Bonifaccio is an useful harbour, much frequented since the oldest times, and very fit for trade.
Bastia is not a port of the first consideration, as ships of war cannot enter it. But it hath a mole for the convenience of small vessels, for which it is very well fitted. The islands of Gorgona, Capraja, and Ilva, or the Elbe, are placed at no great distance in the sea which rolls between the east coast of Corsica and Tuscany, with the Pope's dominions; so that small vessels can never be at a loss for protection, should any sudden storm come upon them, as they can run into any of these islands.
Macinajo is not one of the principal harbours in Corsica, though it is very safe and commodious for vessels of a light construction. I mention Macinajo, because it was from thence that the expedition set sail against Capraja, as will be afterwards seen.
Diodorus Siculus celebrates Corsica for the excellency of its harbours:Αὔτη δὲ ἡ νῆσος εὐπρόσορμιςος οὗσα, κάλλιςον ἔχει λιμένα τὸν ὀνομάζομενον Συρακσιονοῦσιον[1], 'The island being of very easy access, has a most beautiful port, called the Sy-
- ↑ Diodor. Sicul. lib. v.
