titude with which your Excellency had practically replied to the letter addressed by him. In fact, we had previously heard of the King's astonishment when told that the Embassy had already arrived at Tamatave.

Colonel Middleton then addressed His Majesty, and briefly enlarged upon the object of the mission. He alluded to the friendly feeling that England had always maintained towards Madagascar, and stated that it had been the anxious wish of the Governor and people of Mauritius to interpret that feeling to His Majesty as early as possible.

Colonel Middleton also mentioned that your Excellency was desirous of seeing trade extended. He alluded to the mutual advantages that would arise from such extension, and expressed a hope that no future interruptions would occur. He then cordially wished the King the blessings of a long and peaceful reign, and thanked His Majesty for the kindness he had displayed in his prompt reception of the mission, at the same time alluding to the constant care and diligence exercised by those officers who had been charged to conduct us to the capital. He then stated, through the intervention of Ra Haniraka, who acted as interpreter throughout, that some of the presents with which he had been entrusted by the Governor were in the palace, and they were accordingly presented.

Messrs. Newton and Mellish, who were respectively bearers of letters of congratulation from the Royal Society of Arts and Sciences, and from the Chamber of Commerce, handed those documents to His Majesty.

He made inquiries with reference to the Great International Exhibition of 1862, and promised to cause contributions to be sent ; at the same time he stated that such specimens of the produce of the country as could be prepared before the departure of the Embassy should be forwarded in our charge. On our taking leave, His Majesty was again pleased to express his great satisfaction at the arrival of the Embassy in his capital.

The palace known by the description of former travellers, and by one of them incorrectly termed the Silver Palace, is a surprising building. It is plainly visible at the distance of 14 miles, before any other evidence of a town can be seen. It is at present unused on account of the Queen's death, and no one is allowed to enter it. The pillars supporting the roof are said to be of immense weight and size. There are 3 stories, and a double balcony with a heavy balustrade. The roof has a very lofty pitch, and is surmounted by the Hovah eagle in bronze with outstretched wings.

The Silver Palace was formerly occupied by the Prince, and is now used by His Majesty as a state residence, until the period of his coronation. Neither at this audience nor at the subsequent one

were there any Europeans present, in addition to the members of the mission.

The individual members of the mission have great pleasure in mentioning the unvarying courtesy and attention which they received at the hands of Messrs. Laborde and Lambert, who are at present residing at the capital. A very strong feeling of attachment to the English prevails at Antananarivo, and English is spoken by several of the officers.

We particularly admired the ease and fluency with which Ra Haniraka expresses himself. His Majesty is at present unable to speak more than a few words of English or French.

Throughout the country the fact that Englishmen have once more penetrated to the capital, and, at the King's express invitation, is hailed with uniform gratification. We need not look far for an explanation of this feeling. The missionary work initiated 30 years ago will sufficiently account for it. Nearly all the arts with which the people are acquainted were taught them by the missionaries, and your Excellency would see with astonishment with what patience their workmen carry out any given task, and often with implements ill fitted for the performance of it. Their iron work deserves the highest praise.

The natural products of Madagascar would, merely in the detail of their names, exceed the limit of a report like the present. Timber is, perhaps, the most important item. Gums also are very plentiful, and varied in their appearance. Several samples of timber and of gums, medical plants, &c., have been secured by the Embassy, and will doubtless, according to the promise of the King, be followed by others. *

We had been invited by His Majesty to a dinner to be given on the 19th at the house of Rainlavone, the brother of the Commanderin-chief, and one of the King's principal officers. His Majesty and the Queen were unable to be present, as the Court were still in mourning. As on the occasion of our reception by the King, so again we were the only Europeans present.

Although there is every disposition on the part of the King and his Government to welcome Europeans, and treat them with respect and kindness, there is yet no truth in the report that the King has sought their official counsel, and has appointed one among the European residents to fill an important executive office. Such a step would be entirely opposed to the spirit of the Madagascar Government.

Monday, the 21st, was the day fixed for the farewell audience, and about one o'clock we accordingly proceeded to a house adjacent to the Silver Palace, escorted, as usual, by a number of officers.

The Embassy was again most graciously received by His Majesty,

who informed Colonel Middleton that he had instructed the Governor of Tamatave to deliver to him 40 bullocks as a present to your Excellency. His Majesty was at the same time pleased to present the Embassy with a number of specimens of the woven silk manufacture of Madagascar.

The King expressed much anxiety that a mission should be sent at the time of the coronation, to take place in August. The King's wish was interpreted to Colonel Middleton, who undertook to represent His Majesty's desire in its proper light to your Excellency.

It was then formally announced to His Majesty that the two horses presented to him by the Governor and people of Mauritius had arrived in good order. His Majesty soon after expressed a wish to see them, and we adjourned to the court-yard of the palace. The King was pleased to express great satisfaction, as he had done with regard to the other presents.

Before taking our leave, Colonel Middleton again, in the name of the Governor and people of Mauritius, wished the King a long and happy reign, and cordially thanked him for our reception.

