HISTORY OF MADAGASCAR. 
109 
tain could effect the reduction of the Isles of France and 
Bourbon. Engaged in extensive enterprises in the Euro¬ 
pean seas, her fleets were fully employed, and the squadron 
sent against those distant islands was too weak to effect the 
purpose. Great bravery was displayed in the engagements 
between the opposing squadrons, and a landing was at 
length effected by the English on the Isle of France; but 
an unfavourable circumstance having occasioned the destruc¬ 
tion of some of the British ships, the troops on shore were 
thus cut off from all hope of relief, and were compelled to 
surrender. The French therefore remained triumphant in 
those seas some years longer; and in 1807, an attempt was 
made to form a settlement at Foule Point by some French¬ 
men from the Isle of France; but having unfortunately 
chosen the sickly season for the expedition, they were 
carried off, almost to a man, by the fever incident to that 
part of the island. 
The continual interruption which the British East India 
trade experienced from the French cruisers, rendered it 
absolutely necessary for the government to effect the re¬ 
duction of their strong-holds in the Isle of France. This 
annoyance, which was carried to an alarming extent, 
continued long after the French power in India was extinct. 
It was calculated that the value of the prizes carried into 
the Isle of France in ten years, amounted to two millions 
and a half sterling. The vessels thus taken were emptied 
of their cargoes, and sold to the Arabs, by whom they were 
afterwards taken again to Calcutta, and sold. 
It was not until the year 1810, that a competent expe¬ 
dition was fitted out, and despatched by the English 
government against the Isle of France. On its arrival, 
the resistance it met with was comparatively feeble, and, after 
a short contest, the governor offered to capitulate, and finally 
