No. 38.— 1889.] the dutch m ceylon, 1602-1757. 71 



At the end of the year 1675 the Dessave of the Seven 

 Corles being displeased with His Majesty, and fearing his 

 tyrannical disposition, placed himself under our protection. 

 This we granted him, and as a consequence the inhabitants 

 of these Corles in the beginning of the following year, 

 1676, requested by ola to be taken under the Company's 

 protection, saying they could not tolerate the cruel reign of 

 the King Raja Singa, and asking to be allowed to be governed 

 by their Prince (whom they designated in their olas by the 

 title of Prince and King of Matuaal). Although there had 

 never been a better opportunity for the Company to annex 

 these important districts, the Seven Corles, with their 

 numerous inhabitants, yet it was taken into consideration 

 that we had not a sufficient force to protect the territory and 

 the inhabitants against the King's resentment. Notwith- 

 standing this resolution it was agreed that the Pretender 

 (the Prince of Matule) should accompany the Governor to 

 Nigombo to gain more ample information ; and that should 

 the Chiefs and inhabitants of the neighbouring Pattoes repeat 

 their request, to detach a force not farther than Doenegaha to 

 prevent a migration ; and in order to induce the most influential 

 [natives] to come over to our side to transport their families 

 safely to Nigombo and treat the people in a friendly manner. 



Having made the necessary inquiries, it was decided to 

 take possession of Sitavaque and Doenegaha, so as to prevent 

 the kidnapping of the principal f amilies by the King's party ; 

 but not to advance any further or to occupy any more 

 districts, not having force sufficient to oppose the moun- 

 taineers. 



On October 19, 1677, the Governor, Heer van Goens, 

 junior, received a letter from their Excellencies, the 

 Chief Indian Government, dated the previous September 7, 

 containing positive commands to offer, and to deliver to His 

 Majesty by a friendly missive, all the lands acquired by the 

 Company since 1665, and to assure him of our interest in his 

 welfare ; to which was also added a letter to His Majesty 

 from their Excellencies which was to be sent at the same 



