supercargo, that he might not have any trouble from demands being made upon him.
By this time, as shall be afterwards shewn, the French had become so powerful in the island, that, although Theodore threw in his supply of warlke stores, he did not incline to venture his person, the Genoese having set a high price upon his head.
He therefore chose to relinquish his throne, and give up his views of ambition for safety, having furnished a remarkable example, how far a daring and desperate spirit may go. Had Theodore had a little more prudence, and some better fortune, he, and his posterity, might have worn the crown of Corsica, upon the generous title of having delivered the island from oppression.
It has often been said, that Theodore was secretly supported by some of the European powers. But, from all that I can learn, there is no foundation whatever, for this conjecture. It is, indeed, a rare thing, to find a private gentleman embarking on his own bottom, in an enterprise of such a nature. But the truth is, Theodore was a most singular man, and had been so beaten about, by change of fortune, that he had loft the common sentiments of mankind, and viewed things as one who is mad, or drunk, or in a fever. He had nothing to lose, and a great deal to win. His
