6 



JOURNAL, R.A.S, (CEYLON). 



[Vol. XL 



Some presents sent to His Majesty ; and communications 

 received from Batavia. 



His Excellency forwards these to the King, reproaching His 

 Majesty at the same time, though politely, for calling himself 

 God. 



He writes to the King with reference to the alliance with 

 the Portuguese, which His Excellency himself believes to be 

 a fact. 



Departure of His Majesty's Ambassadors to the Court with 

 the pro data required European lifeguard, &c. 



Heer van Kittensteyn receives a letter from His Majesty. 

 In reply begs that the delay in taking over Colombo may be 

 accepted in the best spirit possible; adding the assurance, that 

 we, on our side, do not intend to possess ourselves of a foot of 

 His Majesty's land. 



Resignation of Heer van Kittensteyn. He is succeeded by 

 Heer van der Meyden, who communicates the fact to the 

 King. 



Heer Hulft appears with a large fleet : he takes Caliture and 

 makes preparations for the siege of Colombo. 



Pleasure of His Majesty at the arrival of the fleet, proving 

 that Kittensteyn and Van der Meyden had verily promised 

 to deliver Colombo to him. For [the place] itself [His 

 Majesty] cared nothing, if he were but allowed the honour 

 of its conquest. 



Shows still more pleasure at the arrival of Heer Hulft and 

 the taking of Caliture. Orders already given for collecting 

 [His Majesty's] forces. 



Resolve to attack Colombo, but driven back with great 

 loss, and compelled to defer the attack for another time. 



Meanwhile, everything prepared for another attack. 



His Maiesty being informed of the failure of the first 

 attempt, keeps back his army. 



Heer Hulft thereupon proposes to send an Ambassador to 

 ascertain His Majesty's intentions. 



But first gives notice thereof to the Dessaves of Saffregam 

 and the Four Corles. 



Hartman is sent as Ambassador to Candia ; whereupon 

 the King resolves to come down to consult with Heer 

 Hulft. 



His Majesty advises Heer Hulft to be on his guard against 

 treachery, and requests him, should there be anything in his 

 (the King's) letters which Heer Hulft does not quite com- 

 prehend, to communicate with him direct, so as to prevent 

 all misunderstandings, &c. 



At the request of the King for a trustworthy person, 

 Y s Godskens is sent. He returns and reports verbally the 

 replies to five letters sent to His Majesty. 



