Thomas Nepean | Autograph letter signed, to Lord Hood, on the defence of Corsica, 1794

Thomas Nepean

Autograph letter signed, to Lord Hood

reporting on the situation and defences in Corsica, he gives a detailed description of the fortifications at Fiorenzo, Bastia and Calvi, discusses ways of making a successful landing and forwards Paoli's suggestions, 3 pages, folio, "Lowestoffe", 8 January 1794, slightly soiled

In 1793, General Paoli, the Corsican leader, determined to cut the bond with France, appealed for assistance to the British government. In January 1794 a delegation headed by Sir Gilbert Elliot was sent to the island "to assure themselves of the extent of Paoli's power and of his ability to guarantee that the islanders would accept a connection with the English crown." (Peter A. Thrasher, Pasquale Paoli, London, 1970). The negotiations were successful and a considerable force commanded by Lord Hood was later dispatched; by the summer of 1794 the island was reduced and in June the Corsican Assembly offered the sovereignty to George III.

PROVENANCE:

Sotheby's, London, 16 May 1978, lot 84