12 



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



[Vol. XI. 



The King's people maltreat the Chaliasand burn the peeled 

 cinnamon, the King pretending friendship the while and 

 dissembling in everything. 



But in 1682 the Chalias being at work unmolested, the King- 

 was presented with a special gift accompanied by a friendly 

 letter. 



The tyranny of the King over those who had appeared too 

 powerful has a political significance. 



On the demise of his father the young King will give the 

 Company much more trouble. 



The Singalese are by nature generally bad and treacherous. 



The treacherous disposition of the old King and cowardice 

 of the lowlanders contrasted with the highlanders. 



The cinnamon harvest of 1683 peaceably gathered in, 

 amountsto 8,400 bales, but the Ambassador Mierop still remains 

 at Ampe, and his proceeding up country is uncertain, for 

 reasons given in the text. 



Lamswaerde and Ram as volunteers sent by their Excel- 

 lencies with a letter to the King, in order to induce His 

 Majesty to make peace ; but are unsuccessful in their mission. 



The Court officials excuse themselves from entering within 

 the Company's gravets on the pretext that they are acting 

 under orders. 



Considered advisable to give the King notice of this in 

 a friendly manner. 



Meanwhile the aforesaid Courtiers having sent troops to 

 different Corles and laid claim to them, it was resolved to 

 concentrate the Netherland forces. 



Mierop is admitted to audience and cordially received. 



The remaining presents at Sitavaque sent to the Court by 

 the hands of Captain Slegt. 



The King's people having strengthened their forces at 

 Ampe, the ordinary convoy of the Embassy is also strength- 

 ened by 500 men. 



Two boats with two field-pieces are sent to Rouanelle, 

 under pretence of enhancing the honour of the presents. 



The peeled cinnamon is detained, as the Chalias at Nigombo 

 went higher up [than usual] where the crop was more abundant. 



The King states that if the Company is in want of cinna- 

 mon they can ask His Majesty, when they will have a 

 sufficient supply ; but that he is offended when it is peeled 

 beyond the boundaries without his knowledge. 



The King's pardon asked, and the detained cinnamon 

 restored. 



Peace and quietness continue, and a present is sent to the 

 Court. Illness and insanity of Mierop. 



The cinnamon peelers continue their work quietly, and are 

 able to furnish 8,400 packages. 



