On the north side both they and he considered the place weak, and at the same time found the ground favorable for establishing the siege guns.

Moreover, even during the winter gales, he had succeeded in so closing the sea approaches, while the revolted Corsicans intercepted those by land, that a pound of coarse bread was selling for three francs.

The spring equinox was now near at hand, and with better weather the blockade would be yet more efficient.

Between actual attack and famine, he argued, the place must fall.

"Not attacking it I could not but consider as a national disgrace.