No. 38.— 1889.] THE DUTCH IN CEYLON, 1602-1757. 85 



the same time showing it to them : he added they could now 

 perceive that the Company was recognised by the King 

 not as subjects, but as friends and protectors of his kingdom, 

 and that His Majesty was bound to reimburse all that the 

 Company as a true confederate had contributed, such as 

 money, goods, and men in order to repulse the Portuguese ; 

 but up to the present time this had not been done : he had 

 relied on their frequent promises to discharge that debt, but 

 it appeared that the Company's enemies had employed 

 their influence in causing the greatest offence to the Com- 

 pany by the above-named grant, instead of rewarding her 

 for her lqyal assistance. It was therefore completely out of 

 the question to agree to that ola, and the Ambassadors were 

 requested so to inform His Majesty. 



At the expiration of two days the Ambassadors requested a 

 private interview, which being granted, they remarked that 

 the late King had always been so favourably inclined towards 

 the Governor, that during his illness and shortly before his 

 death he had earnestly requested the young prince to keep 

 his trusty Governor in the Island, to show him much favour, 

 and, after His Majesty's death, to fulfil all promises made 

 to him. 



The Governor upon this asked whether the promises 

 referred only to the elephants which had been brought away. 

 They replied in the negative, but that they referred to many 

 other things, which had been delayed through the inter- 

 ference of others, but which would be sent to Colombo 

 later on. 



His Excellency remarked that it appeared very strange 

 that the rest of the things were sought to be kept back 

 contrary to the King's order, thereby casting a slur on the 

 honour both of the late King and his successor. He also 

 asked at the same time, whether the Pittigal Corle was 

 included amongst these, as reported at Colombo, and whether 

 the village of Belligam had been given by the late King to 

 the Basnaike. In answer the Courtiers said that they were 

 not sure about the first question, although it was probably 



