60 
HISTORY OF MADAGASCAR. 
when he appeared to be convinced by the reply of Monsieur 
Poivre, and raised his single voice to advocate the treaty, 
all his emotion and all his apparent conviction, were but the 
result of a preconcerted part, for acting which he had re¬ 
ceived his price. 
The day after the conclusion of the treaty, the markets 
of Foule Pointe were abundantly supplied with provisions 
of every description, and the ships laid in their stores at a 
low price. 
On the arrival of Mons. Poivre in France, he recom¬ 
mended Bigorne in the strongest terms to the East India 
Company. At that time he was only interpreter at Foule 
Pointe, but on so high a recommendation, he was appointed, 
under the direction of the government of the Isle of France, 
to the management of all that belonged to trade and the 
victualling of ships throughout Madagascar; which trust he 
fulfilled with great prudence and ability, until the year 
1762, when he was called to France, for having declared 
war against John Harre. That chief had committed 
aggressions on the territories of several others who were in 
strict league with the French. The chiefs conjointly 
entreated Bigorne to take upon himself the command of 
their united forces, and avenge them of their wrongs. 
Bigorne long refused to comply with their request, and at 
last consented only on terms, which must have appeared to 
them as but little in accordance with his established repu¬ 
tation for personal bravery. His conditions were, that 
as the success of the war depended upon his safety, he 
should not be required to expose himself to the fire of the 
enemy. However contrary this conduct appeared to the 
ideas entertained by the chiefs of his undaunted courage, 
his influence prevailed, and they ranged themselves under 
his banners. He made them go through some simple 
