their backs, and the prospect before them was most gloomy. They contrived, however, to forget the past, to suppress all thoughts of the future, and, for the present, to make themselves happy.

Consultations took place between the Admiral and the General respecting future operations, and Corsica became the principal subject of their deliberations. This island had revolted from France, and the aged and patriotic chief, Paoli, placed at the head of their affairs, had applied for succours to Eng. land. It was at length resolved, that Colonel Moore and Major Koehler, an excellent artillery officer, should be sent to Corsica, to examine how far an attack upon that island, with the small military force embarked, was advisable. Sir Gilbert Elliot, the King's commissioner in the Mediterranean, was to accompany them, to communicate with Paoli on political points.

This deputation accordingly sailed (Jan. 14th) in a frigate, and landed in the little Isle of Rossa, whence they proceeded to Murato. The

inhabitants of every village through which they passed saluted them with vollies of musketry, and exclaimed ' Viva Paoli, la patria, è la nazione Inglese!' This reception was very amusing; and they found that Paoli had taken up his residence at a convent of Recollets, which had been abandoned since the revolution. The convent was surrounded with armed peasants, who came voluntarily from different parts of the island, and served without pay. They carried on their backs ten days provisions, consisting chiefly of dried chestnuts; and returned home, when their food was consumed. But others succeeded, from the strong attachment felt by all the natives to Paoli, who had commanded their armies in former wars against the Genoese and French. After the first compliments, the subject of the mission began to be discussed; when General Paoli addressed himself to the two military gentlemen, to explain to them the operations which he wished to be adopted. But Colonel Moore informed him, that Sir Gilbert

Elliot was the King's Commissioner, with whom in the first place the business must be agreed upon. To this Paoli made some odd answer, that he was tired, with ministers and negotiations. He then, however, turned to Sir Gilbert, and said, 'I wrote long ago to

the King and to his ministers, that I and 'my people wished to be free either as sub'jects, or under the protection of Great Bri

tain, as the King and the country may 'think most convenient. I wish before I 'die, to see my country, after various strug

gles, during these three hundred years, 'settled and happy, with a proper degree of

liberty, under the protection or government

of the British nation.' The General was so much affected whilst he spoke, that tears gushed into his eyes. The conference was conducted amicably, Sir Gilbert giving assurances of assistance for the expulsion of the French. Next morning, Moore and Major Koehler rode out to reconnoitre St. Fiorenza and the neighbouring country. The Signor Pozzo di Borgo accompanied

them, and an escort of above forty volunteers. They fell in with a French party and a slight skirmish ensued, in which the Corsicans acted well. When the French were driven off, St. Fiorenza, the works of Martello, and the fort of Fornelli were accurately examined, and Major Koehler made sketches of the ground.

After their return, the landing of the troops and the military operations were canvassed with General Paoli, and Moore was struck with the intelligence he displayed; indeed, he reminded him of his old friend General Francis MacLean. Paoli was then very aged, and much afflicted at the recent loss of his brother; a man so much beloved and venerated by the Corsicans, that they believed him a saint, and were convinced that by his intercession in heaven they would gain their independence. The principal business being agreed upon, Sir Gilbert sailed to the Isle of Elba, to make arrangements respecting the French royalists, who had been landed there. Moore remained for some days to examine

the coast, and particularly the town of Calvi. After which Lord Hood's fleet appearing, he went off in a boat at night, though it blew hard, and got on board the Victory. Major Koehler was left with Paoli. Moore then presented to Lord Hood and General Dundas a full statement of the intelligence he had obtained, and the observations he had made on the state of the French fortresses, together with drawings made on the spot by Major Koehler. According to the Corsican accounts, the number of the French troops amounted to about two thousand, to which should be added the crews of four frigates. He then observed, that with so small a land force as that of the British, it would be fruitless to attempt a descent without the hearty concurrence and aid of the Corsicans. But with these, if the attempt was made instantly, before the enemy were more prepared, there was reason to hope for success. Should this be resolved upon, he recommended that, for the security of the fleet, possession should first be taken of Martello bay; and he par