48 



JOURNAL, R.A.S. (CEYLON). [VOL. XI. 



Heer van Kittensteyn having considered these instructions r 

 determined to at once request His Majesty by letter dated 

 April 1, 1650, to be pleased to nominate a Dessave from our 

 nation : he also despatched a ship to Batticaloa to fetch our 

 sick prisoners who were in the King's dominions. 



On April 2 His Excellency again addressed a letter to His 

 Majesty, complaining that he considered the Adigaar Rampot 

 as the cause of the displeasure shown by His Majesty shortly 

 before the departure of Heer Maetsuycker ; as also of the con- 

 temptuous expressions used towards us communicated by our 

 agent, the said Rampot being a dangerous subject, having, 

 when Ambassador in 1650, with the assistance of the Dessave 

 of Mature, attempted by every malicious contrivance to 

 wrest the lands out of the Company's hands, but that he 

 could obtain neither land nor power, as all his designs were 

 frustrated by excuses, &c. 



Heer van Kittensteyn received a reply from His Majesty 

 dated August 25, 1650, that he had summoned the Chief, 

 Rampot, from Mature, to explain his difference with Heer 

 Maetsuycker. His Excellency, by letter of September 17 to 

 His Majesty, expressed his conviction that His Majesty will^ 

 when he has received a truthful account, see that Rampot 

 was to blame. 



On December 28 His Excellency despatched a letter to 

 His Majesty thanking him for the assistance rendered on 

 the occasion of the stranding of the ship " De Haen" at the 

 island of Calpetty, and also for the release of four persons 

 sent by the Commander of the said vessel to Nigombo, 

 who were detained by the Dessave of the Seven Corles ; 

 adding, that he was informed by our agent that His Majesty 

 intended to come to the lowlands, preceded by the agent, to 

 confer with him about a matter of great importance, and that 

 His Majesty will in the meantime continue to deliver to the 

 Company a sufficient quantity of cinnamon and elephants. 



Heer van Kittensteyn also requests that his agent and 

 suite may be granted more liberty and more opportunity 

 for despatching his letters. 



