HISTORY OF MAURITIUS. 
2 55 
for without their formal declaration, that the siege of Madras is requisite for the 
interests of the Company, and the honour of the French flag, I will not under¬ 
take it.” 
The Council of Pondicherry returned an answer on the same day, the 26th of 
August; in which, among other things, it was observed, that as they had not re¬ 
ceived any instruction either from the Minister or the Company, respecting the 
squadron, they could not take upon them to decide upon its operations, or offer 
any advice on the subject. They indeed suggested, that he ought either to besiege 
Madras, or attack the enemy’s naval force; and added, that it would be very humi¬ 
liating, and even disgraceful, if he did not do one or the other. 
It is very evident that the Council of Pondicherry wished to increase the difficul¬ 
ties in which M. de la Bourdonnais was involved; and, however extraordinary it 
may appear, on the following day they called upon him, in the most formal manner, 
to adopt one or other of the measures which had been proposed to him, and de¬ 
clared him to be individually responsible for the consequences. 
M. de la Bourdonnais could not be insensible to the insulting message of the 
Council, and he answered it in the following manner : 
" I consulted the Council on the proposed attack of Madras, and on no other 
subject; and it depends on the Council, whether or no I shall engage in that 
enterprize. As to the destination of my squadron, that is not within the sphere of 
its commands. I well know what my duty requires of me, and my orders are 
already given to put to sea this evening. 
Pondicherry, 27th August, 1746. Signed, “ Make' de La Bourdonnais.'* 
Thus discouraged by these proceedings, and almost overcome by the violence of 
his disorder, he resolved, as he was not in a condition to sail himself, to send his 
ships to the road of Madras. His object was not only to seize the English vessels, 
vffiich were then taking on board the valuable effects which the inhabitants of 
Madras were anxious to save, but also to obtain intelligence of the designs of the 
enemy: strange, however, as it may appear, at the very moment when M. Dupleix 
was informed of this design, he re-demanded of M. de la Bourdonnais the troops 
with which he had furnished him, on the pretext, that he could not thus weaken his 
garrison, without leaving the place in danger. 
Very strong remonstrances were made to M. Dupleix on his conduct, but 
