The Virginia Gazette

From the CRAFTSMAN, February 10.

We cannot but insert the following Piece from Corsica, as handed to Us by the Daily Advertiser, for that Spirit of Liberty so conspicuous through the Whole.

THE latest Advices from Corsica bring, that the Malecontents, after holding a General Council, in which it had been resolved not to accept of the Accommodation proposed by France, had published the Reasons which had engaged them to this Refusal: which are in Substance, 'That the Happiness of the Kingdom of Corsica required that it should be governed by a Sovereign, who, having no other Possession, should therefore find himself obliged to remain in the Kingdom, and apply his whole Attention to govern his People like the Father of a Family, who, having but one Child, has no other View than procuring it all possible Advantages.' That God had given them such a Sovereign as they demanded, in the Person of the Baron de Neuhoff, whom they have acknowledged and proclaimed for their King. That this Baron, who possessed no other Land, applied himself wholly to the governing the Island according to its Laws, and to render his Subjects happy. That he and his Descendants, who are all Corsicans by Nation, exempt from all Ambition, and content with the little Kingdom which they shall possess, will open the Ports of it, and furnish, with a perfect Neutrality, all Nations with Provisions, which will bring Plenty into the Kingdom. That they had no Room to flatter themselves with ever enjoying a like Happiness under the Reign of any other Sovereign, as well because under their Reign the Island could only be governed by Ministers, who would be always a Charge to the Nation, as by Reason that Foreign Princes being subject to be in War, the Kingdom of Corsica would be exposed to feel the Inconveniences of it.' One of the Members of the Council, to support these Reasons, added, That the Arrival of French Troops in the Island would by no Means alter their Resolutions, since the Body that was there already was not at all formidable; and if a greater Number was sent, they could not subsist.