, or (if single) to the father of the Knight.

Every year, on St. Ferdinand's day, a solemn high mass is said in the presence of all the Knights, and on the following day, for the departed souls of the deceased members.

Plate 89, Tab. III. No. 17, represents the decoration of the first and third classes, and No. 18 of the second and fourth classes, which is worn at the button-hole. No. 16 exhibits the middle of the third, and No. 15 that of the fourth class.

The Knights of the Grand Cross wear besides, a broad ribbon in the form of a scarf across the right shoulder towards the left side.

Sub-officers receive the decoration of the first or second class in silver.

ROYAL AMERICAN ORDER OF ISABELLA THE CATHOLIC.

This Order was founded by Ferdinand VII. on the 24th March, 1815, and placed under the patronage of St. Isabella of Portugal. It was originally destined as a reward of loyalty to the Royal House, and for the defence of the Spanish possessions in America. At present it serves as a distinction of honour for all kinds of merit. 'The King is head of the Order,' which is