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HISTORY OF MAURITIUS. 
already proposed, and we will proceed to carry our plan into execution before the 
enemy can be in a condition to prevent us. If fortune favours us, what ought we to do 
with Madras ? My opinion is, to possess ourselves of whatever merchandize we shall 
find, embark it on board our vessels, and receive a ransom for the rest. For if we 
were to destroy the town, in the course of a year it would be rebuilt with additional 
strength. Let us be content with pillaging the inhabitants of Malabar, and the 
Armenians. 
" I submit this plan, and the opinions on which it is founded, to your considera¬ 
tion. I hope to be favoured with your councils, and satisfactory answers to the 
different requisitions I have transmitted to you for stores, ammunition, Sec. on the 
attainment of which the success of my proposed enterprize will depend, Sec. 
Signed, “Mahe' de La Bourdonn ais,” 
