173 
The enemy had the advantage in point of numbers, 
but the superior tactics of Bigorne secured him an 
easy victory. He had chosen an advantageous posi¬ 
tion, which John Harre was unable to judge of, and 
therefore attacked them in a resolute manner. The 
first charge proved decisive; though made with 
vigour, they were repulsed in so terrible a manner, 
that they fled precipitately, and their chief could not 
again lead them on to the combat, 
John Harre had hitherto been considered invin¬ 
cible; but this defeat lessened him greatly in the eyes 
of his subjects. When informed that his enemies 
were commanded by Bigorne, and that the latter had 
not appeared in the action, he exclaimed, “ How 
could I defend myself against the invisible spirit of 
a white man which attacked me? However, I will 
be revenged—I will quit Foule Point, and retire to 
the Bay of Antongil. My removal from that port 
will alarm the merchants, and the markets will no 
longer be supplied. Commerce will in the mean¬ 
time be at a stand, and La Bigorne’s chiefs will recall 
him to the Isle of France. My departure, therefore, 
promises me a speedy deliverance from my most 
formidable enemy.” 
This prediction was soon verified; the merchants 
of Foule Point were in the utmost consternation at 
his defeat and subsequent departure, and broke off 
all commercial intercourse with the French. A few 
of the friendly chiefs did ail in their power to supply 
the markets, but they experienced so much opposition, 
