No. 38.— 1889.] THE DUTCH IN CEYLON, 1602-1757. 49 



Some small presents were sent to His Majesty at the same 

 time, and on March 4, 1651, he was informed of the receipt 

 of a present from Batavia consisting of : — 



A gold chain. 



A silver gilt saddle, richly mounted and embroidered, with 

 everything pertaining thereto. 



A silver gilt bridle, &c. 



A quiver embroidered with gold and silver. 



A bow case do. do. 



And fifteen gilt arrows with two bow strings. 



These goods Heer Van Kittensteyn despatched to the 

 Court on April 15, in charge of Lieutenant Frans Has, and 

 on November 15 following he mildly remonstrated with His 

 Majesty for being so bold as to call himself God, under pretence 

 that we so named him ; and added that His Excellency is 

 not surprised that the Portuguese and the Bengal Princes 

 gave His Majesty flattering titles, but the Dutch agent has, 

 not without reason, refused to use their style of address. 



After that many letters were exchanged with the Candian 

 Court ; but they were not of sufficient importance to deserve 

 mention, with the exception of one from Heer Van Kitten- 

 steyn of January 15, 1653. In it His Excellency states that 

 from information received, he understands that the Portu- 

 guese have declared that His Majesty has made an alliance 

 with them, and are provided by him with supplies from 

 Saffregam ; also that they intend making a combined attack 

 upon us, to which report His Excellency could not but give 

 credence. 



On May 12, 1653, Heer Van Kittensteyn gave permission to 

 some Ambassadors, who had come with presents to him on 

 behalf of His Majesty, to depart, at the same time sending a 

 body-guard previously asked for consisting of an ensign, a 

 sergeant, a midshipman, two corporals, and twenty-four 

 privates, and requesting that they may be well treated ; 

 [adding that] a request will be sent to Batavia for a superior 

 officer and a doctor. The latter was sent to His Majesty on 

 July 19. 



86—90 E 



