Valette

Valette, JEAN PARISOT DE LA (1494-1568), born of a noble family of Tonlouse, entered the order of the Knights of St John, of which order he was elected Grand-master in 1557. His life thenceforward is a series of exploits in warfare with the Turks, culminating in his famous defence of Malta, lasting from 18th May 1565 till 8th September. The Turks had 159 war-ships and 30,000 men; the defenders were 8500 men, with 700 knights, and unsupported held the fortifications heroically in spite of awful loss and privations, till the approach of a Neapolitan fleet caused the Turks to raise the siege. The veteran commander died 28th August 1568. See MALTA, HOSPITALLERS.