MADAGASCAR. (From the Launceston Examiner.}

New Zealander, Volume 1, Issue 19, 11 October 1845, Page 4

MADAGASCAR. (From the Launceston Examiner.}

We have been kindly favored with a number of L' ladicateur Colonial, dated Bourbon, 28th June, received per Waterwitch, from which we translate and condense the following particulars of a serious occurrence in which the English and French troops were defeated and the residents of both nation! compelled to quit the island. Both the English and French merchants resident at Madagascar were menaced with an expulsion from the territory ,unless they became naturalized before a specified period. The period had nearly expired when the French corvettes Le Berceau and Le Zclee arrived in the bay of Tamarave, under the orders of Captain Desfosses, commandant of the French station, and the English vessel, the Conway, Captain Kelly, despatched by the Mauritius government, previously arrived. The commanders consulted and agreed upon demanding explanations of the commandant at Tamarave, to which he replied that "he had no explanation to give either to the French or English." It was then vesolved to address a letter to the Queen oftheHovas, soliciting an extension of the period stipulated; but the letter was returned by the commandant without having being transmitted, with a laconic message, that with him the will of his sovereign was law, and the order should be rigorously executed. All means of conciliation being exhausted, the residents put themselves in readiness to embark on board the respective vessselsof the two nation*, a measure which was rendered more urgent, for the Hovas had already set fire to the French establishment, which was regarded as a signal for more serious aggressions, and a determination, to accomplish their threats. In consequence, and by the pressing solicitations of residents (who, it is complained furnished incorrect reports of the forces and defences of the Hovas) the French commander decided upon a disembarkation to seize upon the forts, which were also to be cannonaded bv the vessels in the bay. The batteries were partially destroyed, and shell having been thrown into the forts, the Hovas employed themselves in extinguishing the flames, and ceased to respond to the artillery of the vessels. This was the moment selected fordisembarkation. Three hundred men, of whom 220 were French and 80 English advanced in battle order towards the forts. M. Fierick, Captain of the Zelec, commanded the French detachment. The Hovas, who had af tended the outer batteries, fled immediately towards the forts, which they reached and closed the gates before the soldiers could enter. The Hovas allowed the troops to advance, and when within pistol shot fired upon them a destructive volley from a battery of 20 guns until then unperceived. The combined forces of the French and English exhibited most extraordinary valour, but their efforts were futile. L'lndicater computes the number af French killed at 19, including some officers; wounded 42— leaving 62 " hors de combat." The number of English killed and wounded is supposed to bear

an equal propoition. Nearly 300 Hovas were killed, but it was estimated that at least a thousand were concealed within the fort. L'lndicateur, laments the occurrence but does ample and impartial justice to both nations. The recital terminates by stating that, on the morning after the engagement the French commander at the head of forty men, landed for the purpose of protecting the embarking what little merchandise they weie able to save; and the Zelee had received orders to proceed to different parts of the coast to collect and convey from the island those who were exposed to the vengeance of the ferocious Hovas.