FOUNDED BY I GOLDWIN SMITH
UNIVERSITY OF
TORONTO PRESS
ACCURATE HISTORICAL ACCOUNT
OF ALL THE
ORDERS OF KNIGHTHOOD
AT PRESENT EXISTING IN EUROPE,
TO "WHICH ARE
A CRITICAL DISSERTATION UPON THE ANCIENT
AND PRESENT STATE OF THOSE EQUESTRIAN
INSTITUTIONS, AND A PREFATORY DISCOURSE ON
THE ORIGIN OF KNIGHTHOOD IN GENERAL, THE
WHOLE INTERSPERSED WITH ILLUSTRATIONS
AND EXPLANATORY NOTES.
BY
AN OFFICER OF THE CHANCERY
OF THE EQUESTRIAN— SECULAR AND CH APTERAL
ORDER OF SAINT JOACHIM.
VOLUME THE FIRST.
Virtus repulsae nescia sordidae,
Intaminatis fulgct Honoribus :
Nee sumit, aut ponit secures
ArbiLrio populari? Aurae !
HOR. Ode IL L. III.
LONDON.
PRINTED FOR J. WHITE? FLEET-STREET.
(ENTERED AT STATIONERS HALL ACCORDING TO ACT OF
"3 - I
$
Printed by J. c
Herrlichkeit* Hamburgh
A DISSERTATION
UPON
THE EXISTING STATE OF KNIGHT
HOOD IN EUROPE;
ADDRESSED
TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE
HORATIO LORD VISCOUNT
;,^';;M NELSON,
BARON NELSON OF THE NILE? AND OF EURNHAM-
THORPEj IN THE COUNT* OF NORFOLK, A VICE-AD
MIRAL OF THE BLUE SQUADRON OF HIS MAJESTY^
FLEET, DUKE OF BRONTE IN THE KINGDOM OF SICILY,
KNIGHT-COMPANION OF THE MOST HONOURABLE
MILITARY ORDER^ OF THE BATH, SENIOR KNIGHT OF
THE IMPERIAL ORDER OF ~THE TURKISH CRESCENT, OF
THE FIRST CLASS, SENIOR KNIGHT-GRAND-CROSS OF
THE ROYAL SICILIAN ORDER OF SAINT FERDINAND
AND OF MERIT, AND KNIGHT-GRAND^COMMANDER OF
THE MOST ILLUSTRIOUS EQUESTRIAN, SECULAR AND
CHAPTERAL ORDER OF SAIftT JOACHIM.
etc. etc. etc.
My Lord, <'^'': 3;:^?J
ATTEKY is generally considered as
the tutelary Divinity of Dedications.
IV
I shall not, however, sacrifice at her
shrine, nor invoke her aid, on the
present occasion. Would I were the
younger Pliny! But your Lordship's
titles form the truest Panegyric! and
'tis under the auspices of so great a
name, I presume to present the Public
with the following work.
In its present garb, it may not
perhaps, be unworthy the attention
of a Nobleman, who is at once a
HERO and a SCHOLAR — who is the
boast of his ow7n country, and the
wonder of every Nation.
The subject is certainly interest
ing, since it is immediately connected
with the history of the times; and it
is particularly so, with respect to the
British Empire, as so many of the
natives of the united Kingdoms, have
not disdained to accept foreign
Honours
This, My Lord, is by no means a
dedicatory Epistle. It is in truth, a
Dissertation, which is addressed to
your Lordship, and for very evident
reasons.
You, My Lord, are invested with
four distinct Orders of Knighthood;
arid you have gained them, as such,
distinctions were once won, upon
the fields of Crecy, of Poitiers, and of
Agincourt! They are so many Tro
phies of your bravery ! The Bath, was
the first apparent mark of your So
vereigns Favour, arid those of the
Crescent and Saint Ferdinand were
purposely instituted to crown your
Triumphs. Without your Lordship's
knowledge, or participation, His
Highness the Grand-Master, and the
general Chapter of the Order of Saint
Joachim, unanimously requested you
to accept the dignity of Knight-
Grnrid-Commander: and that Order,
and I lie three first mentioned have
all received additional lustre, by your
name's being enrolled in the record
ing page of their annals. That the
origin of Chivalry must be ascribed
to the Crusades, is a superfluous ob
servation, to those who are well
versed in modern History, In the
present age, it is universally allowed
to be a prerogative w^hich appertains
(but not exclusively) to every So
vereign, to institute, such equestrian
bodies. * Illustrious Personages may
likewise even now, form such Orders
"In tlie thirteenth Century, not only the King,
"hut the Earls also, conferred Knighthood. The Eari
" of Gloucester having proclaimed a tournament, knighted
"his Brother WILLIAM; and Simon de MONTEFOR*,
"Earl of Leicester, conferred the same honour upon
ftGiiBEi\T de CLARE."
See CLARIS Hist, pag, 4. Vol. i.
(Clark quotes from Camden's Britannia, page
CCXLVJ.)
VII
themselves, when authorised so to
do, by the sanction of their rulers.
* The equestrian Order of Saint
* "In the year 1400. Philibert de Miolans, a Gentle-
"man of Burgundy, founded this Order on account of his
"having brought from the East, some relicts of Saint
"George, which he had deposited in a small chapel
" built for their reception, near the Parish Church of
"Rougemont."
So far Clark in his concise History of all the Orders
of Knighthood, pag. 179. Vol. i.
To this we shall add, that it was founded by Phi-
libert de Miolans, and several pious gentlemen and
nobles of the County of Burgundy, for the purpose of
escorting such Pilgrims and devout Persons as gassed
through the Mountainous parts of that Country, in their
way to, or on their return from the holy Land, These
Christian Zealots having in those Days of feudal Anarchy-
been frequently despoiled and maltreated by bands of
Robbers, who infested the Helvetic, German, and Italian
frontiers, of that part of France. This Order flourished
uninterruptedly during the space of near four Centuries,
It was successively under the Protection of the Dukes
of Burgundy ; of the Emperor CHARLES the Vth of the
Spanish Branch of the House of Austria— and of the
most Christian Kings, until the Epoch of the Revolu
tion. The Badge, was a Saint George and the Dragon,
of pure massy Gold, It was worn through the third Coat
VIII
GEORGE of the Franche-Comte, or of the
County of Burgundy, is an evident proof
of the truth of this assertion.
button-hole, susspended from a narrow, rich, sky blue
watered Ribbon. No one could be a Knight, unless he
was a native of the County of Burgundy. It was
necessary also, that he should possess a feudal Lordship
of a certain Revenue; and to ensure his admission, he
was likewise obliged to produce sixteen quarters of
uninterrupted and uncontarninated Nobility, as well by
maternal, as paternal Descent. Besanc^oii, the Capital
of the Franche-Comte, was the chief Seat of the Order,
It there possessed a noble Mansion, called the Hostel of
Saint George, in which were deposited the Archives ;
and therein, was a magnificent Hall, distinguished by
the Name of the Patron. The Senior Knight, was the
Master, and Guardian, or Warden, of this knightly
Brotherhood. It was under the immediate Protection
of the King; and maintained its independance against
all Court influence, and Ministerial Mandates,
The Piir.ce de Montbarey, formerly Minister of the
War Department in France, was one of the Knights,
As was the late Baron de Malseigne ; who under the
Monarchical Government, was a Marechal des Camps,
and became afterwards, a Major-General of Cavalry in
the Service of the King of Prussia* From that gallant
and distinguished Officer, we received the above Account
of this ancient and honourable Order.
JNote of the EJil&r.
ix
Such, My Lord, were likewise the
origins of the Order of Saint John of
Jerusalem, or of Malta — of the
Knights-Templars — and of the Teu
tonic Order. * They were founded
and endowed hy Individuals, anima
ted by a romantic Spirit of Chivalry ;
by a high Sense of honour and justice;
and by a religious enthusiasm, pecu
liar to the age in which they lived.
The Roman Pontiffs — the Emperors-
* Great and powerful, as they once were, tlie so
vereign Order of St. JOHM of Jerusalem, and the teutonic
were founded by humble Pilgrims. The former was
established and endowed by the Merchants of Amalfi;
the latter, by those of Bremen and Lubeck. The more
pious Crusaders, united themselves into chosen Bands,
for the Defence and Protection of these charitable In
stitutions. By the sagacious Policy of the Popes, they
were incorporated, and the edifice of their grandeur,
wasralsed on such solid foundations, as to have outstood
the shocks and revolutions, of seven eventful Centuries.
These facts, are well ascertained in the Annals of those
Orders,
of the Editor,
all the crowned Heads of Europe,
confirmed, enriched, and patronised
these; and successively established
various Orders of Knighthood, in
their own dominions.
That of Malta, has now subsisted
and flourished during the space of
near eight hundred years : and the
Knights who rescued the holy city
from the hands of the Infidels, and
those who so bravely defended Saint
John d'Acre against the Caliphs of
Egypt, are to be considered as the
Forerunners of the NELSONS, the
SMITHS, and the ABEIICHOMBYS, who
have reaped Laurels on the same me
morable Soil.
The confirming these Orders, and
the instituting others, whose Grand-
Masterships were associated to the
Sovereign Dignity, were acts of wis
dom, such as prove the judgement
XI
and foresight, of tlie Princes who
governed Europe, in those rude and
illiterate times. For, My Lord, * the
Crusades, and Chivalry their offspring,
have doubtless been the prolific
Parents of modern navigation — of
manufactures — of commerce — of arts
and sciences — of elegant learning,
and courtly politeness !
* The Crusades, are events unexampled. Operated
by the zeal and policy of St. Bernard and the spirit of
Knight-Errantry, which, from the days of Charle*
magne, animated the Nobles and Gentry of the Christian
States ; for upwards of six Centuries, they have had a
marking influence on the destiny of Europe. The
Asiatic campaigns of the Crusaders, lasted above four
hundred years ; and the fact is not less indubitable
than indisputable, that their martial expeditions into
those remote regions, contributed to perfect the art of
navigation, in which the Northern Nations had made
but little progress. Prior to the first Crusade, the Ve
netians, and the Genoese, were the only people who
were conversant with those matters. These holy wars,
introduced also to the knowledge of Europe, many
aliments and articles of general utility, of which she
was ignorant before; (viz. Fruits, Vegetables, Spices,
XII
Every century, since the first
Institution of the Knights of Saint
John, has given rise to new equestrian
foundations ! Every Sovereign has
constantly maintained the splendor
of those Orders which he found
Flax, Hemp, Cotton, and many drugs and medicinal
Plants.) And tints laid the foundations of her subse
quent manufactures and commerce. The Crusaders like
wise, gradually imported the Usages, the polite Man
ners, and the Learning of Constantinople. These,
became progressively diffused throughout the various
parts of our Continent, and were still further augment
ed by the overthrow of the Eastern Empire; the dis
persion of many noble and learned Greeks ; and the
fostering Protection of the MEDICI. Succeeding
Princes, in Italy, France, Germany, and England, by
their liberality and patronage, have advanced, what
soever is connected with arts and sciences, commerce
and navigation, society and manners, as nearly as
possible, to the highest state of perfection. And we
must not omit observing, that the Troubadours, and
the old Romancers; those Forerunners of Tasso.Ariosto,
and our modern. Dramatists and Novellistes, are
luxuriant branches, of the same vigourous and fruitful
Stock,
Note of Lite Editor.
XIII
existing, and in the last Century
£1800) every kingly Sovereign, has
augmented their number! Nay more
— in the German Empire, My Lord,
His Imperial Majesty, the late Em
peror LEOPOLD, and the late and
present Monarchs of Prussia, most
solemnly and authentically recognised
and sanctioned, an illustrious eques
trian Corps, formed like those which
were instituted during the holy wars.
Formed, by a band of Princes and
Nobles, wrhose names reflect the
highest honour upon that knightly
Militia, and upon their august Fa
milies—upon the Country which gave
them birth; and upon the age in
which they lived. — I mean, the
Chapteral Order of Saint Joachim;
of which a particular relation will be
given in the following work. But,
to return to oiir subject. When/ the
XIV
superior Power of the Caliphs and
Sultans prevailed, and the Teutonic
Knights were expelled from Syria,
and Palestine; Germany was the
Country, in which those brave wariors
took refuge. There, they sought for
Shelter — in that land they took
root— and there they flourished!
The western Empire, as reestablish
ed by CHARLEMAGNE, has ever been
the mother, and the nurse of those
knightly Institutions, which are at
once courteous and warlike. From
that Country, have successively
sprung the various Orders of Knight
hood, which are diffused throughout
Christendom.
From that Country, My Lord,
most of your brave Compatriots, de
rive their origin! — -to that land, do
they owe their laws and religion ! —
and from thence, have they chosen a
XV
King to reign over them, and to pro-
tect and defend, that religion and
those laws ! To that Country, Europe
stands indebted for the art of print
ing: an art, with out which, the Heroic
deeds of many a Knight, would have
remained unknown, and
*< Wasted its sweetness on the desert air!"
Men are not even wanting, My
Lord, who maintain, that Britain
owes the Forefathers of her NELSONS,
arid her SMITHS, to the borders of the
Elbe ; and to those shores which are
bathed by the Baltic ! And why, may
it not be as honourable for your
Lordship, and Sir WILLIAM SYDNEY
SMITH, to derive your Descents, or
trace your Pedigrees, from a bold.
Saxon, or a hardy Dane, who intro
duced the WITTENAGEMOTE, the trial
by jury, and the first rudiments of
navigation, as it is for the noble Per-
XVI
cevals to trace theirs from tlie Lords
of IVRY — or the illustrious House of
PERCY, from, the race of VILLIERS de
L'ISLE-ADAM? ! ?
It now becomes proper, to ob
serve, that the number of Orders
existing in Europe, is not so consi
derable, as is genenally imagined.
They amount, in all to * SIXTY Six.
* It is believed, by most Europeans, that every
Sovereign-Prince of the Empire, is likewise Sovereign
of an Order of Knighthood. This however is not the
case. Foreigners are led into such an errour owing to a
local cause; In Germany, there are numbers of Electoral,
Archiepiscopal, Episcopal, and Provostal Chapters; and
all these Chapters, have distinctions, such as Crosses,
Ribbons, and Stars, which, in appearance, are Knightly.
They are, all, without exception, composed of Noble
men of the first quality ; and many of the Cannons,
constantly appear in a secular habit. A Traveller, noc
well informed of, or not well versed in the Constitution
of the Germanic Body, immediately concludes they are
Knights of so many Orders, By the Treaty of West
phalia, the Archbishopric of Magdebourg, the Bishoprics
of IlaJLberstadt, IVtinden, Cammiii, and two or three
more, were secularised, and given to the Elector gf
XVII
To convince your Lordship, of the
exactness of this statement; I shall
class them in the following manner:
there are three Chapteral, which elect
their own Grand-Masters, one Papal,
eight Imperial, thirty two Royal, five
Electoral and Archiepiscopal, thir-
.Brandenbourg, as indemnifications, for tlie SiuTerin°-i
of His States, during the war of thirty years. The
Chapters of these Sees however, still subsist, and the
Prebends are bestowed upon Laymen. Near two hundred
and fifty Gentlemen, are thus provided for: each wears
his Star, his Cross, and his Ribbon, Saltier-wise, and
in the middle of each Star, is a representation of the
Prussian Eagle. The maintaining these Chapters in
their original state, at the period of the Reformation,
is a manifest proof of the sage moderation, of the Pro
testant Reformers : and the protecting, and preserving
them inviolate, even to this day, is equally so, of the
wisdom and justice of a long succession of great and
good Princes. By these means, the Sovereign is enabled
to recompense aurit of every denomination, nor do his
largesses become burtheiisome to tlie subject. Neither
the treasure of the state, nor :ho civil-list, are in any
shape affected or encumbered by those royal benefactions.
Note of the Editor .
XVIII
teen Ducal, or Princely, and four,
destined particularly for the fair Sex.
In all civilized States, during a
Period of seven Centuries, Orders of
Chivalry, have constantly maintained
their existence.
In such States, these incentives to
perform and achieve deeds of Glory ;
these rewards destined to crown mili
tary valour and prowess, and to re
compense personal merit; will for
ever exist.
The splendid Medal and the gorgeous
Chain, bestowed by the Batavian Re
public — the Swords, the battle axes
of honour, and the three coloured
Scarfs, presented by the hand of a
Chief - Consul — or the magnificent
Aigrette, conferred by the Ottoman
Empire — are to every intent the same,
as the Piibbon and Badge, with which
His Britannic Majesty invested your
XIX
Lordship; or as the one, which the
noble victor of CAMPERDOWN, received
from the Emperor of Puissia.
Even in the days of Cromwell,
which breathed every Spirit, save that
of courteous gallantry; WHITELOCK,
the Ambassador from the Protector,
to the Court of Sweden accepted the
Order of the Amaranth, from the
famous CHRISTINA. Her Majesty in
vested him with the Ensigns, upon
its first institution; nor did the Pro
tector express any disapprobation.
Studious as the Successors of that
extraordinary Princess, have been to
institute other Orders, it appears,
strange, My Lord, that they never
have renewed the once celebrated
Order of the Amaranth. But the very
Subjects, she abandoned, rescued it
from oblivion, and it still exists in the
form of the most illustrious, and best
composed Society, in the civilised
world.
During the fifteenth, and sixteenth
Centuries, the Sovereigns of Europe,
continually cimented their Alliances
and Friendships, by a mutual ex
change of their Orders. Your Lord-
C3
ship cannot be ignorant, that nine
Rings of France, were successively
invested with the Ensigns of that of
the Garter. CHARLES the VIII. was the
first, and Louis the XIII. was the last
of these Princes. This mutual ex
change of Orders of Knighthood, had
for several ages, previous to the lie-
formation, regularly taken place be
tween the Princes who then reigned ;
and the Subjects of one Kingdom,
frequently -received a Imightly Badge,
from the hands of a neighbouring
Monarch. But the Reformation, how
ever beneficial, was a circumstance,
XXI
which, for obvious reasons, cooled
that cordial intercourse, which had
so long subsisted, The distracted
State of the Continent, during the
memoiable war of thirty years, and
the great rebellion, which in the seven
teenth Century, raged in England,
seem to have put a final stop to all
such courteous and gallant intercourse
between Sovereigns, and to have de
barred their subjects, from receiving
those precious and distinguished gifts.
But in our days, the spirit of
Chivalry is revived — like the eastern
Phoenix, it has arisen from its ashes
on the banks of the Nile, and in the
very Country where it received its
first existence.
As MARLBOROUGH was created
Prince of Mindelheim and Nellenburg,
for saving the Empire by the gain of
the ever glorious battle of Blenheim,
XXII
so was NELSON created Duke of Bronte,
for saving the Royal Family of Naples,
on the point of falling into the hands
of ruthless enemies ! Upon the coasts
of Holland, DUNCAN has led two Ad
mirals captive. SMITH, has acquired
Laurels on the Baltic, and on the
plains of Syria! — and many other
Britons, such as ^YLETT, and POCK-
LINGTON, RYAN, and CALCRAFT, KEJR,
and BLOVNT, BUTLER, and WILSON,
have well deserved of the Emperor
and the Empire by honourable and
distinguished services,' rendered to the
Prince and the State, in the brightest
career of military glory. Their ser-
I vices — and the distinctions they have
received, are all recorded in this work,
which is consecrated to Knighthood.
To those, My Lord, who reflect
little, it may appear singular, that so
many British Subjects, and those too
XXIII
of high Rank, should he invested with
Orders of foreign Knighthood.* —
But the reason is evident, they have
* It is worthy of notice, that England is the only-
Country wherein there is no established Military Order,
as in the Hereditary Imperial States — In Russia — in
France — - Spain — Portugal— Sweden— Naples— Savoy —
Prussia— Florence -the Dutehy of Wiirtemberg— Hesse-
Cassel — and several other States of the Empire: nor any
for Artists, as at Rome, in France, and in Sweden,
where Sciences, aiid the liberal Arts, and their Profes
sors have not been overlooked.
In the united Empire, no one who is an Officer in
the Army, or Navy, or who enjoys any Post under the
Crown, or in Virtue of the Kings Commission, under
the Sign manual, can accept, or wear, any- Foreign
Order, unless His Majesty's most gracious Permission,
be first had and obtained to that Effect, and in conse
quence of His Royal Warrant, is duly registered in His
Majesty's College of Arms.
This, is a favour, which the King has never
refused: and now, indeed, it would be highly invidious
to refuse it to any one. In all other Cases, save those
above mentioned, all other British Subjects can accept
any Order, or Title, without applying for, or receiving
Permission. They cannot, however, assume, or wear
the same in the States of His Majesty. To have the
Power so to do, they must apply to a Member of the
College of Heralds, who obtains for them a warrant
from the Earl-Marshal, commanding the College to
XXIV
rendered great services to other Powers
as well as to their own Country: and
in truth, personal distinctions, being
the rewards of individual virtue and va
lour, are remunerations most grateful
to every one. Upon beholding them,
they always suggest the idea of Prin*
cely favour, and uncommon merit.
That your -Lordship may long
enjoy your honours— that you may
Jong live an ornament to your Family
—and a blessing to, and the defender
of your Country, is the sincere wish
of \.:;:;U- -j-,.-^--.' I
My Lord,
Your Lordship's
most obedient and most demoted Servant
THE EDITOR.
examine their Diplomas, (and all being regular, and
according to the Laws of Honour and of Arms) to regis
ter the same, and assign such Pers.ons thpir B-anK
accordingly.
The Fees of Office, for a transaction of this Nature,
are, we are informed, very moderate.
Note of the Editor.
PREFATORY DISCOURSE
RELATIVE TO ORDERS OF KNIGHTHOOD
IN GENERAL.
* remains to the Recorder of Character to la-
"ment? that relish of Satire and invective? that
^POIGNANCY OF FLAVOUR which quickens the Ap-
"petil;e? and renders it so grateful to the Palate of
"Modern Depravity? hut which? however fervid
"may he His love of firtiiej He endeavours in
"vain to infuse into Her Praise ; the iniattempereci
"Sweetness of Panegyric induces Satiety and
"languor — It is taken up with no Ardour? perused
"with no Aridity? and laid down without any
"Regret. The venerable Oak never looks so noble?
"as when Eurus agitates its Boughs.
"Had Sallust chosen for His Subject the God-
"like Integrity of Cato? instead of the fell profli-
"gacy of Catiline? the envious Scythe of time
"would? ages Since? have swept away his pregnant
* See Sketches of eminent Lawyers, by Z-. T. Rede,
XXVI
"Sentences? and deprived us of all Knowledge of
"that Elegant Historian".
What must be the existing State of Mankind,
when an Adept holds this Language ? ! Yet these
are the shrewd and acute Reflections of the learned
and elegant Author, of a Work replete with
Anecdote, Wit? and Erudition. Of a Work of
infinite Merit arid celebrity; a Master-piece of
Composition, and of the most judicious Discri
mination.
May I hope for Pardon, when I employ a
Metaphor? such as the Art of painting not
inappositely suggests to me on the present Oc
casion?
Since, with Respect to their Taste for Littera-
ture, the Nations of this Age, have especially sat
for the Picture delineated in the quotation ? They,
are competent to determine? whether the Charac
teristic likeness, is genuine and well preserved? or
whether it be not a Carricature.
Certain it is? those who may imagine? that in
perusing the folio wing Pages, they will find Aliment
for their Malignity, in the shape of Calumnious
Anecdote : or Matters worthy their Attention, as
containing Doctrines favourable to the Subversion
of Religion and Government? and to the Destruc
tion of established Forms of jurisprudence and
Police, (by which alone? Republics, as well as
Empires and Kingdoms, are maintained in a State
of Social Order) -Such Readers, will mast indu-
XXVII
bitably> be much disappointed) in their too San
guine Expectations.
The Pictures which are displayed in this Exhi
bition) will possess a strong Family resemblance.
Like the Portaits of the Queen-Mother) in the
once celebrated Gallery of the Luxembourg; a
Kindred Affinity will be found to pervade the
whole.
This Compilation, is solely undertaken for the
English Traveller) and the Student of modern
History.
Before we enter upon the Work * it will how
ever) be expedient and proper) to give some Account
of the Origin of Knighthood) and to add the Opi
nions of the most eminent writers upon this in
teresting Subject.
It will hardly be denied) that Valour occupies
a distinguished place among the most excellent
Virtues; as it attracts the Admiration of Strangers,
nay sometimes ofEnemieS) and the love of Friends.
For a generous Enemy always esteems warlike
Prowess* even in his Opponent; and when) de
prived of personal Strength ? or the favour of
Fortune) he cannot attain the paliii) he yet rivals
him in magnanimity; so that Valour* if it cannot
always command Love, yet must remain the
Object of Admiration.
This being admitted) it has ever been impos
sible that suitable rewards should not follow such
distinguished Virtue. The modes in which Prin-
XXVITI
ce$ are accustomed to confer the Marks of their
favour on those who have deserved well? are
various: But this Reward of warlike Prowess, of
which it is our Intention to say something, oc
cupies not the lowest rank among the Modes of
testifying their favour and Kindness.
For the Institution of Orders of Knighthood,
as a recompense for the heroic Achievements of a
Hero, is traced to the highest Antiquity. * Although
it cannot be denied, that many Military Orders?
seem also to have been instituted front quite a
different Cause, the promotion of Loyalty, literary
pursuits, arid other Virtues; and are conferred on
those who have deserved well of the Prince, or of
the State, f
An Equestrian Order may be defined thus. It
is a Society, of Persons illustrious either by their
Birth, their warlike, or other distinguished Quali
ties; instituted by a Prince, or Potentate posses
sing the right to form such an Institution, bound
to observe the Rules laid down by the Founder.
If therefore we look back to the beginnings of
this laudable Institution, we' must confess that the
Origin of the Orders of Knighthood is not easy to
be traced. For some refer to too remote a period,
when they tell us that Pharaoh the King of the
* vid. AUJBERT. MIRAEUS de Origin equestr. Lib. /,
Cftp. I,
t MIRAEUS 1. e.
—V XXIX
Egyptians instituted such; resting on too slight
an Argument? which they do not scruple to draw
from the sacred writings? where it is said : "That
"Pharaoh honoured Joseph with a Golden chain*
"and a Ring as a testimoy of the Royal favour."
Genes, c. 41. v. 4.2. from whence they conclude
that Joseph was invested with the Dignity of some
Order of Knighthood— But as the delivery of a
Ring? or a Golden Chain, does not imply the in
vestment with an Order; but is only a public
testimony of favour; such as is frequently at this
Day? conferred on men who have acquired parti*
cular fame? or gained the peculiar favour of the
Prince ; it follows that the Origin? or Institution?
by no means appears from this Example. Other
wise Mardochaeus clothed by Ahasuerus the King
of Persia? with a purple Robe'. Esther c. ft. v. 15
might claim the like honour. *
Others? assert that the Romans had already
Orders of Knighthood — ** to enter into the dis
cussion of which? is foreign to our subject and to
our intention. ~\~
* coiif. Giustiniani historic Clironologiche delVorigiiif
i militari.
** Qnuphr. Paiivinius de civitate Romana pag. 10. 11.
f vid. Alex, ab Alex. L. 2. c. 29. C. Boffin, de orig.
Rom. p. 253. Sallengre in tliesauro Antiquit. Roman.
Tom III. p. 1031. 1032. P. Nolden de Nobilitftte. Cap.
VI. n. 66.
XXX
Others) from the observation of Justus Lip-
sius? attribute the origin of this dignity to the
Germans; because among them the first honour
of the youth was to be adorned with a Shield and
Lance by the Prince; on which they were con
sidered as members of the State? whereas before*
they were considered only as part of the Family
to which they belonged. CORN. TAG. de moribiia
German, c. 13. which solemnity has a striking
resemblance to the custom of the present day? by
which the young Nobility attendant at Court are
declared? by the Prince* capable of bearing arms*
which is done by gireling on them a Sword? and
sometimes striking them on the Ear. If we inves
tigate the reason why a Knight? on his creation is to
submit to a Blow on the Ear? some maintain that
this usage was observed by the King of Bohemia
towards WILLIAM of Holland? when he conferred
Knighthood upon him at Becka: the King
saying — " remember that the Saviour of the World
« was buffeicd, and scoffed before the high Priest ! "
but others affirm? that is done with this view*
that he may consider this blow as the last? and
may never submit to receive one in future from
any other person ; and this seems to be the case*
froin the Ceremonial of the Teutonic Order*
adduced by HARTKNOCH in Chr. Pr. P. //. c. I. when
the Prince creating the Knight addresses him
in these Words: "Bear this Blow? and never
XXXI
« submit to another!"* and without doubt? this
Ceremony has no small resemblance to that? which
among the Romans was called, "Manumissio per
vindictamS* for at the time of the Manumission
from the hand of his Master the Slave received
from him a blow accompanied with these Words :
"I declare you to be free according to the Custom
of the Romans?" from whence Claudianus ** calls
this felicem injuriam •)• —
Others? as Ingulphus? recount the Ceremonies
of the Saxons; and some as John of Salisbury*
those of the Normans? in the Creation of Knights.
P. which however differ widely from our Customs*
as these Nations thus only conferred on the newly
created Knights the Privilege of at last bearing
Arms as a man ; but by no means introduced a
select Society or Order — unless they were called by
the general Name of Knights? as at this Day in
Germany the Nobles of the Provincial States are
comprehended under the Appellation of Ritter-
schalft? or Knighthood ; although the latter are in
fact not to be confounded with the former.
Most of the Writers on the Military Orders*
therefore? ascribe their Origin to the twelfth cen-
* obs. Hall. Tom. II. obs. III. s. 5.
** Claudianus in IV, Con, Honorii v, 62T*
f vid. Shulting, in juris pr. Ami. Justin Lib. I. Inst.
Caii Tit I, §, I. FoERSTERius de emancipatio.ne equestri,
t>ou njel>r(iaft ntadjcn. Cap, in. p. 10.
P. vid. Miraeus in oiig. Lib, I, c, I.
***
XXXII
tury* as PAPEBROC&IUS in analectis ad Acta S. Georgii
cap. IX. To III. Mensis Aprilis f. 155. a. whose
words are these: "Those deceive or a re themselves
"willingly deceived ; carried avyay by the desire of
"flattering; who look for the beginnings of the
"Military Orders hefore the twelfth century:" and
then a little farther on :. "If we wish rather to
"write what is true than what is pleasing* we
"must say, that the praise of this most Salutary
"Institution is due to those* who, with Godfrey
"of Bouillon restored the Kingdom of Jerusalem;
"and by entering into a Society for collecting toge-
"ther* and protecting Strangers? which they bound
"by some Vows, gave rise to the Orders of the
"Hospitalers, and the Templars, afterwards so
"famous over the whole Globe." For in Imitation
of These, various Orders of Knighthood under
Various Titles, Patrons and Constitutions* were
afterwards erected by almost all the Powers of
Christendom — With Papebrochius, agree unanim
ously Aubert. Miraeus*, Francisc : Merineiiius **,
and Christ. Gryphius. -f
Yet it cannot be wholly denied, that the Ensigns
of the Roman Knights, and the Rewards usually
distributed for distinguished Achievements in War*
* de orig. ord. Equestr. Lib I. cap. Fi.
** in deliciis Equestribus p. 73.
Lexicon Sub voce £)rbctl.
t WM $Kittef;£>vt>en— p, $• S, 3.
XXXI II
opened? as it were, the way to the Institution of
Other Orders; which Subject? the Observations of
Hallens,* submit to an examination equally learned
arid worthy of Knowledge.
Having therefore traced the Origin of the
Equestrian Orders? I think it necessary to consider
the persons? who may be honoured with this Re
ward of Virtue— They are called Equites (Knights)
whether they be males or females. The Word
JEqiies (a Horseman or Rider) is not improperly
derived from equus (a horse) or from equitandti
(riding on Horseback). For they are called Cava-
lieri, by the Italians; Cavaileros, by the Spaniards;
Chevaliers, by the French; fitter by the Ger
mans and Belgians ; arid Ulargogh, by the Cam-
bro— Bretons? from equitarido **. To which may
also be referred the Word Cabalcator, from the
Arabico — Latin Glosses? called by the Italians
Cctvalcator. So says Dn Fresne? in Lis Glossary
under this Wrord; where, and also under the Word
jEL(]nest he introduces several Significations.
That Persons of both Sexes may be distinguished
by the Order of Knighthood? no Body will deny,1
unless he will at the same time contradict the usage
of the present Day. From whence it follows? that
the Object of the Orders? is not always one and
the .same ; because ihe natural weakness of Womeny
* Observat. Hallens. Tom. II. Ol>r. U.
* M-ennen. in delic. Equ, p. t'fi.
XXXIV
seldom acquires a claim to the Rewards of Valour;
and Heroic Actions against the perpetual Enemies
of the Christians? as they are called? are seldom
achieved by them.
In general? to be a Candidate for the Distinction
of an Order? a noble and ancient descent is requi
red? "for the Knightly Dignity? says Memienius *
"argues true Nobility from the Father/' See an
Example in Goldastus in his SKctd)6()dnbeIn P. I.
10 et 57. where you will find Laws- promulgated
at the Coronation of Maximilian I. and Charles V.
that those who wished to be received into an Order
of Knighthood? must be able to reckon four Gene
rations — which Nobility (according to the Laws
of the Order) is not seldom extended to the Mother:
although without doubt Orders are also found*
which by no means Slight the learned? and those
who have deserved well of the Republic of Letters:
To cite only one Example? but that a sufficiently
illustrious one; that which is called the Saxon
Order of PALMS? in common Language? The
Society for promoting 1'ie Cultivation of Fruits*
whose Members consisted of one King? many
Electors? Princes? Comtes? Noblemen? arid a great
number of men illustrious for their learning. **
* 1* c. p. 62.
'* See George NEUMARGK in die new-sprouting Palm
Tree, and Christopher Juncker of the Saxon Orders of
Knighthood,
XXXV
As to what relates to the Kinds of Knights*
Mesiger 1. c. divides them into three. I. Knights
of the Collar, who receive from the hand of the
Chief \vlio creates them? a Collar? a Chain? or a
Crown? as a Symbol of their Admission into the
Order; for example? Knights of the Golden Fleece.
2. Religious Knights? or Knights of the Cross*
as the Knights of St. John.
5. Golden Knights? or Knights of the Golden
.Spur.
But as in our times the first and the last have
almost been reduced to one ; so that although the
Spur or the Collar be sometimes wanting? yet the
Knights of the first? and the last Kind? are usually
comprehended under the general Appellation of
Secular Knights. Others? as Elias Ashmole? and
from him Gryphius p. 7. divide the Orders into
Ecclefiastical and Secular.
