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



In the following year, 1684, there was peace and quietness. 

 A present was therefore sent from Colombo to the Court with 

 an Ambassador, who was politely received at Attaly, but had 

 to remain at Ampe, whilst there was a report that the 

 Ambassador Mierop was unwell and mad at Kandy. 



The peelers uninterruptedly continued their occupation, 

 and Governor Pyl assured their Excellencies at Batavia by 

 letter of July 3 of the same year, that he would find no 

 difficulty in delivering annually 8,400 packages, as the King 

 put no obstacles in the way. 



In the month of June four courtiers arrived from Candia, 

 merely to communicate the perfect health of His Majesty 

 and inquire after that of the Governor and his Council, 

 assuring them of His Majesty's goodwill and affection, 

 whereof he shortly intended to give a proof. 



The King's people meanwhile surprised and occupied the 

 districts of Pannue, Attekalan, and Karrewitte, Koekele 

 Corles, also the salt pans in the Lewais ; but as they did no 

 harm to the Company's people they were not interfered with, 

 the lands being comprised in those occupied by the Com- 

 pany since 1665, and generously offered back again to His 

 Majesty by their Excellencies in 1677. 



In September the messenger Mierop, being ill, returned 

 from Candia by desire of the Governor, having been 

 presented whilst there with an elephant, a gold chain, some 

 silver trinkets, silk stuffs, &c. Their Excellencies' ambassa- 

 dors sent from Batavia, Lamdswaarde and Ram, also returned, 

 but nothing was mentioned about the release of the other 

 Netherland prisoners. 



Things remained quiet during the following year, 1685. 

 His Majesty continued to flatter the Company with the hope 

 of shortly concluding a peace, while the courtiers tried to 

 deceive and circumvent the Netherlanders. 



Meanwhile the small port of Hangwelle was being recon- 

 structed, and when finished Sitavaque was to be evacuated. 

 It was also intended to fortify Nigombo to enable it to repel 

 a European force. Caliture was also put in a state of defence 



