No. 38.— 1889.] THE DUTCH IN CEYLON, 1602-1757. 11 



At Mature also everything was in clanger and commotion. 



A number of people sent to Baticaloa on account of the 

 insurrection of the inhabitants. 



All the outlying posts called in, and departure of the 

 Governor in person to Sitavaque and Mature ; which had a 

 good effect. 



Jaffanapatnam reinforced by one hundred men, and Aripo 

 placed in a state of defence. 



The Dessave of the Seven Corles, fearing the tyranny of 

 the King, came over to us and was accorded protection. 



The inhabitants of those Corles also implore our protection 

 for the like reason, and that they may be ruled by their 

 own Prince. 



Whereupon Van Goens resolves to take the pretender, 

 Prince of Matele, with him to Nigombo, to make further 

 inquiries. 



In case the inhabitants renewed their request, to march 

 with a force to Doenagaha. 



Resolved to take possession of that post and Sitavaque. 



Heer van Goens receives a letter from their Excellencies 

 directing him to hand over to the King the lands held 

 possession of since 1665. 



A missive on the subject written to His Majesty. 



Resolved in case these generous offers are not accepted, to 

 protest, and if that has no effect, to defend Sitavaque, and 

 the Kolona and Happittigam Corles. 



Report to the Court officials, concerning the reception of 

 the letter from their Excellencies, which was presented at 

 Sitavaque by Captain van der Poel. It was therein stated 

 that in order to satisfy His Majesty and to dispose him to 

 release our prisoners, some of the best horses should be 

 offered to him, among them two Persians. 



Heer van der Poel sent to Sitavaque, with the above- 

 mentioned horses and with soldiers and lascars to resist the 

 King's forces, upon the report that most of the Dessaves 

 were collecting all their men. 



The result of that report and the acts of the enemy. 



Van der Poel ordered to send off the useless and the sick, 

 and to follow with the remaining militia, leaving the 

 necessary garrison at Sitavaque : 



But to apprise the Court thereof, and of the murders 

 committed by the highlanders. 



Heer van Goens, junior, relieved and succeeded by Pyl, 

 the Jaffanapatam Commandeur. 



A Persian lion, horses, tigers, and falcons sent to the Court 

 with Mierop ; also the presents remaining at Sitavaque : 

 by which it is expected the Netherland prisoners will be 

 released. 



