Monument on Benyowsky's tomb.

En route to Madagascar, the Intrepid was blown off course and had to remain for repairs along the coast of Brazil. The last letter written by Maurice to Susan was written from there.

On July 7, 1785, the ship finally arrived in Madagascar. Benyowsky started building the capital of his empire, Mauritania (named after his himself) at the furthest eastern point of the island, Cape East. In the contract with his Anglo-American associates, lots were guaranteed for all of them in the city.

Benyowsky cannons discovered in Antalaha, near Cape East (by the expedition from Antananarivo, 1996).

The local kings reaffirmed their support for their Ampansacabe. Benyowsky wrote letters beginning "We Maurice August Ampansacabe of Madagascar." He offered to open mercantile relations with the French Governor of the Ile de Bourbon (Reunion), de Souillac, at the same time forbidding the slave trade.

The Governor sent a special detachment to Madagascar commanded by Captain Larcher de Vermans and Benyowsky's former interpreter, Nicholas Mayeur. Thanks to Mayeur, they managed a surprise attack on May 23, 1786. Benyowsky fought bravely, but he and his empire died from a bullet to his chest. He was buried at Mauritania by his former lieutenant Jacques de Lassalle, together with two Russian fugitives who had accompanied him from Kamchatka.

Benyowsky Island, opposite Cape East.

Benyowsky's name and memory, however, have survived in Madagascar to the present day. The island opposite Cape East is recorded on older maps as Benyowsky Island, and on the way from Antalaha to Cape East there is a ford named Baron Passage, relating to Benyowsky's first stay on the island. When Madagascar gained independence, most European names fell into disuse, but not Benyowsky's. One of the streets in the capital Antananarivo, as well as streets in several other major cities, is named after the unforgettable sovereign.