SURRENDER OF CORSICA AND THE ISLE OF ELBA.
At this time Napoleon felt that the conquest of all Italy was within his reach. Treaties and the rights of foreign powers, whether neutral or friendly, were little regarded by him. Thus, in open contempt of both, he had invaded Tuscany, and had taken possession of Leghorn, his excuse being the dislodgement of the English. In consequence of this movement Nelson blockaded that port, and landed a force in the isle of Elba, in order to secure Porto Ferrajo. Moreover, as Genoa, taking the part of France, had excluded the English from its ports, Nelson seized on the island of Capraia, which had formerly belonged to Corsica. But the British admiral’s vigour was not seconded by the British government; orders were given for even the evacuation of Corsica itself; and soon after the British fleet, in consequence of peace being made between Naples and France, left the Mediterranean station, and proceeded to the support of Portugal.