268 
HISTORY OF MADAGASCAR. 
satisfactory reply, promising, as far as was practicable, to 
meet the wishes of the writer. 
On the first of October, the party from Mauritius con¬ 
sisting of Mr. and Mrs. Jones, and Mr. and Mrs. Griffiths 
and child, Mr. Barnsley assistant agent, and Mr. Carvaille, 
commenced their journey to the capital. While passing 
through the forest of Alamazaotra, they received presents of 
provisions from his majesty, and letters both from his majesty 
and Mr. Hastie, urging all possible speed, as the good season 
was then nearly over, and conveying fresh assurances that 
all which had been promised would be freely and fully 
granted to the Missionaries. 
They reached the capital on the IGth of October. Mr. 
Hastie came down the hill to meet them, bearing a letter 
of congratulation from Radama. Twelve of his majesty’s 
female attendants were also sent with refreshments. They 
were dressed in their native white robes, and profusely 
decorated with beads and trinkets. The appearance of a 
European child, and two females of the same complexion, 
attracted particular attention, being the first ever seen 
in the capital. On ascending the hill, Mr. Hastie took 
charge of the infant, observing with much good humour, 
6i I shall take the first white child into the capital of 
Madagascar.” He then conducted the party towards the 
palace amidst crowds of spectators, and the noisy shouts of 
the bearers, who took this method of announcing their joyful 
return home. On entering the court-yard, they were wel¬ 
comed by his majesty, his mother, and one of his sisters; 
and, after presenting the usual hasina to the king, the party 
returned to partake of the hospitality to Mr. Hastie. 
The next day the king, accompanied by the British 
agent, fixed upon the piece of ground he intended to grant 
as the site of a house for Mr. Griffiths; and no sooner 
