GiiAP. I. DESIRED RENEWAL OF TRADE. 17 



had perhaps been deceived by those on whom they had de- 

 pended ; while from internal evidence we were led to doubt 

 the genuineness of some of the documents which had arrived 

 from Madagascar. 



The information we obtained from the merchants, who 

 readily communicated what information they possessed, was 

 more vague and unsatisfactory, and few amongst them seemed 

 to place entire confidence in any of the rumours in circula- 

 tion. All wished most earnestly for the renewal of the trade, 

 and expressed their hopes that our projected visit might hasten 

 this desired result. His excellency the governor very frankly 

 communicated to us all he knew on the subject; and, deeply 

 sensible of the advantages that would accrue to the colony 

 from the importation of cattle and other supplies from INlada- 

 gascar, he was naturally anxious that the prohibition on the 

 trade should be removed, but could take no steps towards the 

 accomplishment of so desirable an object. These views were 

 shared by the Colonial Secretary, and INIajor-General Suther- 

 land, commander-in-chief of the forces, who kindly expressed 

 his earnest desire for the success of our visit. 



