Ho. 38.— 1889.] THE DUTCH IN CEYLON, 1602-1757. 107 



Any further condescension on our part would only lead 

 that vain people to treat our friendly overtures with contempt, 

 and it would be preferable to make them believe that we felt 

 quite indifferent, as to whether the King made peace or not. 

 We must, however, continue to treat them with civility, but 

 peremptorily refuse any unreasonable demand on their part, 

 whether proposed in an indirect way or by menaces ; while 

 some soldiers should be sent from Madureand Tansjourfor 

 the protection of the cinnamon bushes and peelers under the 

 pretext of the war declared in the Fatherland. We would not 

 be caught asleep, but would keep strict watch upon those 

 belonging to high families, who were treacherously inclined. 



In the following year, 1689, Governor Pyl received another 

 offensive ola from the Chiefs, reproaching the Company for 

 their importunity for peace, insisting upon the opening of 

 the ports, and the free exercise of religion, as well as the giving 

 back of all their people and lands, leaving to the Company 

 only the strongholds on the seashores. 



All these endeavours of the Chiefs pointed only to one 

 conclusion, namely, that they considered the Company as a 

 mere vassal and subject, treacherously endeavouring to 

 hoodwink it; nevertheless repeating their statement that they 

 wished to keep all Europeans who were the Company's 

 enemies away from the Island ; it did not therefore follow 

 that they would keep out Europeans who were the friends 

 of the Company. 



The Company replied to that letter that it was their inten- 

 tion never to give up the lands in their possession, that 

 there was no prospect of peace according to article 10, unless 

 all Europeans were excluded, whether friends or foes ; and 

 that the opening of the ports of Calpetty and Coetjaar would 

 cause a great loss to the Company unless His Majesty could 

 offer an equivalent. 



Meanwhile the lowlanders who had left some time ago for 

 the mountains returned of their own accord, having been 

 deceived, and having found out that the Singalese were not 

 so ready to assist them. 



