220 
of him an oath not to make war upon them in future. 
He replied he was ready to enter into such an engage¬ 
ment, provided their king did the same : he also re¬ 
quired that he should allow the French to trade with 
his subjects, and build store-houses. These condi¬ 
tions the envoys were not prepared with instructions 
to accede to; but having received presents they de¬ 
parted, promising to use their influence with their 
king to persuade him to a compliance. 
The report that Benyowsky was descended from 
the race of Ramini was by no means forgotten by the 
natives. It had, on the contrary, obtained consider¬ 
able influence over their minds ; and, as soon as it 
was known that he was to be recalled, the chiefs came 
to a determination to employ every means to prevent 
his return to Europe. The first intimation he re¬ 
ceived of their design was from four chiefs, named 
Raoul, Manding, RafFangour, and Ramaraombe, each 
of whom reigned over powerful provinces. These 
men demanded an audience, as deputies from their 
several nations. This being granted, they presented 
themselves at the fort, followed by two columns, con¬ 
sisting of twelve thousand armed troops, with drums 
beating and colours flying. They drew up before the 
governor’s house, and the troops having grounded 
their arms, the deputies advanced to the hall, where 
the governor and his officers were ready to receive 
them. After the usual salutations, three of them 
seated themselves, but RafFangour remained standing, 
and delivered a speech as follows:— 
