4 



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



Letter from the King to Heer Maetsuycker. 

 Reply of the latter. 



Further letters from Heer Maetsuycker to the King. He 

 treats them with silence, which induces Maetsuycker to dis- 

 semble and write the under-given letter. 



{Strong protest by Maetsuycker against not receiving an 

 answer. Requests a passport for Commissioner Maerschalck. 



His Excellency eventually receives an answer from the 

 King. His reply thereto. 



His Excellency informs the King of the departure of 

 Commissioner Maerschalck. 



His Majesty desires to know the views of the Netherlanders 

 in regard to the peace sought by the Portuguese. Heer Maet- 

 suycker' s reply. 



He writes to their Excellencies that they can never expect 

 peace with Ragia. 



Communicates to His Majesty that he has heard from the 

 Portuguese that peace has been made with them, and that it is 

 now proposed to make war upon us. 



This story seemingly an invention of the Portuguese, His 

 Majesty resolved to send off the Netherland prisoners 

 with Maerschalck ; whereupon Heer Maetsuycker thanks him 

 and presents him with a horse. 



Complaint of His Excellency to the King against his Dessave, 

 and of the difficulties in collecting cinnamon. 



For two years this had been peeled by the Portuguese, 

 and such proceedings His Excellency would prevent by the 

 help of his army. Notice thereof to the King. 



[Heer Maetsuycker] expresses his surprise to the King, 

 who is unwilling that any cinnamon should be brought to 

 Nigombo. 



Asks [of the King] that the Pittigal Corle maybe repopulated 

 so as to get possession again of the cinnamon. 



Thanking him at the same time for the concession, which 

 allows him to bring an army into the field to protect the 

 Chalias [cinnamon peelers], for allowing the Netherlanders 

 to pass through his dominions, and for his promised help in 

 case of shipwreck in his harbours: 



Also for permission to place a permanent Ambassador at 

 the Court, which will be done immediately. 



Presents from His Majesty to Heer Maetsuycker, who sends 

 in return the afore-mentioned horse and a Dutch saddle. 



Return of Maerschalck with two of His Majesty's grandees. 

 Terms of peace ; also remarks of Heer Maetsuycker, con- 

 cerning the cinnamon. These he sends with the Ambas- 

 sador, and two of the Company's servants. 



Heer Maetsuycker thanks the King for the appointment 

 of a Dessave for Mature : proposes after the expiration of his 



