JOURNAL, E.A.S. (CEYLON). [VOL. X. 



Hollanders, and begged for quarter, which was promised 

 him on condition that he would state truly all that he knew 

 as to the numbers of the Portuguese, which he did. Among 

 other things that he related, he said that the Portuguese had 

 resolved to hang all the Hollanders except the young and 

 strong fellows, whom they wished to keep as pallenquin 

 bearers. This statement aroused so much hatred towards 

 them, that Yan der Laan, who was in command of the 

 Hollanders, swore an oath that he would slaughter all the 

 Portuguese whom he could catch, with wives and children. 

 The day now broke, and the march along the sea coast was 

 begun, when they soon came in sight of the Portuguese. 

 The Hollanders marched 36 men in each rank, and had 

 orders not to open fire on the Portuguese before they saw 

 the white of the eye of the latter. This was done, and 

 presently several ranks were opened, and they began to 

 fire on the Portuguese with a number of field-pieces, which 

 were loaded with grape or canister, on which they took to 

 flight, and all who could not escape were shot dead. Very 

 few Hollanders were killed, and Van der Laan was slightly 

 wounded in the face, which cost nine Portuguese their lives. 

 These Portuguese had fled into the depths of the forest 

 thereabout, in order to escape to Colombo with the rest 

 by night ; but by chance a Hollander corporal with four men, 

 each with a gun, going into the jungle, found these nine 

 Portuguese, each also with his musket and burning lunt ; 

 but as these Portuguese did not know whether or not there 

 were more Hollanders there, they asked if there was quarter or 

 not for them, and put themselves in position to fire, as they 

 had seen the Hollanders come along, but. owing to the rough 

 nature of the forest, could not escape without taking to the 

 open. This corporal never heard a pleasanter question, and 

 they all called out together "Yes," with the condition that 

 they should extinguish their lunts, which was done, and 

 then they brought these Portuguese to Yan der Laan, who 

 abused them roundly, and because he had been wounded 

 in the face caused them all to be shot, and that by the very 