Others? make a new division of Knights? into
native and created. The native? generally Nobles*
descended from ancient families? are called? as
above mentioned? theRitterschaft. Although there
is now a trite proverb still commonly in use;
«a Knight is dubbed not born" — * which Adage
ho\vever is subject to not a few Exceptions ; as for
Example? the Prince-Royal of Prussia, from the
moment of his Birth is immediately a Knight of
the Prussian Eagle. See the Statutes of this Order
* Men n en i us 1, c, p. 70.
XXXYI
s. 3. in Gryphius p. 39. But Kniglits created are
properly those? who may acquire to themselves
the name of a certain Order? and retain? to the
Day of their Death, (unless in Case of good cause
of Deprivation) the Ensigns belonging to it? recei
ved from the Master of the Order or his Deputy.
The Ceremonies? which are generally observed
in the Creation of Knights* vary according to the
variety of the Countries or Statutes— in general,
says Mennenius 1. c. the Candidates are accustomed
to receive the Dignity of Knighthood? by their
Shoulders being gently struck with a drawn Sword;
and with bended Knees; (unless they are of Supe
rior Rank to the Person who confers the Honour;)
with the addition of Words conceived in a Solemn
form. * Which custom still obtains at the Cre
ation of Knights? made by the Emperor* or King
of the Romans? on the Day of his Coronation.**
Hence that memorable Example of King James I.
of England? who from a natural Antipathy? could
not look upon a drawn Sword? without the greatest
horror; and in performing the Ceremonies of the
Order of the Garter ? turning away his Eyes ? in
tended to strike the Earl of Essex on the Shoulder
with a drawn Sword? but by mistake gave the
Earl a Wound in the Cheek; as Gundling? in "the
* see Cerem, Rom. lib. I Sect VII, de equite a Summo
Pontfi.ce facto,
** Goldast, in politisclien Reiclishaendeln P. IIT. p,
153- Spcner in jure publico. P. V» P» 66,
XXXVII
European States" relates. The Ceremonies which
are used in the Creation of the Prussian KriightSf
of the Order of the black Eagle? may been in
Gryphius p.
The Object of Orders* as well secular as eccle
siastical is various — For every one who is compe
tent to institute an Order of Knighthood? may
determine the object of it> such as appears to him
most ajrJfeeable or most useful. It is therefore
usual for the nature and Object of the Order to be
inserted in the Rules and Statutes? promulgated
by the Founder? whence appears? the Duty incum
bent on each Knight) binding himself by such
Constitutions.
We shall terminate this discourse with a Pas
sage from the general Dissertation on Knighthood?
which is prefixed to the elegant and useful His
tory of all the Orders of Europe? by Mr Hugh
Clark. His definitions of these Equestrian Bodies
are perfectly just and conclusive.
"The different Orders of Knighthood are divided
"into two classes; the first consists of the Religious?
"which not only includes the defence of Princes?
"the State? and of Christianity? but also by parti-
ocular Vows? and other Rules? is rendered intirely
"Subject to the Chief. The second Class com-
"prehends the military? which Sovereigns have
XXXVIII
"established to encourage the nobility, and cherish
"emulation among their Subjects in the wars* and
"the management of state Affairs,"
See Claris concise History of Knighthood; Page 4,
vol. i»
XXXIX
ADVERTISEMENT.
The following accurate account of all the Orders of
Knighthood, at present existing in Europe, is compiled
from various authentic pieces in Manuscript: from the
historical collections of Eichler, and M. Arclienlioltzt
(late Librarian to His Serene Highness FREDERIC II.
Landgrave of Hesse-Cassel,) and particularly from
original Documents, deposited in the Archives of
several modern Orders, which by Commands of the
Sovereigns, have, by the Secretaries of those Orders,
been especially communicated to the Editor. To which
are added copious explanatory notes, and illustrations,
drawn from Colliii's Peerage ; ClarlCs concise History
of Knighthood; and many eminent Authors, wlio have
wrote upon the Subject.
In the Body of this Compendium, will be found
the Names of those British Noblemen, and Gentlemen,
who are, or have been invested with foreign Orders,
during the reign of His present Majesty: and in most
instances, the causes, for which they have received
those distinctions, are impartially demonstrated. This
work is calculated for the information of those who
study modern History, or who travel on the Continent.
THE FOLLOWING? ARE THE EXIST1N/G ORDERS OF
KNIGHTHOOD? OF WHICH AN ACCOUNT is GIYEN>
IN THJS VOLUME,
3ECTION I.
OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL AND CH APTERAL
EQUESTRIAN ORDERS.
I. Of the Order of Saint John of Jerusalem; for
merly the Knights of Rhodes— now therxnights
of Malta. Instituted 1043 ...... « •
a. Of the Teutonic Order, /nstkuted 1191. « .
g, Of the Order of 8t. Joaqhim. Instiiuted »755- .
SECTION If,
PAPAL ORDER.
i. Of the Order of the golden Spur. Instituted
*559- • . t > t t T t i T t t "' t -» t f
III,
IMPERIAL, ORDERS,
i. Of the Order of Saint Coiutantine. Instituted
313- * * • « t • • t ..,,... 101
*. - • --- : — r- of Saint St. Stephen of Hungary.
Instituted 1764 ....... * * • « » "3
5. Of the Order of Maria-Theresa. Instituted 1757. lift
4> ---- - of Saint Andrew of Russia. Insti
tuted i6c)Q. .,*.. f /,.*»«. >T •;».. 151
of Saint Alexander NcwsK. In
stituted 1725 ........ »-?»•* *55
---- of Saint George of Russia. Insti-
sdtuted - »«».»*«»«. 4 + 153
of Saint Wolodimer« Instituted
1782- . *,..,, 164
8- ' of tlie Turkish Crescent. Insti-
tutefl 1799. * • * t 175
SECTION IV,
ROYAL O R D E II S.
*, Of the Order of the holy Ghost of France. In*
stituted 1573. «..•*.«*••<», i85
2. -rr— n, of Saint Lazarus of France. In
stituted 1607. » t *;•»:. tr. /..'« * .««« »89
g. — of Saint Louis of France. Insti
tuted 1693. . . , * 7 r . * * t I , . 193
4- • of Military Merit of France. In
stituted 1759. . t" » t * * « 4 t » , . £05
£. of Saint Michael of France. In
stituted 1469- 4'*. «»«.,«*. 4 2i Q
6. of Charles the third 3 or tlie im-
maculate Conception in Spain. Instituted 1771. 2ig
7- *-. of Calatrava. Instituted 11^8- • . ^23
§. -r of Alcantara. Instituted 1170. 4 . 226
XLII
page
. Of the Order of Saint James of Compostella.
Instituted 1175. »•«''••••'»•'••• 223
0. of Montesa. Instituted 1317. « » 257
Tlie Royal Orders «re classed, according to tlie
dates of the respective Monarchies, and accord
ing to tlie Rank they hold in each respective
State. Thus — Charlemagne, was sole King of
Trance, in 768-' — Aurelius, in Spain, in 763 —
and, Egbert, in England, in 300. The Prin
cely Orders, are classed according to the R.ank
of the Sovereigns who created them. The Or
der of Sincerity of Bayreuth, is now the second
Order of the King of Prussia, and is known
under the denomination of the Order of the Red
Eagle; and, the Order of Saint Anne of llol-
stein, is become the fourth .Order of the Rus
sian Empire. The Order of Saint Coiistantine,
although created by a Greek Emperor, is now
the second Order of Naples and Sicily.
XL II I
The Names of such. British Subjects* who are in
vested with foreign Orders? and who are
particularly mentioned in the coarse of this
work.
Order of Malta.
The Honourable Emma Lady Hamilton.
Sir Home Popftam.
Sir Richard James Lawrence.
Order of Saint Joachim.
PJglit Honourable Horatio Lord Viscount Nelson,
Duke of Bronte.
Order of Saint Constantine.
Sir William D'Arley.
Order of Maria-Theresa.
-Sir William Aylctt,
Sir Robert Pocklington.
Sir Edward Michael Ryan.
Sir Thomas Grariby Calcraft.
Sir William Keir.
Sir Charles Burr el Blount.
Sir Edward Gerald Butler.
Sir Robert Thomas J'T/ilson»
Sir James
Order of St. Alexander Neusky.
fright Honourable Adam Lord Discount Duncan.
Order of St. George of Russia.
Major-General LLoyd,
Order of the Crescent of the Ottoman
Port.
Pught Honourable Horatio Lord Viscount Nelson,
Duke of Bronte.
Right Honourable Thomas Earl of Elgin and Kin-
car din.
Right Honourable Lord Hutchinson.
Right Honourable Lord Keith.
Captain Hutchinson.
Honourable Major-General Sir "Lyre Coote.
XLV
Sir Richard Bickerjon Bart, and Knight — Banneret*
Lieutenant Sii— Withers, of die P*oyal Navy.
Several other Generals, Admirals, and Field-Offi
cers, in the Service of Great-Britain, have
been honoured with this Order; but their
Names are unknown to us. Upon the close
of the last Campaign in Egypt, the Badge
assigned to the Knights, of the second Class,
was conferred upon eight hundred British
Officers.
Order of Saint Lquis of France.
Button of Clonard.
Order of the Sword of Sweden.
Sir William. Sydney Smith.
\
Order of the Polar Star of Sweden.
Late Sir JVilllarn Chambers,
XL VI
Order of Vasa of Sweden.
Late Sir John Hill.
"~->
Order of the white Eagle of Poland.
Right Honourable George Earl Macartney.
Sir Benjamin Thompson.
Order of Saint Stanislaus of Poland.
Plight Honourable George Earl Macartney.
Sir Benjamin Thompson.
Sir William Neville Hart.
Order of Saint Januarius of Naples.
Sir John Acton Bart.
Order of Saint Ferdinand of Naples.
Right Honourable Horatio Lord Discount Nelson
Dulie of Bronte.
Sir Thomas Troubridge Bart.
XJLV1I
Sir Alexander Ball Bart.
Sir Samuel Hood.
Sir Benjamin Halloivell.
Sir Thomas Lewis,
Order of Saint Hubert of the Palatinat.
Tlie late Right Honourable George Nassau Claveringt
Earl Cowper.
Order of Saint Stephen of Tuscany.
Sir John Acton Bart.
Order of the Happy Alliance of Saxe-
v Hildburghausen.
Brigadier-General Sir Levett Hanson, Chamberlain to
H. S. H. the Duke of Modeiia.
•;. /
Order of Saint Anne of Holstein.
Sir John Dick of Braid, Bart,
XL VII I
Order oi Merit of Hoi stein.
Sir John Peter.
Major-General Thomas Roberts*
Captain William Roberts.
Captain David Roberts.
Order of Saint Catherine of Russia
Her Royal Highness the Reigning Duchess of
bergt Prin oess Royal of Great-Britain.
SECTION Ist.
OF THE
ECCLESIASTICAL AND SECULAR
CHAPTERAL ORDERS.
i"^<i cue *f&\s*:37'*^iiiii&t'9fe&^^~*~
I.
OF THE
KNIGHTS-HOSPITALERS
OF THE ORDER
OF SAINT JOHN OF JERUSALEM;
who were afterwards called Knights of Rhodes*
and now Knights of Malta.
Instituted in the year 1043.
A HE Infant state of this Order of Kniht
hood was extremely feeble. It is indis
putably the oldest and most famous
Equestrian Confraternity,, that ever existed
since the Establishment of Christianity.
It has served as the Model from which
every other Order has been copied. And
its Reputation has been diffused throughout
A
die whole World. * In the beginning of
the IX. Century, the Merchants of Amalfi
in the Kingdom of Naples, who traded
to Syiia, and commonly visited the holy
Places at Jerusalem, were desirous of
having a Church in that City. The Caliph
of Egypt, PiOMENSOR-MusTESAPH, granted
them Permission to build one in th/e Quar
ter belonging to the Christians; and it was
situated opposite to the Chapel of the
Resurrection. They consecrated it to the
Honour of the blessed Virgin Mary; and
erected a Convent for the Religious, or
Monks, of the Order of Saint-Benedict,
•whose especial Duty it was to receive and
entertain such Pilgrims as came there.
This Church was called Saint Mary the
Latin ; to distinguish it from the others, in
which the Latin Customs were not observed.
* "When the lioly land began to grow famous by
"the expeditions of CHRISTIAN Princes, this Order of
"the Hospitalers had its beginning, or rather resto-
" ration, by GIRARDUS; for the origin is attributed to
"JOHANNES HIRCANUS MACHABEUS; or JOHN, Pa
triarch of Alexandria; who, for his liberality to the
"poor, was surnamed Eleeraosynarius."
See CLARK'S Hist. p. 57. Vol. 2.
In Process of time, the Number of Pil
grims augmenting very considerably; an
Hospital was built on the Side of the Church
of Saint Mary the Latin. This edifice was
particularly destined to receive Male Per
sons only; the Sick and infirm, as well as
the Healthy. It was under the Direction of
a Master, or Rector, who was nominated
by the Abbot 01 Saint Mary's; and an addi
tional Chapel was erected to the Honour of
Saint John the Baptist, "for the use of this
Institution.
A certain Gerard, who was a native of
the Island of Mardgues, on the Coast of
Provence, was the first who had the Inspec
tion thereof: and some years afterwards,
GODFREY of BOUILLON,* having conquered
the City of Jerusalem on the 15. of July
1099. he was so touched with the mild and
compassionate conduct observed in the
* From a collateral Branch of that Royal House,
PHILIP D'AUVERG^E Prince of Bouillon, a Post-Captain
in the British Navy, is die lineal Descendant and Chief
of the Family of GODFREY of BOUILLOII; the Conqueror
and first CHRIST-FAIN King; of Jerusalem. This happened
in the following manner. The Heiress of a younger branch
of the House of Bouillon, was married to the Chief of that
of La Mark; and the Heiress of that Family, was married
to the Great- Marshal JJuke of BOUILLON.
Note of the Editor.
Hospital of Saint Mary the Latin; that he
made a Donation to it of several Estates,
situated in France; and which were Parts
of his Property. *
Some other Persons, distinguished by
their Rank and devout Munificence; imi
tated the Liberality of this Prince: and by
such means the Revenues of the Hospital
were considerably augmented, f
So circumstanced, Gerard and his Bre
thren thought it0 might be advantageous
for the Hospital, to separate it from the
jurisdiction of the Abbot and Monks of the
Convent of Saint Mary the Latin; and to
* "They had in several parts of Christendom 20,000
"manors; in England the Lord Prior of the Order was
a accounted the prime Baron in the realm."
See CLARIES Hist. p. ^Q. vol. 2.
f "In the year 1100 Jordan Briset, a rich and reli
gious man, built them a house near West-Smithfield,
"called St. John of Jerusalem; and from their great
"austerity of living, they obtained vast possessions in
"England; before what belonged to the Templars was
"settled upon them. In Warwickshire they had Lands
"in Grafton, Chesterton, Preston, Bagot, YVhitmarsh,
" Newbold, Pacie, Bilney, Ricton, Dunsmore, Halford,
uAnstie, and other places; by the gift of sundry persons."
See CLARK'S Hist, p, 53. vol. 2.
establish a particular congregation tinder trie
Protection, and to the Honour of Saint John
the Baptist. Such is the reason why they
were henceforward called the Hospitalers,
or Brothers of the Hospital of Saint John of
Jerusalem; or the Johannists.
In the year 1113. Gerard received from
Pope Pascal the II. a Confirmation of those
Donations which had been made to the
Hospital; His Holiness took it under his
Apostolical Protection ; and after the Death
of Gerard, ordained, that the Inspectors,
or Hectors, should be chosen from the Bro
thers-Hospitalers, who were the Admi
nistrators of the Hospital.
Gerard died in the year 1113. — to him
succeeded Raymond du Puy, a native of
Dauphiny; who the first, assumed the
Title of Master. Until that Period, the
Hospitalers had no written Rules by which
they were governed.
But Raymond du Puy, connected and
bound together the Brotherhood, in a more
firm and consistent manner, by giving them
Rules in writing; and by exacting, or en
joining, the strict observance of the three
solemn Vows, of Poverty, Chastity, and
Obedience to their Superior. He likewise
adopted some of the Rules which were ob
served by the monastic Order of Saint Au-
gustin, insomuch that this Order of Saint
John of Jerusalem, has evar been classed in
the Number of thooC who observe tlie Rules
of the Augustins,
This Jirst Grand-Master afterwards sepa
rated the Hospitalers into three Classes. —
The first, consists of Gentlemen, who are
destined to defend the faith, and to protect
the Pilgrims. The second, is formed of
Chaplains and Priests, for the Church. —
And the third, is composed of Serving-Bro
thers, who are. not Gentlemen; but who in
time of war, must serve as the Militia of
the Order,
The Grand-Master likewise introduced
the Custom of receiving the Knights into
the Order with certain Ceremonies; which
in 1130 were approved of, and ordained,
by Innocent the II, the then reigning Pontiff.
In time of war, the Knights must distin
guish their Flags, or Colours, with a large
white Cross upon a red field; and 'till now,
such are the arms of the Order. Although
it has arisen, so as to become the first Eques
trian Order; nevertheless the Members
thereof, were not denominated Knights,
until they bravely conquered, and wrested
from the Hands of the Infidels, the cele
brated Island of Rhodes.
As the City of Jerusalem, as well as that
of Acre, had in 1137 submitted, and surren
dered itself to Saladin the Caliph of Egypt;
the Order retired to Marget in Phaenicia:
(a City then belonging to them; but which
they lost in 1235.) In 1191. when the
Christians had again become Masters of the
City of Acre, the Knights established them
selves there, and made it the chief Seat of
the Order.
But on the isth of May 1191. the Sultan
IVTulec-Seraph, having taken the above City
by Storm: the Knights repaired to the Island
of Cyprus, and settled themselves in the City
of Limisso. There they remained during a
Period of eighteen years; until, in 1309.
having conquered the Island of Rhodes, and
some others of less Note; they established
themselves in the former, under the Govern-
ment of their Grand-Master, FULK de VIL-
LARET. During the space of two hundred
and thirteen years, they possessed these
Islands in a state of unmolested tranquillity.
On the i5th of December 1524. Soliman. the
second, that ornament of the Ottoman Empire
made himself Master of all their Dominions.
After this Misfortune had befallen them,
they successively retired to Castro, Messina,
and Rome. At length, on the 24-th of March
1530, the Emperor CHARLES the Vth gave
them the Island of Malta, on condition that
they should protect and defend the same;
and repress the depredations, which the
Turkish and Piratical Piovers, were in the
habit of perpetually committing, *
* a After the loss of the Isle of Rhodes, they removed
''to the Island of Malta, which with Tripoli and Gozo
C£ were granted to them in fee by the Emperor CHARLES V.
*A. D. 1530, under the tender of one Falcon yearly to
nthe Viceroy of Sicily, and to acknowledge the King
*of Spain and Sicily for their Protector. "
"In May 1563, they were besieged by Solyman,
"with a navy of 160 gallies full of Turkish Soldiers,
ftand 100 vessels with Provisions. The Siege was
w sustained for four Months by the bravery of the
* Knights, and the conduct of their Grand-Master Joh»
This Island is about twenty french
Leagues in Length, and twelve in breadth.
It contains two Cities, Civita-Vecchia, and la
Valette; and .about fifty Villages. Their
Chief (who styles himself Grand-Master of
the Hospital of Saint John in Jerusalem,
and Guardian of the Poor of our Lord Jesus
Christ) resided at la Valette until 1798-
when the French under the command of Bo
naparte made themselves Masters of the
Island. The Order was classed at that Pe
riod into eight Languages, or Nations, viz.
*dela VAI.ETTE; so that the Turks, on the ciglitli of
« September, in the same ' year, were obliged to raise
"the siege, and leave behind them 5000 of their men,
«and most part of their Artillery. At Malta on that
"day, an annual procession is solemnly made, in ine-
*mory of their deliverance."
"These Knights are in number 1000; 500 must
"reside in the Island of Malta, the remainder are dis-
"persed at their seminaries in Spain, Germany, Italy
"and France, and at any Summons are to make their
"personal appearance. They had a Seminary in England
•'-till the suppression of it by King HE* RY VIII. , and
«they still appoint one to whom they give the title of
* Grand Prior of England."
See CORK'S Hist. p. 49-
10
i. Provence; 2. Auvergne; 3. France; 4.
Italy; 5. Arragon; 6. Germany; 7. Castile;
and g. Anglo-Bavaria; which last was added
thereto, by the late Elector Palatin Charles
Theodore de Sultzbach. That Prince con
ferred upon the Order all the Estates of the
suppressed Society of the Jesuits, situated in
Bavaria ; and which, at the time of their
suppression, had been united to the Electoral
Domains. Charles Augustus Prince of
Bretzenheim, was the first Grand-Prior of.
this Nation, or Language. He was invested
therewith in 1736; and resigned that
dignity in 1799, immediately upon the
Death of the Elector.
The Grand-Master, as well as the Car
dinals, enjoys the Title of Eminence; and
the Grand-Officers of the Order, are as
follows :
1) The Grand-Commander, is the oldest
Member of the Language of Provence.
2) The Marsha], of that of Auvergne.
3) The Hospitaler, of that of France.
4) The Grand-Admiral, of that of Italy.
5) The Grand- Conservator, of that of
Arragoii.
1 1
6) The Grand-Bailiff, of that of Germany.
7) The Grand-Chancellor, of that of
Castile.
3) AndtheTurcopolier,* or Captain-Gene
ral of the Cavalry, of that of Anglo-
Bavaria.
In time of war, the Knights wear over their
Cloaths a Scarlet Surcoat in the form of a
Dalmatic, which is embellished before and
behind with a broad white Cross; such
beina the Armorial bearing of the Order.
o
But in time of Peace, they wear, when in
Ceremony, a long black Mantle, on the left
side of which is sewed a Cross of while
Linen, having eight e^ual Points. And
* Turcopolier, is a Term appertaining to the Order
of Malta, which, previous to the Reformation, -was the
Title of the Chief of the Language of England. Tur-
eopole signified anciently in the Levant, a Light-Horse
man, or a kind of Dragoon. The Turcopolier had,
in this Quality, the Command of the Cavalry, and of
the English Marine Guards of the Order. The military
Orders gave this Name to those light-armed Cavaliers,
who were the Esquires, or Serving-Brothers, of the
Knights-Hospitalers of Saint John, or Knights of Malta,
of the Templars, and the Teutonic Knights.
Note of the Editor.
whatsoever be their ordinary Dress, this
Cross must be worn by such as are Bailiffs,
or Grand-Crosses, and Commanders of the
Order. Upon their Breasts, or from the
Button hole of their Coats, they wear a si
milar Cross of Gold enamelled with white :
it is surmounted with an Imperial Crown
for such Knights, as are of that Language,
(Germany) and with a Regal one for those
of the seven other Languages. The Device *
which is in the four widest Angles of the
Cross, indicates to which Language the
Knight belongs.
The ordinary Dress of the Grand-Master
consists of a Cassock, or Surcoat of black
Tobine or Cloth; it is open before, and is
* An Imperial Spread Eagle, denotes tlie German
Tongue, or Nation : a Fleur-de-Lis, the Provencal, the
Auvergiiat, and the French: a Castle, that of Castile:
a Lion, that of Leon, or Arragoii : and those of Italy,
vary according to the States of the Princes, in which
the Commanderies are situated. Some adopt the Impe
rial Spread Eagle; others the Fleur-de-Lis; in Conse
quence of their Possession^ being in such, or such Do-
xfiiniont as appertain to Princes of the Houses of
Austria, or Bourbon.
Note of the Editor.
— 13 —
girt about his Body with a Belt, from which
hangs a Purse to indicate, that he is the
Treasurer of the Poor and needy: over this
he wears a Garment of black Velvet, upon
the left side of which, the Cross of the Order
appears. He likewise wears the same round
his Neck, pendant from a rich black watered
Ribbon, of the Breadth of three fingers.
The Mantle which the Knights receive,
when they take their Vows, is black; and
on the Ribbon of the Order, the Mysteries
of the Passion, Sufferings, and Death of
our Lord and Saviour, are represented in
Embroidery. The Sleeves of this Mantle,
are about a Yard long, and one and a half
in breadth. The Ends are pointed.
The Dress of the Knights-Grand-Crosses,
when they assist at divine Service, is a sort
of Garment, called Clocia, or Cloak. It is
open before, and has large Sleeves, and on
the left Shoulder, and Breast is the Cross of
the Order. The jewel-Cross, or Badge, is
worn pendant from the Ribbon. They
wear their Swords upon such Occasions.
When they assist in Council, they wear the
same Dress buttoned: the Grand-Cross is
worn upon the Breast, but the Sword, and
Ribbon of Investiture, are laid aside, being
reserved only for the grand Ceremonies of
the Order. *
From the time of its Foundation until
the Loss of the Island of Rhodes, this Order
flourished in a State of unabating Splendour;
and when established at Malta, it rose
again from its Ashes. Its Situation seems
&
at present extremely precarious. The
English are at this juncture Masters of the
Island; and a Schism prevails amongst the
Members. The Transactions relative to
tlvis illustrious Body of Christian-Militia,
so long and so justly considered as one ot
the strongest Bulwarks of Europe; and
which have taken place since it was cap-
* "When the Grand-Master dies, they suffer no vessel
" to go out of the Island till another is chosen, lest the
"Pope should interfere in their election, which is con-
"ducted as follows : the several Seminaries name two
"Knights each, allowing also two for the English; and
"those sixteen from among themselves choose eight;
"those eight choose a linight, a Priest, and a Serving-
" Brother; and they three, out of the sixteen Great
"Crosses, elect the Grand-Master."
See CLARK '* Hist. pag. 50. Vol. 2.
tured by the French in 1798, arc of so
extraordinary and complicated a Nature,
that time alone can unravel them. The last
Grand-Master, duly elected, was Ferdinand
Baron de HOMPESCH. On the lyth of July
1797. he succeeded to that .Dignity upon
the Death of Emmanuel <H^FiOH AN He Poll-
dux, the last Grand-Master. The Bailliwick
of Brandenburg, now an Appanage of the
Royal Family of Prussia, is a Branch of this
Order, which at the rime of the Reformation
was dismembered therefrom. It was con
firmed to the Elector of Brandenburg by the
Treaty of Westphalia in 1648- anc^ tne l^e"
corations worn by the Knights of this
Branch, are in every respect similar to those
of the Order of Malta. Of this Order, a
junior Prince of the House of Brandenburg
is always Grand-Master. H. R. H. Prince
FERDINAND of Prussia, great Uncle to His
reigning Majesty, is at present invested
with that Dignity; to which the King of
Prussia enjoys the exclusive Nomination.
On the 24th of Nov. 1798- PAUL the first,
Emperor of Russia, assumed the Dignity of
Grand-Master of this Order.
— i6 —
In 1799. His Imperial Majesty conferred
the Ensigns thereof, upon the Honourable
Emma Lady HAMILTON, Wife of the right
Honourable Sir William HAMILTON, Knight
of the Bath, late His Britannic Majesty's
Envoy-Extraordinary and Minister Pleni
potentiary to the Court of Naples : and upon
Sir Home POPHAM, a Captain of the British
Navy, who received the Permission of His
Sovereign to assume and wear the same.
Lady Hamilton's Talents and accom
plishments are so well known, that no one
will be surprised at such an Act of Gal
lantry, on the Part of the Emperor. Her
Ladyship has acquired the Friendship of the
Queen of Naples, and of all the Royal and
Illustrious Personages, to whom she has
been presented; by that respectable and
amiable Conduct which wins the Heart and
suffrages of every one.
Sir Home Popham's Abilities as a Naval
Officer, justly rendered him worthy of this
knightly Distinction.
Sir Richard James LAWRENCE, is like
wise a Knight of this Order.
-1 , I fj ^.
Ladies can be admitted into the Order
of Malta. According to old Customs, they
are styled Sisters-Hospitalers. At present,
they are denominated Danics: there are
likewise Dames Grand-Crosses.
Although we have derived equal Assis
tance and information from Mr. Clark's
"concise History," with, respect to the Notes
we have added to that of the Order of Mal
ta, and for which he has our particular
Thanks; nevertheless, we must request the
Reader to observe, that with equal justice
we might have quoted, " the History of the
Knights .of Malta, by the Abbe' de Vertot,"
"Brydone's Tour," and several modern
writers, whose works treat of this Order,
and who express themselves in nearly the
same terms. With regard to some other
Orders, to which notes arc annexed, we
have frequently elucidated the. text, by
Passages drawn from the above very genuine
Source. Our obligations to that ingenious
Historian, are similar to those for which he
is indebted to the " Histoire des Ordres mi-
litaires, oudes Chevaliers," which we likewise
have frequently, and profitably consulted.
B
— 18 —
u.
OF THF ORDER
or THE
KNIGHTS OF THE HOLY CROSS;
OR Or THE
TEUTONIC O ft D E R.
Instituted A. C. 1191.
A:MO:XGST the many Military Orders, the
Institution/ of which was occasioned by the
Crusades in Syria, this Order is one offcrthe
most considerable, and most reputable. *
* Nothing can be a more striking Proof of the in
consistent Changes, to which human Establishments
are exposed, than the original Basis, on which this
Order was founded; and its present State. For its pri
mitive Institution, subsequent wealth, and immense
temporal Possessions, it was indebted to the pious
Charity of die. Merchant-Adventurers, of the Ha ii sea tic
Towns of Bremen andLubecK; who traded to the Holy-
Land. In process of time, it became more formidable
than the Hanseatic League itself: and when reduced to
a decadent State, its Spoils, its mutilated Fragments,
were of such magnitude, as to augment the extensive
Domains of the August House of Brandenburg; and to
enforce its Claims to the regal Title. Though much,
reduced in Power and Riches, the Teutonic Order,
still holds a respectable Rank in the Empire. The
Its Origin is nearly the same as that of
the Order of Saint John The commen
cement of its establishment, is to be ascribed
to a devout German, who, with the Per
mission of the then existing Patriarchs,
built and endowed an Hospital for the sick
Pilgrims, who were his Countrymen; and
likewise a Chapel to the Honour of the
Mother of our Saviour. In a short time,
many pious Germans were disposed to main
tain so excellent an Institution; the Men of
Bremen and Lubecfc, in particular, distin
guished themselves to a most eminent de
gree, and exhibited the utmost Zeal for the
go'od of this Foundation. They not only
Grand Master, is a Sovereign Prince; theCommanderies,
are richly endowed; and no one is admitted as a
Knight, who cannot prove two and thirty Quarters of
uninterrupted and unsullied Nobility. Thus, were
benevolent Zeal and munificent Commerce, the Founders
of this Order : but unmindful of, and ungrateful towards,
the Authors of its Existence; it excludes from its
Bosom, all such as are connected with Traffic; and who
cannot produce, "those Boasts of Heraldry," which are
considered as requisite, and indispensably Necessary,
to ensure their Reception,
Note of the Editor.
£0
courageously protected the Pilgrims, during
the Siege of Acre, (the Ptolomaeus of the
ancients) but many of them became Hospi
talers, and took care of the wounded and
sick.
Many Persons of high Rank, likewise
attended on the Hospital; and Pope Cae-
lestin the III. formally instituted this Society
into an Order, under the title of, the Bro
thers of the German House, and of the HOS
PITAL of Otn\ BLESSED LADY of Jerusalem.
His Holiness permitted them to elect a
Chief from amongst their own Members;
and thereupon, they unanimously nominated
HENRY de WAIXPOTT, * a Person descended
from a very ancient and noble Family, and
who in the year 1191. had become a pro
fessed Monk of the Order of Saint Angus tin.
The Ensign of the Order, is a black
Cross with a Border of Silver; and it is
worn upon a white Mantle, on the left Side.
The Knights also bear this Cross with their
* The Lineal Descendants of the Family of Henry de
WALLPOTT, are at present: reigning Comtes of ljassen-
Iieim. Tlie Chief of that House is always a Knight o£
the Teutonic OrJer. Note of the Editor.
Arms, upon a white field; in the same man
ner as was granted to HENRY de WALL-
POTT, in ii9v>. by the Pope above men
tioned. They have likewise the same Cross
upon the left Breast of their daily outward
apparel; and round the Neck, they usually
wear a Gold black enamelled Cross, sur
mounted with a knightly Helmet of massy
Gold, covered with a coating of dark blue
enamel. This Cross is somewhat of an
oblong form; and it is worn suspended
from a rich watered black Ribbon of the
breadth of three Fingers. But this Cross
has been frequently altered and augmented;
and JOHN cle BRIENNE King of Jerusalem,
in 12.06 adorned the same with a Cross of
Gold.
Herman de SALZA, the fourth Grand-
Master of this Order, having by his con
summate Prudence and superior Abilities,
found means to terminate the unhappy clis-
sen lions existing between Pope HONORIUS
the III. and the Emperor FREDERICK the II.
that Prince, being desirous of conferring
upon the Grand-Master a Signal Mark of
his Gratitude, he to that end, not only
granted the Dignity of Princo of the -Em
pire, to him and his Successors; but like
wise gave him his especial Permission, to
charge the Arms of the Order with the Im
perial Eagle. His Holiness, as a Proof of
his Esteem, presented him with a Piing of
great value; enjoining him to wear the
same constantly. Since that Epoch it has
e^er been customary, so soon as a new
Grand-Master is elected, to invest him with
this Ring, in memory of a transaction
equally meritorious and remarkable.
Finally; in 1250. during the Adminis
tration of CONFAB Landgrave of Thurinma,
O o "
the fifth Grand-Master, Louis the IX. King
of France, embellished the four Points of
the Cross, with four Fleurs-de-Lis of Gold,
as a Remembrance of the Sense he enter
tained of the Services rendered to him by
the Order.
The Knights acquired so much Repu
tation, and such great Esteem, by their
Valour, as induced CONRAD Duke of Mas-
sovia and Cujavia, to send an Ambassador
in 1229. to their Grand-Master, Herman de
SALZA, demanding his Friendship, and re-
questing that General, in case of need, to
assist him v/ith his Forces against the
Prussians.
Wishing to attract the Order into his
States, the Duke granted to the Knights,
the Countries of Culm and Lohau; and
whatsoever they might conquer from the
Prussians; to the end that the latter might
he deprived of all their Possessions, in his
Dominions.
This Donation he sent to the Grand-
Master; and it was afterwards confirmed
by Pope GREGORY the IX.
During the regency of Herman deSALZA,
the Order of the Knights PORTE-GXAIVES, *
* "In the year iig63 MAINARD first preached Chris
tianity to the LIVOKIAKS, and erected the Bishopric
"of Riga; but his Successors meeting with many diffi-
"cultics in the year 1200, ALBERT then Bishop of
" Livonia instituted this Order iu imitation of the
"Teutonic Knights, With design to extirpate idolatry,
"and promote the Gospel. He prescribed to these
a Knights the Cistercian rule and habit, viz. a long
"white mantle and black hood; 011 the Ercast two
« Swords in snltire, v/heiice they had the title of
a Bre'tlireu-S word-Bearers."
existing in Livonia, under their General
Volquin SCHEK-K, was, by the Command of
the Pope above mentioned, united with this
Order.
