His note-book seems even to show that he regarded them as an inconvenient interference with his plans for Corsica.

But gradually the Revolution excites his interest.
In September, 1789, we find him on furlough in Corsica sharing the hopes of the islanders that their representatives in the French National Assembly will obtain the boon of independence.

He exhorts his compatriots to favour the democratic cause, which promises a speedy deliverance from official abuses.

He urges them to don the new tricolour cockade, symbol of Parisian triumph over the old monarchy; to form a club; above all, to organize a National Guard.

The young officer knew that military power was passing from the royal army, now honeycombed with discontent, to the National Guard.