240 
Notwithstanding this, we are inclined to think, that, 
after the election took place, by which he was 
chosen ampansacabe of the Madagascar nation, he 
was virtually possessed of as good a title as legitimacy 
can boast of; and that the French, or any other na¬ 
tion, had no right whatever to question either the 
power of bestowing, or the propriety of accepting it. 
Little remains on record of the count’s subsequent 
history, most of the documents relating to it having 
been burnt. On his arrival in France he had a lorn? 
o 
and violent altercation with the French government; at 
the close of which, however, it appears he so far 
gained his point, as to obtain rewards for his con¬ 
duct during his government of Madagascar; and the 
injustice of the administration of the Isle of France 
was held up to the execration of Europe. While in 
France, the celebrated Dr. Franklin espoused his 
cause; but the French minister had resolved not 
to have any further transactions with him. He 
then entered into the service of his Imperial Majesty, 
to whom he made proposals respecting Madagascar; 
but not meeting with success there, he left it in 1783, 
and came to London, where he drew up a declaration 
and proposals to the ministry of his Britannic Majesty, 
offering, “ in the name of an amiable and worthy na¬ 
tion, to acknowledge him Suzerain, or Lord Paramount 
of Madagascar; the interior goverment, and all the 
regulations of civilization, police, cultivation, and 
commerce remaining independent; the chiefs and 
people being only vassals to his Majesty,” &c. &c. 