This Union was effectuated at Rome in
the year 1250. according t j some Opinions ;
Their Statutes were something like tiie Knights
"Templars; and they vowed obedience and chastity.
"Pope IjMNocriNT JIT. COD firmed this Order, which
u became fully instituted, A. D. 1205; but because they
u could not of themselves accomplish their end, about
"the year 1257. l^iCY vvere united to the* Teutonic
" Order, and submitted to their rule and habit; by
u whose help they overcame tlieLivonians, and brought
"them to the Christian faith. Thenceforward the
a Grand-Master of Livonia acknowledged him of
"Prussia as superior, until Walter de PLETTEKBERG,
u their Grand-Master, separated this Order from their
"obedience to the Teutonic. Finally, A. D. 1561.
"GOTHAKD de KETLER, the Last Grand-Master,
"followed the Example of the Grand-Master of Prussia,
"and became Subject to the Crown of Poland, sur-
"rendeiiug to King • SIGISMOJNP U. Uio City and Castle
"of Riga, and all the Lands, Charters, Privileges etc.
"of this Order; receiving in exchange the Dukedom
"ofCourland, to him and his Heirs for ever ; so the
*Oraei expired after 557 years continuance.1'
6' co- Ci-iWi's Hut. a. - Irul> 2.
^ ^ r _
or in 1254. according to others. The
Knights were then become so powerful,
that they were nearly Masters of all Livonia
and Prussia; insomuch that they erected
nine Bishoprics, viz. four in Prussia, and
five in Livonia. They likewise founded
Eibing, Marienburg, Thorn, Dantzig, and
Konigsberg in Prussia, and several other
Cities of less Importance, in the same
Country.
In 1295. they compleatly subdued all
Prussia, and reduced it intirely under their
domination; although it had five times
revolted against them.
The Order made no small progress like
wise in Livonia, where it became Master
of Courlaiid and Semigallia; and in IQQQ.
it brought the whole Province under its
absolute Dominion.
This illustrious Order being so power
ful, the principal cares of the Knights were
turned towards the maintaining themselves
in the Possession of their conquests; and to
repel the attacks of their hostile and for*
wiidable Neighbours,
Their Territories were frequently in
vaded by them, and on that account they
were compelled to wage heavy Wars
against the Natives of Lithuania andRussia.
Although they gained considerable advan
tages over these People; nevertheless, such
Successes were more than. counterbalanced
by the Loss of their principal Establishment,
at Acre in Syria. This disaster happened
during the Administration of CONRAD de
o
FEUCHTWANGEN, the XI. Grand-Master. In
1291. MULECH-SERAPH, Sultan of Egypt,
made himself Master of that City, and the
remainder of the Knights were obliged to
quit that Country.
Expelled from Syria, they formed a mo
mentary Establishment at Venice. Soon
after they chose Marburg in the Country of
Hesse, as the chief Residence of the Order;
and even now a magnificent Palace belong
ing thereto, si ill subsists in that City.
Powerful Considerations however, in 1506.
induced GODFREY de HOHENLOHE, the
Grand-Master, to transfer the Seat of the
Order to Marienburg in Prussia ; and since
— 527
then no Provincial -Grand -Master has
existed in that Country.
The Order not only suffered on 'account
of the h ur then some Wars in which it was
engaged; it was convulsed and torn by in
testine Divisions, during a long series of
years. Under the Administration of the
Grand-Master, CONRAD de JUNGINGEX,
ULADISLAUS JAGEI.LOX, the then rei°run«-
CD o
King of Poland, endeavoured to profit hy
these internal feuds. With the assistance
of WITHOLD, Duke of Lithuania, he at
tacked Prussia; but the General of Livonia
coming opportunely to the Aid of the
Grand-Master, in the year 1403. Peace was
concluded between Poland and the Order.
This Peace was of no long Duration. It
was broke by ULJIICH de JUXGIXGEN.
Such an Infraction of Treaties, made it ne
cessary for UI-ADISLAUS JAGELXON to -com
bine his whole Forces with those/ of his
Father, WITHOLD. By these means, the
King assembled an army of 150,000 Men,
with which he attacked the Army of the
Grand-Master, amounting only to 33,000.
The Battle began near the Village of Ton-
nenberg, on the i^th of July 1410. O. S.
and the Slaughter was prodigious on both
Sides. The most authentic Accounts of
those Times, maintain that the Poles lost
60,000, and the Knights 40,000 Men, in
this memorable arid well fought Engage
ment.
The Government of the Order becoming
extremely oppressive, several Conn tries and
Cities formed an Alliance against the
Knights. It was concluded at Marienwer-
der; and in '14.5 3. the greatest Part of
Prussia had detached itself from the Order,
and put itself under the Protection of the
King of Poland.
This Transaction gave rise to a War
equally violent and bloody. In 1466. Peace
was concluded by the interposition of the
Pope; and at Thorn, the following Treaty
was made, and ratified by the Polish Mo
narch, CASIMIR the IV. and the Grand-
Master of the Order: viz. that Pomerelia
and the Territories of Culm and Michelau,
and likewise the Cities of Erailand, Ma-
rienburg and Elbirig should be ceded to
the Crown of Poland: and, that the re-
— 29 —
'!'•'•-•''
mainder of Prussia should appertain to the
Order; the Grand-Master receiving the In
vestiture thereof; it being considered as a
Fief belonging to the Kingdom of Poland,
and held by military tenure.
At length, in the XV. Century, the
Knights were totally dispossessed of Prus
sia. ALBERT de Brandenburg, their Grand-
Master, having embraced the Lutheran
Religion, SIGISMU^D King of Poland, his
Cousin, solemnly invested him with the
Sovereignty of that Country. This Event
took place at Cracow, on the ^th of April
1525; and thusPrussia became a possession
of the House of Brandenburg From that
O
Period it has been denominated Ducal
Prussia: and FREDERIC the III. Margrave
of Brandenburg, and Elector of the holy
Roman Empire, in 1701. procured the same
to be erected into a Kingdom, the Emperor
LEOPOLD the first, having granted an Im
perial Concession to that Effect.
In the mean time, Walter de KRO^BEI\G,
the new elected Grand-Master, retired to
Mergentheim iiiFranconia, and styled him
self, Administrator of the Grand-Master-
ship in Prussia, and Master of the Teutonic
Equestrian Order, in the Countries of Ger
many, Italy, and their Dependencies. As
such he was recognised as a Sovereign,
Prince of the Empire; was likewise received
as a Member of the Circle of Franconia;
and the Order has enjoyed these Dignities
to this Day.
In 1700. the possessions of this Order
were divided into XI. Bailliwidks: viz.
i. Alsace; j2. Austria; 3. Tyrol; 4. Coblentz;
5. Franconia; 6. Biesen; 7. Westphalia;
and 8- Lorraine; which are of the Roman
Catholic Communion: and 9. Hesse; 10.
Thuringia; and 11. Saxony: which three
last, are of the Lutheran Faith. But such
Protestants as are admitted, must in all
other Respects conform to the Statutes of
the Order; and attend the Chapter at Mer-
gentheim, whensoever it is held. * ,
i i
* "The second Branch of this Order is for Protes
tants: they have a House at Utrecht, wherein to
a transact their business, and in which the Secretary
"resides. The Method of Admission ir.to this Branch
"being somewhat singular, we shall here mention it.
"The Nobles of Holland, if they propose a Son to be
The Emperor JOSEPH the II. diminished
very considerably the Possessions of the
Order, situated in his States: and the late
Treaty of Luneville must have deprived
it of two principal Bailliwiclts ; those of
Alsace and Lorraine,
The present Grand-Master, is His Royal
Highness the Arch-Duke CHAISES-LOUIS,
second Brother of the reigning Emperor of
Germany, bom Septbr. the 5th 1771. He
succeeded to that Dignity upon the Death
of his Uncle the late Elector of Cologne. ••
"a Knight, go to Utrecht ; tliey enter Iiis name in die
"register, and pay a large Sum of Money to the use
"of the Poor maintained by the Order; and the Person
"whose Name is entered, succeeds in Rotation."
See CLARIES Hist. pag. 61. Vol. 2.
— 3* —
III.
OF THE
EQUESTRIAN SECULAR AND CHAPTERAL
ORDER
OF
SAINT JOACHIM.
Instituted June the soth A. C. i755»
J-N 1043. as related in the foregoing pages,
many devout and pious Persons were in-
.duced to institute an Order for the Defence
and Safe-guard of the Pilgrims, who visited
that Country, which is equally celebrated,
on Account of the Birth and Passion, of
Jesus Christ. To administer to the sick and
needy — to heal the wounded- — and to pro
tect the feeble against the Arm of the
Strong — were the Duties especially assigned
to this Christian Militia. It was composed
of the Flower of the Nobility and Gentry,
who from all parts of Europe, repaired to
the holy I, and. This Order, as already
/ observed, has successively been denomi
nated, the Brothers Hospitalers of Saint
I John of Jerusalem; the Knights of Rhodes;
oo "—"
and las^y^f^^j_ Its Institution gave
rise to that, known by the Appellation of
.the Teutonic. This was instituted in 1131,
.and was composed of natives of Germany,
.and none others.
Of these Orders, we have given a cir
cumstantial and exact Account, respecting
their rise, progress, and present State.
It now becomes pur Duty to speak of
one, founded in 1755, in a manner similar
to those -above mentioned; but for pur
poses more suited to the modes of Jiving
and Spirit of the present age.
On the soth of June 1755, the eques
trian, secular, and Chapteral Order of Saint
Joachim was instituted by several Princes,
.and Nobles of the highest Rank, in Ger
many, arid by several military Men of very
•great Distinction : and those, who the first
were invested therewith, were named,
"The Knights of the Order of Jonathan,
Defenders of the Honour of Divine Pro-
vidence"
The Duke of SA^-COBUKG ; the Duke
of WURTEMBERG-QELS; Prince Picco-
I.OMINI; the Comte de CLARY and Ai.-
C
— 34 —
DRINGHEN; the Baron D'EIB; the Cheva
lier FACTINER de Trauenstein; M. KECK de
Schwarzbach; the Conite de KOLLOWRATH-
KRAKOWSKY; the Baron de MII-CHLING;
the Baron MOSER de FILSECK; the Comte
de NOSTITZ; the Baron REICHLUST de Mel-
degg; M. WIEDERSPERGER de Wiedersperg;
and the Baron de ZOBEL de GiebeJstadt,
were the first original Founders of this
illustrious Equestrian Corps.
His Serene Highness CHRISTIAN FRAN
CIS Duke of Saxe-Cobourg (an elder Brother
of the celebrated Field-Marshal-Duke) was
the first Grand-Master. He was elected and
installed on the aoih June 1756. being the
first anniversary Day of the Foundation.
His Serene Highness exercised the
Functions attached to this Dignity, during
the space of seventeen years , and the Order
acquired additional lustre, by the names of
the Princes of NASSAU-SAARBRUCK, and
SULKOWSLY; and those of several Reigning-
Comtes; Comtes, and Barons of the Em
pire; and other Persons of Note; being
added to those of the original Founders.
*•*- 35 ~"—
This Prince resigned the Grand-Master
ship in 1773. His Highness, however, had
the Satisfaction of being long a Witness to
the Progress and Augmentation of the
Order; and lived until the isth of Septem
ber 1797.
On the third of August 1775. His High
ness FJ\ANCIS-XAVIER reigning Conite of
Montfort, and of the holy Roman Empire,
was, by the general Chapter unanimously
elected to fill the Dignity of Grand-Master
of the Order, vacant by the Resignation of
the Doke of Saxe-Cobourg; and during his
Administration, Numbers of Persons of
Distinction were installed with much Ce
remony.
A sudden Death deprived the Knights
of their second Grand-Master, on the 24th
of March 1780. upon which, His Highness
GEOKGE-CHAIILES-LOUIS, reigning Comte
of Leiningen*Westerbourg, * Lieutenant-
* It is a very remarkable Circumstance, and particu-
cularly worthy of Notice, that in the tenth Century, a
marriage vras solemnised between Hermannus Billung
Duke of Saxony, and Hildegardis of JWesterbourg*
This Prince by the Marriage of his thrice great Grand-
General of infantry in the Seivice of the
united Provinces, and Knight of the Royal-
Order of Merit of Prussia, and of that of
Fidelity of Baden,; was called to the
Grand-Mastership hy the unanimous Voice
of the general Chapter.
The third Grand-Master was pleased to
accept this Dignity; and on the 4-th of
Novhr. 1784- ne took possession thereof,
with the accustomed Formalities.
On the iQth of March 17 87- His High
ness was removed from this transitory
Daughter Wulfhildis^-with Henry the III. surnamed
JV/o-cr, Duke of Bavaria, was one of the immediate
Ancestors of His Britannic Majesty. Hildegardis of
ffesterbourg, his Consort, was of the Family of His
Highness the Grand-Master. It is clearly proved in the
Genealogy of the House of Brunswick; of which the
following is an Extract.
THE LIKE OF BILLUWC.
"Htrmanus Billung, the Sou of Billung, of Stu-
"beckeshom, a Person of great Eminence in Luneburg,
"was created Duke of Saxony on the Elbe, A. D. 960.
-"by the Emperor OTTO I. in reward of the signal ser-
« vices lie had rendered the Emperour. He married
" Hildegardis of Westerlurg, by whom he had two
"Sons and two Daughters, and dying A. D. 973, was
Life, and from the Government of the
Order, to the great Grief of the Knights-
9 Brethren, and His Highness CHARLES-
GUSTAVUS, reigning Comte of Leiningen-
Westerbourg, who had been elected Coad
jutor 011 the 4th of Novbr. 1784, succeeded
to his late most illustrious Father, on the
i6th of May 1787-
It was in 1767. that the first Grand-
Master, and the majority of the constitu
tional Representatives of the Order, were
induced through a principle of devotion,
to suppress the Name of Jonathan, and in
"succeeded by his eldest Son Benno or Bcrnhard I.
"who died A. D. ion, when his eldest Son Bernhard II.
"became JDulie, he married Btfrtrada, Daughter of
"Harold II. King of Norway, and died in 1062.
" Ordulph, his eldest Son, succeeded to the Dutchy,
"and died 1074. ^7 ^*8 nrst VVife Gisela, Daughter
"of Olaus, King of Norway, he had one Son, Magnus,
"who succeeded his Father in 1074, and dying in 1106,
"was the last Duke of the Saxons of this race. By his
"second Wife, Sophia, Daughter of Geysa II. King
"of Hungary, he had a Daughter, Wulfhildis, sole
"Heiress to the DuKedom of Saxony, who was married
"to Henry III. surna*ned Niger t>r the Black, Duke of
"Bavaria as before observed."
See COLLINS^ Peerage Vol. I, pag, 9.
— 38 ~
i
the Place thereof to substitute that of:
IN HONOUR OF THE DIVIDE PROVIDENCE;
of which this Order had till then borne the *
glorious Surname of the Defenders. But it
was not until 1775. that the second
Grand-Master, and the general Chapter,
unanimously thought proper, solemnly to
confirm the same, iri memory of the Day,
rendered auspicious, by the Deliverance of
his late Majesty, STANISJLAUS-AUGUSTUS,
King of Poland, who in 1771* was by the
especial Interposition of Providence, mira
culously rescued from the Hands of those
execrable Assassins, who had conspired
against the Life of the best of Princes, and
of Men. In a word ; Reasons of the utmost
consequence having in a course of Time
(1779 — 1785) rendered a Revision of the
Constitution of this Order, a measure of
indispensable necessity; to the end that
Such Changes, as were suitable to existing
Circumstances, might be made, with regard
to the Statutes thereof: in 1785. a decree of
the general-Chapter was the result of Its
Deliberations: which, renewing and recti
fying the Act of its first Foundation, con-
stituted this Knightly Militia, under the
name of: "the Equestrian, Secular, and
" Chaptered Order of Saint Joachim, the
'•blessed FatJier of the holy Fir gin Mary,
"the Mother of our Lord and Redeemer
"Jesus Christ!" Unfortunately, the sudden
Death of the third Grand-Master, prevented
him from giving a new, solid and salutary
Constitution to the Order, as it had been
resolved upon by himself, and his prede
cessor.
But the Epoch the most interesting to
this Foundation, being reserved for the year
1737. it was not 'till then that it was raised
to so high a degree of perfection, as it has
attained at present; arid that, through the
indefatigable Zeal, and Wisdom of the
fourth Grand-Master, and of those Mem
bers, who composed the General-Chapter
of the Order. His Highness, walking in the
Foot-Steps of his two immediate Prede
cessors, and assisted by the most judicious
Co-operators, was enabled to establish the
truest Principles of Probity and Economy
in the Administration of the Order: and they
spared no possible efforts to avert all pre-
— 4° —
variations, and to render this Institution
useful to the Nobility and Gentry of both
Sexes, by the Establishment of Comrnan-
deries and other benefices, which have been
endowed to that intent.
Although these Benefices, are not at this
juncture, of sufficient importance to merit
much Attention; nevertheless, the Resto
rers of this Chapteral Order, will ever con
sider themselves as sufFicientlyrecompensed
for their painful, but honourable labours
of so many years, if some individuals of
the indigent Nobility, and especially young
Persons, shall obtain a little relief, and
some assistance with respect to their Wants;
and they are encouraged to answer for it,
that magnanimous Persons of opulent Fa
milies (which are fertile in great and good
men, who have the wellfare of mankind
really at Heart) will continue to enlist
themselves under the banner of this Order,
and second by their generous and open
Countenance, an institution, the glorious,
humane, charitable, and virtuous ends of
which, give it a right to pretend to univer
sal Approbation, and to aspire to that flou-
fishing state, which we have reason to
flatter ourselves it will attain, provided
that the Propagation and Prosperity thereof
shall answer the expectations we hitherto
have been authorised to form.
On the i7th of June 1798- the IVth
Grand-Master expired at Paris. So early
as the Month of February 1793. the French
Army, under General Custirie, had taken
possession of all the Slates of His Highness,
-which were situated on the left side of the
Rhine; he was conducted a close prisoner
to Paris, and was, until the hour of his
Death, strictly confined in the Abbey of
Saint-Germain.
In 1787* FEF.DINAND- CHARLES, the
eldest Son of the Grand-Master, last men
tioned, was postulated by the Order as
presumptive Successor to that Dignity:
on the 27th of June 1793. he was unani
mously elected Grand-Master; and on the
7th of Septbr. installed, in a manner
suitable to the then existing State of Cir
cumstances.
During the Regency of the fourth
Grand-Master, the Order was solemnly and
— 42 — :
formally acknowledged and sanctioned by
His Apostolic Majesty LEOPOLD the second,
King of Hungary and Bohemia; and that
only a short time previous to his Election
to the Imperial Dignity. This Event, His
Highness was pleased, to announce to the
Order, by the following Rescript, bearing
date Heiningen August the first 1790.
"You will see by the present, that our
"well beloved Son, CHRISTIAN, has ren-
"dercd an essential Service to our Order,
"in obtaining permission from the Council
" of War, of his Apostolic Majesty, the King
"of Hungary and Bohemia, to wear the
"Badge thereof; this will authorise the
" whole Army to wear the same Distinction ;
"that is to say, such as may be hencefor-
"ward invested therewith. Our Son was
"obliged to transmit the Statutes to the
"Council of War; which was pleased to
"praise, and to approve the same. We are
"happy to Jiave it in our power to make
"you acquainted with so desirable an
"event; and we send you herewith, an
"authentic Copy of the Royal concession."
COPY,
"His Majesty, in consequence of the
"Deliberation of the Council of War,
" bearing date, the twenty third of last
"month, having been most graciously
M pleased to grant to the Sub-Lieutenant
*' Comte deLeiningen, His Hoy al Permission
'< to wear the Cross of the Order of Saint
''Joachim; the Commandant of the Regi-
"ment is therefore charged to give infer-
"mation of the same to the said Sub-
"Lieutenant,"
Signed BENDER,
Comte de Balliet de LATOUR,
HILLE, Secretary,
Jmie the eleventh 1790.
Shortly after his Accession to the Impe
rial Throne, His Majesty, as a mark of his
Princely Affection, was pleased to nominate
the Comte CHRISTIAN deLeiningen to the?
Dignity of Chamberlain of the Imperial
Palace.
This event, (the acknowledgement of
the Order by His Imperial Majesty), was
indeed of a nature so important to the
Order, as to induce His Majesty FREDERIC
— 44 —
WILLIAM the second, late King of Prussia,
to acknowledge it in a similar manner. On
the twenty seventh of April 1791. a Royal
grant was most graciously issued, to the
following effect:
CONCESSION.
In Favour of M. de Croiihclm, Lieute
nant and Adjutant of the Regiment of light
Infantry, by which permission, is granted
him to wear the decoration particularly
appertaining to the Commanders of the
Order of Saint Joachim, in conformity to
the Statutes of that Order.
"His Majesty the King of Prussia, my
" Sovereign, having learnt from M. de Voss,
"Colonel-Commandant of the Regiment
"of light Infantry, that M. de Cronhelm,
"Lieutenant and Adjutant of the said Re-
"giment, was installed at Griinstadt in the
"Empire, as a Knight of the Order of Saint
" Joachim; and that he is at present a Com-
" mander of the said Order, which Dignity,
"may in process of time, be of singular
"Advantage to him: being however obliged
"by the Statutes, to wear the Decorations
"assigned to the Commanders of the said
45
"Order; lie most humbly requests His
" Majesty, to grant 1dm his most gracious
"permission to that effect."
"HisMajesty^ therefore, inconsequence
"of the Resolution taken by his Ministers,
"the twenty fourth of last Month, has
"most graciously granted to the said Lieu-
" tenant de Crorihelm, His Pioyal Permis-
'"sion, "to the end that he may publicly
"wear the Decorations, especially apper-
"tainin0' to a Commander of the said
"chapteral Order of Saint Joachim, in con-
"forrnity to the Statutes thereof; and make
"use of the same, upon all Occasions,
"without hindrance, or molestation; pro-
"mising to Lieutenant de Cronhelm, in
"virtue of the concession issued from his
" Council, to protect and maintain him in
"the enjoyment of this Privilege, so often
" as shall be necessary."
"And thereupon the said M* de Cron*
"helm, and all and every one, whom it
"may concern, must regulate themselves
"conformably to these presents."
"In Witness whereof, the said grant
"was sealed with the Royal Seal, and signed
"by the Ministers of State, and the Chiefs
" of the Department of the Order. Done
"and given at Berlin, the 27th April 1791."
, (L. s.)
By His Majesty's special command
"We, the underwritten, do hereby
"attest, that the present Copy, is in all
"respects conformable to the original; and
"that in consequence of the desire mani
fested to us, we have signed the same,
"•and have caused the Seal of the light
"Infantry-Regiment, to be affixed thereto.
"Done at Mittenwald the 2oth of May
"1791."
"The Council of War of the Regiment
" of light Infantry."
"The Colonel Commandant of the Re-
" giment of light Infantry."
(L.S.) DE Voss.
Schneider, Auditor.
The recognising and sanctioning this
Order, was, on the part of their Imperial
and Prussian Majesties, a measure extre
mely judicious. Knightly Confraternities
— 47 —
of this kind have no other View than to
maintain and protect good Order, and to
strengthen and defend the lawful Power
of the Sovereign; whereas on the contrary^
all popular Societies tend evidently and
absolutely to undermine and destroy the
former, and to intirely eradicate, or com*
pleatly annihilate the latter.
On the Goth of June 1795. the Prince
CZETWERTYNSKI, was invested with the
Ensigns of Grand-Commander.
Since the accession of the Vth Grand*
Master, to the regency of this illustrious
Order, it has, notwithstanding the war
which raged so long in the Empire, con
tinued in a State, highly prosperous and
flourishing. Several Persons of Distinction
have been enrolled as Knights, Comman
ders, and Grand-Commanders: and His
Majesty the reigning King of Prussia, has
solemnly and authentically acknowledged
this equestrian Institution, in the same
form and manner, as was in 1791. practised
by his late Royal Father.
But the event which has stamped an in
delible Mark of Celebrity on the Order, is
— 43 —
the Nomination and Reception of NELSON,
that illustrious Hero of the Age, in Quality
of Grand-Commander, of this equestrian
Militia* Although the Order of Saint
Joachim can boast of Princes of the Houses
of Saxony and Nassau, and of many Nobles
of the oldest, and prime families of the
German Empire, who have been invested
with this Dignity; yet do the Knights of
the present, and so will all those of future
generations, ever consider this as a circum
stance, which to the whole Body, is of the
highest moment and importance. Upon
•that Basis, will henceforward be established,
the everlasting edifice of its Fame and Glory.
On the 1 4th of Septbr. 1301. the general
Chapter thought proper, unanimously, to
confer this Distinction upon Horatio Lord
Viscount NELSON, Duke of Bronte, and the
Chancellor was especially commissioned
to give Orders to the Master of the Cere
monies to the end that it might be offi
cially announced to that Nobleman. This
was done by a letter in date Septbr. the
£9th 1301 , that being the Birth-day of this
great and unrivalled Commanderv In truth
— 49 —
what Day, could, on all accounts, be so
suitable ? It is at once the anniversary Feast-
day of the chief of the angelic Host, and of
the Birth of one of the brightest Ornaments
of the Navy of Great Britain. Did we live
in ages of Roman, or Barbaric Superstition,
such a peculiar combination of Epochas, as
the foregoing, would be considered as pro
phetically Auspicious. Might we be allowed
to compare human exploits, to those which
are divine; or the Efforts of a Mortal, to
those of a Celestial being; how justly could
the Parallel be drawn upon (he present Oc
casion? the liea verily warrior, appears to
have been the scriptural Archetype of the
Hero, who fought for his God — his Country
— and his Sovereign !
The agitations which accompanied the
conclusion of the last war, ha viri£ prevented
the new-elected Grand-Commander from
communicating the Decree of the general
chapter to his liege Sovereign; and from
obtaining the Royal approbation, to accept
and wear the Insignia of the Order; that
illustrious Body was not therefore apprised
of these so much wished for Events, until
D
— 50 —
early in die commencement of the year 1 302.
The approbation of His Britannic Majesty,
and the consequent acceptance of the Con-
, queror of Abouldr, were then formally noti
fied to the Chancellor, as the principal organ
of the General-Chapter; and those notifica
tions were couched in terms the most polite
and the most expressive.
Thus has this Chapteral Order been
amply gratified by the solemn and authentic
recognition of • the King of Great Britain;
and by the reception of a Nobleman, from
whose Name, every Order must acquire a
briJlancy, which, time, the Devourer of all
things, can never efface, or eclipse. On the
second of April i^oa. all the accustomed
formalities, as prescribed by the Statutes,
having been scrupulously observed; and
previously gone through; the Chancellor
presented the usual Diploma to the General-
Chapter, which, by the willing suffrages of
all present, having received the unanimous
Sanction of the Deputies of the different
Classes, was then signed by His Highness
the Grand-Master — countersigned by the
Chancellor — and the £rcat Seal of the. Order
being solemnly affixed thereto; the same
with the appropriate Ensigns was imme
diately transmitted to liora do Lord Viscount
NELSON, a Peer of the united Kino-doms;
and Duke of Bronte, and a Magnat of the
ancient and loyal Kingdom of the two
"Sicilies.
Although the Order is at present under
the administration of a Comte; yet must it
he observed, that he is an independant
Sovereign of the holy Roman Empire; and
who enjoys his seat and suffrage at the Diet
of that venerable Body. Indeed, none other,
save a reigning Sovereign, can, according
to the constitutional laws, be elected to the
Dignity of Grand-Master. His Highness,
who now holds the reins of Government
is in the same Class with, and of equal Rank
to the Houses of Hapsbourg and Nassau.;
previous to their being advanced to the im
perial Dignity: and the Order is in titled to
a distinguished place amongst those which
are chapteral : we mean that of Malta, and
the Teutonic; the former of which is cro-
verned by a Gentleman, chosen from the
Bosom of the Senior Bailiffs; or Grand*
— 52 —
Commanders ; or Grand-Crosses ; of that
Order.
Since its first Institution, Ladies have
been admitted into the Order of Malta: and
that of Saint Joachim, being likewise chap-
teral, the same Principle has been adopted,
with respect to its general Organisation.
It is at present composed of His Highness
the Grand-Master; of His Excellency the
Grand-Prior; of thirteen Grand-Comman
ders; (all Persons of the first Distinction)
of seventeen Commanders; and forty four
immediate Knights ; who are men invested
with honourable Employments — who by
Birth, are Noblemen, or Gentlemen — and
whose lives and conduct are highly irre
proachable. There are two young Noble
men, who are Expectants: one Lady Grand-
Cross: nine Ladies of the small Cross : and
nine Gentlemen, Members, ad Honores.
Of the Constitution of the Order,
and of the Qualities necessary
to be admitted therein.
This secular and equestrian Order has
always one Grand-Master, elected for life:
the other Members, are Persons of both
Sexes, and are classed as follows:
A) The Male in
Grand-Commanders ; Commanders ;
Knights - imm edia te ; or junior
Knights; and Expectants;
B) The Female in
Ladies-Grand-Crosses; Ladies wear
ing the small Cross; and Ladies
Expectants.
The Members of this secular and eques
trian Order, are not limited to any certain
or fixed number. Birth and Virtue open the
road to all Gentlemen : and it depends upon
every one to be admitted as a Grand-Com-
mander; as a Commander; or as a Knight,
only; according to their option. The Sons
of Noblemen, and Gentlemen, can be ma
triculated as Expectants, as soon as they
are born; and so on to the Age of nineteen.
— 54 —
By that means, they have the hopes to ob
tain a Commandery so much the sooner.
They have likewise an advancement with
respect to the Stipendiwn, and they continue
advancing in Rank, witttrespect to the Order.
But, as soon as an Expectant has reached
the 2oth year of his Age, and possesses all
the Qualities which entitle him to his ad
mission, then he will be knighted, and re
ceive the Cross.
Princes, and the Sons of reigning Grand-
Masters, have the same right, with this
difference: viz. if they think proper to pos
tulate the Cross immediately, they can have
it asKnights; Commanders; or Grand-Com
manders; but, it must be observed, that
this grace is accorded without prejudice to
the Seniority of the older Expectants, or
Knights, who cannot thereby be deprived
of their rights to a Commandery.
Only those who are really of hereditary
Nobility, and gentry bearing Coats of Arms,
can ever be admitted, as Knights; Com
manders; or Grand -Commanders. The
Counsellor of the Order forms the only ex
ception. He being chosen as having studied
the Laws; and as such being obliged to
superintend the observance of them in every
respect; it therefore follows, that it is not
necessary he should be a Nobleman. But,
he must have the Title of Counsellor to the
reigning Grand-Master; and remains a
Knight, only, without being capable of be
coming a Commander; or a Grand-Com
mander.
In the military line, only those who
have the rank of superior Officers, can be
made Knights; or Commanders; and only
those who have the rank of a Field-Officer,
can be admitted as Grand-Commanders. In
the civil rank, no one can be invested with
the Ensigns of Knighthood, unless he is
advanced beyond the Age of a Scholar, or a
Student. Those only can be admitted as
Commanders; or as Grand-Commanders;
•who have employments at Courts; res
pectable and first rate-Offices under Govern
ments; or the rank of actual-privy-Coun-
sellor of state: notwithstanding this Res
triction, nothing can exclude from the Com-
manderies attached to the Knights-Com
manders, and Knights-Grand-Commanders,
— 50 —
those, who in their Turns, become entitled
to such Benefices.
Those who are incapable of being ad
mitted or received as Knights etc. etc. of
this equestrian Chapteral and secular Order,
are as follows;
Such as are accused of blasphemy ; such
as are guilty of high-treason; rebellion:
or felony to their Sovereign. Those who
desert their Service in time oF war; or are
cashiered with Ignominy. Those who have
acted contrary to every principle of duty,
conscience and honour.
The Badge, appertaining to the Knights,
Commanders, and Grand-Commanders, con^
sists of a gold Cross with eight points, the
whole enamelled in white. In the middle,
and on both sides, is a laurel Crown ena
melled on a flat Circle. Upon the fore side,
is the figure of Saint Joachim in a green
dress, with a white sash round the Body;
from his left Shoulder is suspended a wrhite
scrip, and, upon his Head, he wears a green
cap, according to the oriental Fashion. In
his left hand is a Shepherd's Crook. Upon
the reverse is a green Cross-patte'e* This
— 57 —
Cross hangs by a large gold Ring from a
knightly helmet of massy Gold, and is worn
suspended from a dark green watered
Ribbon.
The Grand-Master wears over the Coat,
from the right Shoulder to the left side, a
Ribbon of the breadth of the hand: to the
loop of which is attached the Grand-Cross.
He likewise wears a Star upon his Coat,
such, as will be mentioned hereafter.
The secular Grand-Commanders, wear
the same cross suspended from the same
Ribbon, and over the coat likewise. The
Grand-rConimanders, who are l^cclesiastics,
•wear the same cross suspended from the
same Ribbon; but it is worn en Sautoir; or
about the Neck. All the Grand-Comman*
ders, seculars and ecclesiastics, wear a Star
upon their coat, similar to that of the Grand-
faster.
The cross assigned to the class of the
Commanders, is likewise similar to the one
worn by the Grand-Master, and the Grand'
Commanders, Seculars, as well as Eccle*
siaslics; but it is something smaller. It is
worn en Sautoir, and is suspended from 3
— 58 —
Ribbon of the breadth of three finders. All
the Commanders, Seculars and Ecclesiastics
wear a Siar upon their coats; of which a
Description will be given.
The Knights wear the small cross
attached to a Ribbon, nearly equal in breadth
to that worn by the Commanders. It is
worn suspended from the Neck; but, they
have not the Silver Star embroidered upon
the coat, as have the Commanders.
The Grand-Master, and the Grand-Com
manders, wear upon the left breast of their
coats, a Star of eight points embroidered
in Silver; in the middle, on a white satin
ground, is embroidered a green cross-pa tte'e
surrounded with a laurel Crown : around all
which; upon a border of dark green Velvet;
is embroidered the Motto, JUIVXIT AMICUS
AMOR, in letters of Gold. The whole is
terminated with the elate of the creation,
1755. in figures of Gold.
The Commanders, wear on the left
Breast of their coats, a Star of Silver, bear
ing eight points. It is of the dimensions of
three inches taken from the Diameter of the
— 59
circle; which circle is ornamented with a
green cross-patte'e.
Excepting on occasions of Solemnity,
those who are secular Grand-Commanders ;
or are superior Officers; or who enjoy a
Commandery; are free to wear, ad libitum,
the Decorations of Knights, or Comman
ders: and so they can appear in the ordi
nary Assemblies. In like manner, it is per
mitted to all and every ecclesiastical and
secular Grand-Commander ; although not in
possession of a Commandery; to wear, ad
libitum, the Decorations of Knights, or
Commanders. Finally, it is permitted to all,
the Knights; Commanders; and Grand-
Commanders, to wear the cross of Knight
only, pendant from a Ribbon two fingers
broad, and attached from the second to
the third button hole of their coat; save
when they assist at the Assemblies of the
Order.
