374 JOURNAL, R.A.S. (CEYLON). [YOL. X. 



one at Panadure (Pantre), this side of Kalutara, for a similar 

 purpose, under the orders of Lieutenant Vogle. 



Although Bentota was nearer, an order was sent to this 

 officer to proceed without delay to Barberyn, to oppose the 

 landing of the enemy. He had with him a company of 

 Sinhalese. Arriving at night he formed an ambuscade 

 with the Malays behind a house of the Company situated near 

 the landing place, and at the back of a neighbouring store. 

 The Sinhalese, as natives of the country, were kept under the 

 cocoanut trees. 



The English did not fail to come next day according to their 

 promise. They had four long boats and a lighter (un 

 doth) to take the cattle and wood demanded the day before 

 from the postholder. They landed armed, and commanded by 

 naval officers. Scarcely had they landed, when the Malays, 

 impatient to be engaged, opened fire and advanced on them. 

 The English, surprised at this reception, retreated precipi- 

 tately into their boats and defended themselves ; whilst 

 shoving off a lieutenant of the frigate and several sailors 

 were killed, and several wounded. The Malays threw 

 themselves into the sea, and captured a boat with several 

 guns and sabres. All were sent to Colombo, and the value of 

 the booty divided amongst the captors. Three of the Malays 

 (of whom one was a sergeant) were killed, and some of them 

 as well as of the Sinhalese wounded. The latter also behaved 

 very bravely. This little affair showed the enemy that the 

 natives (les Indiens) in the service of the Dutch Company 

 were determined to defend themselves well. This was the 

 only time [the enemy] attempted to disembark. 



The Governor, under his semblance of defence, appeared 

 anxious to employ all the Europeans who were in the place, 

 and offered the officers of the privateer Le Mutin and the crew 

 service in the artillery during the seige ; but as they foresaw 

 what would happen, they thanked him and incontinently 

 demanded to be allowed to return to the Isle of France, in one 

 of the smallest one-mast sloops which had been sent for from 

 Galle. He acceded to their request, and took advantage of 



