"Russia's going to war in the way I am sure she will, will cause the loss of Naples and Sardinia; for that Court will not send 100,000 men into Italy, and less are useless for any grand purpose." "Your Excellency's summary account of the situation of Naples since the negotiations with Russia," he wrote to Elliot in October, "are perfectly clear; but the times are such that kingdoms must not be played with.

So far from Russia assisting Naples, it may involve her, without the greatest care and circumspection, in total ruin.

Naples must not be hastily involved in war with France.

Sicily must be saved.
The Calabrians must be kept from the entrance of French troops.

If we are consulted, we must assist Naples in keeping off the blow as long as possible." That Napoleon's action would have been as here surmised, had his purposes then tended towards the Mediterranean instead of the English Channel, we have his own assertion.