The Expectants wear the Fdbbon (of the
breadth of two fingers) so disposed that it
passes from the second to the third button
hole of the coat. It is formed into a Knot,
— Go
on which is embroidered in Silver the
Words, CRESCAM, UTPPLOSIM!
All the Knights are constantly obliged
to wear some Badge, and tliat, in an osten
sible manner. In case they do not, they will
be fined for such omission. The first time,
the Fine will amount to one Ducat*; and the
second, to two Ducats; which will be appro
priated to the Order, ad pios usus, and by
neglecting more and more, to appear with
the Insignia, such omission shall be for
mally and officially reported to the Order;
and the refractory Member, shall be deprived
of his Dignity. The Knights, Commanders,
and Grand-Commanders, are obliged, ac
cording to their respective ranks, to add to
their Seals and other armorial bearings, the
Insignia of the Order.
The Uniform worn by the Grand-Master,
consists of a Waist-coat and small cloaths
of superfine white cloth ; the coat is of
superfine Scarlet-cloth, lined with white ;
the cuffs and collar, are of dark green Vel
vet; the buttons are white; and thereupon,
a green cross-patte'e is engraved, according
to the rules of Blazonry.
— 61 —
„ The coat is distinguished with two sil
ver Epaulettes embroidered, and adorned
with a green cross-patte'e. The Grand-
Master has four such crosses, upon each
Epaulette; the Grand-Commanders, three;
the Commanders, two; and the Knights,
one. The Sword is decorated with a Knot
of green and Silver. The Grand-Master
wears his Hat bordered with a point
D'Espagne of Silver, and adorned with a
•white Feather. During the Assembly of the
general Chapter, and on all days of Solem
nity, the Grand-Master, the principal Mem
bers of the Chapter, and such Knights as
then reside at the Court of the Grand-Master,
appear in Boots and Spurs, and carry a Cane,
a la Militaire; and, in their Hats, which
are plain, they wear a green Cockade, and
likewise an Aigrette, or plume of green
and white Feathers.
When at the Residence of the Grand-
Master, all the Knights are obliged to appeal-
constantly with the Uniform ; and each
Knight, wheresoever he may be, is in duty
bound to wear it as much as possible.
Nevertheless, all who appertain to the eccle-
siastical body; and those who are still
attached to the military Service; are exempt
ed from, such regulation. To the latter, it
is not even permitted to appear otherwise at
the general chapter of the Order, than with
the Uniform of their respective Corps. Tha
Aspirants to the Order may wear the Uni
form; save with this difference: the two
Silver Epaulettes must not be embroidered,
nor ornamented with the green Cross.
This secular and equestrian Order has
established a particular Class to distinguish
the noble, virtuous, and meritorious actions
of Persons of every rank: it is denominated
THE CLASS OF HONORARY MEMBERS. In
which can be admitted Persons who are of
the civil ranks of Society; and who are
justl/ distinguished for their merit and
learning. They have no right however to
expect any advancement to the Dignity of
Knight; Commander; or Grand-Commander;
nor to obtain a Commaiidery.
These Members of Honour wear a cross
which is nearly like to that worn by the
Knights : it is ^ inch in length, and is worn
at the button hole of the waist-coat, pen-
dant from a Ribbon of the breadth of two
fingers. But, it is not surmounted with an
Helmet; nor are the laurel crowns on
the circular parts. Both the attributes of
the Order, which are on each circular part,
are surrounded with a green bordering; on
one side, is the inscription, NOBIJLI, and
upon the other, CORDI.
Of the Reception and investiture of
the Members of the Order.
All those who desire to be received,
or to be inscribed, as .Expectants, in this
equestrian Order, must nominate a Spon
sor, who is either a Grand-Commander; a
Commander; or a Knight thereof; and who
shall present him to the Grand-Master.
Unless this formality is duly observed, no
one is, or shall be admitted therein.
The Sponsor undersigns the Petition,
by which the Postulant requests permission
of the Grand-Master, to be allowed to pro
duce his Proofs, ad rem: and likewise
— C4 -
therein announces the place of his Birth,
and of his actual residence.
The Grand-Master, in the ordinary
Chapter, then accords such permission to
the Postulant; on condition that he shall
produce the proofs of his Nobility; or of
his extraction as a Gentleman ; before the
nearest prefecture, which shall be esta
blished in the Neighbourhood of the Postu
lant.
The Prefecture, sends these Proofs to
the ordinary Chapter; to which it adds its
conscientious Advice, and opinion, there
upon. To this, the Chancellor annexes the
report of the Master of the Ceremonies, and
of the Herald: and presents the said In
strument to the ordinary Chapter, with his
opinion.
All Memorials, and justificative Proofs;
being first duly and scrupulously examined
in the ordinary Chapter ; the reception is
granted, or rejected, according to the plu
rality of the Voices of such Members as are
present.
Each Postulant must give in his genea
logical table, accompanied with his Chris-
— G5 —
tian and family Name; and with the Arms
of the family emblazoned, according to the
laws of Heraldry. It is only necessary,
however, that this Extraction, and descent
as a Gentleman, shall be proved on the side
of the Father, since the Proofs indispen
sable towards his admission originate by
no means with the Mother; except, so far
as regards the legitimacy of birth, in the
state of lawful wedlock; This £renealo°ical
O t-
table is meant to .prove, in a concise and
summary manner, the different degrees of
descent and filiation; accordingly as they
are therein specified. It must be accom
panied with a certificate respecting the cha
racter and reputation of the Postulant;
which is certified and signed fry three Gent
lemen who are established, or who are in
Offices of Responsability. This Instrument
must be, sub vidi Nobilij and with the Seals
of the Arms of the Witnesses annexed
thereto. It must likewise be authentically
legalised before the Magistrate of the place
Where it is executed: or, by the represen
tatives of some equestrian, or gentlemanly
body; to which the Postulant may belong:
E
— CG —
to the end, that full and certain belief, may
be, judicially, and extra-) udiciaiiy, given
to the same. With respect to the admission
into this Order, all certificates and acts
executed by Notaries, are intirely excluded.
In case the Postulant, or his Parents,
have lately received a grant of hereditary
Nobility, he is bound to produce the origi
nal Diploma, or a Copy, certified and lega
lised in due form. Likewise the lineal
Descent and conjugal filiation, must be
proved, as in the foregoing Article.
Parents, or Guardians, who desire to
have their Children, or Pupils, inscribed as
Expectants, undersign the Petition to that
effect, which is to be presented to the Grand-
Master. The Baptismal certificate is annex
ed thereto : and it is therein expressed, that
it is the Pastor of the Parish, ipso facto,
who gives it. This certificate must be duly
legalised, ab Ordinario loci; to the end that
full and certain belief, may be, judicially
and extra-judicially, given to the same.
Over and above all this, no Expectant shall
be created a Knight, untill he has strictly
fulfilled all the Obligations which are pre
scribed by the Statutes.
- 67 —
Those who shall be received as Mem
bers, ad Honores, must produce their Bap
tismal certificate, in the same forma pro-
haute; and moreover, an attestation signed
and sealed by three Knights of the Order,
proving the lawful and conjugal Birth of
the Persons to be received; that they are
esteemed, pro ingenuis; and, that no ob
jection can be made against their manners,
and good calling.
All these proofs, nevertheless, do not
by any means give an undoubted and in
disputable right to be received as a Knight
of this Order. On the contrary, the Order
most absolutely reserves to itself the choice
of the Postulant: insomuch that the recep
tion depends iritirely upon the free Will of
the Grand-Master, and the ordinary Chapter.
Upon receiving an assurance, in due
form, that the reception is granted, a day-
is fixed for the investiture. All the Knights
of the Order, present, assemble in a body ;
they pay their Respects to the Grand-Master
and accompany him to the Chapter-Hall,
in the following Order,
The Herald opens the Procession.
The Knights.
The Commanders
The Grand-Commanders.
The six Deputies of the Order, two
and two.
The highest Secular Chief-Capitular
(present) with the Book of the
Statutes*
The other Secular Chief-Capitulars,
two and two.
The highest ecclesiastical Chief-Capi
tular, (present) carries the holy
Bible.
The other ecclesiastical Chief-Capi
tulars, two and two; next comes
The Postulant; on his right hand-side
walks the Master of the Ceremo
nies, bearing the Sword of State.
The Grand-Master alone.
The Coadjutor, and Grand-Prior; if
they be present.
The Chancellor, and the Treasurer.
When the Grand-Master has taken his
place, and is seated upon the Chair of State,
under the Canopy, the Chancellor andTrea-
- 69 -
surer take their places; the one on his right
hand, and the other on the left. The Books
of the laws are laid upon the table, which
stands on the right hand. Each Person
present, takes his proper place; t\vo
Knights covered, and holding their Swords
drawn, stand, the one on the right hand,
the other on the left, of the Grand-Master;
but at some distance from the Chancellor
and Treasurer. And, in the same manner,
two others stand, one on each side the Door
of the chapter-Hall, and withinside. Here
upon the Herald receives the Sword of
State from the Hands of the Master of the
Ceremonies, and remains with it by the
side of the Grand-Master. Meanwhile the
Master of the Ceremonies conducts the
Postulant to a Station opposite to the
Grand-Master; but at some little distance.
After the Chancellor has pronounced a
Speech relative to the Duties of the Order;
and after the Veni Creator is chanted to
the sound of Instrumental-Music; the
Master of the Ceremonies conducts the
Postulant into a particular Room, and once
more recommends to him the fulfilling the
Duties of the Order; and that he shall
earnestly resolve so to do ; and henceforwa id,
remain faithful and adhere to the obser
vance thereof. This done, the Postulant is
habited with the Uniform, and is recon-
duoted to the Grand-Master; who, during
the ceremony, is surrounded by all the
ecclesiastical and secular Officers, accord
ing to their respective ranks. After the
Postulant has answered this Question of
the Grand-Master: "If it be his free Will,
"and earnest desire to be admitted into
"this secular, chapteral, and equestrian Or-
"der of Saint Joachim; and to take part in
"fulfilling the duties and obligations which
"form the Basis thereof; to the honour of
"God, and for the benefit of mankind ?"
With — YES! — the two senior Chief-Capitu
lars bring, the ecclesiastical one the Bible;
which he lays on the Knees of the Grand-
Master; arid the secular one, the book of
the Statutes; which he presents to the Chan
cellor, and delivers to him. The Postulant
then kneels on both Knees at the Foot of
the Chair of State; and laying his three fore
fingers of the right hand upon this Passage
of the Gospel of St. John , " in the beginning
was the word etc." — he repeals, word for
word, the oath, which the Chancellor pro
nounces. Thereupon, all the secular
Knights put on their hats, and drawing
their Swords, remain in one posture, until
the ceremony of investiture is intirely con
cluded. The Oath being taken; the Bible,
and the Statutes, are again placed on the
table.
Then the Grand -Master rises from the
chair of State, and the postulant Kneeling,
receives from him the customary stroke of
Knighthood, with the Sword of State; this
done, the Grand-Master raises him, mating
use of the following form of words:
" A Knight is a free man and no Servant;
" therefore he must bend himself only
"before the law; but otherwise, he must
"be Master over himself and his Passion."
When girding the Sword about him ;
the Grand-Master says to him:
"Weapon and Arms are given to a
" KnMit to fi^ht for God and Religion ; to
<*7? o *-•
"defend the Person of the Sovereign , and
"his State ; and even to sacrifice his Body
"Life, Blood, and fortune for their Service:
r
"to protect the honour of the Order; and
"in case of need, his Brethren and Sisters
"likewise.; on that account shall a Knight
"embellish himself with this Ornament,
"which is the noblest and most worthy!"
Whilst the Spurs are putting on ; which
is performed by the two junior Knights;
the Grand-Master says;
"A Knight shall feel in himself the
" calling, and shall not want any encourage-
"nient to succour the poor and needy, the
"Widow and the Fatherless! lie shall be
"ever disposed to do good, in such wise
* that his right hand Knoweth not what his
"left hand giveth!"
When the Gloves are presented to him,
the Grand-Master says;
"So clean and white as they are; shall
. 4<be the conscience of a Knight, and each
" of his Actions,"
Whilst the Grand-Master suspends the
Cross (which Badge, the Treasurer presents
to him), around the Neck of the new made
Knight, He says to him;
" This Cross is received by a Knight of
/ o
" Saint Joachim, as the Sign which elevates
"him to the rank, and intitles him to the
"Alliance and Friendship of his Brethren;
Mtake it meritoriously; and wear it all your
4 'life worthily, to the glory of God ; to the
"splendor of the Order; arid, to the especial
M honour of yourself!"
Upon putting on the Hat, the Grand-
Mas lev pronounces the following Words:
" Concord and good intelligence are the
"surest promoters of general happiness.;
"the foundation stones of prosperity ; and,
<( the only means by which this Order can
" attain the ends for which it is established 1 "
Lastly— The Grand -Master gives the"
Kiss of Peace to the new made Knight,
with these Words :
°Love and Peace be with us!"
After the Te deuin laudamus is chanted
to the sound of Trumpets and martial Music ;
the Master of the ceremonies; the Grand-
Officers > and all the Knights ; who are
present; embrace the new made Knight;
each one according to his respective rank.
In case the Day destined for holding the
general chapter should take place on the
— 74 —
Day of the investiture; then, so soon as
the ceremony is over ; the new Knight ;
and all those who have not seat and voice,
shall retire : but when the Session is over,
they are immediately reconducted to the
Chapter -Hall, by the Master of the cere
monies. A procession is thereupon formed
to the banquet Hall; which is opened by
the Master of the ceremonies, carrying the
Sword of State, before the Grand-Master.
The new made Knight follows him; after
wards come all the other Members present,
two and two, according to their respective
rank: lastly — the Chancellor and the Trea
surer, close the procession. On the Day of
investiture, the new made Knight enjoys
the ranli immediately after theGrand-Master.
Accordingly as circumstances, with
respect to religion, may malie it necessary;
theGrand-Master possesses a discretionary
power to perform the ceremony, in the
chapel of the Order; in which case it is
the Duty of the Master of the ceremonies
to regulate all matters relative thereto; in
a manner consistent with the functions of
divine Worship.
— 75 —
In case a Knight is to be received who
lives at some Distance from the place of
the chief Residence of the Order; the Grand-
Master delegates the Power of granting the
investiture, to the Senior, and most honour
able Members, (who live in the neighbour
hood) and they take care that the Solemnity
is performed in the most proper manner.
When even this, from circumstances, is
totally impracticable; then, all deficiencies,
with regard to the above formalities, are
compleatly remedied, and supplied, by
means of the most ample letters-patent.
The reception of a Member, ad honorcs,
is performed in the cabinet of the Grand-
Master, in presence of the Chancellor; the
Treasurer ; the Master of the ceremonies ; and
a certain number of Knights. After the
Grand-Master has proposed this question
to the Candidate,
"If it be his free and earnest will to be
" admitted as an honorary Member of the
"order of St. Joachim; and to employ his
" means in future, to the glory of God, to
44 the prosperity of the Order, arid to the
"good of mankind?" He answers Yes!
— 76 —
takes the Oatli Kneeling; and receives from
the Grand-Master the Insignia: But, on this
occasion the stroke of Knighthood is omitted.
Each Member of the Order, after he has
taken the oath personally must deliver in
the same in writing. It must be in his own
hand writing; signed with his own hand;
sealed with his family Seal; and delivered
to the Chancellor, who deposits it in the
Archives.
Respecting the Class of Ladies of the
Order; of the Proofs required for
their Reception ; of the Insignia
appertaining to this Class ; of the
Solemnities observed on their Re
ception ; and, of their respective
Duties,
With Regard to the fair Sex, this Chap-
teral Institution is not limited to any certain
Number. Noble Birth, and good Extraction ;
as being descended from a Gentleman ; or
the being married to a Gentleman, whose
Eirth and Conduct are unexceptionable;
— 77 —
in titles every Lady, or Dowager of a Gen tie-
man; and every young unmarried Lady;
to be received. — They are distinguished in
the following Manner*
Ladies - Grand - Crosses ;
Ladies wearing the small Cross; and
Ladies -Novices. — -
Thus, they are classed in the Hegister; and
take Rank accordingly; deriving from their
Dignities such Benefits arid Advantages as
are particularly attached thereto.
Each Noble Lady; Gentlewoman; or Wi
dow ; can be immediately received as a Lady-*
Grand-Cross ; or she can be received as a
Lady wearing the small-Cross, until she is
in possession of a Commandery. — But so
soon as she is in the immediate possession
of that Dignity, she is obliged to be received
as a Lady-Grand-Cross.
A young Lady must be at least sixteen
years of Age before she can be admitted to
the Honour of receiving the small * Cross >
and cannot be invested with the Dignity oi
Lady-Grand-Cros until she enjoys a Com-
mandery. — But should a young Lady be
betrothed to a Gentleman, in that case, she
— 73 —
can Petition the Grand -Master to be ad
mitted as a Lady-Grand-Cross; and after
receiving the Diploma, can assume the in
signia of a Lady-Grand-Cross, on her wed*
ding day.
Princesses, and the Daughters of reign
ing families, can receive the Insignia, as
Ladies-Grand-Crosses, so soon as they are
baptized: nevertheless, such reception can
in no wise prejudice the rights and claims
of the older Members, with respect to the
Commanderies attached to this class.
Every Gentleman has a power to pro-
cure for his Daughter, (even in her tender
youth,) a right to a Commanclery, and as
making a part of her future Dowry, he can
have her inscribed, or matriculated, as a No
vice, as soon as she is born ; and until she is
in the sixteenth year of her Age. From that
period, she will regularly advance to the
enjoyment of a Commandery, according to
her turn; and without interruption.
So soon as the sixteen years are accom
plished, the Lady-Novice must be formally
received and admitted to the honours of the
small Cross, otherwise she will lose her
claims to a Commandery.
— 79 — :_
A young Lady, wearing the small 'Cross,
and who marries a Man who possesses not
hereditary Nobility; or who is not strictly
speaking a Gentleman; does riot thereby
deprive herself of her right to a Cornman-
clery. But, she cannot attain to the rank of
Lady-Grand-Cross, previous to her being in
the actual possession of a Commandery.
Until she is invested therewith, she must
continue to \vear the Insignia of a Lady of
the Order; unless her Husband be created a
Nobleman; or procure some employment,
which intitlcs him to the rank of a Gentle
man.
As personal Virtue; hereditary Nobility;
and gentility of descent, or Extraction; in-
title Ladies to be admitted into this eques
trian foundation, and chapteral Order; so,
en the contrary; a vicious Life; corrupted
Morals; and disorderly Manners; are an in
superable Bar. All those are formally and
absolutely excluded, whose conversation,
life, and manners, are repugnant to the
principles Jof Religion, Morality, and female
Honour. When on such accounts, a Lady is
denounced to the Order, by a Knight there-
— so —
of, as having insinuated herself therein;
(although her Life and Conduct are such, as
render her unworthy of being received;)
then the Right appertains to the Grand-
Master, and to the general-Chapter, to de
grade so unworthy a Person ; and to deprive
her of the Insignia; and that, without even
being obliged to name the accuser — Never
theless, the Person so degraded, has a Plight
to examine the Protocol of the general*
Chapter, to the end that she may exhibit her
Defence. — Thereupon, the Counsellor of
justice is obliged to plead her cause, and
that in the Manner the most advantageous
for her Reputation and Honour. — Should
it however be proved that such a Lady is
really innocent; in that case, the denouncer
shall be named, and as a Calumniating Bro*
ther, shall be degraded, from the Order; and
expelled from its Bosom. — To Accusations
preferred, or denunciations made by anony
mous Persons ; by such as are guided by
Malice, or credulity ; and who are not
Knights of this Order, no Attention will be
given. — They shall, in loto, be deemed false;
scandalous; and ill founded; and treated
as such.
,^— ,, O i
O *
C5; As Lliis .equestrian, secular and ch apteral
Order has chosen the holy Joachim as a
Model for Imitation; and as an Example
whose virtues are ever worthy the Imitation
of all good Men ; so is it the particular
Duty of the Ladies to regard the Piety, the
Resignation* the Patience, and the peaceable
domestic Virtues^ of the holy Anna, his
Spouse, (the Mother of the blessed Virgin
Mary) as patterns worthy their especial
Imitation. Moreover, the Ladies who are
received, are obliged to observe the Practice
of all the Duties which are specified with
respect to the Knights: that is to say, so
Far, as is consistent with the difference of
Sexes; They must endeavour to distinguish
themselves, above other Women, by the
Practice of every moral and social Virtue:
and must conscientiously fulfil the Duties
attached JO their Sex; and which especially
appertain unto them, as Wives, Mothers,
and Mistresses of Families, Inviolable
Fidelity in the Marriage State: Tenderness
and carefulness, with Regard to the Persons
and Education of their Children : Mildness
and Beneficence towards their Inferiors and
F
— 82 —
Servants: and, Charity and Generosity
towards the Poor arid Needy, the Widow
and the fatherless, ought ever to be the
cardinal points of the Compass of Life,
by which they must steer their Conduct;
and regulate the whole of their Lives and
Actions. Moreover, they are obliged to take
the three following Vows.
j) As well in the single as in the married
State, they shall educate Children as
true Mothers ought to do: that is to
say, such as are intrusted to their
care, in the first Instance; and such
as are their own, in the second. They
must endeavour to make them useful
Members of the State to which they
belong; and must further and pro
mote the Education of other young
people.
3) Each Lady of the Order, must distin
guish herself, with respect to her
Apparel, by wearing none but ho
norable and decent Dresses.
3) Each Lady of the Order, must avoid
Playing at Games of Hasard; and
never play deep upon any Occasion;
85 ~~~"-
since gaming has but too often been;
and sti'l too frequently is, the Rum
of many Families.
To the fair Sex, who are received into
this illustrious, equestrian, secular and
chapteral Institution, are assigned the same
Insignia as those which are attributed to,
and worn by the Knights: save, that in the
Place of the golden Helmet, the Cross is
surmounted with a golden Death's Head,
placed upon two Gross bones. This Emblem
is meant to point out to the Ladies the Fra
gility of human Beauty: to make them
never lose Sight of their latter End: and,,
as a reflecting mirrour; whenever they look
thereupon; to show that the Christian
and moral Virtues are far superior to all
external Charms; and are in Reality the
only Basis on which can be built, true
Felicity in this World; and a happy Eter
nity in the one which is to come.
The Ladies-Grand-Crosses wear the
Cross attached to a Ribbon of the Breadth
of three Fingers; of the same Colour- as
that worn by the Knights. It is worn round
the Shoulders in such a Manner, that the
— 84 —
Cross is pendant on the Middle of the
Breast: and, upon the left Breast is worn
the silver Star, in the same Manner as by
the Grand-Commanders. The Ladies, wear
the small Cross attached to a Ribbon of the
Breadth of two Fingers; and it is arranged
with a Knot and Loop so as to be worn
upon the left Breast. The Ladies-Novices
wear upon the left Breast, a Knot of Fdbbon,
upon which is embroidered in Silver, the
Word , Vm TUT i !
The Ladies-Grand-Crosses, and the La
dies of the Order, are obliged constantly,
to wear the Insignia. In Case of Non-Per
formance, they are liable to the same Pu
nishments, and Forfeitures, as those to
which, in similar Cases, the Knights are
exposed. On such Days, however, as are not
considered as Days of Ceremony; or, are
not especially observed, as being conse
crated to the Solemnities and Festivals of
the Order; it is permitted to the Ladies-
Grand-Crosses, and to the Ladies of the
small Cross, to wear the Insignia of the
Ladies-Novices; but the latter can wear
their distinctive Badge, when in full Dress
— 85 —
only. On the soth of June, and on the /j.th
of November, as likewise on all the Feast-
Days of the Order, all such Ladies, as are
decorated therewith, in case they present
themselves, or appear at the Court of the
Grand-Master, must be dressed in black
Silk; and the unmarried, in white; made
up after the Mode of the Country : on other
Occasions the Dress and Colour depend
upon themselves, iutirely.
Each Noble Lady, or Gentlewoman,
who desires to he received into this illus
trious Institution, must chuse herself a
Sponsor, or Curator, either a Knight, Com
mander, or a Grand-Commander, who is
obliged, without delay, to present her Pe
tition to the Grand-Master. He must then
present to the ordinary Chapter, the Proofs
of her Nobility and virtuous Life; which
must he attested by three Nobles, or Gent
lemen: and he must take care that every
point relative to the future Reception, shall
be duly observed, as in the Case of those
who are received as Knights thereof. When
the Reception is accorded, and the Lady is
in the Neighbourhood of the' Grand-Master,
then are the follo\ving Ceremonies of In
vestiture, observed upon such Occasions.
The Lady appears in a bUck Silk Dress, if
she is married,, or a Widow, and in a white
one, in case she is unmarried ; bheis assisted
by two Ladies, or Ladies-Grand-Crosses of
the Order; and likewise by her Sponsor, or
Curator; and, is conducted by the Master
of the Ceremonies into the Chapter-Hal J,
where she takes place immediately opposite
to the Grand-Master. Thereupon, the Chan
cellor, in a short Speech, announces the
Duties and Obligations of the Order; and
-when the Lady has answered the following
o
Question,
"If it be her true and earnest Desire
"to be received into the illustrious
"chapteral Institution of St. Joachim;
"and to take part in the fulfilling the
"Duties thereof, to the Glory of God,
"to the Honour of herself, and to the
"Benefit of Society!"
with — Yes! — then must she take the Oath
of the Order, according to the usual For
mulary; and whilst so doing, she must lay
the three fore Fingers of her right Hand,
— 37 —
upon the left Breast; and afterwards deliver
the same in writing. This Instrument must
be executed in the same Manner as is
prescribed in Cases of the Reception of the
Knights of the Order. It must be under
signed by her Sponsor and Curator; and,
finally be delivered to the Chancellor, who
deposits it in the Archives. This done, the
Grand-Master invests her with the Insignia;
in doing which he is assisted by the two
Ladies Assistants. The Grand-Master says
to her:
44 This Cross is received by a Lady of
"the Order of Saint Joachim, as the
"Sian which elevates her to the Rank,
o
"and intitles her to the Alliance and
"Friendship of her Brethren, andSister-
"hood; and as a Proof that she has
"bound herself to pay due Obedience
"to the Statutes thereof. Take it meri-
"toriously, and wear it all your Life
"worthily, to the Glory of God! to
" the Splendour of the Order! and, to
"the Honour of yourself !"
Instead of receiving the Accolade; as is
usually conferred upon each Knight, on the
— 88 —
Conclusion of the Ceremony of lUs Re
ception - the new-elected Lady presents her
right Hand to the Grand-Master; and suc
cessively to the Chief-Capitulars, then pre
sent. When a Lady is received, who resides
at too great Distance from the Place of lie-*
sidence of the Grand-Master; the same Ce^
re-monies are observed, as in Cases of Inves-*
tit lire of Knights non-present.
Persons of the fair Sex, although not
distinguished by hereditary Nobility, or
genteel Extraction; but who distinguish
themselves by a virtuous conduct, and by
Nobility of Heart; are intitled to receive
this Order, as a Kecompence of Honour
conferred upon Actions of Merit. To that
Intent, a particular Class is founded, which
is denominated
The Class of Honorary Relatives of
the Order ;
No unmarried Person can be received
into this Class. Such Persons only are in-
titled to be invested with this Distinction,
as are married to a Man in Possession of
hereditary Nobility; or, to a Gentleman:
— 89 -~
or, to a Person who exercises some public
and honourable Employment; or, whose
true Nobleness of Heart; severe Virtue;
Liberality to the Poor; Knowledge and
Practice of domestic Oeconomy; and Zeal
for the Education of Youth; render them
worthy, arid capable of receiving this ho
nourable Distinction.
Such Honorary Relatives, must content
themselves with the Rank especially assigned
to them. Unless married to a Gentleman ;
or unless their Fathers, or Husbands receive
a Grant of hereditary Nobility; or are in
vested with such Oflices as are deemed
equivalent thereto; they never can be ad
vanced to the Dignity of Lady; or Lady-
Grand-Cross. But, should such Events, as
the foremen tioried take place; then, in Case
they think proper to spllicit such advan-<
cement; it will be assuredly accorded to
them. The Insignia, worn by such Persons,
are the same as those assigned to those of
o ,
the Male Sex, who are received ad Honores;
and are worn, attached to the Ribbon of
the Order, and affixed upon the left Breast.
Their Reception is performed in the same
90
Manner, as is exemplified respecting the
Male Sex; or, accordingly as may be or
dained by the ordinary Chapter.
The Fees of Honour ordained by the
general Chapter of the most
illustrious Equestrian Order of
Saint Joachim, to be paid to the
Chancery, by those who shall be
received Knights - Companions ;
upon their Reception therein;
are thus regulated <.
'Till December the 3ist 1300. every
Postulant who shall have exhibited the
Proofs required by the Statutes, shall be
received upon paying the Fees of Honour,
in the following Proportions.
Species-Ducats,
i) The Grand-Master pays as Fees
of Honour to the Chancery, the
Sum of 452
c) The Coadjutor, pays as Fees of
Honour to the Chancery, the Sum
of 452
Species-Ducats.
3) A Grand-Commander, pays as
Fees of Honour to the Chancery,
the Sum of 226
4) A Commander, pays as Fees of
Honour to the Chancery, the Sum
of 164
5) A Knight, pays as Fees of Honour
to the Chancery, the Sum of . . 32
6) An Expectant, pays as Fees of
Honour to the Chancery, the Sum
of 50
7) A Lady Grand-Cross, pays as Fees
of Honour to the Chancery, the
Sum of 140
5) A Lady honoured with the small
Cross, pays as Fees of Honour to
the Chancery, the Sum of ... 30
9) A Lady Expectant, pays as Fees
of Honour to the Chancery, the
Sum of 50
10) An honorary Member of the Male
Sex, pays as Fees of Honour to
the Chancery, the Sum of . . 50
11) An honorary Member of the Fe
male Sex, pays the same ... 50
— 92 ~
From January the first 1301. no one can
be admitted into the Order upon paying
the Fees specified in the above Statement j
unless he can prove that one of 3iis An
cestors; or at least a Brother, or Sister of
his great Grand-Father; has been a Member
thereof, before the year 1301. This especial
Preference, accorded to such Families, is
meant as an eternal Remembrance of their
having assisted at the original Foundation:
and all others who wish to be admitted,
after this Period, must submit to the paying
one fourth more than the Sum mentioned
in the List of Fees ; or, in general, what
soever the Chief-Chapter shall think proper.
The Fees of Honour, and Chancery-Fees,
being duely acquitted; each Member; ac
cording to his Rank; receives the Diploma;
the Ensigns and Statutes of the Order, and,
the Act of Matriculation. Upon being
raised to a higher Rank, each Member is,
as it were, repaid the first Sum which he
already paid at the Time of his Reception ;
as the same is allowed to him in the
Account of his Admission Fees; and is
deducted from the Fees of Honour; thus a
Knight pays upon Admission 32 Species-
Ducats; upon becoming a Commander, he
pays only the Difference, or 32 Species*
Ducats more; and so on, with Kespect to
the Dignity of Grand-Commander; in Pro*
portion*
94 —
-;' SECTION II.
OF THE
PAPAL OPxDER OF KNIGHTHOOD
I.
OF THF ORDER
OF
THE GOLDEN S P U R.
Instituted A. C. 1559.
we enter into an Historical Detail
of this Order; it is necessary to observe,
that these Knights must he distinguished
from those who are created Knights on the
Coronation, or Marriage Days of Emperors
and Kings; and who likewise at the same
Time receive the Spurs of Honour. The
latter are alone iiititled to the Appellation of
EOUITES AURATI.
Some Historians are inclined to helieve
that Pope Pius the IV. instituted this Order
at Rome, A. C. 1559. Nevertheless, accord-
95 —
ing to the Opinion of the learned Father
HELIOT, it does not appear likely that this
Pope gave the Title of Golden Spur, to the
Order he instituted; but in all Probability,
his own Name.
And in Fact, there exists a Bull of Pope
Pius the Vth bearing date 1569. in which
the Knights of this Order are especially de-
nominated—CHEVALiERs PIES, or PIORUM.
Knights of the Creation of Pius.
It is true, however, as it is asserted by
PETER de BELLOI, in his Treatise on the
Origin of Knighthood: that the Knights
Piorum or of Pius, have been created just
in the same Manner as those of the Golden
Spur.
FAVIN says: that these Knights have
been called of the Golden Spur, on Account
of their having the Permission of wearing it ;
and, that in the Diploma of Reception which
is given to them, they are named— SACRI
PALATII LATER ANENSES, Comites, milites,
et equites aurati. But the gold Cross formed
with eight Points, and enameled with red;
from the lower Part of which is suspended
a gold Spur; and which is the Bad^e of
that Order: is not the Ensign which Pope
Pius the IVth gave to those Knights of his
creating*
The Decoration he gave them, consists
of a Gold Medal, on one Side of which is
the Image of Saint Ambrose; and on the
other, the Arms of the reigning Pontiff.
The Account given by the Abbe Gius«
TINIAKI, concerning the Creation of those
7 o
Knights of the Piorum Order; throws much
Light upon that Transaction. lie even
alledges and quotes a Passage from the
Original-Bull, containing the following
Expressions*
•xH"i;TH : t
"Insigniaque dictorum milittim piorum
"esse volumus imaginem B. Ambrosii Ep*
"ab uiia parte alicujus pendentis aurei, et
"ab altera parte insignia nostra, vel pro
"tempore existentis Pontificis etCw"
Consequently it is very likely that Pope
Pius the IVth did not create this Order of
the golden Spur : and those Orders to which
— 97 —
lie really give his Name, have met with the
same fatality which has befallen those of
Saint Peter and Saint Paul; of the holy
Virgin of Loretto ; and many others of Papal
Creation.
Such Orders are either intirely sup
pressed; or those who are Knights thereof,
are Officers in the Chancery of his Holiness.
At one Period, there were at least five
Hundred of these Knights of the Piorum
Order; and each of them received an annual
Salary amounting to 200 L. Sterling; or
there about. Our Author says, the Pope con
ferred great Privileges upon them. He not
only granted them the Title of Comites
Sacri Palatii, by Virtue of which they could
create Doctors and Notaries, and likewise
legitimate natural Children; but they en
joyed many Benefices, even when married.
They were exempted from all other Juris
diction; and stood immediately at the Foot
of the Papal Throne. All these Privileges
may be equally attributed to the Knights
of the Piorum Order, and to those of the
Golden Spur. The former enjoy nothing
more of this Kind, since they are totally
G
— 90 —
suppressed: and all that the Knights of the
Golden Spur retain thereof, consists in the
Title of Sacri Palatii. comites et equites
aurati; which is conferred upon them in
the Diploma of their Reception. *
* Mr. Clark considers the Pope as Sovereign of no
fewer than eleven Orders of Knighthood. He classes
them in the following Manner. Saint George in Rome.
