union; which made particular animosities take up their attention, and divert their zeal from the great cause.
In 1745, Count Domenico Rivarola, arrived at Bastia, along with some English shiips of war. Great Britain had forbidden her subjects to give any assistance to the Corsicans; but, by the changeful schemes of political connexions, she consented to send some ships against the Genoese; not, as if from herself, but, as complying with the request of her ally, the king of Sardinia, who had taken the cause of Corsica much to heart. These ships bombarded Bastia, and San Fiorenzo, both of which they delivered into the hands of the Corsicans. The force of the British men of war, and the great service done by us to their cause, are never forgotten, by the brave islanders.
Count Rivarola, was proclaimed Generalissimo of the kingdom. Gaffori and Matra, were not present at this election, and did every thing in their power to oppose it; so that there was nothing but heart-burnings, and miserable dissensions; and the British went away with an idea of this people, as if they had been a parcel of half-barbarians.
