Page:An Account of Corsica (1769).djvu/167

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OF CORSICA.
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disturb it by their private piques, or unruly dispositions.

The most proper and effectual means, to succeed in this our desireable end, are by us seriously thought to be, the electing of one oeconomical, political and general chief, of enlightened faculties, to command over this kingdom with full power, except when there shall be occasion to consult upon matters concerning the state, which he cannot treat of, without the concurrence of the people, or their respective representatives.

By the general voice is elected for that trust, Pascal Paoli; a man, whose virtues and abilities, render him every way worthy thereof.

After so general an election, by the chiefs of the council of war, the deputies of the provinces, and the respective representatives of the parishes assembled, this gentleman was invited, by a letter, to come; and a large committee of the principal members of the assembly, was sent to his house, to desire him to accept of the charge, and to repair hither to be acknowledged as our chief; and to take the solemn oath, to exercise the office, with which he is invested, with the utmost zeal, affection and disinterested-