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



All that was done was to sell publicly many goods of small 

 value which were in store and likely to be spoilt. 



However, the first two vessels which arrived were loaded 

 again, but no one knew their destination or nature of the 

 cargo. There was also a question of loading Le Fidele, which 

 belonged to the Governor Mr. van Angelbeck, but under the 

 Danish flag. 



It was learnt indirectly that the King of Kandy, faithful to 

 his ancient alliance with the Company, had offered to assist 

 in the defence of the Island ; but it appears that his aid 

 was mistrusted, and even rejected, because he favoured the 

 English. 



All the spices which were at Kalpitiya, Chilaw, Negombo r 

 Kalutara, Galle, and Matara were transported to the stores in 

 Colombo, which was considered the only place that should 

 be defended. Much was left at Galle, for want of means 

 of transport. 



During these preparations money changed in value : 

 the rupee, which was ordinarily worth 5 escalins, rose to 10 ; 

 the piastre from 10 escalins 3 sous to 20 ; the ducaton 

 from 13 escalins 2 sous to 25 escalins ; the pagoda of 

 Tuticorin or Porto Novo from 17 to 28 escalins ; the star- 

 pagoda and others from 20 to 32 escalins. Florins and copper 

 coins were very scarce. 



Two English frigates having commenced to cruise before 

 Colombo, an officer and a detachment of artillery were 

 directed to proceed every night to each of the seaside 

 batteries, but enjoined not to fire under any pretext whatever, 

 without an order from the Governor. This naturally looked 

 suspicious to several officers, and remarks were made about it. 



The Governor being desirous to go to Galle, as was said, on 

 some secret business, and unable to do so in consequence of 

 indisposition on reaching Kalutara, had an interview with 

 the Commandant of the former place, and with Colonel 

 Sangle. 



On the return of the Governor, he had tried in his presence 

 the eighteen and twenty-four pounders on the Leyden Bastion 



