No. 38.-— 1889.] THE DUTCH IN CEYLON, 1602-1757. 63 



of November, 1664. He assumed charge of the Company's 

 interests until the year 1665 ; when Mr. Ryckloff Van Goens 

 came to Ceilon as Superintendent, Admiral, and Commander 

 of the Forces, and re-assumed his former position as 

 Governor. 



At that time a conspiracy arose at the Candian Court 

 hatched by some Dessaves and Appoehamies, who aimed at 

 the King's life ; but His Majesty fortunately escaped after 

 killing some of his courtiers, and took refuge in the Hangerant- 

 kitte mountain. From thence he wrote several letters to 

 Colombo wherein his straitened and humble condition 

 could be gathered, requesting assistance, and that some well 

 appointed ships should be prepared to protect the ports 

 of Batticaloa and Coetjaar against the treachery of the 

 Portuguese. 



Heer Van Goens then sent some soldiers to the King's 

 country under the command of Captains Dupont and Marten 

 Scholten, and the merchant Van Goens, who took possession 

 of the following 15 Provinces : — 



Pannue. 



Korrewitte Corle. 

 Naudon Corle. 

 Koekele Corle. 

 Attakalang Corle. 

 Pannewaal Corle. 

 Attulegam Corle. 

 Dehegampelle Corle. 



Kolane Corle. 

 Mende Corle. 

 Hymitte Galeagues. 

 Denniwalre Agures. 

 Gennimale Bammettepate 



Agures. 

 Handepandoene Corle. 

 Billigal Corle. 



Their Excellencies at Batavia being apprised of this, 

 earnestly recommended as by letter of July 11, 1665, to 

 be careful not to expose ourselves to the dangers often 

 experienced by expeditions in the mountains, and thought 

 it more advisable for us to return to the lowlands. 



They also see no difficulty now that fortune is so much 

 in our favour, in taking possession as soon as possible of 

 the harbours and territory of Batticaloa, Coetjaar, and Trin- 

 conomale, giving as our reasons the King's commands and 



