16 



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



[YOL. XL 



The Ambassador declares his conviction that the contracts 

 of 1638 and 1649 were not at the Court, and that they seemed 

 to have no knowledge there of the letters, &c, written by 

 His Majesty to Colombo in 1640. 



The Ambassador is informed that he will be permitted to 

 leave the next day, and that the Sovereign has agreed to every 

 point, with the exception of the surrender of the lands, and 

 that on the Governor will be bestowed a title of honour, and 

 a certain Province surrendered. 



But this was a mistake, as His Majesty had not made up 

 his mind upon certain points, his intention being to come 

 down to meet the Governor with a view to a satisfactory 

 conclusion. 



The Ambassador mourns his lot, and is told he must 

 consider himself highly favoured at the honour shown 

 to him. 



It is presumed that the cause of the sudden change must 

 be ascribed to a certain ola written by the Basnaike of Colombo. 



A letter received from the Courtiers expressing displeasure 

 at the wrong done to His Majesty, &c. 



Separate note accompanying the same. 



Contents thereof. 



Change of affairs to the disadvantage of the Company 

 after the King's death. 



In whose time the Company's right on the ground of 

 conquest could be better maintained against all Europeans. 



The evacuation of the above Corles, the taking posses- 

 sion of them by the King's people, and the placing of 

 Chiefs over them, with the exception of the Three Corles. 

 Meanwhile the Company's subjects continue to press for the 

 continuance of sake of titles of honour, which has an ill-effect. 



Some Courtiers bring two olas. The first states that 

 His Majesty is coming down to make arrangements with 

 the Governor, to which His Excellency replies that he 

 cannot have that honour, as he is not permitted to leave 

 Colombo. 



The subject of the second letter treats of religious tolerance 

 for the Singalese, and the opening of the ports. 



Orders sent to Calpetty to prevent the despatch of a vessel 

 with arecanuts from Putulang. 



Heer Pyl sends a full report of what has happened, before 

 as well as after the mission of Alebos, to His Excellency the 

 Commissary, who makes his comments thereon. 



Again receives a very offensive ola from the Courtiers, 

 to which His Excellency sends the reply given below. 



Those who formerly fled to the mountains are returning 

 again, and Heer Pyl sees plainly that his native employees are 

 traitors, the worst being the Basnaike. 



