way, at a little distance from the camp. The Genoese perceived it, and making a sudden sally, they got hold of the nurse and the child, and carried them into the castle. The General shewed a decent concern at this unhappy accident, which struck a damp into the whole army. The Genoese thought they could have Gaffori upon their own terms, since they were possessed of so dear a pledge. When he advanced to make some cannon play, they held up his son, directly over that part of the wall, against which his artillery was levelled. The Corficans stopt, and began to draw back; but Gaffori, with the resolution of a Roman, stood at their head, and ordered them to continue the fire. Luckily, his firmness was not broken by losing his child, who escaped unhurt. I had the pleasure of knowing the young gentleman, who inherits his father's estate. He related to me himself, from the best authority, this story, which does so much honour to his father. I had it also vouched, by such as had no particular interest in it.
Matra, the other general or protectour, was always suspected, as secretly favouring the views of Genoa, and was rather a promoter of division, than a patron of liberty. Indeed, the great misfortune of the Corsicans, was their want of
