HISTORY OF MAURITIUS. 
533 
This prince has written particular letters to the Colonial Assembly, as well as 
to all the generals employed under this government, and has addressed a packet 
to us for the Executive Directory. 
1. He desires to form an offensive and defensive alliance with the French, and 
proposes to maintain, at his charge, as long as the war shall last in India, the troops 
which may be sent to him. 
2. He promises to furnish every necessary for carrying on the war, wine and 
brandy excepted, with which he is wholly unprovided. 
3. He declares, that he has made every preparation to receive the succours which 
may be sent to him, and that* on the arrival of the troops, the commanders and 
officers will find every thing necessary for engaging in a war, to which Europeans 
are but little accustomed. 
4. In a word, he only waits the moment when the French shall come to his 
assistance, to declare war against the English, whom he ardently desires to expel 
from India. 
As it is impossible for us to reduce the number of the 107th and 108th regiments, 
and of the regular guard of the port of FYatermte * on account of the succours which 
we have furnished to our allies, the Dutch, we invite the citizens, who may be dis-? 
posed to enter as volunteers, to enrol themselves in their respective municipalities, 
and to serve under the banners of Tippoo. 
This prince desires also to be assisted by the free citizens of colour : we there¬ 
fore invite all such who are willing to serve under his flag, to enrol themselves. 
We can assure all the citizens who shall enrol themselves, that Tippoo will allow 
them an advantageous rate of pay, the terms of which will be fixed with his ambas¬ 
sadors, who will further engage, in the name of their sovereign, that all Frenchmen, 
who may enter into his armies, shall never be detained after they have expressed a 
wish to return to their own country. 
Done at Port North-west, the 30th of January, 1798. 
(Signed) MALARTIC* 
Meaning the Port Bourbon of Mauritius. 
