f the continent. I found him,
in short, to be a man of principle, abilities and knowledge; and at the
same time a man of the world. He is now deservedly raised to the rank of
colonel of the Royal Corsicans, in the service of France.

[Footnote 143: In this letter a high character is given of Buttafoco.
See page 141.--ED.]

I past some days with Signor Buttafoco, from whose conversation I
received so much pleasure, that I in a great measure forgot my ague.

As various discourses have been held in Europe, concerning an invitation
given to M. Rousseau to come to Corsica; and as that affair was
conducted by Signor Buttafoco, who shewed me the whole correspondence
between him and M. Rousseau, I am enabled to give a distinct account of
it.

M. Rousseau in his Political Treatise, entitled "Du Contract Social,"
has the following observation: "Il est encore en Europe un pays capable
de legislation; c'est l'isle de Corse. La valeur et la constance avec
laquelle ce brave peuple a su recouvrer et defendre sa liberte
meriteroit bien que quelque homme sage lui apprit a la conserver. J'ai
quelque pressentiment qu'un jour cette petite isle etonnera
l'Europe.[144] There is yet one country in Europe, capable of
legislation; and that is the island of Corsica. The valour and the
constancy with which that brave people have recovered and defended its
liberty, would well deserve that some wise man should teach them how to
preserve it. I have some presentiment that one day that little island
will astonish Europe."

[Footnote 144: "Du Contract Social," liv. ii., chap. 10.]

Signor Buttafoco, upon this, wrote to M. Rousseau, returning him thanks
for the honour he had done to the Corsican nation, and strongly inviting
him to come over, and be that wise man who should illuminate their
minds.

I was allowed to take a copy of the wild philosopher's answer to this
invitation; it is written with his usual eloquence.

"Il est superflu, Monsieur, de chercher a exciter mon zele pour
l'entreprise que vous me proposez. Sa[145] seule idee m'eleve l'ame et
me transporte. Je croirois la[146] reste de mes jours bien noblement,
bien vertueusement et bien heureusement employes.[147] Je croirois meme
avoir bien rachete l'inutilite des autres, si je pouvois rendre ce
triste reste bon en quelque chose a vos braves compatriotes; si je
pouvois concourir par quelque conseil utile aux vues de votre[148] digne
Chef et aux votres; de ce cote-la donc soyez sur d