Saint George at -Ravenna. — Saint Peter and Saint Paul. —
Jesns and Mary. — Jesus Christ. — Saint Mary the Glo
rious. — The Order of Pius. — Of the holy Ghost at
Rome, — Of the Golden Spur in Rome. — Of Loretto. —
And, of the Virgin Mary. This accurate Writer, will
however, we trust, . forgive us, when we quote a Pas
sage from Mr. Eichler, our Original, to prove the
Dormancy-, or non-Existeiice, of this equestrian Legion.
"The Orders — he well observes— which were insti
tuted by Pope Pius the IVth have met with the same
u Fatality, which has befallen those of Saint Peter and
"Saint Paul; of the holy Virgin of Loretto; arid many
"others of Papal Creation. They are either iiitirely
" suppressed ; or those who are Knights thereof, are
"Officers in the Chancery of His Holiness." The Papal
Orders which are suppressed, never enjoyed a high
Reputation; and such as still exist, must be classed
\vith the pious Guilds and Societies of Penitents, which
still subsist in most of the Catholic States.
Our local Knowledge of Italy, and of the Papal
Court, authorises us t.o maintain: that the Order of
99 —
the Golden Spur, is the only one winch enjoys any
Consideration as appertaining to the pontifical Domi
nions. So long as the Republic of Venice existed,
whenever her Minister, or Ambassador was recalled,
on receiving his Audience of Leave, His Holiness con-
ferred iliis Order upon him, with much Solemnity.
Artists, and Men of Letters, of real Merit; are fre
quently complimented therewith, by the Sovereign
Pontiffs. CLEMEM the XlVth (Ganganelli) especially
bestowed it upon Sir John Francis Ravenet; the Son
of the celebrated Engraver, whose Works are so well
kno\yn in England; to which Country he was invited
by the munificent Protection of II. R. H. FREDERIC
Prince of Wales, Father to His reigning Majesty. M.
Ravenet died in the environs of London. SIT John,
his Son, was educated in that Metropolis. When the
Royal Academy of Parma was founded by the Infant
Don PHILIP, he was especially chosen by the late Comte
de CAYLUS, to be the Professor of engraving, of that
noble Institution. This Gentleman is likewise a Knight
of the Order of Merit, and a Captain in the Service of
the reigning Duke of Parma. Having passed the early
Part of his Life in the Capital of Great-Britain; he
readily acquired the English Language; and progressi
vely became acquainted with the Litterature, the His-
tory, and the Laws and Customs of Great-Britain. Hi*
grateful remembrance of, and Affection for that Nurse
of his youthful Days: his Politeness to every English
Traveller, who visits Parma: his hospitable and con-
vivia'l Qualities; and his Worth, as a Husband, a
Father, and a Friend : all intitle him to a distinguished
1OO
place in tins Knightly Phalanx. The Choice of the
Comte de Caylus, is alone sufficient to substantiate and
stamp his Merits as an Artist. — As these Orders were
conferred upon Sir John R.avenet, with the express
Permission, and intire Approbation of the Infant Duke,
tiis Sovereign ; the Appellation of — Sir — incontestably
appertains to him.
Sir John GALLINI, who married a Sister of the
late Earl of ABINGDON, is a Knight of this Order.
Such an Alliance, gave him a just Claim to this
Distinction.
Note of the Editor.
SECTION III.
OF
SUCH ORDERS OF KNIGHTHOOD
AS ARE OF IMPERIAL
CREATION.
I.
OF THE ORDER
OF SAINT CONSTANTINE.
Instituted A. C. 315.
This is at present the second Order of the Kingdom
of Naples.
the great, is by some Histo
rians, considered as the Founder of this
Order. The motives which induced the first
of the Christian Emperors, to create an
Order of Chivalry; are ascribed to the fol
lowing Causes. Constantine was requested
by the Senate to assist them against the
Tyrant MAXENTIUS ; and he solemnly en
gaged to espouse their Cause. When en-
• 1O2
camped in face of the enemy, he was appre
hensive of hasarding a general engagement,
as the Forces, which MAXENTIUS had under
his Command, were numerous.
Nevertheless, a celestial Meteor appear
ing in the Air, in the Form of a luminous
Cross; on which were displayed the Words:
IN Hoc SIGNO VINCES! he was thereby
encouraged to attack his enemy; and a
Victory equally memorable and glorious,
crowned the Efforts of this Heaven inspired,
and adventurous Commander.
Providence having thus manifestly de
clared itself in Favour of the Emperor; he,
after a Success so unhoped for, and so mi
raculous; was pleased to grant to the Chris
tians, the free Exercise of their Religion:
and when drawing towards his latter End,
he was baptised by EUSEBIUS, in 357. It is
asserted by some, that after the above-men
tioned Victory, the Emperor not only had
this Cross embroidered in his Standards
and Colours ; but that he likewise created a
Military Order in Honour thereof, A. C. 313.
But as vain and credulous Men imagine,
when advanced in years, that they will be
— 103 —
the more honoured if they can induce others
to believe they are older than they really are;
so likewise do we find the same Principle
exist with Respect to OI\DEI\S OF KNIGHT
HOOD: each endeavouring to make its Origin
remount as high as possible; and thinking
to acquire Precedency by such imaginary
Antiquity.
Such, in fact, is the true State of the
Case with Respect to the equestrian Order
of Constantine; which has at certain Periods
been denominated the Illustrious Order, of
the Golden Angel; and at others, that of
Saint George.
The Abbe' GIUSTINIANI, who intitled
himself a Knight and Grand-Cross of this
Order, asserted at Venice in 1692, that it is
the most ancient of all others.
It is however a vain attempt to endeavour
to discover any traces of modern Knight
hood, previous to the twelfth Century; and
the learned Father Papebrock, says of the
Order of which we are speaking; and the
Origin of which is ascribed to the Emperor
CONSTANTINE the great: that
" those who wish to impose upon
— 104 —
" themselves ; or those who study to
"impose on others, by the IN^eans of
"Flattery and superficial Knowledge;
"will alone endeavour to discover, and
"ascertain the Existence of this Order
"previous to the 12th Century."
To prove the Antiquity of this Order,
they produce Letters from Pope LEO, in
date 456. which were addressed (it is said)
to the Emperor MARCIAK"; whereby that
Pontiff confirmed the Order under the Rule
of Saint Basil: and likewise other Letters
from the Emperor LEO the first, of the year
489- are quoted to the same Purpose. It is
true such Letters exist in the Archives of
the Court of Rome; but on that Account
they are not less spurious and supposititious ;
having been first deposited in the Archives
in 1553. together with other Documents
and Charters, of a nature equally suspi
cious. The Truth is, that these are Copies
of the identical Pieces — they were made
out by Order of the Emperor ISAAC-ANGE-
i/us GOMNENUS, in 1190. and, were after
wards renewed at Rome.
— 105 —
This Emperor, whom GIUSTINIANI calls
the reformer of the Order; might on the
contrary, have very probably been the Foun
der of it; and have in titled it the Order of
CONSTANTINE, on account of the Emperor
of that Name, from whom the Comnenian
family considered themselves, as lineally
descended. — It is not less probable that he
might name it after himself, ANGELUS, or
the ANGELIC; and finally, the Order of Saint
George, since it was created under the im-
O '
mediate Protection of that Saint and Martyr.
Indeed, according to the best Authorities
this appears to us to be the most reasonable
and just antiquity which can be granted to
this Order. — So much of its Origin. — It is
our present intention to give an exact
Description of the Ensigns andKobes which
are worn by the Knights thereof.
The Sign of the Order, which the Knights
wear likewise on the left side of their Mantle,
is a red Cross somewhat in the form of four
Fleurs de Lis, joined at the extremities, it
is surrounded with a border of Gold; and
thereupon are embroidered the four Letters
J. H. S. V. the meanin of which is, IK Hoc
— io6 —
SIGNO VINCES ! — The name of Jesus Christ,
which is expressed by these tw.o Letters X.
and P. is in the middle; and these two Let
ters A. and &. are placed, one on each side
of the Monogram of our Saviour.
The £reat Collar of the Order which is
o
worn over the mantle, around the Neck;
consists of fifteen enamelled Shields of Gold,
of an Oval form; on each of which the Let
ters X. and P. appear in the form of a Cypher,
or Monogram.
The middle Shield is somewhat larger
than the others. — It is surrounded with
Oak- and Laurel Leaves inter-twined; and
from the lower part of it is suspended the
Effigy, or Image of Saint George in compleat
armour; on Horseback; and in the act of
striking the Dragon.
The Council of the Order is composed of
fifty Senators, who are Grand-Crosses; and
when the Grand- Master assists in State
therein; his apparel and Robes are as follow,
— The Vest and small -Cloaths are of Im
perial Scarlet; the Stockings and Shoes, are
the same. — Above this Vest is worn a Vest
or Cassock of Silver richly embroidered;
— 107 —
which lias wide Sleeves, and descends as
low as the Knees. — This Vest is made fast
round the Body with a Girdle lined w^th
Scarlet Velvet, richly studed with Silver;
and about the Neck, with two rich Cords
of Gold and Scarlet Silk; having large tassels
at each end, hanging down, quite to the
ground. — On the left side of the Mantle,
the Cross of the Order is richly embroidered
in Gold.
The Cap worn by the Grand-Master, is
after the Macedonian fashion. It is one
Span high; and is made of Crimson Velvet
lined with white Satin. — The four sides are
turned up; and oil each appears the Mono
gram X. P. embroidered in Gold. — It is lilie-
wise adorned with a black ostrich feather. —
The Grand -Crosses; the Number of whom
amounts to fifty Persons, w^ear a blue Vest
and small deaths; and over the same a
white Vest which descends as low as the
Knees. — Their Stockings and Shoes are also
white; the Girdle they wear, is of red Velvet;
and their Mantle, which is of blue Damask
lined with white, is not so long as that of
the Grund- Master. — They are likewise in-
— IDS —
titled to wear the great Collar of the Order;
and their Cap, which is of blue Satin, is
turned up on the four sides; and on each
appears the Monogram, above mentioned. —
This Cap is adorned with a white Ostrich
Feather.
In times of war; or when they fight for
the faith; the Knights must wear a Surcoat
over their usual apparel. It is of white stufF,
in the form of a Scapulary ; and in the centre,
the Cross of the Order is embroidered in red.
The Popes had conferred the Grand-
Mastership of this Order on the House of
COMNENUS, for ever; but in 1699. ANDRE w-
ANGEtus-FLAvius COMNENUS, Titular Prince
of Macedonia and Duke of DRIVASTO; the
last of this House; who had enjoyed that
Dignity for many years ; resigned the Grand-*
Mastership to FRANCIS FARNESE, the then
reigning Duke of PARMA ; to him and his
Heirs for ever. — This Resignation and Do
nation were solemnly approved of by POPE
INNOCENT the xn. and confirmed by a Brief
bearing date October the 29th of the same
o
\earg.
— - 109 — —
In 1735 the Ducal House of FARNESE
became extinct in the male Line ; by the death
of ANTHONY the last Duke. DON CARLOS the
el dest Son of PHILIP the V. King of Spain, and
of ELISABETH FAFiNESE, the sole Heiress of
that Family; then succeeded totheDutchies
of PARMA andPLACENTiA; and to the Grand-
Mastership of this Order. — This Prince was
afterwards successively Grand-Duke of TUS
CANY, auditing of Naples. Upon his quitting
Parma, he commanded that the Archives of
this Order should be safely transported to
FLOP.ENCE ; and upon his Accession to the
Throne of Naples (the same precautions
having been taken) he then declared the
Order of SAINT CONSTANTINE to be a Royal
Order ; and annexed it to the Crown of
Naples, for ever. — Until the Creation of the
Order of SAINT JANUARIUS in 1758- it was
the first, or SOUVEI\EIQN ORDER of that
Kingdom.
Since that Period it has been considered
as the Second. — At present it is equally
numerous and well composed.
Sir William jyArley, Captain of Mari
nes in the Service of His Britannic Majesty>
is a Knight of this Order. We are informed
110
he commanded a Company of that praise
worthy Corps, on board the Ship, which
conducted Their Sicilian Majesties from
Naples to Palermo; and received this, as a
token of their princely Gratitude. In truth,
these Sovereigns have never suffered any
occasion to escape, of bestowing suitable
recompences upon all those who have ren
dered them any Service. On the 6th October
1759. Ferdinand the fourth commenced his
Reign; and it has been one continued suite
of Clemency and goodness: nor can we
forget, that during the Revolutionary War,
he was the only crowned Head, or Sovereign
Prince, who twice commanded his Armies,
against those of his enemies. His Majesty,
though only fifty years of Age, is the oldest
Crowned Head in Europe.
Since this Order has been united to the
Crown of Naples, it is divided into four
Classes: those of Grand -Crosses, Grand-
Commanders, Commanders and Knights:
and these again, into Cavalieri di Justizia,
ard Cavalieri di Grazia : or Knights re
ceived in Virtue of their being Persons of
ancient Nobility; or in Consequence of the
— Ill —
Favour of his Majesty. The Grand-Crosses
wear the Cross of the Order round the Neck,
pendant from a plain broad Sky blue Rib
bon. The Grand-Commanders, and Com
manders, wear a similar Cross; that worn
by the latter is something smaller than the
one worn by the former; and so is that of
a Grand-Commander still less than that of
a Grand-Cross. Their Ribbons are of a pro
portionate Breadth likewise. The Knights
wear the small Cross from the button hole
of their Coat: it is attached to a narrow
plain Sky blue Ribbon.
Father HYFOLITUS HELIOT, in his His
tory of all the ecclesiastical and secular
Orders; be they conventual or equestrian;
and Father HONOIUUS de St. MARIE, of the
Order of Bare-footed Carmelites, in his his*
torical and critical Dissertations upon an
cient and modern Chivalry: have given a
most ample and learned Account of this
Order: but as to say more thereupon, would
infinitely surpass the Bounds of this Com
pendium; the curious Reader is referred to
the Works in Ouestion.
112
TheKniglits of the four different Classes,
wear the Cross embroidered upon their
Coats; but of different Dimensions.
As well as the Order of Malta, this Order
has its great Officers, under various Deno
minations ; and they are always chosen from
amongst the Chief Nobility of the Kingdom.
The Dignity of Grand-Prior is especially
attached to the archiepiscopal See of Nola:
a City celebrated in History; since it was
there that AUGUSTUS CAESAR breathed his
last. *
* " Tlie Time of tlie Institution of tliis Order is un-
" certain. ; some placing it under Constantine the Great,
"and others, with more appearance of reason, under the
*c Princes of the Imperial House of Comnenes, of whom
"it is said that four and thirty have been successively
" Grand-Masters of it. Howerver this may be, it is certain
'•'the Order fell into disuse, and, was not thought of
"until CHARLES V. revived it; declared himself the
" Grand -Master of it; and appointed his natural Sou
"Don JOHN of Austria, his Deputy. The Order was
"divided into three Classes, i. The Grand-v. ollars, who
"were fifty in Number, and who regulated all the
"others 2 The profest Knights and Barristers. 5. The
"Knjghtsin waiting.'"
Such is Mr. Clark' Account of this Order; which
lie intitles — " Saint George in Italy."— See Vol. i.p. 109.
We do not agree with him, as to most of the above
Points. His Description of the Collar and Badge, is
more exact and faithful.
Note of the Editor.
II.
OF THE
IMPERIAL AND ROYAL ORDER
or
SAINT STEPHEN OF HUNGARY
OR OF
SAINT STEPHEN THE KING.
Instituted A. C. 1764.
-Although the Institution of the Order of
Saint Stephen was subsequent to that of
the military Order of Maria Theresa; never
theless, the junior precedes the elder. This
Imperial and Royal Order was instituted by
the Empress-Queen MAKIA THERESA in
1764.; in Commemoration of Saint Stephen,
the first Christian King of Hungary: and
in the Hereditary States it ranks imme
diately after that of the golden FJeece. The
Emperor JOSEPH the second, when King of
the Romans, was the first Knight who was
invested with the Insignia. This Ceremony
was performed with much Solemnity by
II
the august Foundress, in the Chapel of the
Imperial Palace, at Vienna. In. the Castle at
Insprudk, intitlecl the Residence, is a fine
historical Picture representing that event.
This, is considered as a civil, or diplomatic
Order, and is divided into three Classes;
and although the Dignity of Grand-Cross
is reserved solely for the Arch-Dukes;
Princes of Sovereign Houses; and Noble
men of old and distinguished Families;
O '
yet are the Honours of the second and third
Classes ; of Commanders and junior Knights;
frequently conferred upon Persons, * who
are indebted to their Merits alone, for
having recommended them to the favour
of His Imperial Majesty,
According to the Tenor of the Statutes,
it is composed of one hundred Knights; in
which Number, the Sovereign, the Princes
of the Blood, and Cardinals, are not in-
* According to tlie Statutes of the Orders of St.
Stephen and Maria Theresa the Rank of Lord, namely
of Baron, shall be granted, upon their Demanding the
same, to all suck Grand-Crosses, Commanders, and
Knights, as do not possess that Dignity ; and the usual
Dip join a shall be expedited gratuitously.
eluded. These Knights are divided into the
three usual Classes* The Grand-Crosses,
are limited to twenty : the Commanders, to
thirty: and the junior Knights, to fifty.
The first, are addressed by the Title of Ex
cellency.
The Badge, is a Cross-patte'e of Gold. It
is enamelled green, and is surmounted with
the antique Regal Crown, which is peculiar
to the Kingdom of Hungary. On one Side
is the Eiiigy of the Patron, enamelled,
proper, and on the Reverse, on a field gules,
appears argent, a Patriarchal Cross (the
Arms of Hungary) between the Letters —
M. T^F. * (Maria Theresia Fundator) Argent.
The Crosses and Ribbons, vary only as to
* "Maria Theresia Fundator" — as being considered
King of Hungary: the Hungarians acknowledging no
Otieen. When the Empress MARIA THERESA visited
them, in the Midst of her Troubles (with which she
was overwhelmed, soon after her Accession to the He
reditary States) and painted her distressed Situation to
the general Diet, extraordinarily assembled; the
Magnats all drew their Swords, and unanimously
exclaimed :
Moriamvr pro rege nostro Maria Theresia !
of the Editor.
— n6 —
Size and Dimensions; and with those only
Differenced, the same are worn by the three
respective Classes. The Mode of wearing
the Badge, varies likewise according .to the
different gradations; it is regulated, con
formably to the usual Ordonances touching
those Matters; and as they are clearly
announced, in the Statutes of the Order of
Maria Theresa. The Ribbon assigned to
this Order, is composed of three equal
Stripes. The one in the Middle, is Crimson,
and the two lateral, are dark green. It is
richly watered. The Grand-Crosses, wear a
Star of Silver, on the left Side of their upper
Apparel. It is in the Form of a radiated
Sun: the rays being numerous, and alter
nately of a pyramidical, and an undulated
Form. The Center, is of crimson Velvet;
and thereupon, a patriarchal Ci'oss, and the
Letters M. T. F. (Maria Tlieresia Fundator)
are embroidered in Silver. In Allusion to
the Name and sacred Character of the Pa
tron Saint Stephen; and to that of Her
Majesty the Empress-Queen; the Collar is
composed of double S. S. surmounted Avitli
Hungarian Crowns: and of the Cypher J.
surmounted with the Imperial Diadem,
These Monograms are so disposed and con
nected together, as to form the Collar; and
from a rose placed in the Middle, is sus-
jflencled the grand-Cross of the Order.
OF THE
IMPERIAL MILITARY ORDER
OF
MARIA THERESA;
Instituted June the igth A. C. 1757.
Imperial Majesty, FRANCIS the first,
and Her Apostolic Majesty, the Empress-
Queen, from a particular Affection towards
the Army ; and in Order eminently to reward
the manifold Proofs which it had given, of
Loyalty, Prudence, and Valour; thought
fit to add Lustre to the military Character,
by establishing a new Order of Knight
hood; and endowed the same with all such
pre-eminences, as might, in any respect,
contribute to the accomplishment of a
Design so laudable. With a View to so
important an Object, His Imperial Majesty
was pleased to assume the Dignity of
Grand-Master of this military Order of
Maria Theresa; and did publicly declare
•*:
himself to be the CHIEF, SOVEREIGN, and
GRAND-MASTER thereof. In this Quality,
t was the principal Object of his care, not
only to render the commencement of this
X)rder auspicious, by the solemn Reception
of his illustrious Brother, Prince CHARLES of
LORRAINE; and of Field-Marshal Comte de
DAUN ; in their Nomination to the first and'
second Grand-Crosses ; but also to promote
its further Increase, by subsequent Pro
motions.
His Imperial Majesty, in the next Place,
considered it to be his especial Duty to
establish the internal, and external Consti
tution of this military Order, upon a firm
Basis; to determine thereby its essential
Properties, and its Difference from all other
Orders of Knighthood; and by provident
care, to ascertain every possible Means of
contributing to itsPieception, Advancement,
and Continuance; as well as to its Consi
deration and Splendour. Consistently with
these Maxims, this Order is to be considered
as. having been founded and instituted from
the 13 the of June 1757 ; and is to be nomi
nated— " THE MILITARY ORDER OF MARIA
12O
THERESA ;" with a View of thereby mani
festing the most perfect Approbation of the
manifold Merits of the Imperial Army; and
of consigning to latest Posterity a renowned
Memorial of its unexceptionable Conduct.
The Office of Grand-Master is inalienably
annexed to the Person of the reigning
Prince, or Head, of the Archducal House of
Austria; \vlio is, or shall be the Sovereign
oi all its Hereditary Kingdoms and Terri-
J o
tories; and the Possession thereof shall not,
for any cause whatsoever, be separated
from such Sovereign. Moreover, the fol
lowing Principle is inviolably established,
that no Person whatsoever shall, on
Account of Lis high Birth, long Services,
Wounds received from the Enemy, or for
mer Merits; much less from mere favour,
or the Recommendation of others; be re
ceived into the Order; but that those only,
who shall have fully and honourably dis
charged their Duty, and have signalised
themselves by a particular Act of Valour;
aided the military Service, by able and be
neficial Councils, and contributed to their
Execution by distinguished Bravery, shall
121
be admitted. To prevent all Deviations, or
Exceptions from this Rule; the Sovereign
Grand-Master is himself bound to maintain
the strictest Observance thereof.
This Order is to be conferred upon all
Officers who serve in the Imperial Armies.
Those who are attached to the Infantry, or
Cavalry; to the Hussars, Artillery, Miners,
or Engineers, from the highest tothelowest
Rank; including therefore Ensigns and
Cornets; may all aspire to this Dignity,
without any the least Reference being had
to their Religion, Rank, or other Circum
stances.
This military Order of Knigthood is not
limited to any Number; but always con
sists of so many Grand-Crosses and Knights,
as may render themselves worthy thereof;
for, the greater its increase and number,
the better will the beneficial Design of its
institution be accomplished.
The Members of this Order, consist of
tw~o Classes,* namely Grand-Crosses and
* In 1765. the late Emperor, JOSEPH die second,
added an intermediate Class; and those Officers who
compose the &ame, are denominated Jinights-Com-
Knights; and all those are received as
Knights, who may distinguish themselves
by some singularly brave Action; but the
Grand-Crosses are designed only for those,
who may have united valour with such
prudence of conduct, as may have had a
beneficial influence on the fortunate issue
of any particular military enterprize.
The Grand-Crosses wear pendant from
a Scarlet hand breadth Pdbbon, richly wa
tered (having in the middle a white stripe,
and worn scarf- wise over the right shoulder)
a golden white enamelled octangular Cross;
on one side of the escutcheon in the center,
is represented the name of his Imperial
Majesty, FRANCIS the first, and that of his
beloved and august Consort, Her Apostolic
Majesty the Empress Queen, in cypher,
manders. These Knights wear, the Cross round the
Neck, saltier-wise, It is somewhat smaller than the
one which characterises the Knights-Gnmd-Crosses ; and
something larger than the one which is worn by the
junior Knights; to distinguish it more particularly, it
is surmounted with an Arch-Ducal Crown of massy
Gold, and is worn from a Pdbbon of the Breadth of
three Fingerst
Note of the Editor,
123 —
within a wreath of laurel, and, on the other
side, the Arms of the Arch-Duchy of Austria,
with the Motto — FORTITUDIXI; the Knights
wear, on the Breast, through a button hole
of the coat, or waistcoat, a similar, though
smaller cross, pendant from a Ribbon of
two fingers breadth, and of the same colours.
Upon the left sides of their upper apparel,
or Mantles, the Grand-Crosses wear a Star
of Silver. It is in the same form as the
cross; and the points thereof are connected
together with a chain-work of gold em
broidery. In the center, appear the Arms of
Austria: gules, a Bar, argent: which are the
colours of the Ribbon.
To be received into the Order, three
essential points are requisite; viz. i. the
brave action which in titles the Candidate
thereto, must be properly described. 2. The
Description must be confirmed by com
petent proofs. 3. The Chapter must con
stitute an impartial enquiry, whether the
proof be, in any wise defective ; and whether
the action described be of a nature to merit
the grand, or small Cross.
Guided by the foregoing principles; the
chapter is enabled to pronounce a solid
jugdment upon all and every military fact
which may be submitted to them; and con
sequently to discover whether the Order is
justly demanded, upon the Merits alledged,
whether the Grand-Master, may be advised
to receive the Candidate, and then, whether
the grand or smaller cross be the object;
or whether the achievement be unworthy
of any regard.
The following is the Form of Election
and Investiture, as ordained by His Impe
rial Majesty.
i) "Every one of the Grand-Crosses and
Knights present; beginning with the junior
and advancing to the senior; shall deliver
his opinion respecting the merits alledged
in the Memorials; as well as on the validity
of the certificates to be entered on the
minutes."
• 2) "The President of the chapter shall then
collect the suffrages; decree according to
the opinion of the majority; and transmit
to us the sentiments of the Chapter, together
with the original memorials, certificates,
— 125 —
and minutes, in which the vote of each
shall be particularized; in order that we,
as Grand-Master, may found our resolution
thereupon; and either confirm or reject the
proposition of the chapter: or issue further
orders in respect thereof; we reserving to
ourselves, as Grand-Master, the ultimate
decision, to which the decree in Chapter is
only preparatory and by no means con
clusive."
3) "But as we shall always entrust the
Commission of presiding at the Chapter to
one of the Grand-crosses, present with the
Army, according to our pleasure; we deem
it at the same time necessary, in order that
the said Chapter of the Order may never be
rendered inactive, to provide such Grand-
Crosses with a power of substitution; in
case of indisposition; which substitution,
however, must always be granted in writ
ing; and to none other than to a Grand-
Cross; preferring the senior, if he be not
absent or prevented from attendance."
4) "When the confirmation of the decree
in chapter shall have been issued by us, as
Grand-Master; and the Advancement of the
12.6
Candidates for the Order signified upon a
list under our signature; it is our gracious
will, that our favour, as Grand-Master, he
assured to such candidates in the most so
lemn manner. In pursuance whereof, he
who may have received from us the autho
rity to preside at the Chapter; or whosoever
he may substitute and empower for that
purpose; shall notify in a particular missive
to the Candidates their approaching pro
motion to Knighthood; observing, at the
same time, the day and hour when this
solemn transaction is to take place."
5) "On the day preceeding the ceremony,
notice shall be publicly given upon guard,
that we have deemed the Generals and Offi
cers whose names will be then mentioned,
on account of their prudent and gallant
conduct, worthy of being received into the
Order, either as Grand-Crosses or as Knights ;
and that, in pursuance of our gracious com
mand, the promotion is to take place at the
appointed time, on the following day, at
head-quarters; for which purpose the other
Generals, and the Staff, and other Officers
are to attend there, in order to assist at the
solemn reception of the Candidates into the
Order."
6) "On the following day, the Grand-
Cross, duly authorized, shall make known
to the assembly, in a short speech, our
decree, as Grand-Master, in respect to the
particular merits of the Candidates; and,
at the conclusion, he shall decorate the
Grand- Crosses with the Ensign of the Order,
-scarf- wise, and the other Knights by
appending the same to a button hole of the
coat or waitscoat, amidst the sound of
Trumpets and KettleTdrunas; and read the
following admonition:
"Receive by the most high Command
"of the Emperor, Grand-Master, from
"my hands the Ensign of the military
"Order of MARIA-THERESA. This shall
"serve as an evidence of your Achieve-
1 -**f'"ments, and your Reception into this
"Order, dedicated solely to prudence
"and valour. Avail yourself of it to the
"honour of God; to the Service of the
"most illustrious Arch-House, and the
"defence_of our Country ! "
128
- Whereupon the Candidates shall con-
oratulate and embrace each other; and the
o
same ceremony will then also be observed
among themselves by the Grand- Crosses
and Knights, jsiod
THE CEREMONIAL
«
Observed at the solemn Installation
of His Pioyal Highness the most
Serene CHARLES Duke of LOR
RAINE, Governor-General of the
Austrian Netherlands, and of the
commanding Field-Marshal LEO
POLD Comte de DAIJN, into the
military Order of MARIA-THERESA,
in the Imperial and Royal Pa
lace at Vienna, on- the yth March,
1758.
His Majesty the Emperor, as Grand-
Master of the newly founded military Or
der of MARIA-THERESA, having graciously
resolved to confer, in Person, this Order
upon the two first Grand-Grosses, viz. His
lloyal Highness the most Serene CHARLES
Duke of LORRAINE, and His Excellency
— • 129 —
Field-Marshal Comte Leopold de DAUNJ
the Chancellor of the Order,
ist> " notified in a separate letter to each
of the Candidates his nomination, by com
mand of his Majesty; appointing at the
same time the day and hour their solemn
installation should take place."
sdly, " due notice was thereupon given
to all the Generals and Staff-officers present,
to appear on the appointed day and hour, at
court, in the respective uniforms of their
rank, in order to assist at the said solemn
ceremony of knighthood. The door keepers
of the chamber were commanded to admit-
all superior military Officers, and all those
persons who have entrance into the drawino--
room, into the second An ti- chamber, where
the solemnity was to take place."
gdly. "At the time appointed His Majesty
the Emperor, as Grand-Master, habited in
uniform, and preceded by the Officers of
the Order, chamberlains, privy counsellors,
and high officers of the court (to whom
the proper notification had been made for
their appearance, at the appointed hour, in
their military dress); and more immediately
— 130
by the Great Marshal of the Court, bearing
the Sword of state erect and unsheathed,
arid attended as usual by the Captains of
the Guards and the great Chamberlain, re
paired to the second Anti-Chamber, where
the Generals, Staff, and other military Of
ficers were assembled; and where this
solemn Act was to be performed, and his
head being covered, ascended the Throne,
which had been erected upon a haut-pas, or
broad step, under a canopy, and was of
three decrees in the same form as at investi
tures of Fiefs of the Empire; the officers
of State, the Chancellor of the Order, the
Generals and Staff Officers, as also the
Officers of the Order, retiring to their
respective place."
The Imperial Great Chamberlain was
then sent to bring in the Candidates, who
had till then remained in the Archducal
Josephine Anti-chamber, and having con
ducted them to the haut-pas, or broad step
of the Throne, in the second Anti-Chamber,
(which haut-pas was then ascended by His
£0yal Highness the most illustrious Duke
Charles of Lorraine) they took their station;
and standing there, they attended to the
speech of the Chancellor of the Order, and
remained so during the ceremony of receiv
ing Field Marshal Comte Leopold de Daun
into the Order; the said Field Marshal
Comte de Daun continuing to stand in his
[place below the haut-pas, and opposite to
His Imperial Majesty until the Chancellor
called him to be invested with the Ensign .
of the Order."
^thly. « On the right side of the Imperial
Throne, and below the haut-pas, there was
placed against the wall3 a table, covered with
red Velvet, on which were four cushions of
red velvet embroidered with Gold, and
thereon the two Patents and Ensigns of
the Order; near the said table stood the
Treasurer and Registrar of the Order."
^tlily. "AS soon as the Candidates were
arrived at their above mentioned stations,
and the great Chamberlain had retired to
his place, the Chancellor of the Order ap
proached the Imperial Throne and having
Knelt on the highest step to receive the
imperial Commands, he thereupon retired
and remained at his place on the haut-pas.
152
He then addressed a short speech to the
assembly, and particularly to the two Can
didates for the Order; in which he briefly
dwelt upon the institution and general object
of the Order, as \vell as upon the merits
of the candidates who had been nominated
thereto."
£dily. "Whereupon the first candidate for
the Order, namely His Royal Highness the
most illustrious Duke Charles of Lorraine,
being, by a given sign of the Chancellor,
called to the Throne, knelt, with both knees,
upon a cushion of red velvet embroidered
with gold, which had been previously placed,
by the great Usher of the Chamber, on the
highest step of the Throne, at the feet of
his Imperial Majesty."
ythiy. "The Chancellor then received the
Ensigns of the Order from the hands of the
Treasurer, and delivered the same to His
Majesty, the Grand-Master, who invested
the above mentioned most illustrious Can
didate therewith, pronouncing the fol
lowing words : ,,
"Receive from Our hands the Ensign of
"the Military Order of Maria Theresa.
— 133 —
"This shall bear witness of your achieve-
"ments, and constitute you a Member of
"this Order, dedicated solely to prudence
"and valour. Avail yourself of it to the
"honour of God, the service of Our house,
"and the defence of the country."
gthly. "His Majesty thereupon embraced
the most illustrious Duke, he still kneelir g;
and the latter retiring to his former station
upon the haut-pas, the cushion, upon which
His Royal Highness had knelt, was removed
by the Great Usher of the Chamber."
gthly. "The Installation of the second
Grand-Cross having been performed in the
like manner, and the solemnity ended, His
Imperial Majesty descended from the Thro
ne, and retired to the closet in the Order
as before.'1
DIRECTIONS
Relative to the solemn observance of
the annual Feast of the Military
Order of Maria Theresa at Vienna*
I. The Grand-Crosses and Knights, re
siding there, are to be formally invited by
the proper persons to the Feast of this Order.
II. On the day of the Feast, all the Knights
of the Order of Maria Theresa, as well as the
Grand-Crosses of the Order, shall have ad
mittance into the Council Chamber, whence
they will have the honour of accompanying
His Imperial Majesty, the most illustrious
Grand-Master, to the Chapel or Church of
the Court.
III. The procession to the chapel of the
Court shall be in the following order:
1st- Pages of Honour.
2a- The Chamberlains and privy Coun
sellors in their regimentals.