The Embassy then retired, after the King had wished a safe and speedy return voyage. On the following morning (the 22nd) we were ready to start at 8 o'clock, and took our farewell look at Antananarivo. The King sent a letter after us, expressing his regret, that in consequence of our sudden departure no arrangements had been made for any ceremonial, but stated that the Governor of Tamatave had been instructed to fire a salute on our departure; we therefore made our exit quietly, and without delay:

It was most satisfactory to see the state of things at Antananarivo, especially when we reflected that only 6 short months before, scenes of cruelty and tyranny had been enacted which are difficult of belief. The Christian persecution had gone on, with little intermission, up to the time of the late Queen's death, and parties of Christians, who had been for many years in chains, were released at King Radama's accession.

Wm. Stevenson, Esq.

SIR,

We have, &c.

W. A. MIDDLETON.
F. A. MARINDIN.
EDWARD NEWTON.
EDWARD MELLISH.

J. CALDWELL.

No. 4.-The Duke of Newcastle to the King of Madagascar. Downing Street, December 18, 1861. THE Governor of Mauritius has transmitted to me, and I have laid before the Queen of England, your Majesty's letter, in which you announce that you are King in Madagascar. The Queen of England has long known that you are a liberal and enlightened

Prince, entertaining wise views respecting trade with foreigners and the education of the people, and she learns with pleasure and satisfaction that you reign in Madagascar. She desires that there may be always a kind and friendly intercourse between you and her, and between your people and her people.

The Queen has sent to you a copy of the Holy Scriptures, which she has written her name, with a picture of herself, and som other presents, which she hopes you will accept as tokens of her friendship.

As one of Her Majesty's Principal Secretaries of State, I have been commanded by Her Majesty to express to you these Her Majesty's sentiments, and to add the assurances of my high consideration. And I have, &c.

The King of Madagascar.

NEWCASTLE.

No. 5.-The King of Madagascar to Her Majesty Victoria, Queen of

(Translation.) YOUR MAJESTY,

Great Britain.

Antananarivo, 8 Alakarabo, 1862.

(November 9, 1861.)

I THANK YOU for the kind speed with which your Government has thought fit to send me an Ambassador to congratulate me on my accession to the throne of Madagascar, and to assure me of the friendly feelings of England.

This day I send, in order to thank your Majesty, Mr. Lambert, to whom I give the most extensive powers to settle all affairs which may lead to the well-being and to the civilization of my people.

I have opened the ports of Madagascar to commerce, and I have given orders to the Governors to protect the persons and the goods of strangers who may establish themselves in this country.

I trust that the relations which may henceforth exist between the two countries may be most satisfactory.

Such are the wishes which I form from the bottom of my heart. May God preserve your Majesty!

May He bless your family and your Kingdom.

RADAMA II.

No. 6.-Queen Victoria to the King of Madagascar.

VICTORIA, by the Grace of God, Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, Defender of the Faith, &c.; to his Majesty Radama II, King of Madagascar, our most distinguished friend, sendeth greeting:

We have received with much pleasure the letter which your Majesty addressed to us by Mr. Lambert, and we gladly embrace the opportunity which that letter affords us, to express to you anew our cordial congratulations on your accession to the throne, and our

best wishes for the long continuance and prosperity of your reign. We rejoice to learn that your Majesty has opened the ports of Madagascar to commerce, and that you have given your commands to your officers to protect the persons and property of strangers who may resort to your dominions. These liberal and enlightened measures will not only establish friendly relations between Madagascar and other countries, but will, we are persuaded, greatly promote the welfare of your people, by offering to them inducements to develop the internal resources of the great and fertile island over which you rule, and by opening channels for the interchange of the friends of their industry with foreign countries. With a view to maintain and improve the friendly intercourse between our subjects and those of your Majesty, we shall be ready to enter into a Treaty of Friendship and Commerce with your Majesty, and it is our intention shortly to send to your capital a person possessed of our confidence, who will be furnished with the needful instructions and powers for that purpose.

In the meantime we write this letter to assure you of our friendship and good will, and of our earnest desires for your uninterrupted health and happiness. And so we recommend you to the protection of the Almighty.

Given at our Court at Windsor Castle, the 21st day of March in the year of our Lord 1862, and in the 25th year of our reign. Your good Friend,

RUSSELL.

VICTORIA R.

No. 7.-Mr. Stevenson to the Members of the Madagascar Mission. Government House, July 8, 1862.

THE officers in charge of the Queen's letter and presents to King Radama, viz., the Honourable Major-General Johnstone; the Right Reverend the Lord Bishop of Mauritius; Inspector General Anson, Captain R.A.; Captain Wilson, R.N.; and Lieutenant Oliver, R.A., acting as General Johnstone's Aide-de-Camp, will proceed in Her Majesty's ship, Gorgon, to Tamatave, and thence with all possible expedition to the capital of Antananarivo, where they will receive possession of the presents, which, for the sake of expedition, have been placed under transit charge of Mr. Caldwell.

Major-General Johnstone will deliver the accompanying letter from myself to King Radama, and will ask, for himself and the accompanying party, an interview with the King, for the purpose of placing in his Majesty's hands the Queen's letter of compliment and friendly assurances to King Radama, and of delivering the presents of which the party are in charge.

I entrust the Queen's letter, which is under Her Majesty's signmanual, to the express care of Major-General Johnstone, for per