xviii CONTENTS
Viceroy rejects it, substitutes one of his own, and without reference to Stuart selects all the officers on political grounds— Moore predicts the failure of the corps as organised—Sir Gilbert is definitely appointed Viceroy, with full command of the army— General Stuart on ascertaining the sense in which Sir Gilbert interprets his commission resigns and goes home, but visits Ajaccio with Moore before leaving.......100-
CHAPTEE V SIR GILBERT ELLIOT AS VICEEOY OF CORSICA
Paoli, in his absence, is chosen by acclamation President of Corsican Assembly—Alarm of the Governor—He personally keeps 5ist Regiment in Bastia for his safety—Threatens to leave island—Paoli, who has taken no part in these proceedings, is urged by his friends not to accept election, and declines it on ground of his age—Pozzo di Borgo becomes Sir Gilbert's alter ego—Sir Gilbert makes all appointments and even justice depend on acceptance of the " good government" of Pozzo—General Trigge, the Commander-in-chief, becomes a mere registrar of Sir Gilbert's military ideas—The Corsican Regiment, under the Viceroy's selected Commander, his chosen officers, and with the organisation which he had substituted for General Stuart's, becomes mutinous—The newly formed battalion is ordered to sweep the streets of Bastia—It refuses, and is allowed to disobey—French fleet puts to sea and captures H.M. S. Berwick—Great alarm of Viceroy—Commander-in-chief feels no responsibility, and relies on Viceroy, who had only false information as to French fleet—Viceroy determines personally all military details—Nelson's success in the capture of the Qa Ira and Censeur disperses French fleet—Pozzo in announcing to Assembly Hotham's victory, proposes thanks to the Generals who had served Corsica, and pointedly omits Stuart's name—The House acclaims Stuart— Viceroy after alarm returns to tranquil indifference—He imprisons a captured French officer because Corsican by birth—The story of Mr, Caffori, whose house Sir Gilbert occupiesr-Reinforcement of French fleet again causes alarm—General Trigge having apparently had a hint that the Viceroy, though refusing him all power, holds him responsible, consults Moore—Moore's advice—Trigge proposes, under Moore's guidance, to study the defence of the island—The Viceroy and his staff are at once intruded into the conference— The Viceroy lays down the law on principles of fortification—The Court and the courtling officers applaud—Moore's military knowledge and common-sense pricks the bladder—All are silenced, but the Viceroy shows his displeasure—Trigge sees the truth, but fears to speak it—Viceroy selects his fortress Governors—Paoli, after long interview, quarrels with Sir Gilbert—Pozzo proposes to the Assembly to put up a portrait of Lord Hood—The Assembly