No. 38.— 1889.] THE DUTCH IN CEYLON, 1602-1757. 45 



some small presents in return, but also the afore-mentioned 

 horse with a Holland saddle. 



On July 15, Ambassador Maerschalck at last made his 

 appearance with two important personages on the King's 

 behalf, bearing a letter dated June 27, 1649, and the conditions 

 of peace. 



Upon which subject Heer Maetsuycker simply remarked 

 that article 10 concerning the cinnamon did not agree with 

 the stipulation in the treaty, as that spice would lose half its 

 value to the Netherlander if they were deprived of its 

 monopoly ; the condition being especially agreed upon in the 

 previous contract that we should have the sole control over 

 it. His Excellency had signed the conditions on that 

 understanding with the approbation of their Excellencies, 

 and submitted it for His Majesty's ratification, at the same 

 time sending a letter dated August 8, with His Majesty's 

 Ambassadors and two of the Company's servants, one to 

 swear to it and return with the King's resolution, and the 

 other to remain at the Court. 



Heer Maetsuycker also thanks His Majesty for appointing 

 a Dessave of Mature, from our nation ; yet requests that at the 

 expiration of his term of office His Majesty may be pleased 

 to give the place to a certain Lambert Camholt, whom Heer 

 Maetsuycker had intended to send as agent to His Majesty, but 

 as Heer Camholt had fallen ill in the interval, he proposed to 

 send instead one Burgard Cox, in whom every trust could 

 be placed and for whom a speedy dismissal was sought. 



The agents were also instructed to request His Majesty to 

 leave Nigombo in our possession, until we could also deliver 

 Colombo to him, which we shall do our utmost to accomplish, 

 if His Majesty be pleased to grant us the same assistance and 

 advice ; for the Portuguese injured us in every way. 



No reply can be discovered to this letter ; but it appears 

 from a letter dated September 9, written by Heer Maetsuycker, 

 that His Majesty sent His Excellency a letter dated September 

 8, and also made him a present of a ring, a gold chain, and 

 an elephant with tusks. 



