CHAP. I. DESIRED RENEWAL OP TRADE. 17 had perhaps been deceived by those on whom they had de pended ; while from internal evidence we were led to doubt the genuineness of some of the documents which had arrived from Madagascar. The information we obtained from the merchants, who readily communicated what information they possessed, was more vague and unsatisfactory, and few amongst them seemed to place entire confidence in any of the rumours in circula tion. All wished most earnestly for the renewal of the trade, and expressed their hopes that our projected visit might hasten this desired result. His excellency the governor very frankly communicated to us all he knew on the subject; and, deeply sensible of the advantages that would accrue to the colony from the importation of cattle and other supplies from Mada gascar, he was naturally anxious that the prohibition on the trade should be removed, but could take no steps towards the accomplishment of so desirable an object. These views were shared by the Colonial Secretary, and Major-General Suther land, commander-in-chief of the forces, who kindly expressed his earnest desire for the success of our visit.