Lord Hood submitted to General Dundas, who commanded the land forces, a plan for the reduction of this place: the general declined co-operating, thinking the attempt impracticable without a reinforcement of 2000 men, which he expected from Gibraltar.
Upon this Lord Hood determined to reduce it with the naval force under his command; and leaving part of his fleet off Toulon, he came with the rest to Bastia.
He showed a proper sense of respect for Nelson's services, and of confidence in his talents, by taking care not to bring with him any older captain.

A few days before their arrival, Nelson had had what he called a brush with the enemy.

"If I had had with me 500 troops," he said, "to a certainty I should have stormed the town; and I believe it might have been carried.

Armies go so slow that seamen think they never mean to get forward; but I daresay they act on a surer principle, although we seldom fail." During this partial action our army appeared upon the heights; and having reconnoitered the place, returned to St.Fiorenzo.

"What the general could have seen to make a retreat necessary," said Nelson, "I cannot comprehend.