As the only obstacles to the conclusion of a durable peace with England were Sicily and Hanover, it may be well to examine here the bearing of these questions on the peace of Europe and Napoleon’s future.

It is clear from his letters to Joseph that he had firmly resolved to conquer Sicily.  Before his brother had reached Naples he warned him to prepare for the expulsion of the Bourbons from that island.  For that purpose the French pushed on into Calabria and began to make extensive preparations—­at the very time when Talleyrand stated to Lord Yarmouth that the French did not want Sicily.  But the English forces defending that island prepared to deal a blow that would prevent a French descent.  A force of about 5,000 men under Sir John Stuart landed in the Bay of St. Euphemia:  and when, on the 4th of July, 1806, Reynier led 7,000 troops against them in full assurance of victory, his choicest battalions sank before the fierce bayonet charge of the British:  in half an hour the French were in full retreat, leaving half their numbers on the field.

The moral effect of this victory was very great.  Hitherto our troops, except in Egypt, had had no opportunity of showing their splendid qualities.  More than half a century had passed since at Minden a British force had triumphed over a French force in Europe; and Napoleon expressed the current opinion when he declared to Joseph his joy that at last the slow and clumsy English had ventured on the mainland.[86] Moreover, the success at Maida, the general rising of the Calabrias that speedily followed, and Stuart’s capture of Reggio, Cortone, and other towns, with large stores and forty cannon destined for the conquest of Sicily, scattered to the winds the French hope of carrying Sicily by a coup de main.

If there was any chance of the Russian and British Governments deserting the cause of the Bourbons, it was ended by the news from the Mediterranean; and Napoleon now realized that the mastery of that sea—­“the principal and constant aim of my policy”—­had once more slipped from his grasp!  On their side the Bourbons were unduly elated by a further success which was more brilliant than solid.  Queen Caroline, excited at the capture of Capri by Sir Sidney Smith, sought to rouse all her lost provinces:  she intrigued behind the back of the King and of General Acton, while the knight-errant succeeded in paralyzing the plans of Sir John Stuart.[87] Meanwhile Massena, after reducing the fortress of Gaeta to surrender, marched southward with a large force, and the British and Bourbon forces re-embarked for Sicily, leaving the fierce peasants and bandits of Calabria to the mercies of the conquerors.  But Maida was not fought in vain.  Sicily thenceforth was safe, the British army regained something of its ancient fame, and the hope of resisting Napoleon was strengthened both at St. Petersburg and London.