HISTORY OF MADAGASCAR. 
241 
accordingly. He states in his journal, in which the whole 
of these truly interesting transactions are recorded, that he 
maturely weighed the matter, consulted with Mr. Jones, 
and reflecting that the breach of faith which had taken place, 
gave the strongest grounds for distrust on the part of the 
king and people, that the individuals proposed to be sent 
would be a security, and that the cause of humanity de¬ 
manded some sacrifice of expense, he replied, that he would 
agree to take six of the king’s subjects, who should be 
sent to England, and instructed in different arts. 
In a subsequent interview on the same day, the king, 
with that shrewdness which characterized his conduct 
throughout this transaction, asked Mr. Hastie, how he came 
to agree to offer to take six of his subjects to be sent to 
England; probably supposing, that as this was unauthorized, 
it would not be fulfilled. Mr. Hastie told him plainly 
what were the circumstances of his situation, explaining 
the degree of confidence reposed in him by Governor 
Farquhar, and said, that when he agreed to this act, he was 
at the same time determined to offer a personal sacrifice 
of his salary to pay their expenses, if the measure did not 
meet with the approbation of government. He entreated 
the king to believe that he did so from the best motives, and 
again urged him to show the world that he was acting as 
an enlightened and benevolent king, and not as a barbarous 
chief. 
This was also explained to the people; and although they 
still murmured, it was not difficult for the agent to perceive 
that he was gaining ground. This night the king sat up 
till daybreak with his counsellors, and, about eleven the 
following morning, sent his ministers to Mr. Hastie with 
his final determination, which was, that the treaty should 
be ratified that day, that he would publish his former pro- 
ir. 
R 
