 In 1807, French general César Berthier with 17,000 men landed in Corfu and took over control of the Russian-backed Septinsular Republic, according to the Treaty of Tilsit.Soon after, Berthier was replaced by General Donzelot.By order of the French Emperor Napoleon, Donzelot was entrusted with overseeing the reinforcement of the many fortifications of Corfu in anticipation of the British blockade.