3-016-795 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The Ambassadors from Madagascar, 1864. Engraving from carte-de-visite photographs by M. Chambay. 'Their Excellencies Rainandrianandraina and Rainiferingia, the Ambassadors to Queen Victoria from Queen Rasoahery (her name is, literally translated, "The Strong-minded Woman"), arrived at Southampton by the Poonah about a fortnight ago. They have not yet been presented at Court; but they appeared one evening on the seats appropriated to the use of foreign diplomatists and other distinguished visitors who wish to hear a debate in our House of Commons...It will be observed that these representatives of Madagascar, who can speak a little English, dress in European costume. They are pleasant, jovial-looking men, of middle age. Their dark complexions and thick lips are characteristic of the Malagasy race. Rainandrianandraina, who has his hat on the table, is a nobleman of the Fourteenth Honour and Aide-de-Camp to the Prime Minister. His colleague, Rainiferingia, who wears white trousers, is also a distinguished person at the Madagascar Court...It is understood that they are charged with a special mission of some political importance'. From "Illustrated London News", 1864.