HISTORY OF MADAGASCAR. 
32 
supply the place of Flacourt was Chamargou, who arrived 
at the settlement in 1660 ; and finding the fort destroyed, 
immediately set about rebuilding it. His next enterprise 
was to send an officer, with a detachment of troops, to ex¬ 
plore the country to the north of Matitanana. This officer, 
whose real name was Le Vacher, was a native of Rochelle, 
and possessed talents which qualified him for the enterprise. 
His assumed name was La Case ; and his memory was long 
held in great respect by the natives, although at the time of 
his arrival the French were extremely unpopular in Mada¬ 
gascar. The sums expended in establishing the colony had 
been rendered useless by the impolicy and injustice of the 
agents; but La Case, by his prudence, energy, and courage, 
soon restored the reputation of his countrymen; and all 
his undertakings being attended with success, he was looked 
up to with fear and admiration by the natives, who gave 
him the title of Dian* Pousse, one of their own celebrated 
chiefs, who, it was erroneously reported, had formerly 
conquered the whole island, and who was still held in vene¬ 
ration by the people. Nor was La Case less distinguished 
for his moderation and good conduct than for his courage 
and skill. By these qualities he obtained so completely 
the ascendency over the Malagasy, that Chamargou, the 
French governor, became jealous of him; and so powerful 
were the feelings of envy thus awakened, that instead of 
commending his faithful discharge of the difficult duties 
assigned him, he denied him all reward and promotion. 
Conscious that it was to himself the French were in¬ 
debted for the recovery of their footing on the island, 
La Case, disgusted and disappointed at treatment so unjust, 
formed the resolution of withdrawing from Fort Dauphin. 
* A word of the same import as Andriana (prince, noble,) in the 
interior. 
