197 
Notwithstanding the weak state of the settlers, the 
deficiency of hands, and the continued opposition of the 
natives, the works went on with considerable activity; 
so that by September 1775, he had finished all the neces¬ 
sary buildings at Louisbourg, constructed Fort Louis, 
and made a road twenty-one miles in length, and 
twenty-four feet in breadth. He had also purchased 
a considerable portion of land, which was distributed 
amongst his troops, and preparations were made for 
cultivating them the following year. In the mean¬ 
time no supplies having been received either from the 
Isle of France or Europe, he was in consequence 
under the necessity of purchasing stores of such 
vessels as accidentally touched at the island. He 
discovered that the governor of the former place had 
secretly sent emissaries to Madagascar, in order to 
excite an insurrection against the colony; upon which 
he prevailed upon those chiefs, who were in alliance 
with him, to keep up an armed force of twelve hun¬ 
dred men to defend the colony in case of an attack. 
Having accidentally saved the lives of three chil¬ 
dren, who, according to the custom of the country, 
had been devoted to destruction by drowning, he 
gave directions for summoning a cabar on the occa¬ 
sion, at which he reasoned with the chiefs and their 
wives on the cruelty of this practice, and at length 
prevailed on them to engage, by oath, to discontinue 
the horrid custom. He calls this “ the happiest day 
of his life,” and the circumstance reflects great honour 
on his humanity. 
