396 
HISTORY OF MADAGASCAR. 
merit statements being made at the time, that the king 
had wished this measure to be adopted in consequence of 
his increased illness. It was a day of deep interest. Much, 
indeed, seemed to depend upon the nomination of the suc¬ 
cessor, not only as a measure connected with the internal 
peace of the country, but with the prosecution or abandon¬ 
ment of all those plans originated by Radama for the im¬ 
provement of the condition of his people. Nor were the 
members of the Mission amongst those who were least 
interested in a decision so likely to influence the whole 
of their future labours, and even their continuance in 
that country. 
The utmost order and tranquillity were preserved in the 
town, yet it was not difficult to discover, beyond this, a deep 
but silent emotion, universally pervading all ranks of society; 
an inward and suppressed agitation in every bosom, anxi¬ 
ously awaiting the time when it might be permitted to 
find expression. 
At this critical juncture, Robert Lyall, esq., the succes¬ 
sor of Mr. Hastie as British agent, arrived at the capital. 
This gentleman having received the appointment from the 
British government, arrived with his family at Mauritius 
in the summer of 1827. Hearing that Radama was 
expected to visit the coast, he proceeded to Tamatave, 
where he was introduced to the king; but as the time 
was unfavourable for entering the country or proceeding to 
the capital, he returned to Mauritius, and remained there 
till the return of the season suitable for journeying to the 
interior. On his way he received tidings of the illness of 
Radama, and hastened with all possible despatch to the 
capital, but did not arrive until the 1st of August, when 
the king’s death had actually taken place, although the fact 
had not been announced to the people. 
