In 1808, the whole population of the island was esti mated at nearly 12,000. It appears from a calculation, that the average of births is one in twelve, and that of deaths, one in twenty-three. The character of the El bese is very superior to that of the Italians in general.* They are extremely attached to their country,—indus trious as labourers, and brave as soldiers , simple in their attire, and frugal in their mode of living ; nut ve ry fond of amusements, and rather grave than lively in their disposition; ignorant and credulous; more super stitious than fanatical ; somewhat addicted to flattery , not malicious or revengeful, but irritable and impatient of contradiction. The men are of a robust constitution, live to a great age, and enjoy good health. The wo men arc in general not beautiful. Before marriage they arc chaste, though possessed of much sensibility ; after marriage, they are remarkable for being faithful wives and affectionate mothers.
The political state of Elba has undergone many revo lutions. But the most remarkable event that has ever happened to the island, is that of its being assigned to Napoleon Bonaparte as his sole dominion and retreat for life : so that the Elhesc are now the only subjects of a man who, but a few years ago, commanded the destinies of Europe ; and who might still have maintained that lofty eminence, had not his ambition grown so extrava gant as to render his talents useless, and his oppressions so intolerable, as to unite against him all the wisdom and virtue of the world. Perhaps it was impossible to
dispose of this extraordinary personage in a better man ner; but it is not impertinent to ask, if he be really the remorseless tyrant which he is universally believed to be, of what crime had the inhabitants of Elba been guilty, that they should be doomed to groan beneath his rod ?t However, since it was agreed that he should re tain his life and his liberty, it was surely expedient that his power of doing mischief should be circumscribed within narrow bounds; and probably no place could an• saver this view so well as that little island, in which the virtue of the people may either teach him to respect while he rules them, or deprive him of his last sceptre. if he shall employ it for their cpprcssion. Sec Voyagr to the Isle of Elba, kc. by Arsennc Thiebaut de Bei neaud. Tour through the Island of Elba, by Sir Rich ard Colt Hoare, Bart. &c. (7)