84 
HISTORY OF MADAGASCAR. 
it was ushered in with a salute of twenty-one guns from the 
fort; and the French standard having been taken down, a 
blue flag was hoisted, according to the wish of the chiefs. 
At seven o’clock, a detachment of seven hundred blacks 
arrived, and formed a square around the hall. Next came 
sixty-two chiefs, with their troops; and having saluted the 
governor, seated themselves in kabary, or in the order 
observed in their great assemblies. A speech was then 
made by the most ancient among thenq declaring their 
acknowledgment of the Count as their ampansacabe, 
(according to Mr. Freeman, “ mpanjakabe,” sovereign of 
Madagascar,) and entreating him to accept this rank and 
title, with the assurance of their fidelity and affection. 
The governor then rose, and replied, that he accepted 
their offer; and that it should be his endeavour to establish 
a government on a solid foundation, and to promote the 
happiness of his people by introducing all the arts of civili¬ 
zation and a system of just laws; while the advantages of 
commerce, and an effectual cultivation of the lands, would 
occupy his first attention, and would abundantly flourish 
under their united endeavours. 
Benyowsky was then called upon to point out the pro¬ 
vince in which he would choose to reside, in order that 
they might build him a town. To which he replied, that 
although it was his intention to quit the service of France, 
it was necessary for him to wait the arrival of the commis¬ 
sioners from the king of that country, whom he expected; 
for which reason he begged that the oath might be deferred, 
he not being master of his own actions until he had pub¬ 
licly renounced his former engagements. 
The kabary was concluded, as usual, with feasting and 
merriment. Twenty bullocks were killed on the occasion, 
and, with twelve casks of brandy, distributed amongst the 
