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THIS Order of Knighthood (called by the Spaniards Cavalieri di san Iago) is of great esteem amongst them; and was first erected upon this occasion: When the Arabi∣ans had almost subdued the Country, the re∣mainder of the Spanish people refusing to live under the Obedience of so barbarous a Nation, retired unto the Mountains of Asturia, where they settled a Government; and after their abode there some few years certain Nobles or Gentlemen of great quality (to the number of Thirteen) upon a serious consultation to re∣gain their Country, resolved to enter into a Fraternity, and to begin a War against the Moors and Barbarians. The Ensign which they wore was a red Cross in form of a Sword, with an Escallop Shell on it, in imitation of the Badge of the Pilgrims that go to Ierusa∣lem to the Sepulchre of St. Iames the Apo∣stle. They elected one chief Governour, who was called Great Master, who with the Thir∣teen other Knights had power to choose or re∣move any Knight at their discretion; and to make Statutes and Orders for the well Go∣vernment of the said Society at their Day of Meeting (which is Annually) on the Feast day of All-Saints in great State, having large Revenues to support their Grandure; this Or∣der being esteemed the chiefest in Spain.