HISTORY OF MAURITIUS. 
441 
LETTER XV. 
In 1756. 
He continues to speak of the same objects, and certain preparations for war. 
LETTER XVI. 
Isle of France, 1757. 
He announces the arrival of the French squadron at the Isle of France. The first 
vessels were commanded by M. de Soupirs, and the main body of the squadron by 
the Count d’Ache, who conducted the Count de Lally to take upon him the govern¬ 
ment of the French establishments in the East Indies. 
The principal part of the squadron, which was long and impatiently expected, at 
length arrived; and the principal articles of instruction for the two commanders in 
chief by sea and land are as follows: 
An Extract from General Laity’s Instructions , given him by the French East 
India Company. * 
u The Sieur de Lally is authorised to destroy the fortifications of all maritime 
settlements which may be taken from the English; it may however be proper to 
except Vizagapatam, by reason of its being so nearly situated to Bemelipatana (a 
Dutch factory), which, in that case, would be enriched by the ruin of Vizagapatam : 
but as to that, as well as the demolishing all other places whatsoever, the Sieur de 
Lally is to consult the Governor and Superior Council of Pondicherry, and to have 
their opinion in writing: but notwithstanding, he is to destroy such places as he shall 
think proper, unless strong and sufficient arguments are made use of to the contrary: 
such, for example, as the Company’s being apprehensive for some of their settlements, 
and that it would be then thought prudent and necessary to reserve the power of 
exchange, in case any of them should be lost. Nevertheless, if the Sieur de Lally 
should think it too hazardous to keep a place, or that he thought he could not do 
it without too much dividing or weakening his army j his Majesty then leaves it 
in his power to act as he may think proper for the good of the service. 
“ The Sieur de Lally is to allow of no English settlement being ransomed; as we 
* The three following articles were given to the Author by one of the Directors of the English 
East India Company. 
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