3d« The Knights and Grand-Crosses, ac
cording to seniority, wearing the
o . y * o
Ensign of the Order attached to their
respective ribbons, habited also in
the General's uniform, or their regi
mentals,
The mostillustrious Grand-Master of
this Order likewise in rich uniform,
wearing besides the golden fleece
pendant from a red ribbon, the
great ribbon of this Order; the two
senior Grand- Crosses present will
accompany His Imperial Majesty,
their most Gracious Grand-Master;
and then follow the Great Chamber
lain and the Captains of the Guard
of Halberdiers and Life Guard, in
the same manner as they usually at
tend His Imperial Majesty to chapel.
5th. The Ambassadors follow immedia
tely the person of His Imperial Ma
jesty, who thus proceeds to the cha
pel or church of the Court.
IV. The choir of the chapel or church
of the court shall be hung with red damask,
as on Christmas and Twelfth Days; and
the Anthem shall be prepared for His Ma
jesty the Emperor.
V. The rest of the preparation in the
chapel or church of the Court shall be made
as usual, with this difference only, that a
long bench shall be placed for the Grand-
Crosses, and several benches cross-wise for
the Knights, as is usually done in the church
of St. Stephen, when the Military attend at
the Feast of thanksgiving, and Te Deum
Laudamus.
— 136 —
VI. After the sermon and high -mass,
the procession will return in the order above
described. *
The Orders of Maria Theresa, and Saint Stephen,
being of Imperial creation; we have classed them as
such. But in case (which heaven avert! ) a Prince of
another family, was elected Emperor and King of the
Romans; then, according to the letter of the Statutes;
the Order of Maria Theresa, would become royal; and
be attached to the Person of the Prince, who should be
the head of the House of Austria: and so likewise
would that of Saint Stephen; which is, and ever has
been, constantly denominated—" of Hungary, "—Mr.
Clark, when treating of Maria-Theresa, assigns thereto
the Ribbon which distinguishes that of Saint George
of Russia : as to that point, he seems not to have been
well informed. In his whole account of the Order of
Saint Stephen of Hungary; or Saint Stephen the King;
he in like manner, has committed three mistakes; not
less palpable than evident: ist. By uniting an Italian
with an Hungarian Order; adly. By giving to the
former, a constitutional organisation, which appertains
to the latter; And 5dly. by attributing to the Hun-
garian Order, the Ensign of that of Saint Stephen.
Pope and Martyr ; or, Saint Stephen of Tuscany ; which
was founded by the Grand-Duke COSMO de MEDICIS,
111 1561. and which, since the day of its institution, has
uninterruptedly flourished. The simple fact is, that
the two Orders never had the smallest connection with
•ach other; save during the short period, which elapsed
— 137 —
Eight British officiers having received
the Cross, as junior Knights of this Order,
we shall give a particular and authentic
narrative of the Circumstance which occa
sioned their being honoured with this mark
of Imperial Favour. Such Matters are worthy
the page of History. They reflect the highest
lustre upon the nation — individually, upon
the brave men, whose glorious Actions
deserved so rare and so signal a recom"
pense — and collectively, upon the Regi
ments in which they served.
An Historical Pielation of the Action
fought on the 24th. of April, 1794,.
at Villers en Couche, by the I5th
light Dragoons*
His Imperial Majesty, in recompense of
the gallantry displayed by the isth.
light Dragoons, on the above occasion,
granted to each Officer the Meclal and
between the Emperor Leopold's succeeding to the here
ditary States in Germany; end his resigning the Grand-
Dutchy, to the Arch-Duke FERDINAND, his second
Son. They, then, for a moment, acknowledged the
same Sovereign. Note of the Editor.
Pdbbon of Maria Theresa, accom
panied with a gold chain, in allusion
to the reign of Edward III. ( the first
founder of a Military Order in England)
it being then the grand Symbol of
Military Merit and Knighthood.
" Between four and five o'clock in the
morning of the 24-th of April, 1794, the Im
perial Corps Leopold Toscano, since called
that of the Archduke Joseph, consisting of
eighty-six men, in conjunction with the
15th regiment of British light horse, amount
ing to one hundred and eighty-six, received
orders to march, under the command of
Lieutenant-General Otto ; the Hussards were
commanded by Major General Lenkeresky,
formerly colonel of that regiment; Major,
now Lieutenant-Colonel Aylett, comman
ded the i5th light Dragoons; Major Pock-
lington had the left Squadron; Major, then
Captain Ryan, was entrusted with the right,
to which were attached the following Of-
o
ficers; Major, then Captain Calcraft; Cap
tains Blount and Wilson ; Majors, then
Lieutenants, Keir and Butler."
" They commenced their march against
— 139 —
the collected force of the French, from a place
called Fontaine auTargue, in the Cambresis ;
the enemy stood in order of battle about
three miles distant, their right wing being
there supported by Villers en douche. The
whole strength amounted to about ten thou
sand men, horse and foot; the allied troops
received orders, as they advanced, to trot,
gallop, and then to charge ; within twenty
yards of the French, the officers exclaimed
Vive L'Empereur ! or long live the Empe
ror! and instantly plunged upon the enemy;
the French cavalry was drawn up in front
of their infantry, and on the first shock
precipitately wheeled off towards the two
flanks of the infantry; so that our flank
squadrons reached the French cavalry before
it had got clear, off its own infantry; a ter
rible discharge of musquetry was, however,
poured into our center by the enemy's
battalions that stood disengaged; Major
Aylett, in charging the enemy's line, at the
head ot the i5th regiment, was pierced
through the body with a bayonet, and his
horse was wounded in two places ; Captain
Ryan's horse was severely wounded; Cap-
— 1 40 — i
tain Calcraft's horse was likewise shot in
two places; the horses belonging to Cap
tains Blount, Wilson, and Major Butler,
were also wounded under them. Having
broken through the enemy's line of infantry,
they lost no time in endeavouring to reach
their cavalry, which it was naturally pre
sumed would rally behind the foot, so that
they attacked it before it could form; the
allies charged sword in hand, and continued
to make dreadful havoc amongst them till
they got under the cannon that was planted
at B ouch am, and kept playing upon them;
reinforcements of cavalry and infantry
were sent against them ; yet if their numbers
had been greater, our Troops would have
entered the town with the flying enemy;
being, however, extremely fatigued, they
thought expedient to retreat, which they
effected with regularity and order; Captain
Ryan had charge of the rear guard; Major,
then Lieutenant, Butler, was under his com
mand; every inch of ground was disputed,
and the retreat was conducted without hurry,
in order to give sufficient time for their
camp, that lay at Landrecies, to be pre-
— 141 — -
pared for the enemy. When they approa
ched Villers en Couche they found the
enemy's infantry, (which they had broken,
but could not entirely destroy through the
want of men,) drawn up in order of battle
and presenting a menacing front; nothing
remained for them to do but to endeavour to
extricate themselves by a coup de main;
Major Pocklington and Captain Ryan de
termined, in concert, to make a feint,
affecting to advance against the Troops
that were assembled, and had already
marched from Bouchain, and then suddenly
changed front, charging the enemy's in
fantry with so much fire and rapidity, that
they lost few men, considering the multi
tude they had to oppose; even the reporter,
Barrere, in one of his elaborate speeches to
the National Assembly, has the candour to
acknowledge, that the 24th of April, was a
day of slaughter to the French; by the best
accounts the Allies could collect, and from
the most accurate observation that could be
made, it appeared, that the loss of the
enemy's infantry amounted to near six
hundred men, and that of the cavalry was
— 142 —
at least equally great. The loth regiment
of French hussars was almost annihilated.
The Allies could only carry off three pieces
of artillery, which were presented to His
Imperial Majesty; they might have taken
sixty had they been sufficiently numerous,
and had their reserve, consisting of heavy
horse, advanced at a seasonable moment,
and not have lost time by missing the direct
road to the scene of action. The column
which the english attacked was advancing
to relieve Landrecies. On the 23d his Im
perial Majesty was at Valenciennes, and on
that day the French had pushed their ad*
vanced posts as far as Bermerain St. Marie,
between Valenciennes and Catillon, to
which place the Emperor was going on the
24-th of April; it was, therefore, of the
last importance to check the intermediate
progress of the enemy; by instantly attack
ing and defeating him; for had the Frenqh
succeeded, his Imperial Majesty must have
been surrounded and cut off from the allied
army. It may be asked, how so small a
body of men could be ordered to attack in
the face of so formidable a force ? This is
answered by observing, that the French
did not, at first, appear in such numbers,
and the advanced allied troops were to
have been reinforced by some British heavy
cavalry, and that part of the army which
lay encamped in the neighbourhood. The
troops that behaved so gallantly were
apprised of the Emperor's danger (in con
sequence of General Otto's instructions) and
acted upon that impulse. To their valour
his safety was most unquestionabl y owing."
"As so signal an exploit was performed
in the presence of His Imperial Majesty;
and the same having been most explicitly
ascertained by the Generals in Chief, and
superior Officers; the Emperor was most
graciously pleased to command His Excel
lency the Baron de THUGUT, to commu
nicate to Lieutenant-Colonel AYLETT and
the other Officers concerned therein, His
Princely resolutions thereupon: this was
done in the following manner:"
— 144 —
Copy of a letter from His Excellency,
the Baron cle THUGUT, to Lieu
tenant Colonel AYLETT,
SIR,
The Emperor remembers with satis
faction the distinguished proofs of valour
that you, and the other Officers of the i5th
light Dragoons, manifested, on 24th April
1794, near Cambray. His Majesty regrets,
that the Statutes of the Order of MARIA-
THERESA, confirmed by a constant custom,
forbids the Cross of this Order, strictly na
tional, being conferred on Officers so worthy
of being decorated with it; but wishing to
o-ive you, as also your honourable com
panions, a public mark of his particular
esteem, his Majesty has commanded a
medal to be struck, to perpetuate the re
membrance of this brilliant Action, and
has ordered me to offer to them the only
impressions which have been struck, except
one, which is placed in the Imperial Cabinet
of Vienna. In fulfilling the intentions of
His Imperial Majesty, I beg you, conse
quently, to receive for yourself, Sir, and to
distribute to the other Officers who, on the
memorable 24th of April, 1794, fought
under your Orders, the medals which I
have delivered to Captain RYAN. I have
the honour to join the assurances of the
highest consideration ; and likewise of being,
SIR,
Your most obedient humble Servant
Vienna, March 5th 1793.
Le Baron THUGUT.
To. Lieut. Col. AYLETT.
On the i9th of June 1793. this mark of
Imperial grace and favour; as conferred by
His Majesty FRANCIS the II. was notified
officially in the London Gazette. We shall
insert the subjoined extract therefrom,
which was communicated to us, together
with all the justificative pieces and memo
rials; relative to this transaction.
From the London Gazette of June 9. 1798-
"A letter from Baron Tnucut to Lieu
tenant-Colonel AYLETT, and an attestation /
of Major-General Count MEERFELDT hav
ing been" humbly submitted to His Majesty
by the Officers who served in the detachment
of His Majesty's i^th regiment of light
K
— 146 —
Dragoons, at the action near Cambray on
the 24th of April, 1794, His Majesty has
been graciously pleased to grant to each of
them his Majesty 's royal permission to
wear the medals conferred on them by the
Emperor of Germany, in testimony of the
high sense entertained by His Imperal Ma
jesty of their distinguished conduct on that
occasion."
And on the second of June 1301. the
annexed royal concession, dated from
Downing-Street, announced to the whole
British Empire, and to all Europe) that His
Imperial Majesty had ultimately conferred
upon the Officers, hereafter named, the
Dignity of Knight of the Imperial military
Order of Maria-Theresa; and that His Bri
tannic Majesty had granted them, His
Royal licence and permission, to accept and
wear this most honourable knightly Dis
tinction.
Downing-Street, Junes. iQoi.
A letter, of which the following is a
o
copy, having been humbly submitted to his
Majesty by the undermentioned Officers,
who served in the detachment of his Ma-
jesty's 15. regiment of light Dragoons in
the action of Villers en Couche, near Cam-
bray, on the 24th day of April, 1794, His
Majesty has been graciously pleased to
grant to each of them his Royal licence
and permission to accept the rank of Knight
of the Imperial military Order of MARIA-
THERESA, and bear the Insignia thereof;
the same having been conferred upon them
by the Emperor of Germany, in testimony
of the high sense which his Imperial Ma
jesty entertained of their distinguished
conduct upon that occasion.
Major William Aylett, now Lieute
nant-Colonel in the Army.
Captain E.obert Pocklinglon, late Ma
jor of i5th Dragoons.
Captain Edward Michael Ryan, now
Major in the Army.
Lieutenant Thomas Granly Calcraft,
Lieutenant-Colonel of sd Dragoon
Guards.
Lieutenant William Keir, Major of
6 ih Dragoon Guards.
Lieutenant Charles Burrell Blount9 late
Captain of i5th light Dragoons.
Cornet Edward Gerald Butler,- now
Major of 37111 regiment of Foot.
Cornet Ptobcrt Tliomas Wilson, now
Major in Honrpesch's regiment of
mounted Riflemen.
-» . - , \-,-r'.: ' CT-^AW *4> -* .
Copy of a letter from his Excellency
Lord MINTO, his Majesty's En
voy extraordiiiaiy and plenipo
tentiary at the Court of Vienna,
to Lieutenant -Col on el William
AYLETT.
Vienna, November 7, 1300.
sin,
I have received from his Excellency,
Baron THUGUT, eight Crosses of the Order
of MARIA THERESA, which the Emperor has
been pleased to confer on yourself and seven
other Officers undernamed, of the i^th Re
giment of light Dragoons, who distin
guished themselves in a most gallant action,
near Villers en Couch e, on the 24th of April,
1794-
His Imperial Majesty had already testi
fied the high sense he entertained of the
brilliant and important service which the
— 149 —
regiment performed on that occasion, by
presenting the Officers engaged with a me
dal, struck for the purpose of commemo
rating that distinguished action, and afford
ing to those who achieved it, a lasting
o
testimony of his approbation and gratitude.
It was deemed at the time, worthy of the
Cross of MARIA THERESA; but at. that pe
riod, a doubt was entertained, whether this
Order could be conferred on foreigners:
that difficulty being now removed, his Im
perial Majesty avails himself with pleasure
of the occasion to evince his high esteem
for' the regiment, as well as his regard for
the individuals, by investing with this dis
tinguished Order of Merit, gentlemen who
have proved themselves so worthy to wear
it.
In transmitting to you, Sir, these
Crosses, to be distributed to the Officers
for whom they are destined, I cannot omit
the opportunity of expressing the satis
faction I have experienced from the share
' which my situation here has afforded me in
a transaction which, while it does honour
to the liberality of His Imp erial Majesty,
— 150 —
and throws so much lustre on the corps,
and on those who are immediately con
cerned, reflects, at the same time, credit on
the country to which they belong,
I have the honour to be
SIR
Your -obedient, humble Servant
signed MINTO.
To Lieutenant-Colonel AYLETJT.
In 1796^ Lieutenant ~ Colonel JAMES
WILLIAMS, for his very meritorious con
duct; during the war just terminated; re
ceived the Imperial military Order of MARIA
THERESA, from the reigning Emperor,
FIVANCIS the II. Eighteen years unceasing
Attachment to the House of Austria; and
the many brave and gallant Actions, by
which he made himself so conspicuous on
the Danube and the Rhine, during the last
Turkish, and the ]aie momentous war; have
justly in titled this active and intelligent
Officer to so signal and honourable a mark
of his Master's favour. Lieutenant-Colonel
WiLLTATvis may be considered as the most
able naval Commander in the Service of the
Emperor,
IV.
OF THF ORDEll
o*
SAINT ANDREW OF RUSSIA.
Instituted 1693.
is Czarish Majesty, PETER ALEXIEWITZ
the first, justly surnanied, the great; insti
tuted this Order in the year 1693. to reward
the Services of those who had distinguished
themselves by their bravery in the wars
against the Turks.
The Badge, is a Gold spread Eagle ena
melled black. The beak and claws are of
Gold, and upon each head it bears an Im
perial Crown. Upon the Eagle, is displayed
a Burgundian Cross, or Cross of SAINT
ANDREW, in dark blue, with a small gold
border: and, SAINT ANDREW appears there
upon depicted in natural colours, wearing a
gold sash around the loins. On the four
corners of the cross, are these four letters in
Gold, S. A. P. R. which are the initials of
Sanctus Andreas Patronus llussiac : and the
same is the Device, or Motto. \ The Badge,
or jewel, is surmounted with a large Impe
rial Crown, and in the mkldle, is inserted a
ring, with which it is attached to the collar,
or Ribbon.
This Ensign is usually suspended from
a broad Sky blue watered Ribbon; which is
worn scarf-Wise over the right Shoulder;
but on Days of Solemnity, it is pendant
from the Collar, and appears on the middle
of the Breast. This Collar or chain consists
of three particular links, or parts, which are
connected together with gold Rings. They
are disposed in this manner. In the middle
is the Imperial Eagle, as already described,
and on its breast, is a red Shield, on which
is painted SAINT GEORGE on Horseback, in
the act of killing the Dragon. On one side
of the above mentioned part, is a Shield of
dark blue with a small gold border; where
upon is the letter A. indicating the name of
the Empress AXI^E IVANOWNA, who renewed
the Order, and embellished the Collar; this
Shield is surmounted with an Imperial
— 153 — *
Crown. On each side, are disposed military
Trophies, consisting of flags, colours, and
standards, in white, red and green: and
underneath, are arranged drums, cannons,
and various kind of armour. On the other
side, is a SAINT ANDREW'S Cross of dark
blue, with a small gold border; and in the
four extremities, the four letters S. A. P, Fu
appear in solid Gold. The whole Cross is
surrounded with a circular glory; the rays
of which are alternately enamelled. More
over — upon the left side of their daily upper
apparel; or Mantles; the Knights constantly
wear an eight pointed Star of Silver, the
rays of which are embroidered. (Of these
rays the upper, lower, and lateral ones are
somewhat longer than the intermediate
four.) In the middle, is the Cross of SAINT
ANDREW, of an azure colour; it is displayed
on an escutcheon of Silver, which is sur*
rounded with a broad circle of pale blue;
and thereupon are embroidered, two Angels
holding an Imperial Crown of Gold; pre
cisely above the middle of the Cross. The
remainder of this circle is filled up with the
Motto in the Russian language, which is
— 154- —
embroidered in letters of Gold. The Robes,
.ire; a Surcoat of Sky blue, and a Mantle
of Scarlet, richly embroidered in Gold.
This Order is conferred only upon the
Nobility of the first Rank; upon Sovereign
Princes; and upon Foreigners of the highest
Distinction. It is justly esteemed the most
illustrious Order of Russia. *
* " PETEH the great instituted tliis Order in the year
" 1698'' aild chose for its Patron St. ANDREW, (on
"account that this Apostle, according to tradition, was
"the founder of Christianity among the MOSCOVITES.)
"His motive for instituting it, was, to animate his
"nobles and chief Officers in the wars against the
"Turks; and he conferred it on those who had signa
lized themselves in his Service."
"The Knights, are people of the first Rank in that
"Empire; and they are highly considered over all
"Europe."
See CLARK'S. Hist. pa°. 159. Vol. 2.
— 155 —
V.
OF THE OllDER
or
SAINT ALEXANDER-NEWSKY
IN RUSSIA.
Instituted 1725.
r-p
* HIS Order, which is commonly called the
PIED RIBBON OF SAINT ALEXANDER; was in
stituted by Her Imperial Majesty the Cza
rina CATHERINE in 1725. Prince MEN-
ZIKOF was created the first Knight, and the
Insignia were conferred upon him with
unusual Solemnity.
The Badge, is an eight pointed red eaia-
uielled Cross of Gold; in the middle, is the
figure of SAINT ALEXANDER-NEWSKY on
horseback, cloathed with a Gold Cuirass;
and, upon the four points the Device, or
Motto, is displayed in the -Russian language.
In Latin — thus — PRO LABORE ET P ATRIA. —
In the four angles, are so many spread
Eagles; each adorned with an Imperial
Crown, This Ensign is suspended from a
broad Ponceau watered Ribbon, which is
worn scarf-wise over the right Shoulder.
The Knights, wear upon, their left Breasts
an eight pointed Star, the rays of which are
embroidered in Silver; and the four central,
are somewhat longer than the four angular.
In the middle of this Star is an escutcheon
of Silver, on which the letters S. A. (the
initials of the Patron's name, S.ANCTUS
ALEXANDER) are interlaced and embroidered
in Gold. The Cypher, or MONOGRAM, is
surmounted with a black Ducal Cap, turned
up with Silver, and beset with ermine.
This is surrounded with a circle of ponceau,
on which the Motto, in the Russian lan-
o-tiaoe, is embroidered in letters of Gold.
D D '
Beneath the same, and disposed Crosswise,
appear two branches of Laurel.
This Order is somewhat less esteemed
than that of Saint Andrew. Nevertheless —
every one who is invested with it, must
have, at least, the Rank of Major-General :
nor can that of Saint Andrew be conferred
upon any one, unless during a certain time,
he has previously worn the Order distin-
— 157 —
guished by the Appellation of — THE RED
RIBBON.
In 1797. the right honourable ADAM
LORD DUNCAN, Viscount Duncan of Cam*
perdown; gained a most signal Victory
over the Dutch fleet, in which two Admirals
were made Prisoners; and some Russian
Ships of war, having been present in that
Engagement; His late Imperial Majesty,
PAUL the first, was pleased to confer the
Ensigns of this Order upon his Lordship;
and to accompany the same 'with a letter,
highly expressive of the Esteem and Friend
ship he entertained for that distinguished
naval Commander.
Lord Viscount DUNCAN afterwards re
ceived the permission of His Britannic
Majesty to wear the Insignia.
~- 155 —
VI.
OF THE
IMPERIAL AND MILITARY ORDER
OF
SAINT GEORGE OF RUSSIA;
Instituted A. C.
IN OTWITHS'TANDING the repeated appli
cations we have addressed to the Chanceries
of the two following Orders; with the in^
genious Mr. Clark, we are compelled to
lament, that our historical Materials, res
pecting them, are, by no means abundant*
The mines may.be rich; but they are remote
from the seat of our studies: and we have
found the Annalists, of these Russian Or
ders, either unable, or unwilling, to favour
us with such information, as, by the express
Authority of several Sovereign Princes; we
have received from the Archives of their
respective Orders. And here, it may not be
improper, to testify and express, to Her
159
Serene Highness the Duchess Dowager of
Deux-Ponts; to their Serene Highnesses the
reigning Dukes of Saxe- Weimar and Wiir-
temberg; and toHisS.H. the reigning Land
grave of Hesse-Cassel; our most grateful
and in tire thanks, for their princely Patro
nage of our enterprise; and for the very
ample communica lions (relative to the Or
ders of which they are the Sovereigns)
with which, we, have been honoured and
favoured by their commands. Nor ought
we to conceal it from those, who may deign
to peruse the following Pages; that our
obligations are not less great to the Noble
man, who is the immediate Patron of this
work; so far as concerns two Ordeis of re
cent and memorable institution ; and in like
manner to those gallant British Officers,
who have been decorated with the military
Order of Maria Theresa: for, the statement
of facts, with which we were not well
acquainted.
Her late Imperial Majesty, CATHERINE
the II. was the institutress of this Order*
It is purely military; and is destined as an
appropriate recompence, to be conferred
Upon Officers of all descriptions; who shall
have served the Prince and the State, with
zeal, bravery, and to good purpose. The
principles of its composition, are nearly the
same, as those of its prototype, that of
Maria Theresa.
The Badge, is a Cross-pattee, of Gold.
It is enamelled grey, with a small red bor
der. On the center, on one side, is a repre
sentation of Saint GEORGE striking the Dra
gon; and on the reverse, is an inscription,
and date, in Graeco-Russian characters.
This is worn, pendant from a rich black
watered Ribbon; which is striped and bor
dered with orange. The Order being formed
into four Glasses, the Knights of the first,
wear the Ribbon scarf-wise over the right
Shoulder; and a Star of a particular form,
is embroidered on the ]eft side of their upper
garments. The second Class, wear the Cross
round the Neck, pendant from a narrower
Ribbon ; and a Star, somewhat smaller than
the one, worn by the first Class. The third
Class, wear a Cross somewhat smaller, and
a Ribbon somewhat narrower than those
worn by the furementioned; but in the
same manner as the second. This Class,
has no Star on their outward apparel. The
Knights of the fourth class, wear theirs
attached to a still narrower Ribbon, which
is passed through the button -hole.
When the Peace of Tscliesme was
made between the Russian Empire and
the Ottoman Porte, in 1776: the Imperial
Aulic- Council of war, decided, that the
Cross of Knight-Commander of the second
class, of this Order, should be conferred
upon Major - General HUMFREY - Evans
LLOYD; who had served with oreat
distinction in the Annies of the Empress,
and had long enjoyed a considerable Por
tion of her favour. Unfortunately, a cir
cumstance of small moment, interrupted
the Harmony, which had subsisted be
tween the Sovereign Nand the Commander:
and her Imperial Majesty, from caprice,
and without any just, or sufficient reason ;
thought proper to annul the Nomination.
As an Officer, General LLOYD was equally
well acquainted with the Theory of war;
and with what more immediately regards
actual Service. He was , by Birth, a Gent
le
leman; by Education, a Scholar: and
>thougli addicted to, find a lover of a
Military Life; he was a finished Courtier.
In his Conduct and manners no man united
more the austere Virtue of the old Roman,
and the urbanity of the wellbred English
man. In Succession , he had visited most
of the Courts in Europe, and was well
known to, and much respected by the So
vereigns : particularly by the Empress Queen
MARIA -THERESA the Emperor JOSEPH II. —
Prince FERDINAND — and the reigning
Duke of Brunsivic. In the midst of philo
sophical retirement , he composed his His
tory of the seven years war; which will
ever ensure him a distinguished place in the
Temple of Military Historians; and a high
rank in the Republic of Letters. His view
of the different Courts, and States of Eu>
rope; as they were situated at that period;
is £ masterpiece of oratory, and is not in
ferior to the characters of eminent Men,
drawn by the Lord CHANCELLOR CLAREN
DON. General LLOYD died at Huy, in the
Country of Liege, in i783> and by all
who knew him, the loss of this Excel-
lent Officer and estimable Man, was sin
cerely lamented and regretted.
"His saltern accumulem donis, e£ fungor inani
Munera ! "
VII.
OF THE
IMPERIAL ORDER
OF
SAINT W O L O D I M E R.
Instituted Octbr. the 3d. O. S. A. C. 1782.
1 his Order, is denominated a civil, or
diplomatic Order. It was instituted on the
3d. of October 1732, by Her late Imperial
Majesty, CATHERINE the second; and was
intended as A Reward for those , who might
merit her favour , by having served with
distinction in the civil departments. Its
composition is similar to that of Saint
GEORGE. The number of the Grand-Cros
ses, amounts to ten; that of the Comman
ders of the first Class, to twenty; the third
consists of thirty Commanders of inferior
rank; and the fourth, of Sixty, who are
styled junior knights. There is moreover,
a fifth class, which is reserved for those
who have filled any civil employment , du-
ring the space of thirty five years; and
who thereby , are in titled to demand it.
The Emperor PAUL the first, by not
conferring the orders of Saint GEORGE and
Saint WOLODIMER, instituted by the Em
press CATHERINE, did in fact, silently
abolish them. The present Emperor has
renewed these Noble Institutions; and Has
given them additional Statutes. To eluci
date, as much as possible, their present
state, we shall add the following rescript;
which on the 12. of December O. S. 1801.
was solemnly notified to the Russian Em
pire, by His Imperial Majesty, ALEXANDER
the ist.
We ALEXANDER I. Emperor of all the
Russias etc. etc. To distinguish true Merit,
in either the civil or Military Line, a grate
ful Country has appointed different ho
nours; and appropriated to every degree of
Merit a mark of its regard. Among others,
the Order of the holy Martyr and Hero Saint
GEORGE , has been instituted as a reward
for bravery and military Actions ; and the
Order of the holy and Apostolic Prince
— iC6 t*.
WOLODIMEJI, as a recompense for peace
ful civil virtue.
When our beloved Grand mo'ther, the
blessed Empress CATHERINE the great,
founded these Equestrian Corps, in order
to assure true Merit cf its just reward j
and in particular Statutes, explained the
Bights, by which they were to be ac
quired; and had appointed the knights
themselves, to walch over their mainte
nance: She solemnly took it upon herself,
and her Successors, to be the Patrons of
the same,
It is universally Known to what nu»
merous glorious Actions, and distinguished
performances, both in war and peace,
this institution has given Birth. How
often have the Russian Warriors braved
the terrors of Death on the field of battle,
in order by their Victories, to draw upon
themselves the grateful regards of their
Country; and then to be honoured with
the Order of the Victorious Martyr? Di
stinguished Actions in peace, and the ex
ertions of civil Virtue, in the administra
tion of justice, and the police of the
_ 167 —
Empire ; have equally found encouragement
in the Order of St. WOILODIMER. —
Since the publication of the new Statu
tes ot the Russian Orders, in the year 1797,
rewards, with the insignia of St. GEORGE and
St. WOLODIMER, have fallen into disuse:
Tho' the first of these Orders as well as
its Statutes, was by our father (now
resting with God) the Emperor PAUI, PE-
TROWITZ, of glorious Memory, on the
day of his coronation, solemnly confir
med.
Now we, designing to restore these
Orders, in all their force and extent: The
titles to the obtaining of the Order of
St. \VOLO DIMER, according to their proper
nature, not having for them, any parti
cular clear Authority; and not being so
defined by the Laws; find it necessary,
to prevent all partiality ; and in the Sense
of the 5th. and 16. Article of the Statutes of
this Order; thus to explain and complete
the same.
Besides Persons whose Merit is perso
nally known to Us, the Order of St.Wo-
LODIMER, upon representations to the
— 163 —
«
chapter, from the ist. Department of the
Directorial Senate, and from the three first
Colleges, may be conferred on,
ist. Any civil officer, who receives
from his Superior; or. from all his Colle-
gues , of the plaQe where his pOi>t is ; a cer
tificate of his having, by his Talents, or
Industry, brought in order any remarkably
neglected Affair, and turned it info a legal
course: also, on anyone, who as Presi
dent of a district, has by his own Industry,
and his influence on his Colleagues , termi
nated a Business, which had been neglected
2. 5. or more years; without neglecting
any thing else, by which the general course
of business might be impeded.
2. Officers who particularly contribute
to the conclusion of all affairs submitted to
their Inspection, within the legal Term;
and who, during the course of 6 years,
have received neither punishment nor Re
proof from higher Authority.
3. Any one, who, besides the usual
district of his Office, brings to a Satis
factory termination an Affair entrusted to
him by the Government, and which re-
— 169 -—
quires long Application and distinguished
Talents or knowledge.
4. Whoever as President of a juris
diction; or Superior of an Establishment
for Education; forms a proportionate num
ber of Subjects , fit to be afterwards em
ployed with honour, in their several Capa
cities.
5. Whoever with particular Judgement
and disinterestedness, terminates a criminal
Process; in which, the fate of several Per
sons, or the restitution of a considerable
Sum of money to the Crown, depends.
6. Whoever being chosen by the Nobi
lity of his Government and circle, has ser
ved with Zeal; without reproach; and to
the general Satisfaction of the Nobles: but
not till he has passed 3 terms (be it out of
Botation in the Service ,) and is chosen for
the 4th. time for 3 years.
7. Whoever by distinguished prudence
and tried Virtue, has acquired so far the
confidence of his Countrymen , as to have
been several times employed in carving on
expensive Lawsuits; who is known in his
Circle, or whole Government for a Pro-
* moter of peace; and who can produce am
unquestionable testimony of it, from the
whole District.
g. Whoever in distress, occasioned by
fire or water, or similar Occurrences, with
the risk of his life; either of his own accord
or induced by promised. Rewards; saves the
lives of 10 or more Persons; be it at diffe
rent times : also , whoever in times of ge
neral scarcity; or of contagious distempers,
relieves, and by disinterested Arrangements,
shall lighten the distress of a whole circle,
so the place of his Residence: (to be attested
by the certificate of the Inhabitants of the
place itself, when such circumstance shall
happen.)
9. Whoever by the Acquisition of distin
guished knowledge in Husbandry; or at
his own expence and labour; has evidently
contributed to the advantage of the Govern
ment to which he belongs; or that of a
whole province.
10. The Inventor of any plan, tried
, and accepted by the Government, by which
without burdening the subject, the Reve
nues of the Empire may be increased, by
at least 100,000 Roubles; or whoever lias
really contributed to improve the Police ancL
Laws of the Empire $ in what line soever it
may be. All Farmers general and Surveyors,
however, ; whose outbidding, or abating the
.price to the Crown, is connected with their
own calculations and advantages; are inti-
rely excluded.
11. Whoever sets on foot a new In
vention; or founds a new Institution in any
one of the 3 Kingdoms of nature; -which,
after the experience of some years, may
visibly contribute to augment the revenues
of the Imperial Crown.
12. Whoever by his uncommon Talents
and labours in the sphere of human Know
ledge, has attracted the attention net only
oi 'the Russian, but of the most distinguished
learned Societies in foreign Countries; and
that, in such a manner, that his Works may
be received as classical; or at least, in the
judgements of the learned, are systematical.
May these principles ; to which we add
the Articles appointed in the Statutes,
respecting the years of Service; be from
this time, the only base of all presentations
— 172 —
to the Order of the Apostolic Prince Wolo
dimer; whose Statutes are, in this manner,
together with those of the Order of the holy
Martyr and conqueror St. George, explained;
and which we add to the Statutes of the
Russian Orders, published in 1797; restor
ing at the general Chapter, also the Chapter
of these Orders, according to their former
principles; and leaving the appointment of
the amount of the Pensions to the propor
tions of the general Chapter.
Having in this manner opened to all
kinds of true Merit, the road to Honour;
and by exact determinations of their rights,
assured them of their reward; we wish that
the spirit of emulation, which enlightens
the citizen in his peaceful endeavours; and
animates the Deeds of the Warrior; may be
to the Russians the only Base of their Sen
timents and Actions, and direct all their
Exertions, intirely to the glory and ad
vantage of their grateful Country.
Given at St. Petersburg Dec. 12. o. S.
1301.
Signed by the Emperor's own hand
ALEXANDER.
— 173 —
VIII.
OF THE
IMPERIAL ORDER
i
or
THE TURKISH CRESCENT.
Instituted August 1799.
It is an event, which forms a memorable
Aera, in the Annals of the cigteenth Cen
tury; that the Ottomans, against whom the
first Order of Knighthood * was established;
should have instituted a military one, to
recompense the bravery of a Christian, and
a Hero, and expressly to commemorate a
victory, gained on their own Coasts, and
upon which, depended their existence as a
Nation. A victory, such as will hencefor
ward be regarded as the most compleat one,
ever obtained, since the Creation. But
what may we not expect from the unri-
\ . •.; ; .: . V '•
k That of Malta : the venerable progenitor of every
knightly Order. It was professedly and avowedly
founded to combat and exterminate the Mahometans.
