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



The Chalias gathered the cinnamon further in the King's 

 territory than had ever been allowed, even as far as the foot 

 of Balane hill close to Candia. But the year was not allowed 

 to come to an end without the courtiers again giving proof 

 of their unfriendly and deceitful subterfuges, by writing two 

 very disrespectful olas to the Governor asking for the draft 

 treaty ; remarking concerning it that it was of no importance, as 

 the treaty of peace would only be concluded at His Majesty's 

 pleasure. A severe reply was sent that we would not part with 

 the draft, so that the Chiefs might understand beforehand that 

 we did not desire to be treated as subjects, but must be con- 

 sidered as allies. 



In the following year, 1700, a false report was spread by 

 some evil disposed persons, that the Company intended to 

 commence war against the King. 



This made a great sensation at the Court and in the moun- 

 tains, and caused the retention of a certain Modliaar, 3 Appce- 

 hamies, and a European soldier, who had been sent with 

 a present of four horses to His Majesty : finding this 

 report was without foundation, they were released a year 

 after with many protestations of His Majesty's friendship. 

 Some escaped mutineers from the Happitigam Corle were at 

 the same time returned by the King, but pardon was asked 

 for them for this time. 



In the year 1701 the King also delivered up at the Com- 

 pany's request 123 Chalias, with their six ringleaders, who 

 had escaped at different times. 



It gave general surprise that during the month of August 

 of the same year there was no further supply of arecanuts, 

 poultry, &c, from the King's country, neither was there any 

 demand at Colombo for salt, cotton goods, &c, for the moun- 

 tains. The report was circulated that it was the King's order 

 for them to go and trade at Putulang, as that port belonged 

 to His Majesty. This report was strengthened shortly 

 afterwards, when a pointed stake was erected at each gravet, 

 by which every one transgressing these commands was to be 

 impaled alive. 



