28 July 1883

My dear Mr Chesson,

No one is more anxious than I am about the consequences which the present broil of the [Horas?] with the french government may have. But it is utterly impossible for us, as a missionary society, to express to the french public an opinion on the subject. Our sympathy for the [Horas?] can only be of a religious kind. We know that much good has been done to that people by the protestant missions and especially by the London Missionary Society. We are also aware that the roman catholic mission has seen that success with a jealous eye and will, if they can, avail themselves of the present events for the furtherance of their views and interests.

But the politic side of the question is very obscure and replete for us with danger as a protestant minority. We see that the English government hesitate to express an opinion on the acts of Admiral Pierre and his plans. Our own government appear to be … in the dark on some points. Moreover there are among us men versed in the history of Madagascar who are of opinion that the Queen of that island and her counsellors are in the wrong. At any rate, I am convinced that it would be impossible to find in our committee a quorem capable to decide what we are to do in the present state of affairs and you … sufficiently our position to acknowledge that we must act with the utmost prudence.

Believe me, dear Mr Chesson,
Your’s most sincerely,
E. Casalis