bunal, however, had now lost its character for impartiality, and a hoary politician was not to be caught in so slender a web as was spread for him upon this occasion. He was therefore declared a traitor, and a price set upon his head.

In the mean time Paoli, surrounded by his trusty followers, resided at Corte, a town of difficult access, being situate in the centre of the island. He was powerfully supported by the whole body of the clergy, who were instigated upon this occasion by no common animosity; they had indeed been alienated before, by the decree for applying the domains of the church, to liquidate the debts of the state. This party, by far the more numerous, as all true believers were called upon for their assistance, was denominated" the sacred band," and to it was only opposed a few hundred French who garrisoned the three maritime towns of San Fiorenzo, Bastia, and Calvi; but these were supported and countenanced on the other hand by a body of the natives, headed by Arena, Casa-Bianca, Saliceti, and Gentili, who still remained firmly attached to the convention.

The policy and sagacity of Paoli finally triumphed. Knowing that Corsica could not either acquire or retain her independence, when confined to her own efforts, and foreseeing that she must finally make her election between the two powerful countries which then agitated all Europe with their rival fleets and armies, he determined to declare for England, under the government of which, he was certain that his countrymen would enjoy the most permanent tranquillity.

quillity. The task was difficult and even hazardous, for at this period, the forces of Great Britain had been obliged to evacuate Toulon, and her fleet was navigating the Mediterrancan, in search of a port in which it could find shelter. Notwithstanding this situation of affairs, the gallant chict did not hesitate to come to an immediate decision, for he immediately transmitted dispatches to Admiral Lord Hood, in which be invoked his assistance against the French, and stated that Corsica was ready to declare in favour of the King of Great Britain.

The nobleman to whom he addressed himself upon this occasion, behaved with his usual prudence and circumspection. Determined on one hand to do nothing rashly, and on the other, to let no fair opportunity escape, of adding to the territories and prosperity of his native country, he bethought himself of obtaining information from some confidential person, who might visit the island, converse with the inhabitants, and report to him the result. Colonel, now General Moore, the officer selected upon this occasion, was accordingly landed at a place agreed upon, and being conducted into the country, was thus enabled to make his own observations on the spot,

These proving highly satisfactory, a fleet, on board of which was Sir Gilbert Elliot, now Lord Minto, in the character of commissioner from his Britannic Majesty, made its appearance in Bastia roads, and that gentleman, in conjunction with the naval commander in chief, immediately published a letter to General Paoli, dated on board the Victory, April 21, 1794.

In this they stated that they had repaired thither, in consequence of a solicitation on the part of his excellency, in the name of the people of Corsica, and now proferred" the aid of his Majesty's naval and military forces in the Mediterranean, towards expelling the

"It is with the most lively satisfaction we acquaint your excellency (it is added), that we have it in command from his Majesty to assent on his part to such a system as will cement the union of our two nations under a common Sovereign, and at the same time secure for ever the independence of Corsica, and the preservation of her ancient constitution, laws, and religion. With whatever satisfaction his Majesty has graciously assented to propositions, which promise, perhaps, for the first time, not only to afford to this island the blessings of tranquillity and peace, and a sudden increase of prosperity and wealth, but also to establish its natural independence and happiness on a secure and lasting foundation, his Majesty is, however, determined to conclude nothing without the general and free consent of the people of Corsica. We therefore request your excellency to take the proper steps for submitting these important matters to their judgment, and as the small number of the enemy invested at present by the British and Corsican troops, and which must soon either be destroyed or yield to superior force, can no longer give any uneasines to this country; but the freedom and deliverance of Corsica are in effect accomplished; we beg leave to submit to your excellency, whether it may not be desirable to take the earliest measures for terminating these interesting concerns, and for adding a formal sanction to that union which is already established in the hearts of all our countrymen."

In consequence of this memorial, General' Paoli addressed a letter "to his dearly-beloved countrymen,' dated Furiani, May 1, 1794, in which he reminds them of "the many cruel and treacherous arrangements made by the three commissioners of the French nation, who were sent over to their island, and in what

manner

manner they attempted to concentrate the powers of government in a small number of their satellites, destined to be the instruments of those violences and cruelties, which were to be exercised against all wellmeaning persons, and against the nation at large." He then notices "the unjust decree which ordered his own arrest, and transfer to the bar of the assembly," against which they themselves had remonstrated. After complimenting them for having retained their ancient bravery, and attachment to their country, he remarks that he had felt the necessity of foreign assistance, and in conformity to their general wishes, and to the public opinion and universal expectation, had recourse to the king and generous and powerful nation, which had on other occasions protected the remains of their liberty." He then concludes, by proposing a general assembly of deputies, to be convoked at Corte, on the sth of June, on purpose to consider of the propriety of the projected union, and form a government founded on the model of Great Britain. "With respect to myself, my dearly-beloved countrymen, (continues he) after having devoted every moment of my life to your happiness, I shall esteem myself the happiest of mankind if, through the means I have derived from your confidence, I can obtain for our country the opportunity of forming a free and lasting government, and of preserving to Corsica its name, its unity, and its independence, whilst the names of the heroes, who have spilt their blood in its support and defence, will be, for future generations, objects of noble emulation and grateful remem brance."