Note of the Editor.
vailed courage, and transceifclant genius of
a NELSON?!
If the Order of the Garter * was insti
tuted by the great EDWARD, from a prin
ciple of the most refined courtly gallantry :
of a gallantry conformable to the Spirit of
s
* Tlie Order of ttie Garter, was instituted by Edward
tlie Hid, in honour of the Countess of Salisbury, of
whom he was enamoured. At a Ball, this Lady in
dansing let fall her Garter, which happened to be a
blue one, and the King having taken it up, caused his
passion to be remarked by so gallant an action. This
incident, occasioned some Mirth amongst the Courtiers.
The Countess betrayed her vexation thereat; and the
King wishing to appease her, exclaimed in the lan
guage of those times — HOIST SOIT Qui MAL Y PENSE !
to prove that he had not any improper design. He
added — "that he would confer such Eclat upon that
" Garter, that those who had dated to treat it as an
" Object of derision, should thenceforward esteem
"themselves most fortunate in. being permitted to wear
"such a one." (This happened, say some Authors, in
1345- or in 135°' according to others.) Shortly after,
Edward instituted the Order of the Garter* under the
auspices of Saint George, who is acknowledged in
England as the Patron of that Kingdom. The prophetic
prediction of the royal Founder, has been invariably
verified.
Note of the Editor.
/ — 175 —
his age : if the Order of the golden Fleece > *•
some few years later, owed its origin to
Philip the Good, Duke of Burgundy, from a
motive gallant, but not equally delicate;
and if that of Saint Michael of France, f
was founded by Louis the XL under the
* Cotemporary writers maintain, that Philip the
Good, Duke of Burgundy, instituted this Order from
motives of piety, and to prove his zealous attachment
to the Catholic faith. He established it to excite the
Knights to expose their lives for the Church, in imi
tation of the Argonauts, whom Poets feign to have
lia&arded theirs, that they might conquer, and bear
away in Triumph the golden Fleece ; the object of
their perilous Expedition. Others, who were initiated
into the secret History of that age, pretend, that ifc
Was founded in hoiiour of his favoiite Mistress, a Lady
of rare beauty, and who was remarkable for the quan
tity and fineness of her golden Tresses. When we
consider the great number of illegitimate children, of
which this amorous Prince was the Father; the latter
conjecture appears to be the most probable.
Note of the Editor.
f This Order wa<s instituted in the fifteenth Century,
by Louis the Xlth, in memory of the Archangel Saint
Michael; who, it was affirmed, had been seen com-*
batting against the English at Orleans, insomuch that
hs constrained them to raise the Sieg-e.
Note of the Editor.
— 176 —
•inspiration and guidance of timid bigotry
and hypocritical devotion: well may we
maintain, that the Imperial Order of the
Turkish Crescent, was established upon the
purest principles of the antique Chivalry!
it was purposely founded to remunerate
warlike achievements, and knightly prowess.
This premissed, it is superfluous to add,
that the ever glorious1 battle of Aboukir
gave birth to this Order; or, that Sultan
SELIM the third was the Founder.
* It was instituted, to reward, the rare
and unexampled exploits of HORATIO LORO
VISCOUNT NELSON, Duke of Bronte, and
with a view to be conferred upon those
Subjects who might well deserve of the
Turkish Empire. The distinguished Suc-
* The Order of the Crescent, was sent to Lord
Visconnt Nelson, by Sultan Selim the III. in August
1799. as a Mark, (as his Minister the Grand Vizier,
expressed in his letter to that Nobleman) of the Sul
tan's esteem for his private Character. After the battle
of Copenhagen, and the final expulsion of the French
from Egypt; the Sultan (as wrote to Lord Nelson
officially by Lord Elgin) was so highly satisfied at His
Lordship's describing himself as a Knight of the
Crescent (which he did in the treaty with the Court of
cesses of the Army, under ABERCROMBY
and HUTCHISON, on the plains of Egypt,
and the weighty Services of Lord KEITH,
and the Royal Navy, under his Command,
have induced the sublime Porte to extend
this Order much beyond the bounds of its
pristine Institution. It has been formed
into two Classes: it has been successively
conferred upon all the Commanders in
chief , and superior Officers; naval as well
as military: and finally — the Insignia of
the second Class, have been presented to
eight hundred British Officers, who served
in that expedition. The Decorations, are
composed of a Badge, or Medallion of an
oval form ; on which are represented upon
a field azure, argent a Crescent, and a Star
argent in the Center. The whole is sur*
rounded with Diamonds. The Ribbon is
Denmark, for a suspension of hostilities) that lie de
termined to add a Ribbon and Medal to the Star; and
invested Lord Elgin, Lord llutchiuson, Lord Keith,
and some Generals and Admirals with the Order.
Medals of a smaller size, were given to many Officers
of subordinate Hank.
Extract of a Letter addressed to the Ed\tOr»
M
— 178 —
red. The Knights of the first Class wear it
Scarf- wise, with the Badge appendant; and
on the left side of their upper Apparel, is
embroidered a Star of Silver in the form of
a radiant Sun, bearing in the center the
Star and Crescent, on a field Azure. The
Ensigns which distinguish the Knights of
the second Class are the same; with the
following variations : the Medallion is some
what smaller than that assigned to those
of the first Class, and is not ornamented
with Jewels — the Ribbon is not so broad —
it is worn saltire-wise — and the Junior
Knights have no Star.
For the Materials which have enabled us
to compose this short History, we are in
debted to the communication we received
from a Nobleman; whose Modesty, equal
to his Valour and Merit, alone prevents us
from naming him, on the present Occasion,
To this we shall add;
THE CEREMONIAL OF INVESTITURE
observed
By His Highness the Captain Pacha, when;
by the Command of the Sublime Porte;
he conferred the Imperial Order of
— 179 —
Knighthood of the Turkish Crescent
upon Sir Piichard Bickerton Bart: and
Knight Banneret, and feveral other na
val Officers in the Service of His Bri
tannic Majesty.
On the morning of the gth of October
1801, the Admiral, accompanied by the
Turkish Admiral of the Gallies, and Suite,
and those Officers of the navy who had been
particularly selected; proceeded from Gene
ral Hutchinson's Tent, to the Tent of His
Highness the Captain Pacha, and were re*
ceived by the whole Turkish line, under
Arms, with Music playing and Colours
flying. When they alighted and approached
the tent (which wras open in the front) they
observed the Captain Pacha, seated upon a
most magnificent Sopha; attended by the
Pacha of Egypt, the chief General of his
Highnesses Army, arid the Reis Effendi.
The three latter were seated on the same
Sopha, and rose at their approach; but his
Highness received tlrem sitting. They were
placed in.Ghairs on each Side the Sopha: the
Admiral on the right of the Captain Pacha.
The General Officers of. the Turkish Army
— 180 —
and navy stood at the back of the Chairs;
behind them were ranged his Highness's
retinue, arrayed in- their different Badges of
Distinction, and round the Tent, in front,
were drawn up, his body Guards.
His Highness was dressed in a while
Robe of beautiful Persian Satin, over which
was, the Robe of State, \vorn only on par
ticular Occasions, made of the finest red
cloth; on it were placed, below the Breast,
two Agraffes, or Clasps, of large Diamonds,
and in a Sash of rich Satin, round his waist,
was fixed a dagger; the handle of which,
was so thickly covered with Diamonds, as
to render it impossible to discover of what
other Materials it was made. On his Head,
he wore a superb Turban , with rows of
pearls placed on the different folds. His
rich Dress, and venerable figure; made a
most interesting appearance. The other
Grandees who were seated on the same
Sopha, were as magnificently dressed in all
respects; excepting the red Robe.
Having been served with Coffee and
Sweet-meats, according to the Custom, the
Ceremony began, by his Highness investing
- r — 151 —
the Admiral with a Pelisse, the Star and
red Ribbon, and Modal, of the Order of the
Crescent; all of which, being properly ar
ranged, he was desired to kneel ; at which
time the grand Signer's Firman was read,
impowering his Highness to confer the Ho
nour of Knighthood; which was immedi
ately performed on the Admiral; upon whose
rising, a Royal salute was fired, and other
demonstrations of Satisfaction, agreeable
to the Turldsh Custom.
The Admiral having retired to his seat,
the Senior Post Captain was invested in the
same form with the Pelisse and gold Medal,
and was afterwards Knighted; and then
the other three Captains in Succession.
Four Masters and Commanders, and
Lieutenant Withers, were then Knighted in
the same manner; but only received a gold
Medal of the Order without the Pelisse.
The same ceremony was performed on Ge
neral Hutchinson, and the General Officers
of the Army, the day before*
General Hutchinson and Sir Richard
Bickerton, were invested with the Insignia
of the first Class. The other General Offi-
cers, Post Captains, and Masters and Com
manders with those of the second; there
being only two Classes, appertaining to
this Order.
During the whole of the Ceremony Music
was playing. After it was finished, a long
History was read, stating the Power and
magnificence of the grand Signor, and con
sequently the value which was to be set
upon the different honours conferred. This
finished, the new created Knights, were
regaled with Sherbet; they then arose,
wearing the Insignia with which they were
invested, and departed, mounted on their
Horses, in the same form they had observed
upon their coming thither; at which time,
another salute was fired.
This Ceremony was performed on the
Spot where the Battle of the 21 st was fought,
which decided the fate of Egypt.
— 183 —
^SECTION IV. ,'•,:
OF SUCH ORDERS AS ARE OF
ROYAL INSTITUTION.
I.
OF THF ORDER
OF
THE HOLY GHOST IN FRANCE.
Instituted 1573.
JL his Order * was instituted by HENRY the
third King of France, on Whit-Sunday
1573; since that day had been particularly
auspicious to him. On that day, in the year
* When HEKRY the III. instituted this Order, he
conferred upon the Knights, the Title of Commanders,
as it was his intention, to bestow on each of them a
Commandery, assigned upon the ecclesiastical bene
fices ; in the same manner as is practised in Spain.
But the Pope and the Clergy, refused their Consent to
this measure. As Mezeray relates, some Author has
asserted, that the King took the model of this Order
from one to which it much resembled; and which was
— 184- —
1573- *1C was elected King of Poland: and
in the following year, he on the same day
succeeded to the throne of France, oil the
death of his Brother CHARLES the IX.
His Majesty declared himself Grand-
Master; and annexed that dignity to the
Crown of France, to be enjoyed exclusively
by the most Christian Kings, his successors.
Owing to the civil wars which raged during
the reign of this Prince; the Order was con
siderably diminished. On this account, that
great Prince, King HE^IVY the IV. renewed
it in 1590, and augmented and embellished
the Characteristic Ensigns. This Order is in
France, simply called: Le Cordon bleu.
also called— "Of the holy Ghost."— The Litter, it is
said, had been instituted by Louis de Tarente, King
of Jerusalem and Sicily and Cointe de Provence: and
that the original Statutes had been shewn to Henry at
Venice, when he passed through that city, on his re
turn from Poland. This Order, was likewise named — •
"ISordre au droit Desir!" and with their Arms, and
upon their habits, the Knights bore these words— ^ Si
Dieuplaist!" as a Device. Some Historians add, that
they wore a Knot of Gold, as the Emblem of
friendship.
Note of tlic Editor.
— 185 —
The principal Feast-day, is observed on
the £|ist of December; his Majesty and the
Knights, formerly assembling in the Church
of the Augus tins at Paris, at two in the-
Afternoon.
The Badge, was originally a Collar of
Gold, consisting of red enamelled Lillies,
surrounded with flames; and Cyphers, of
the founder's name in white enamel; the
whole disposed alternately.
In its place, was substituted an eight
pointed red enamelled Cross, -with an high
border of white ; and in the centre, a Dove
argent, having a red Bill and Feet. In the
four angles, are four fleurs de Lis of Gold;
and the eight points, are terminated with
so many Brilliants. The Knights usually
wear this Cross suspended! from a broad
SKy blue watered ribbon; which is worn
scarf ^wise, over the right shoulder: but on
solemn Festivals, they wear it attached to
the great Collar, and pendant on the Breast.
This Collar consists of three alternate
Links. The first is composed of a golden
Helmet with a plume of white feathers; it
is surrounded with Arms and military
Trophies, in red, white, and blue, The
second Link is a flame of Gold terminating
in eight points; and in the middle is a red
fleur de Lis. The third Link is formed by
the Letter H. signifying the name of the
Founder, HENRICUS ; it is surmounted with
a royal Crown, and the whole is surrounded
with a celestial glory.
These Links are joined together with
small gold Rings ; and form the Collar, in
the following manner : the military Trophies
are placed the first; then comes the fleur de
Lis; and after this, the Founders Name. —
Then again the fleur de Lis, and, lastly,
the military Trophies. The Knights also
wear an eight pointed Star upon their out
ward apparel. It is embroidered in Silver,
with a Pearl, or Bead, at the extremities;
in the centre is a Dove, as the Emblem of
the Order; and in the four angles, are so
many fleurs de Lis.
On days of solemnity, the dress of the
Knights, is of white Silk and Silver tissue;
and over all is a long Mantle of black Vel
vet, lined with rich Orange-coloured tabby.
This Mantle is bestrewed with gold flames
— J87 —
in embroidery \ and surrounded with a
border composed of fleurs de Lis of Gold,
and Silver lacs d'amour; arranged alter
nately,
Besides this, they wear a short green
Mantle of Cloth of Silver. It is bestrewed
with Doves in silver embroidery, and lined
with rich orange-coloured tabby.
The Device, or Motto, is: BEXOIST St.
ESPRIT ! No one can be invested with this
Order, unless he professes the faith of the
Church of Rome, *
* a The number of persons that compose it, is by the
"Statutes limited to one hundred, exclusive of the So-
"vereJgn or Grand- Master, Of these, four Cardinals,
'"five Prelates, the Chancellor, the Master of the Cere-
"•monies, the Treasurer, the B.egister, and the Provost;
K are styled Commanders, without being considered as
"ruvights; though they usually wear the Badges or
"Insignia of the Order. All are to profess the Roman
"Catholic Religion; and the Knights are to prove the
"nobility of their descent for an hundred years and
"upwards; but no proofs of this kind are required of
"the Commanders; whose offices or honors are coni-
amoiily sold at a regulated price. The King of France
"is Sovereign or Grand-Master of it; and by the Sta-
— 183 —
" tutes, tliis office is inalienably annexed to the Crown ;
<(but lie cannot exercise its functions until after liis
*f coronation ; when he is installed, writh much Ceremony
"Sovereign of this Order. To be a Knight of it, it is
"necessary for all, except Princes of the Blood, to have
w attained the age of thirty three, and to have been ad-
"mitted into the Order of Saint Michael; into which
" even the Princes must enter, before they can be ad-
" mined into the Order of the holy Ghost; which they
"may be at sixteen years old. The Dauphin only is
" excepted from this rule, lie being received into both
" Orders 011 the day of his Birth. The Commanders are
"not Knights of the Order of St. Michael, and hence •
"arises the difference between their styles and titles,
"and those by which the Knights are distinguished;
f<the Knights being called Chevaliers ties Ordres du
"Roy; and the Commanders, if ecclesiastics, COJH-
de VOrdre du. St. Esprit; if Laymen, Coin-
fr ttT{ des Ordres 'du Roy."
See CLARK'S Hist. yag. 221. Vol. i4
II.
OI1 THE ORDER
OF OUR LADY OF MOUNT- CARMEL
AND
SAINT LAZARUS OF JERUSALEM.
Instituted in France A. C. 1607.
JLLing Henry the fourth of France instituted
this Order of our Lady of MOUNT CARMEJD,
as a Signal Proof of his Piety and devotion
towards the Mother of our blessed Redee*
mer. —
To this end, he wrote to his Minister
at Rome, to obtain from POPE PAUL the
Vth the Apostolical confirmation. —
His Holiness gave his Consent to this
measure, by a Bull bearing date, February
the 16. 1607, and he empowered His Majesty
to nominate the Grand-Master; who could
create as many Knights, as he thought pro
per. —
Amongst other Privileges which they
received, Permission was granted them to
— 190 —
marry: and even after the Death of the
first Wife, they can take a second, although
she is a Widow. —
As the King was desirous of providing
Revenues for this Order^ He by Letters Pa
tent in dale July 1605. abolished the Dignity
of Grand-Master of the Order of Saint LA
ZARUS;* and all the Commanderies, Priories,
* The Order of Saint Lazarus, •which in process of
time, became the parent of two very noble knightly
foundations, (the former in France — the latter in Savoy,
or Piedmont) was instituted upon a principle of bene
volence. The particular Duty of this illustrious con
fraternity, was, to superintend, and heal those who
were labouring under the Ravages of the leprosy: and
to that end, a celebrated Hospital at Jerusalem; of
which Saint Lazarus was the patron, was especially
"consigned to the Brethren, as a receptacle for lepers. —
This Order, owing to the continual warfare maintained
by the Saracens, was, in a manner, destroyed; or, in
a state approaching to extinction; until the Princes of
Europe, were by the exhortations of Pope Urban the II.
and the preaching of Saint Bernhard, induced to form
the bold and adventurous enterprise, of expulsing the
infidels from the holy land. These pious men were
regularly embodied ; and under military discipline.
On the commencement of the Crusades, they gained
great reputation, by their Prowess and warlike
achievements, and acquired the favour of Baldwin the
.and Prebends, belonging to the same, and
the collation to which, depended upon the
Grand-Master; -were annexed to that of
our Lady of Mount-Carmel. — •
It was not therefore the newly created
Order which was united with that of Saint
LAZARUS, as some suppose; but on the
contrary, the latter was associated to the
one of our Lady of
second, King of Jerusalem. During tlie reign of this
Prince, they were in a state of the highest prosperity,
tinder the direction and authority of a Grand-Master.
In 1150, they pronounced the three vows of obedience*'
poverty, and chastity, in the presence of p^illiam,
Patriarch of Jerusalem; and conformed themselves to
the monastic rules of Saint Benedict. The Knights
previous to their reception, were to exhibit proofs of
the legitimacy of their extraction — that their ancestors
were Christians— that they were Gentlemen, by pater
nal and maternal descent — and that their reputations
were irreproachable. In 1590. Pope Innocent the VIII.
endeavoured to incorporate them and all their estates
in France, with the Knights of Malta; and His Holiness
published a Bull to that purpose. This stretch of Papal
prerogative, had not, however, any etFect in that
Kingdom. In 1572 prior to that event, Pope Gregory
the XII. united those of the Order in Italy, with that
of Saint Maurice, then recently founded by Philibert-
Emmanuel Duke of Savoy; and in 1603, this Order
This matter being finally adjusted, His
Majesty was pleased to confer the Dignity
of Grand-Master of these united Orders,
upon PHILIBERT de NERESTAN, his Cham
berlain; who previously, had so been, of
the Order of SAINT LAZARUS*
Thereupon, he took the Oath to the
King in Person. His diploma gave him the
Title of, „ Grand-Master of the Order of
,,oi/r Lady of Mount- Carmel, and of Saint
,,LAZARUS of JERUSALEM".
His descendants were recognised and
confirmed in the Possession of that Dignity.
In 1645. Louis the XIV. was pleased to
invest CHARLES ACHILLES de NERESTAN-,
with the Grand-Mastership ; and0 it was con*
firmed to him by a Bull from Pope INNO*
CENT the X» which was solemnly promul-
in France, was united to that of Notre Dame de Mont-
Carniel, which had been instituted by Henry the IVth*
Marriage is permitted to the Knights of these Orders;
and they can enjoy pensions assigned upon ecclesiastical
benefices. In France, previous to the memorable. Re
volution, of 1789, this Order was possessed of five
Priories, and one hundred and forty Commanderies,
situated in different parts of that Kingdom.
Note of the Editor*
promulgated to that effect. At that Period,
the Grand-Master and the Knights assumed
the Appellation of, 6t Knights of our Lady
"of Moimt-Carjuel, and of SAINT JOHN of
"JERUSALEM."
The Badge, is an eight pointed Cross
enamelled; on one side the colour is ama^
ranth, and in the middle, is a figure of the
Virgin Mary, on an escutcheon of Gold.
The other side is green, and in the middle
is the image of SAINT LAZARUS. Each point
is terminated with a Pearl, or Bead of Gold;
and in the four principal Angles, are four
fieurs dc Lis.
This Cross the Knights at first, wore
attached to a rich, broad, watered Amaranth
coloured ribbon; which hung scarf-wise,
over the left shoulder: but the Serving
CJ
Brothers wore it suspended from a chain,
without any ribbon.
Previous to the Grand-Mastership of the
MARQUIS de DANGEAU; who in 1695. was
invested by Louis the XIV. with that Dig-
' nity ; the Order had not any-particular robes,
or Uniform.
N
— 194 —
This Nobleman, however, thought pro
per to ordain one : and it was so contrived
as to distinguish respectively the different
Ranks of the Knights.
The Robes of the Grand-Master consisted
of a Dalmatic of Silver tissue; over which
he wore a long Man tie of Amaranth coloured
Velvet, abundantly bestrewed with fleurs
de Lis of Gold, and with MONOGRAMS, or
Cyphers; and Trophies of Victory; richly
embroidered in Gold and Silver. The MO
NOGRAM or Cypher was the name of MARIA,
placed between two Regal Crowns.
The Dress of the Knights, was a Dalma
tic of white Satin, upon which was a Cross
of proportionate length and breadth; and
therein the Colours green and brown, pre
dominated equally. Above this they wore
a long ample Mantle of Amaranth coloured
Velvet; and on the left side was embroidered
a Cross of a tawny colour, bearing the
effegy of the Virgin Mary, in the center.
They commonly wore a cap of black Vel
vet adorned with black Ostrich feathers,
and a small white Heron Plume in the
middle. Although the Arms of the Knights
— 195 —
were generally surrounded with a Collar;
it was not worn in the Ceremonies; as it
had never received the approbation of the
King. It was of Gold, and displayed the
name of the Mother of our Lord — M. A.
disposed in Cyphers interlaced.
The Knights usually held their assem
blies, or Chapters, in the Church of the
Carmelites; but the great festival, was kept
in that of Saint Germain des Prez.
The Knights, as well Ecclesiastical as
Secular, were obliged to pay 1000 french
Livres, as Fees of Honour; and the Chaplains
and serving Brothers, one half of that Sum.
Such was the state of these Orders under
several successive Grand-Masters, until
1779* when His Royal Highness Louis
STANISLAUS XAVIEI\, Comte de Provence,
next Brother of His late Majesty Louis the
XVI. being Grand-Master of these united
Equestrian Confraternities; He, with the
King's approbation, thought proper to sepa
rate them.
Saint LAZARUS then became the first
Order; and our Lady of MOUNT-CARMEN,
the second. The former was divided into
— 196 —
two Classes: the first is intitled the Class
of Grand-Commanders ; the second, that of
Commanders. The Ribbon they wear is of
a rich watered pale green colour: that of
the Grand-Commanders is of the breadth of
the hand; that of the Commanders, is some
thing narrower. The Crosses vary in size:
each is surmounted with a regal Crown;
and they have undergone some changes.
This Cross is worn pendant round the
Neck, by both Classes of Commanders.
The Grand-Commanders wear upon their
upper apparel a small Star formed of Silver
spangles, with a Border, composed of
spangles of Gold. In the middle, is a small
square ended Cross of Gold, on which the
Motto, Annis et Atavis, is engraved in
Italic Characters.
The Star of the Commanders, is of the
Same" form; but something smaller. It is
of plain green silk embroidery, and the
Cross of Gold, with the Motto, appears in
the Center.
This Order, from that Period, has been
conferred only upon Persons of die highest
Distinction.
— 197 —
The Order of our Lady of Mount-Car-
mel, was, thenceforward, annexed to the
Eleves of the Ecole Militaire. It is still
distinguished by the Amaranth coloured
Ribbon; and the Cross has undergone very
little; or no alteration.
— 193 —
III.
OF THE
MILITARY ORDER
OF
SAINT LOUIS OF FRANCE.
Instituted A. C. 1693.
K
-ING HENRY the third of France was ever
inclined to reward the valour and merit of
His Officers and Soldiers^: on that account
he not only instituted the Order of
CHRISTIAN FRATERNITY; * but he founded
* The reader will certainly not be displeased with
some account of this Order. King HENRY the third
was the founder; and this Prince endowed it for the
support and maintenance of such Officers and Soldiers,
as had been wounded, or disabled, in his Service.
Unfortunately for that deserving class; the civil war,
(which was the offspring of blind fanatic Zeal, and
factious Ambition;) rendered abortive His Majesty's
endeavors to effectuate a plan so noble. His Successor
HENRY the IVth adopted it, and pursued it more suc
cessfully. He made a donation of a Hostel in one of
the fauxbourgs of Paris, to the members of this Bro-
— 199 —
and erected an Hospital for the maintenance
of such old, wounded, and disabled Sold
iers, as had served their Country and King
with distinction. Those who were received,
wore upon their Mantles an Anchor- formed
Cross of white Satin, surrounded with a
border of blue silk. In the middle, was an
escutcheon of blue Taffety, on which was
embroidered a fleur de Lis of Gold. Around
the Cross, were these Words :
Pour avoir bien servi!
or: Pour avoir Jidelcment servi!
But neither this Prince; nor even the great
HENPtY the IVth; (and still less Louis the
XHIth) ever had the satisfaction of bringing
their Designs to maturity.
therhood; and assigned them ample Revenues, which,
were sufficient for all the purposes of the Institution.
Upon the Assassination of HEWRY, the Order fell into
decay; and was compleatly abolished by Louis XIV*
This great Monarch (of whom the present race of men,
entertains every day an higher opinion) by establishing
the royal Hospital of Invalids, and instituting the mi
litary Order of Saint Louis; bestowed upon his Vets-
rans a more suitable maintenance, and a more respectable
Mark of distinction, than they could derive from the
perpetuation of the Order first mentioned.
Nott of the Editor.
£00
Although, by Letters Patent, in date
A. C. 1633. the last named Monarch, did
institute a military Society, or Order;
which was denominated, the Confraternity
of Saint Louis.
It should seem as if the Glory of so
great and noble an entreprise was particu
larly reserved for that accomplished and
distinguished Prince Louis the XlVth;
since he not only built a magnificent Hos
pital for his veteran Officers and Soldiers;
which is well known by the name of
L'HOTEL DES INVALIDES; but he nobly re-
compenced the fidelity and valour of his
Officers, with Marks of distinction and
honour. To that end, in 1693. he created
this military Order, under the title of that
of SAINT Louis; and endowed it with a
clear Revenue of 500,000 french Livres;
or about twelve thousand Pounds Sterling:
which, at that Period was a considerable
Sum.
The Badge, is an eight pointed whits
enamelled Cross of Gold; with Gold beads
at the extremities. In the middle, is a round
Shield of red; and thereupon is the Effigy
— 201
of SAINT Louis, cloathed in Gold Armour,
and covered with a royal Mantle : he holds
in his right Haw d a Crown of Laurel, and
in his left, one of Thorns. This Shield is
surrounded with a Circle of dark blue,
upon which appear the Words, LUDOVICUS
MAGNUS, instituit 1693. in Gold Letters.
On the other side, upon a similar shield, is
a drawn Sword of Gold: it passes through
a Laurel Crown, which is bound at the
bottom with a white ribbon. This Device
is surrounded with a circle of dark blue>
upon which is the motto of the Order:
BEI-LICAE VIRTUTIS PHAEMIUM ; in Gold
Letters. Four fleurs de Lis of the same Me
tal, fill up the spaces of the four principal
angles.
The Knights wear this Cross suspended
from a rich flame coloured watered ribbon,
of the breadth of two lingers; and attached
to the button hole of their upper apparel.
The Grand-Crosses, wear upon the left side
of their coat, or Mantle, a large Star of
Gold embroidery: it is in every respect si
milar to the Cross : the image of the Patron
appears in the center; and it is surrounded
with the Inscription, as above mentioned.
The Grand-Crosses wear the Cross suspended
from a broad, rich, flame coloured watered
ribbon; it is worn scarf- wise, over theri<z;ht
shoulder: the Commanders wear a similar
cross and ribbon, and in the same manner;
but they have no Star, upon their coats, or
mantles.
The King of France is always the Sove
reign Grand-Master of this Order. When
first instituted, it was composed of twelve
Grand-Crosses, and twenty four Comman
ders. The number of the Knights was not
limited, and it depends upon the King to
augment them. No one can have this Order,
unless he has behaved with bravery in war;
or has served the Crown during the space
of twenty eight years.
Since its first Institution, it has under
gone some alterations. The number of the
Commanders and Grand-Crosses has been
augmented: but the essence of the Foun
dation remains as established by Louis le
For an action of astonishing bravery
performed in the East-Indies, when the
— 203 —
French were at war with the native Princes;
the late Chevalier Sutton de Clouard, (who
is supposed to have been lost on Board the
Squadron of Mr. de la Peyrouse) received
this Order at the age of twenty five. He
was in every respect, one of the most gal
lant and accomplished Officers of the French
Pioyal navy; and in Society, one of the most
amiable and interesting of Men. Good
Sense and good Humour; affability and
humanity ; formed the Basis of the Character
of this unfortunate young Hero. He was a
native of Ireland: but his family, which is
of the Roman-Catholic Communion; had
been long settled and naturalised in France.
Had he lived, he bid fair to become a
NEJLSON; and to have had his Name in
scribed in the same Temple of naval
Prowess and Glory.
/
It is worthy of Notice, that the Cheva
lier de Clonard was invested with the En
signs of this Order, in the Hotel of the
Marquis de Noaillcs in London; when he
was Ambassador from the Court of France
to that of Great Britain. The Chevalier's
eldest Brother, Comte Sutton de Clonard,
is, at present, a Lieutenant- Colonel in the
Service of His Britannic Majesty.
This Order was conferred on no one
who did not profess the established faith of
the Country.
— 205 —
IV.
OF THE ORDER
or
MILITARY MERIT IN FRANCE.
Instituted A. C. 1759.
K Fair Peacg is my Delight, not Fleury*s more."
J-N otwith standing the mild, and pacific
disposition of this wise and able Minister;
whose only views, during a patriotic and
virtuous Administration, were to heal the
wounds, occasioned by the long and
disastrous wars of Louis XIV. and by the
profligate and unprincipled regency of the
Duke of ORLEANS: yet was this judicious
and venerable man, from a principle of
strict equity, and natural justice, induced
to suggest and encourage the establishment
O™ O
of a military Order; to be conferred only
upon such Officers as professed the different
confessions of the protestant Faith. His
Royal Master; who obtained, and justly
merited, the title of well-beloved; adopted
and pursued the sage and beneficent coun
cil of His Eminence; and in 1759, His
Majesty was pleased to institute the Order,
which at present deserves our attention.
As that of Saint Louis was founded, during
a period of bigotted fanaticism ; (which may,
with more reason, be attributed to the pre
judices still existing in the 17 th Century,)
than to the natural inclinations of Louis
the XlVth; it was particularly expressed in
the Statutes of that Order — " that Protestants
"were especially excluded; and incapaci-
" tated, from being invested therewith."
This appeared unjust to the benevolent
Fleury. The Protestants, in the Swiss and
German troops, were subsidiary Auxiliaries
to the french Armies; these Regiments were
composed of natives of Countries, which
had long maintained a natural and neigh
bourly Alliance with the Gallic Monarchy.
They were upon every principle of gra
titude, attached to the Kins: and the Kins:-
o o
dom. When Majesty was reduced to the
last expiring Gasp; these bands remained
faithful to its cause; nor did they belie the
sacred trust which had been reposed in them.
— 207 -—
In war, the Officers, had undergone equal
toils and perils, with the -national Troops;
they had equally endured the changes of
Seasons — the intemperature of different cli
mates — the fatigues of marches — the crav
ings of hunger, and the sufferings ,of
thirst: — and in the day of battle, they were
alike exposed to be wounded and mutilated,
or to expire on the bed of honour. His
Majesty's Princely Heart felt the force of
these combined considerations; the Order
of Military Merit was founded; and in the
Page of History, at least; will exist as an
eternal monument of the just Munificence
of Louis the well-beloved. No one can re
ceive this Order, save Officers who are pro-
testants. A * Protestant in a French ftegi-
* With respect to tills point, we remember to have
seen one example to the contrary. In ijQo, we person
ally knew, at Strasbourg the Baron de Coehorn; who
though a Protestant, and serving in a french Regiment,
was a Knight of this Order. This nobleman was a
native of Holland : he was great-Nephew to the cele
brated Engineer of that name, who was the worthy
rival of the great Vaiiban; and was successively Major,
Lieutenant-Colonel, and Colonel-Commandant of the
Regiment Colonel-General Dragoons. This exception
— 208 ~
ment, and a Roman Catholic, in a foreign
one; are alike excluded. As to all other
points, the Sututes by which it is regulated,
are similar to those of the Order of St. Louis.
In that of military Merit, there are four
Grand-Crosses; two of whom, are of the
Helvetic, and two of the f German Nation:
iand eight Commanders; four of the former,
&nd four of the latter. The number of im
mediate, or junior Knights, is not limited.
The first wear the Cross, pendant from a
foroad, plain blue ribbon; which is worn
scarf-wise over the right Shoulder: and a
Star of Gold (of the form of that of Saint
Louis) having a sword saillant, surrounded
with a laurel Crown, in tke Center, is em-
to tlie fundamental principle of tlie Statutes, is, we
believe, the only one they ever experienced. It may
be ascribed to tlie Friendship of that loyal Nobleman,
the Duke de Coigny, for the Baron de Coelwrn. The
Duke was Colonel-General of all the Ptegimeiits of
Dragoons, in the freiich Service.
Note of the Editor.
f So much was this Order esteejned previous to the
year 1789. tuat ^LS Serene Highness the late reigning
Prince of Anhalt-Coetlien was one of the Grand-Crosses.
Note of tliQ Editor.
— 209 —
broiclered on the left side of their upper ap
parel. The second, wear the ribbon and
the Cross after the same fashion j but have
no Star. The junior Knights wear the small
Cross, according to the usual mode, when
an Order is composed of three Classes. It
is attached from the third to the fourth Coat-
Button hole, and is suspended from a narrow
plain blue ribbon. The Badge, consists of
a Cross of the Maltese form. It is of Gold
enamelled white; and on one side, upon a
field azure, appears a S \vord-saillant: this
is surrounded with a circle of blue, on which
is the Device PP.O VIRTUTE BELLICA! in
Gold letters. The reverse, presents a crown
of laurel proper, on ji field azure. The sur
rounding circle, is as aleready described,
and thereupon is the following inscription.
LUJDOVICUS XV. institute Anno 1759.
ooo
u
— 210 - •
'.. ,: V. . • - •
OF THE ORDER
OF
SAINT MICHAEL OF FRANCE.
Instituted A. C. 1496.
