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raised him from the office of interpreter, to that of 
commissioner of the affairs of trade, and the vic¬ 
tualling of ships for the whole island of Madagascar, 
under the orders of the administration of the Isle of 
France. They had no reason to repent of this choice. 
He conducted their affairs with prudence and ability, 
until the year 1762, when he was recalled to the Isle 
of France for having made war on John Harre. That 
chief had committed great depredations on several 
others who were in strict league with the French. 
The assistance of Bigorne was demanded, but he 
endeavoured for a long time to preserve peace amongst 
them to no purpose. At length he was induced, from 
motives of policy, to declare in favour of the chiefs 
against John Harre, and he agreed at their joint 
request to take the command of the combined 
armies, on a condition which was calculated to lessen 
him in their estimation, had not they entertained so 
high an opinion of his wisdom. It was, that as the 
success of the war depended upon his safety, he should 
not be required to expose himself to the fire of the 
enemy. However contrary this conduct appeared 
to their ideas of courage, his influence prevailed, and 
after expressing some surprise, they ranged themselves 
under his banners. La Bigorne made them go 
through some simple manoeuvres, and finding them 
docile and submissive, he led them towards the 
enemy, and, when within sight of them, he strictly 
prohibited them from beginning the combat until he 
gave the signal for battle. 
