No. 38.— 1889.] THE DUTCH IN CEYLON, 1602-1757. 19 



His Majesty receives him cordially. 



The ports are at once closed and regulations issued with 

 respect thereto. 



Heer Simons gives the Government over to Heer Becker : 

 meanwhile everything remains quiet. 



Failure of a conspiracy against the King, and execution of 

 the culprit. 



Resolve to send an important Embassy to congratulate His 

 Imperial Majesty upon his coronation. 



Quietness still continues, and the friendly behaviour of 

 the young King gives general satisfaction. 



But the Courtiers again commence their old attempt at 

 trying to open the harbours, the prime instigators being 

 the Dessave and the Modliaar of the Gate. 



The Governor intercepts a letter written by some of the 

 Chiefs on the Coast to the Chiefs of the cinnamon peelers in 

 order to incite them to revolt : this is defeated by the 

 removal of the disloyal. 



Insolent and brutal behaviour of our Ambassador. 



Our apologies sent to the Court, which appear to have 

 given satisfaction, so that peace remains undisturbed. 



But in 1716 the gravets were again closed, of which fact His 

 Majesty professes his ignorance and promises that they shall 

 be re -opened. 



Heer Becker replaced by Heer Rumph. 



The King requests the opening of the port of Putulang, 

 and the gravets are opened. 



The Courtiers strongly desire the opening of that port, but 

 are refused. 



The Kilkareese Moors about Koedremale and Moddergamme, 

 being desirous of opening a market for the purpose of import- 

 ing cloth to the King's dominions, are given every facility. 



Diving for pearls on the Chilauwse reefs by the Candians 

 prevented by a cruiser. 



Also the disturbance created by the Courtiers in the Maanboel 

 Corle. by sending a Company of soldiers to Moddergamme. 



Death of Heer Rumph, leaving the Government to Heer 

 Mol and Council until the arrival of Heer Hertenberg. 

 He, also dying, the Government remained with Heer 

 Schagen and Council, until the arrival of Heer Vuyst, who 

 transferred it in 1729 to Heer Versluys. 



Unfriendly reception of the Ambassador in the King's 

 territory ; the detention of the Company's letters between 

 Batticaloa and Trinconomale ; and the obstacles put in the way 

 of the purchase of paddy. 



Peace and friendship at the Court. 



Departure of Heer Versluys. Government of Heer 

 Woutersz and Council, and arrival of Commissioner Pielat. 



c2 



