The
embassy had been fitted out without any reasonable ground of success;
but it was still expected that it might be the means of establishing a
communication with that great empire. But the event did not answer these
expectations. His lordship was received with suspicion, and ordered to
depart as soon as he had made some costly presents, and received some
trifling ones in return, being refused even a few days' delay. As one
of the ambassador's suite observed, "They entered Pekin like paupers,
remained in it like prisoners, and quitted it like vagrants."
CORSICA ANNEXED TO THE CROWN OF ENGLAND.
The nation was somewhat consoled for this failure by the annexation
of Corsica to the crown of Great Britain; an event which, from its
political importance, was a topic of ministerial exultation. After the
disaster at Toulon, Lord Hood sailed to this island, which was in
a state of revolt against the government. He landed three thousand
soldiers and marines, and these nearly effected the reduction of the
island by the capture of Bastia, which capitulated on honourable terms.
Calvi, the only remaining-stronghold of the republicans, was then
besieged, and on the 1st of August it surrendered to the British arms.
Paoli and the aristocratical party then offered the cession of the
island to the King of Great Britain, which was accepted. Efforts were
made to confer the blessings of the British constitution on the rude
islanders, but they were not successful; while one party looked to
England, the other cast their eyes on France.
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