His family was again in trouble.

His mother had tried silkworm raising, and failed; his uncle the canon was very sick; his good friend and the patron of the family, General Marbeuf, was dead; his brothers were unsuccessful in getting positions or employment; and something must be done to help matters in the big bare house in Ajaccio.
Worried over the news, Napoleon tried to get leave of absence, so as to go to Corsica and see what he could do.

But this favor was not granted him.

His anxiety made him low-spirited; this brought on an attack of fever.

The leave of absence was granted him because he was sick; and early in 1787 he went home to Corsica.
He had been absent from home for eight years.