MADAGASCAR. Daniel LESCALLIER (1743-1822) writer and adminis - Lot 200

Lot 200
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MADAGASCAR. Daniel LESCALLIER (1743-1822) writer and adminis - Lot 200
MADAGASCAR. Daniel LESCALLIER (1743-1822) writer and administrator, he was colonial prefect of Guadeloupe. Manuscript, "Procès Verbal des opérations faites à Madagascar par M. Lescallier, Commissaire général et ordonnateur des Colonies, l'un des quatre Commissaires civils délégués par le Roi aux établissements français au-delà du Cap de Bonne Espérance," Madagascar August 27, 1792; notebook of 17 pages folio. Interesting report on Madagascar. The purpose of the commissioners' embassy was to show the power of France and its peaceful intentions, as well as to consolidate relations with the local chiefs. On his way to Pondicherry on board the frigate La Fidèle, Lescallier stopped over in Madagascar; the frigate made a great impression. He met with the Malagasy king Zacavola and recounted this meeting in detail: the king, surrounded by his ministers, was dressed in a suit with silver braids and gold epaulets that had been given to his father by the King of France. Lescallier offered various objects on behalf of the French Nation, including "a hat with a national cockade which he covered himself with". He gathered the local chiefs, all of whom were named at length with their titles and the location of their villages, to settle pressing matters and local problems. To consolidate this good understanding, the village chiefs ask to establish "a regulation capable of ensuring peace". This regulation in 14 articles determines the minutes, and mentions in particular that the French must remain grouped and surround their houses with palisades; they must "consider that they are not here in a country subject to the laws and the French constitution; they must consequently spare the customs and habits of these people and treat them with gentleness and equity". An attempt was made to stop the barbaric use of the blood oath by replacing it with the raised hand "saying I swear it"; finally, since King Zacavola often walked around naked, sailors who did not recognize him were disrespectful to him; in the future, to prevent any incident, the king will wear a ribbon with the three colors of the Nation and a shield as a collar, while waiting for a medal to be obtained for him...
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