general Paul de Thermes, accompanied by Sampiero di Ornano, Jourdain des Ursins, and several other able commanders. Henry had also the Turks joined with him in this expedition, having prevailed with their fourth Emperour, Solyman, styled the magnificent, to fend out a large fleet to the Tuscan sea[1].
This expedition was powerfully opposed by the Genoese; who had given Corsica in charge to their celebrated bank of St. George. The great Andrew Doria, though then in his eighty seventh year, bid defiance to age and infirmities, and, since Corsica was an object of importance to his country, the gallant veteran embarked with all the spirit of his glorious youth, having a formidable armament under his command.
The war was carried on with vigour on both sides. At first however, several of the best towns were taken by the French and Turks, particularly Ajaccio, where were a number of merchants, whose riches afforded good pillage to the enemy, and helped to make the enterprise go on with more spirit. The Corsicans joined in the common cause; and the greatest part of the island was once fairly delivered from the tyrant.
- ↑ Knowles's history of the Turks, p. 757.
