464 
HISTORY OF MADAGASCAR. 
Imerina, and attacking the capital itself. A body of troops 
was sent to oppose them, but the Sakalavas returned before 
their arrival. 
In 1831 a large force was sent against some provinces 
in the south. This was under the command of the chief 
military officer in the government, and the most determined 
supporter of the idols. Before the army left the capital, a 
public ceremonial was observed, for the purpose of placing 
the expedition under the direction of Rakelimalaza, one 
of the chief national idols, and thus securing his protection 
for the troops, and his assistance in the war. On this 
occasion, the several regiments composing the army were 
assembled in the presence of vast numbers of the people, 
who assembled to witness the spectacle. The idol was 
borne by his keepers through the lines, followed by priests, 
who carried vessels containing what they considered sacred 
or consecrated water, with which the men were sprinkled 
in the name of the idol, as the idol was carried through 
their ranks. This, it was pretended by the priests and 
the heathen general, would preserve them in the time of 
danger, and favour their success. There were a number 
of Christians in this army, and they respectfully solicited, 
through their officers, permission to be absent from the 
ceremony, as they could not, without violating their con¬ 
sciences, be parties in any service that would imply belief or 
confidence in the idols. The general complied with their 
request, simply adding, that Rakelimalaza would be revenged 
upon them. The troops shortly afterwards left the capital, 
and entered the country of those whom it was their intention 
to plunder, subjugate, or destroy. The army was formed in 
three divisions, the largest of which was commanded by the 
general himself, who had the idol carried in the midst of the 
ranks, in order to ensure his success. In the disposition of the 