.Louis the ELEVENTH instituted this Order
in the ninth year of His reign, at Amboise.*
He did so in ohedienee to the Testamentary-
Orders, given by Charles the seventh, f His
* The Founder ordained that the Number of Knights
should not exceed thirty six, of which he should be
the chief; and that they should wear a collar of Gold
composed of escalop Shells linked to each other, and
connected together with small chains of Gold: from
which should be suspended the image of the Archangel
fighting the Dragon and trampling him under his feet.
This Device was allegorical. Under the form of St.
Michael, his most Christian Majesty meant to personify
himself: the Dragon, was the Emblem of his enemies.
The Motto — Immensi Tremor Oceani! — corresponded
with the vain Presumption of this crafty and faithless
Monarch.
Note of the Editor.
•J- CHARLES the Vllth (the Father of Louis the Xlth)
when he took the Field, bore the image ot Saint
Michael, in his Standards, or Colours.
Note of the Editor.
211
Father; whose intention it was, had he
lived, to have established a Regal Order of
Knighthood; since no one existed in France
at that Period.
During the reign of this Prince ; of Charles
the VIII; his Son; of Louis the XII. (that
excellent Prince, so justly called the Father
of his People) of FRANCIS the first, (the
restorer of Letters in our Part of the Conti
nent) and of HENRY the II; this Order flour
ished, and was universally classed with
those of the Garter and the Golden Fleece.
But during the two regencies of CATHARINE
de MEDICIS, it was so prodigally and
indiscriminately given to every one; and
its value was diminished to such a degree;
that in allusion to its particular Ensign (the
Collar) it was contumel iously denominated —
"Le collier a toiUe Bete!" — the Collar for
"every Beast" ! — At length, in 1574. HENRY
the third united it with the Order of the
holy Ghost; but only so far, as that all the
Knights of the holy Ghost should at thq
same time be Knights of Saint Michael; on
that account it was permitted them to sur
round their Arms with the Collars of both
Orders; and they were generally called—
CHEVALIERS DES ORDRES DU KOI: or — •
Knights of the King's Orders.
The Badge, is an eight pointed Cross of
Gold, noL enamelled; and at the extremity
of each point, is a Gold Bead. It is sur
rounded with a white Border; and in the
center is a Shield Argent, on which is the
image of Saint MICHAEL with the Dragon.
In one hand, he holds a flaming Sword;
and in the other a Chain, with this Sentence
upon a label, IIYIJVIEKSI TREMOR OCEAKI!
In the four principal .ingles, are four
fleurs de Lis of massy Gold: this national
Distinction accompanies every one of the
French Orders.
The Knights wear this Cross suspended
from a broad, rich, black, watered ribbon;
•which is worn scarf-wise, over the right
Shoulder. On Solemn Festivals, They wear
it upon their Breasts attached to, and pendant
from an interlaced Collar of Gold, beset
with Escalop Shells- Upon such Occasions,
they wear on their left Breasts, a Cross-
pattee: it is embroidered in Gold: and on
the upper and lower ends and on the right
side, is the Letter * P. embroidered in Gold.
On the left, is an F. In the center, is a
Gold circular Shield, upon which is embroi
dered the ANGEL MICHAEL and the Dr a FOIL
/ ^
On his left Arm, he holds a blue Shield up on
'which appear L. R. or LUDOVICUS REX: in
Gold Letters. In his right-hand is a flaming
D O
Sword. The principal Angles, a*e adorned
with four thunder-Bolts, in rich embroidery
HENRY the second, when he came to the
Throne, ordained in the first Chapter of
this Order, which He held at Lyons, in
154.3. that the Knights, should in future
wear over their black Garments, a Mantle
of Linen interwoven with Silver: and that
en both sides, and on the bottom, His Device
of Chivalry should be ernbroidered : viz.
Three Crescents of Silver interlaced, sur
rounded with Ensigns and Trophies of Ho
nour and Victory; and the whole bestrewed
with Tongues and Flames of fire.
This was a refined compliment paid by
that King to the celebrated DIANA de
* These Letters must be placed tlius, P. F. P...P.—
the meaning of which is, pro Fide, pro Patria !
Note of the Editor.
214-
POITIERS; and was consistent with that
Love of Allegory, and Taste for Devices,
or Emblems, for which the 1 6th and iyth
Centuries, were remarkable.
The Cap is of Crimson Velvet with the
same embroidery. The Mantle of the Chan
cellor is of white, and the Cap of Crimson
Velvet. The Master of the Ceremonies ; the
Treasurer; the Registrar; and the Herald;
wear Mantles of white Silk, and caps of the
same materials. Several distinguished Per
sons of the Protestant faith; several Men
of great learning; and many celebrated and
ingenious Artists have been honoured with
this Order.
During the Reigns of the last Princes
of the House ofVALOis; profligate and de
generate as those times were ; it was even
then, conferred upon that ornament of the
Gallic Nation, the illustrious MICHAEL de
MONTAIGNE,
ROBERT DUDLEY Earl of Leicester; the
favourite of Queen ELIZABETH; was a
— 215 —
Knight of this Order. With the consent
and approbation of that incomparable Prin
cess, he assumed the Ensigns, and was
solemnly installed with much pomp, in the
principal Church of Warwick, f
* Exclusive of the five Royal Gallic Orders, of which
we have given the histories, Mr. Clark enumerates 110
fewer than twenty. They are as follows. La Saintc
Ampouille, or Holy Phial: the Genet: the Star: the
Broom -Flower: the Ship, or Double Crescents: thf
Thistle of Bourbon: the Porcupine: Jesus Christ: the
Cordeliere: The Dog and Cock: the Ermine: Christian-
Charity: the Passion: Saint Mary- Magdalen: the
Crown- Royal: the Gulden Shield: Saint George in
Burgundy: The Yellow String: the Holy Rosary: and
the Bee. According to tradition, the first dated from
the Coronation of Clovis. Be that as it may, it sub
sisted 'till the Revolution; and we doubt not the curious
Reader will be well satisfied with the account given by
Mr. Clark; and for which, we refer to the original
•work. The Institution of the Order of the Genett is
ascribed to Charles -Martel. It is said to have been
founded in 726 ; and that of the Broom-Flower, in the
J3th Century, by Louis IX; better known as Saint
Louis. The Order of the Ship, or Double Crescents,
was instituted by the same Prince in 1269; and that of
the Thistle of Bourbon, in 1370. by Louis the Good,
Duke of Bourbon; although only a Prince of the Blood.
Louis Duke of Orleans was the Founder of the Order
of the Porcupine, in 1595, to solemnize the Birth of his
eldest Son: and in the foregoing Century, Saint Do-
tainick established that of Christ (in 1206) to encourage
the good Catholics to exterminate the ^Ibigeois, Thus,
Piety, Love, Ambition, Births, Marriages, Deaths,
and the Munificence of Princes, have at different Pe
riods, all contributed to augment the Number of these
Foundations. Subjects as well as Sovereigns: Noble
men and Gentlemen, as well as Princes of the Blood:
Monks as well as Laymen, have alike sown and reaped
in the extensive and fruitful Fields of romantic Chi
valry. If Saint Dominick signalised himself, surely
we may forgive the devout Jnne ds Bretagne for insti
tuting the Order of the Cordelier e, to commemorate the
Death of Charles the VHItli, her first Husband ?!— If '
the. Order of the Dog and the Cock was really insti
tuted in the year 500 by Lisoye de fllontmorenci, in
Antiquity at least, it far outstrips every other Order,
save that of the holy Phial, FRANCIS, the last Duke of
Britany, the Father of the Princess AKNE, just men,
tioned, was the Institutor of the Order of the Ermine,
It dates from 1450, and was not of long duration. Of
the Order of Christian Chanty, we have given a full
account in that of Saint Louis. The Order of the
Passion, was short-lived. When instituted by CHARLES
the Vlth, the military Orders were so numerous,
that this—breathed and expired!— We come now to an
Order, that of Saint Mary-Magdalen which was
founded by a private Gentleman; John Chesnel tie la
Gliapronay ; but it may rather be deemed a religious
Association, (sucli as that of the Moravians) than all
Order of Knighthood. But why does our Fellow-La
bourer assign to the Crown-Roy.al, a place amongst the
French Orders? Although Charlemagne was King of
France, as well as Emperor of Germany, that, in the
present Instance, by no means justifies his so doing.
Consistently with his account, this Order, was expressly
instituted to encourage the martial Spirit, and reconi-
pence the warlike exploits of the Friezlanders ; and
had no relation to France, -whatsoever. Were it per
mitted to liasard a conjecture, it seems not improbable,
tliat it is owing to the original Institution of this iden
tical Order, that His Britannic Majesty, bears the Im
perial Crown on an Escutcheon Gules, in the Center
of his hereditary Arms. The Goldan Shield) was &
social Order. Louis the Second, Duke cf Bourbon,
surnamed the Good), instituted it on the ist January
1563, as a princely New-years Gift for his Courtiers.
Saint George of Burgundy* which reclaims PJiilibert de
Miolans, a Gentleman of that Province, for its Founder,
underwent a very different Fate from nearly ail the
Foregoing. The Yellow String, was an Order imagined
by Charles de Gonzaga, Duke of Nevers, and afterwards
of Mantua. Le Fassor, in his excellent History of
Louis Xlllth, frequently mentions this whimsical
Institution; and describes it as having been equally
ridiculous, and unseasonably founded. The Holy H0-
sary, and the Bee, which close this motley Bead-Roil,
were the offspring of the mystic devotion of one Prin
cess, and of the refined Gallantry of another. The
*
— 213 —
former, Was instituted by Anne of Austria, the Mother
of Louis the XlVth, the .latter, by the Dutchess du
Maine, the Wife of the eldest natural Son of that
Prince. They neither of them survived their Royal
Patronesses. Of these twenty Orders, that of the
Sainte-Ampoiiille, subsisted 'till the Revolution ; as we
have already observed. With respect to ail the others,
they either became extinct, previous to th.e i6th Cen
tury; or were suppressed by Louis XIV- when he
founded and endowed that of St. Louis. We except,
however the Order of St. George of the County of
Burgundy, which maintained its Ground until the
National-Assembly destroyed every Order. As to the
Order of tlie Bee, it was a social Order; and though
instituted by a Princess of great merit, yet an Historian
cannot well assign it a place amongst the Chapteral,
or Sovereign Orders of Knighthood. Having inadver
tently omitted to insert in its proper place, a brief
Account of the Order of the Star, and a short Com
mentary thereupon ; we shall terminate the Note with
that Master. Robert the Son of Hugh Capet instituted
this Order in 1022, It flourished during a long period,
but at length becoming venal owing to the distressed
State of the Finances, occasioned by the wars with the
English, it was finally suppressed in 1469. by Louis
XI. when he founded that of Saint Michael.
Note oj the Editor,
219
VI.
OF THE ORDER
or
CHARLES THE THIRD,
OR
THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION,
Instituted A. C. 1771.
JL his Royal Order was established by
CHARLES III. King of Spain; a Prince who
•was successively Duke of Parma and Placeii-
tia — Grand-Duke of Tuscany — and King of
Naples and the two Sicilies. In 1759 upon
the Demise of Ferdinand VI. he peaceably
ascended the throne of the Spanish Mo
narchy, amidst the contending politics of
Europe, and the violent commotions caused
by the war of seven years. His Majesty
was a Prince who possessed all the Virtues
which adorn private life, and most of those
we are taught to consider as ornaments even
to Royalty. It was to testify his gratitude
to the Omnipotent for the Birth of a Son,
and to prove to the Christian world his
deep-rooted Piety, and firm belief in the
Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary:
that he resolved upon founding an Order of
Knighthood, which should bear his Name.
The Badge, is a Cross of the Maltese form;
it is enamelled white, with a Gold Border,
and is surmounted with a Regal Crown.
On the principal side, is the Effigy of the
holy Virgin. She is depicted in a drapery
of white flowing robes, and is covered with
an Azure Mantle. This Costume is expressive
of, and bears an immediate Allusion to the
union of the French and Spanish National
colours : His Majesty being the fourth Prince
of the branch of Bourbon-Anjou who enjoyed
the Kingdoms of Spain and the Indies. On
the reverse of this Badge, appear the Letters
CHID in a Cypher as here represented; this
is surrounded with the Motto — Virtuti eb
Merita- — in roman characters, and in the
four Angles, are so many fleurs-de-Lis.
This Order is divided into four Classes,
The Knights who are styled Grand-Crosses,
wear the lewel pendant from a broad sky
blue Ribbon, with a white Border; it is
richly watered, and is worn scarf-wise over
£21
the right Shoulder. The Star is of Silver,
and is the counter part of the Chief side of
the Cross j the Image of the Virgin appearing
in the Center. It is worn on the left side of
the tipper Apparel. , The Knights of the
second Class, wear the Insignia in the same
manner; but no Star is assigned to this
Class! The third and fourth, wear the small
Cross from the third Coat Button-hole. It is
suspended from a narrow Ribbon, alike in
colour to the Grand- Cordon. The essential
difference between the two last Classes, is,
that those who form the third, are denomi
nated '^nights* Pensioners", and receive
an annual income from the Treasury of the
Order: But the Knights of the four.th do
not enjoy any Emoluments. As the Royal
Founder endowed his favorite Institution
with princely Munificence, its Revenues are
of proportionate Magnitude. The Order
was principally enriched by the great Dona
tions it received from the King, who granted
thereto the vast Estates of the House of
Ximenes. In the year 722, Don Garcia s
Ximenes had instituted an Order of Knight
hood, under the appellation of "the Oak of
2,2.2,
Navarre"; upon which he bestowed Lands
to a great Amount. This Knightly Brother
hood was in great estimation during several
Centuries; but becoming dormant, or obso
lete, the manors and Lordships, which had
formed the original foundation, reverted to
the family of Ximenes. Upon the extinction
of this ancient race, its extensive Posses
sions devolved to the Crown, and by a
lioyal Schedule, his Catholic Majesty annexed
them inalienably to the Order of the Imma
culate conception. This Order was institu
ted in 1771. and no one is honoured there
with but Persons of the highest Nobility.
By the King's express Commands, it ranks
immediately after the Order of the Golden
Fleece (which His Majesty confers as Heir-
General to the Houses of Burgundy and
Spanish-Austria) and precedes the four fol
lowing, although they are of much greater
Antiquity, and not less Illustrious.
223
VII.
OF THE MILITARY ORDER
OF
CALATRAVA,
Instituted A. C. 1158-
J- his Order was instituted during the Reign
of SANCHO the Hid King of Castile, who
having conquered the Castle of Calatrava,
which was an important Fortress, belonging
to the Moors of Andalusia, gave it to the
Knights-Templars; and they heing incapable
of maintaining themselves in the Possession
of this Strong-Hold, restored it to the King.
The Defence of a place of such great
consequence, wras thereupon undertaken
by DON RAYMOND, a native of Bureva in
the Kingdom of Navarre, who was then
Abbot of Saint Mary of HITERO, a Convent
of the Cistercian Order. His courage and
enterprising Spirit, were seconded by the
Aid he received from many Persons of con
siderable Note, and to them, the King
made a donation of the Castle. There, the
Order was estabished in n58- Its Numbers
were much augmented, under ALPHONSUS
the Noble, King of Castile, and that obliged
the Knights to solicit the nomination of a
Grand-Master, who might take upon him
the Government. DON GARCIA s de REDON,
was the first invested with that Dignity.
The chief Seat of this Order, was at Cala-
trava. It having been approved of by Pope
ALEXANDER the Hid in 1164. INNOCENT
the Hid confirmed it in 1198- At first, the
Knights wore a white Robe and a Scapulary,
such as were worn by the Cistercians; but
Pope BENEDICT the XIII th accorded them a
dispensation, which exempted them from
wearing this Habit, and PAUL the Hid,
granted them permission to marry; but once
only.
Their Arms are, a red Cross -Henry,
displayed on a golden Shield ; or, according
to some, the Cross is green, and the lower
point is charged with two Handcuffs. The
Cross as first described is now the Badge of
the Order; it is worn on the Breast, pen
dant from a broad red Ribbon. The Knights
chose their own Grand-Master. DON GAR-
\
CIAS LOPEZ de PARDILLA, was the last ca-
nonically elected. After his Death, which
happened in 1439, FERDINAND and ISABELLA
thought proper to annex the Grand-Master
ship to the Crown of Castile; and that
measure, • met with the Approbation and
Consent of INNOCENT the VHIth who then
filled the Papal See. This Order at present
possesses Eighty Commanderies, in various
Parts of the Spanish Dominions.
VIII.
Or THE MILITARY ORDER
OF
ALCANTARA
Instituted A. C. 11^0.
T.
his Order is so called from a City, situated
upon the Tagus, in the Province of Estra-
inadura-y which was wrested from the Moors
in 1212, by ALPHONSUS the IX, King of
Castile. This -Prince, at first entrusted it
to the Guard of the Knights of Calatrava,
and two years afterwards, it was confided
to those, who were named, "of the Pear-
Tree" *. This was an Order, GOMEZ FER-
* This was a military Order, and was intiiled — " the
"Order of Saint Julian of the Pear-Tree." It was
established in the Kingdom of Leon in 1170, and
sanctioned by the Popes, ALEXANDER the III. Luciut
the III. and INNOCENT the III. FERDINAND the II.
King of Leon assumed the Protectorship, and GOMEZ
FERNANDEZ was the first Grand-Master. The original
Arms of the Knights, were : on a gold Shield, a green
Cross fieury; and in the middle of the Cross was a
gold Shield, on which was blazoned a Pear-Tree, -
227 —
JTANDEZ had instituted in 1170. and in 1177.
being then under the rule of SaintBenedict;
it had been approved by Pope ALEXANDER
the Hid. The Knights of the Pear- Tree were
no sooner in possession of the City of
Alcantara, than they denominated them
selves "Kniglits of Alcantara" ; andtookfor
their Device, or Badge, a Gold Cross Fleuiy,
enamelled green; which they still wear
upon the Breast, pendant from a broad green
Ribbon. After the total defeat of the Moors,
and the conquest of Grenada, the Grand-
Mastership was united to the Crown, during
the reign of FERDINAND and ISABELLA; and
the Knights having demanded Permission
to be married; in 1540, it was granted to
them.
proper. AIPHOSSUS King of Leon, having taken th«
City of Alcantara from the Moors, he bestowed it upon
the Grand-Master of Calatrava, who afterwards gave
it to the Knights of Saint-Julian of the Pear-Tree. The
Knights, of themselves assumed the title of "Knights
of Alcantara" and abandoning their first Arms, they
bore a green Cross Henry, as we have observed already.
Note of the Editor.
228
IX.
OF THE ORDER
\
OF
SAINT JAMES OF SPAIN.
Instituted A. C. 1175.
According* to the opinions of some Histo
rians, this Order was Instituted by RAMIRO
the first, King of Galicia, in 34.6. immedia
tely after having gained at LOGRONO, a
most memorable and glorious Battle against
* In Spain, this Order is popularly called — "Sai?it
James of tlie Sword" — since it is a military Order, and
its Arms consist of that Weapon. The Cannons-regular
of Saint James of Compostella, the Capital of Galicia,
perceiving that the Pilgrims (whose zeal led them to
visit the Reliques of Saint James, which are enshrined
in the Cathedral of that City) were ill-treated by the
Moors; believed they should protect their devout Guests
from the Insults and barbarous Usage of the Infidels,
by causing Sundry Hospitals to be built for their
Reception. This Establishment was scarce formed,
when thirteen Gentlemen offered to" protect them; and
it was to that Circumstance the Order owed its origin.
It is generally maintained by such Historians as have
wrote upon this Subject, that the Order was approved
the Moors; when, it is said, they left
70,000. Men upon the field. This Circum
stance;, so peculiarly fortunate; was attri
buted to the miraculous Intervention, and
assistance of Saint JAMES. He was seen
by many during the engagement!, holding
in his Hand a white Banner, on which ap
peared, a red Sword in the form of a Cross,
oV So remarkable an event, induced the
King, to institute a Brotherhood, under
by Pope ALEXANDER III. in 1175. ana< by Pope INNO
CENT- III. in 1198' The Knights at first observed the
Rule of Saint dugustin, and pronounced their vows.
But they were afterwards dispensed from the observance
of that Ceremony, and Permission was granted them
to marry. When this Order commenced its establish
ment, the Ami's it assumed were — or, a Sword Gules,
charged to the Center with an Escalop Shell of the
same. This Order, the most considerable of those
\vhich subsist in Spain, (and of which the King is the •
Grand-Master, since FERDINAND and ISABELLA ob
tained that Dignity from Pope ALEXANDER VI.) lias
changed it Arms since its first Institution. At present,
they consist of a Cross in the Form of a Sword, having
the Pommel shaped like a Heart reversed; and the
Ends of the Hilt, or Guard, each terminating with a
Fleur-de-Lis. This ancient and renowned Order, is
tidily endowed in CASTILE and in PORTUGAL.
Note of the Editor.
— 230 —
the Title of the Order of Saint James, for
those Gentlemen who fought with him in
that Battle: and he granted, as Arms to the
same, a red Sword on a Gold field, with
this Motto: RUEET ENSIS SANGUINE ARA-
BUM! (red is the Sword with the Blood of
the arabs !). To maintain the truth of this
narration, it is pretended, that this Bro
therhood, was by the Pope, some short time
after, converted into an Order of Knight
hood. But to refute this Opinion, it is
only necessary to remind such writers, of
the date, they are pleased, -with so much
ingenuity, to assign to this Order.
It is well Known that Armorial bearings
were first in use, in the loth or the nth
Centuries.
According to the Opinion of others, its
Origin remounts to the year 1170; FERDI
NAND the second being, then, the reigning
o7 ' CO
King of GALICIA and Leon.
The incursions and depredations of the
Moors, who attacked, and disturbed the
Devotions of the Pilgrims, when they went
to Goniposlella, to visit the shrine of Saint
James; gave rise to the establishment of
this Order.
The Cannons regular of the Order 'of
Saint AUGUSTS, established at Saint ELI-
GIUS, possessing a Convent in Galicia,
which was endowed with considerable
Revenues, were induced, from motives of
Piety, to erect two Hospitals (upon the road,
called the high-way to France) and which
were capable pf lodging and protecting
their pious Visitors.
Not long after, thirteen Gentlemen chose
the same Apostle for their Protector: and
after the example of the good Fathers, They
made a vow to secure the road, and to repel
the incursions of the infidels.
These Gentlemen made a proposal to
the Cannons-regular of Saint Eligius, to
unite their present possessions, with those
.of the Cannons; and such as they might
obtain in future; in-somuch, that hence-
foreward they should form one community.
As these Knights were already Mastery
of more than twenty Castles, the Cannons
did not make the smallest difficulty to unite
with them. In time, they were subjected
to the Knights, and they are at present their
Chaplains.
This union happened in 1170. and in
1175. the Order was confirmed by Pope
ALEXANDER the third; DON FERDINAND
FUENTES ENCALADA, beins; the first Grand-
' D
Master.
The Badge, is a' Gold red enamelled
Cross, in form of a Sword, which the
Knights wear upon the Breast; suspended
from a rich plain red ribbon : and the Robes
of Ceremony are a long white Mantle, with
the same Cross embroidered in red, upon
the left shoulder. The rest of the Dress is
black, either Si]k, or Velvet; and made up
according to the old Spanish fashion. The
Hat is black; it is adorned with white
Ostrich Plumes, in the midst of which is
one small red feather.
POPE ALEXANDER the third, gave rules
to the Order, for its internal Government.
He ordained, that the dignitary, who in
their Language is denominated — El Treze;
or the thirteenth; should henceforward, and
for ever, be the next in Rank, immediately
after the Grand-Master: enjoying preceden
cy before all Commanders.
The second Dignity, is that of Grand
Prior; which is especially attached to the
Cannons of Saint Eligius.
The third; is that of the Grand-Com
mander.
Previous to the Grand-Mastership's heing
inalienably united to the Crown of Spain
(which happened in 1523. under the Ponti
ficate of ADRIAN the Vlth) The Knights
possessed the privilege of Electing their
Chief; and they had the power of degrading,
or deposing him, if they thought proper.
The Emperor CHARLES the Vth as King
of Spain, ordained a Council to be formed,
which he denominated, "the Council of the
Orders,,; and it is now the Superior-Gene
ral, not only of that of Saint James, but
likewise of those CAI.ATRAVA AI-CANTARA
and MONTESA. This Council consists of a
President and eight Knights, two of each
Order — and, in all matters relative to the
Ecclesiastical, or secular Jurisdiction; or
with respect to ecclesiastical alone; it pos
sesses for ever, just the same power over
these Orders, as the King himself does as
Administrator.
The Authority of this Tribunal extends
over two Cities; two hundred and twenty
Burghs; and Seventy five Villages: of these,
two Cities, and one hundred and seventy
eight, as well Burghs as Villages, are the
peculiar Property of the Order of Saint
James. This, is the richest and most power
ful of the four, since it possesses eighty
four Commanderies : amongst which are
the Grand-Commanderies of Castile, of
Leon, and of Montaluan, in the Kingdom
of Arragon. These eighty four Comman
deries enjoy a revenue amounting to the
Sum of 230,000 Ducats: and their right of
patronage extends over two hundred Priories,
Rectories, and Benefices of inferior value.
The Order is classed into four Provinces:
namely — Castile, Leon, Old-Castile and
Arragon.
The Knights still take the Vows of po
verty, Obedience, and Conjugal Chastity;
to which they add a fourth — "to defend and
"maintain the immaculate conception of the
"holy Mother of Jesus Christ" !
— 255 —
When a Person will be received, as a
Knight, he must exhibit genealogical Proofs,
certifying four regular Degrees, or descents
of uninterrupted and uncontaminated No
bility: as well on the side of the father, as
of the Mother.
'Tis true, that during a long Period, the
Nobility on the side of the Mother, was not
required; but since 1653. it has been ordain
ed otherwise by the General Chapter."
The novices are obliged to serve on
board the Gallies, during the space of Six
Months; and during one Month, they
must reside in a Convent to the end that
they may learn the rules of the Order.
The number of the Knights amounts to
about Six hundred. They have the privilege
of seating themselves, and remaining covered
in the presence of his Majesty.
When a Knight dies, the Commander
of the nearest Commandery, is obliged to
nourish and maintain a Pauper, during the
term of forty days ; besides the performance
of the usual Services of requiem, which are
observed on these Occasions.
— £36 —
This Order is likewise conferred upon
Ladies of Quality; but they must remain
unmarried. *
* This Order, which is generally denominated the
Order of SAN JAOO di COMFOSTELLA, was once, tlie
most richly endowed, and the most potent, of all the
Spanish Orders. At this juncture, the exact date of its .
original Institution* cannot be determined with chro
nological precision. 6ome ascribe it to RAMIRO King
of Leon, In the year 337, others to FERDINAND the
first, King of Castile; some to ALPHONSO the IXth,
and a fourth Glass of Historians, to FERDINAND the II.
King of Leon., These authorities, ar,e so various and
contradictory, that it is become impracticable for the
Antiquarians of the present day, to decide any thing
finally, respecting the Authenticity of a fact, which
lias been so much controverted. As to us, we must
leave the matter undetermined. Certain it is, that the
li nights were wealthy, powerful* "and formidable.
Prior to this Order's being united to the Crown of
Spain, it was in the actual possession of many Colleges,
Hospitals, Villages, Monasteries, Castles, and fortified
Cities, in the .different Provinces of Spain and Por
tugal. Note of the Editor*
— 237 —
X.
OF THE
MILITARY ORDER
OF
MONTESA.
Instituted A. C. 1517.
JL his is the fourth military Order of Spain,
and it is usually distinguished by the Ap-
p^llation of, " our Lady of Montesa" In
1317, it was instituted at Montesa, a city
in the Kingdom of Valencia', and its estab
lishment, may be ascribed to the anni
hilation, or destruction of the Templars.
This Order was confirmed by Pope GIVE-
GORY the IX. and the Statutes are nearly
the same as those of Calatrava. The Knights
observe the Rules of the Cistercians. The
B^adge is a red Cross Fleury; it is worn
scarf-wise pendant from a plain red ribbon,
and a similar Cross is embroidered on the
left side of the upper Apparel.
The original endowment of this Order,
was much augmented by its being incor-
porated with that of Saint GEOUGE d5Ai>
FAMA, which was instituted in 1201. The
Antlpope BENEDICT the XIII. who was
recognised in Spain, as lawful Pontiff,
united this Order with that of our Lady of
Montesa, and so consolidated, they remain
at present.
* The Grand-Mastership is attached to
the Crown, as well as those of the three
foregoing.
* In the Number of its original, or ancient Orders of
Knighthood, Spain surpasses even Italy ; or at least the
pontifical States. Nor is it much inferior to Francet
or the hereditary States which acknowledge the domi
nation of the House of Austria. The laborious Clark
mentions fourteen. We shall give the Nomenclature
of each, with a short Comment. — The Oak of Navarre:
The Lily of Arragon: The Lily of Navarre: Saint
Saviour: Our Lady of Mercy : The Dove: La Croce
tlella Scama : Tlie holy Rosary of Toledo : The Band,
or Scarf: The Ladies Order of Saint James: The
Ladies Order of Calatrava : The Ladies Order of
Mercy: The Order of Truxillo : and, of Saint George
tVAlfaina. Of the first, we have made mention. It
gradually declined, many ages ago; and its noble pos
sessions have contributed to endow the flourishing
Order of CHARLES the III. If the Sturdy Oak has not
been able to Withstand the Shock of Ages, can we
wonder that the Lilies of Arragon and Navarre, like
those of the Gardens and Vallies, should have faded,
withered, and undergone the same Fate? ! ? FERDI>
JNAIND Duke of Pegnafiel, a Castilian Prince, instituted
the former in i^io, as DON GARCIAS li.in° of Castile,
had endowed the latter, in the course of the nth Cen
tury. One, was founded to celebrate a Victory : tho
other y as an Act of Thanksgiving for a miraculous
Cure. Both these, have been long extinct; and their
Domains have augmented the wealth of the five exist-
— 239 —
ing Orders. When Spain was divided into many-
distinct Kingdoms, each maintained unceasing war
•with the Moors : and each had its military Order, or
Posse-Comitatus, •which was disciplined, well-armed,
and marched on all occasions. Kings — hereditary Prin
ces — Nobles — Knights — Gentlemen — Nay - the Clergy
likewise — all founded Orders, and made Head against
the common Enemy, From the tenth to the fifteenth
Century, the Right of instituting, or founding Orders
of Chivalry, seems by no means to have been precisely
defined, or limited, in either the French or Spanish
Monarchies, The Order of Saint Saviour was estab
lished in ing, or 1120. upon the principle of waging
\var against the Infidels : and that of Our Lady of
JVlercy in i2i8» for the Redemption, of Christian i, e.
Catholic Captives. A lively writer of the last Century,
justly remarks, "that the Establishment of this Order,
"was a Proof of the Piety, but not of the Courage, cr
" Good-Sense of those who instituted it." It subsists
to this day, as it ever has done — "a Guild, or Holy
"Brotherhood;" and indirectly encourages the Burba-
xesques Corsairs, (in the Hopes of making rich Prizes)
to keep Privateers constantly cruising on the Spanish
Coasts, From a Certainty that the Captives who fall
into their Hands, will be speedily redeemed ; and that
they will receive an ample Hansom, Voltaire (the
Writer we allude to) considers these religious Societies;
and the Treaties which the European Powers conclude
with the Regencies of Algiers, Tripoly, and Tunis; as
holding out perpetual Allurements, and never-failing
Aliment, to the Cupidity of the Chiefs of those pira
tical States. The Order of the Dove, was a production
of the i4th Century, JOHN the first, King of Castile,
instituted it in 1379. But this Prince dying before it
had taken deep-Root, its Existence was momentary, —
Castile appears to have been the — magnti Mater Ordi-
num et Eqiiitum! — JOHN II. King of Castile, augmented
their Number by the Foundation of the Croce della
Scama: but — the Crown, and the four military Orders
(like the Serpent of Aaron) have long since swallowed
np its Grainges, Farms, and Manors! In. 1206. Saint
Doininick, when in France, having instituted His
Order, for the purpose of converting or exterminating
the AUngeois ; six years afterwards (in 1212) Roderick,
Archbishop of Toledo, was led to imitate so saint-like
an Example, The good Prelate founded one, and named
it "the Order of the Holy Rosary." The Knights wera
under obligation to say a Rosary, every day, in honour
— 340 —
of tlie blessed Virgin; and between whiles, to restrain
the Incursions of the neighbouring Moors, Mystic and
ceremonious Devotion — Knight-Errantry — profound
ignorance — and a high sense of honour, were the
prominent Features, and especial Characteristics of that
Period, which dates from the first Crusade, and ter
minates with the Reformation, <c The Order of the holy
Rosary" — says Clark — "soon fell into Disuse." — He
inight have added — "and being not opulent, was im-
'* mediately consigned to, the Tomb of its venerable
"Founder." — We come, now to tlie Order of the Band,
or Scarf ; which we are told was instituted in 1330. by
ALPHOIMSUS XI. another Castilian Monarch. Of this
obsolete Institution, our worthy Brother gives a very
exact account; and to prove that PHILIP V. revived it,
he winds up the whole with a Note from — " Edmon-
*' son^s corn-pleat Body of Heraldry." — Vf-re will not
determine whether, or no, Mr. Edmonson was as able
an Historian, as lie was an Herald-fainter. His
matchless Talents in that Line, might induce a Deputy-
Earl Marshal to make him an Herald-Extraordinary;
and Frederic Lord North, to procure for him the Place
of Deputy-King at Arms of the Order of the Bath.
But since the days of Thomas Earl of Aru\\del and
Surrey,, (that liberal Protector of all Artists and Men
of Genius) and of the Lord-Treasurer Oxford (the
Patron, of those Writers who have immortalised the
age of Queen ANNE) we have never heard that the
Marshal's Staff, in strange Hands; or the white-wand
of Treasurer in any Hands ; have had sufficient Magic
to animate Historians, or inspire Poets! Mr. Edmonson,
may be in the R-ight. We knew not before, that such
011 Order exists in Spain, at this juncture. The Ladies
Orders of Galalrava, of Saint James, and of our Lady
of Mercy, are collateral Appendage? which remain
annexed to the knightly Corps, which bear the same
titles. Of the Histories of these, we have given the
most interesting outlines. The Order of Truxillo, of
incertain Institution, has long been incorporated with
the Order of Alcantara; and Saint George d^Alfama,
founded in 1201. (to terminate this Note Heraldically)
•was in 13^9 "united to, and took the Name and Arms
of our Lady of IWontesa!" A Practice ^universal in
Spain; where a younger Brother of some very old
Family constantly espouses, and assumes the Name and
Arms of the Heiress of another. Note of the Editor.
END OF THE FIRST VOLUME.
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4651 An accurate historical
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