260 
In 1815, a party was sent over to form an 
establishment at Port Louquez # , with the consent of 
the neighbouring chiefs. An unfortunate circum¬ 
stance, however, occasioned the destruction of the 
whole party. It appears, one of the petty chiefs, 
named Chichipi, was disappointed in not receiving a 
present from the settlers, and went to a Mr. Burch, 
who was appointed to superintend the settlement, to 
demand a piece of blue cloth. This demand met 
with a refusal; a quarrel ensued, and some abusive 
language having been used by the chief towards 
Burch, the latter was imprudent enough to strike him ; 
upon which one of the British party was instantly 
shot. The affair, however, was, by the intervention 
of the friendly chiefs, made up, apparently to the 
satisfaction of Chichipi, who requested Mr. Burch 
and his party to meet him the next morning to settle 
the matter in a more formal manner. Not suspect¬ 
ing any treachery, Burch complied, and they went 
unarmed to the place appointed for the meeting. 
But while engaged in the negociation, a signal was 
given by Chichipi, upon which a party of armed 
British from the Mauritius. Happily the plot was discovered, 
and the conspirators were placed under confinement. The 
firmness displayed by Governor Farquhar on this and all 
occasions, and also by Mr. Hall, who was left in command, 
when the former returned to England to submit his plans to the 
British government, secured them from any fresh attempts. 
* This Port lies towards the north-eastern extremity of the 
island. 
