HISTORY OF MAURITIUS. 
9 
Into the harbour, which, by means of long chains, is no difficult operation; and, 
in the course of the day, the vessel is moored. We had the good fortune' to enter 
straight before the wind; but such a circumstance does not often happen. I must 
also observe, that, on the summit of a very high mountain, there is a very good 
light-house, as a guide to vessels that arrive by night, and in the day-time it displays 
a flag, 
“ The French always approach Mauritius between the Hanging Rock, which is 
called le Coin de Mire, and l’isle Longue, passing very near the Hanging Rock to 
avoid a reef, which stretches out two miles before l’isle .Ronde. There is a good 
channel here, in passing which there js no danger. The French come within sight 
of land, as we did; they then touch at the Isles, reach the Hanging Rock, pass 
the reef off Long Point, and follow the same track which has just been described. 
No one on board my ship had been in this island, and our charts were very defec¬ 
tive, making no mention of the passage between the isles; and as I was totally unac¬ 
quainted with the navigation, I did not think it prudent to run any hazard; but I 
consider it as the surest and the best passage; although there is some difficulty in pass¬ 
ing by the isles, from not discovering the land. But if the Hanging Rock should 
not be perceived in time to get beyond the reef off Long Point before >night, it 
would be better to bear away to the east until morning, as there is no danger to 
be feared but which is perceptible. The vessel I command is the first English ship 
that has visited this island, since it has been in possession of the French; and I 
was received with the greatest civility.” 
It is necessary to communicate the following circumstances of the Isle des Ton- 
neliers, at the entrance of Port Louis. 
1. The redoubt, called le Bourdonnois, is bomb-proof, and is defended by at 
least thirty pieces of heavy artillery. 
2. It is covered by a battery, which juts on the shore of the island, with a postern 
and a trench to communicate with it. 
3. There is another battery to the left of the redoubt, with a covered way of 
communication. 
4. About three hundred yards to the right, there is another redoubt or battery. 
5. About two hundred and fifty yards still further to the right of the last, is 
another battery. 
C 
