They are to go alongshore to the Heel of Italy, and to embark and protect their army either to Sicily or the Morea, or to both; and the Navy of Europe can hardly prevent these alongshore voyages." In this will be noticed the recurrence of ideas familiar to him in the Riviera eight years before; the expectation of ex-centric operations into which Bonaparte was rarely betrayed.
Frequent stories also reach him of projects to invade and seize Sardinia.

Vessels are fitting for that purpose, now at Marseilles, now at Villefranche; now the expedition is to come from Corsica only.

"A light linen jacket, trowsers, red cap, and a pair of shoes, is the whole expense of Government; the plunder of the Sardinian Anglo-Sardes is held out as the reward." To prevent it he seeks the authority of his Government and of the King of Sardinia to garrison Madalena.

The straits of Bonifacio are but ten miles wide; it is impossible therefore for a cruiser to prevent boats passing.

If the attempt is made, no scruples about the neutrality of Sardinia shall tie his hands.