HISTORY OF MADAGASCAR; 
409 
would suffer in future, and the authorities on the coast 
would not allow him to obtain a cargo whenever he might 
return. 
Hoping to succeed in escaping by some other vessel, the 
prince wrote the following affecting letter to the governor 
of Mauritius, in order to secure his protection, should he 
reach that island. 
“ To his Excellency, Sir Charles Colville, Governor of the 
Mauritius, &c.” 
“ Sir, 
« j beo- leave to state to you, Sir, that my trouble is so great, 
and my sorrow is sorrow inconceivable, occasioned by the death 
of Radama, my brother-in-law. It is well known that I am a 
prince of Imamo, the western part of Imerina, the original king¬ 
dom of king Radama’s father, and my wife Rabodosahondro, is the 
eldest child of Andrianimpoina, Radama’s father, and of Rambola- 
masoandro, Radama’s mother. I being the direct descendant of 
the principal chiefs of the western part of Imerina, and my wife, 
Rabodosahondro, the direct descendant of the chiefs of the eastern 
parts of Imerina; and in order to unite the kingdom, the king, 
Radama’s father, requested that we should marry, and my son 
was intended to succeed him to the throne. But Radama, bearing 
hard upon the people, to improve them in knowledge and civilize 
his country—and also seeing the youth, my son, attending the 
school, and improving very fast—the old people and the judges did 
not like that any of Radama’s relations should reign, as he died 
without appointing a successor. 
“My feelings are such, that I would prefer to be put under 
the earth, or take my flight to another country, rather than be 
reduced in my rank. If I and my wife should arrive at the 
Mauritius, I pray your government’s protection and assistance. 
I well know that your government does not wish to have an inch 
of ground in our country, but have the most liberal and kind 
wishes. To teach our people in knowledge, and that to improve 
our country in civilization, is your government’s aim. 
