No. 38.— 1889.] THE DUTCH IN CEYLON, 1602-1757. 121 



This resolution having been communicated to the aforesaid 

 Ambassadors, they nevertheless insisted on being introduced 

 to the Dessawe of Mature in order to deliver the letter and the 

 rebels to him personally. But the former resolution was 

 persisted on, and the Dessawe of Mature sent them a message 

 in polite terms, to the effect that they might leave the ola 

 and the men with him, but that he could not grant them a 

 personal interview ; should they object to this, they were to 

 be told plainly that it was unusual to receive messengers at 

 Mature, and that they must return and address themselves in 

 the usual manner by way of Sitavaca to Colombo. A letter 

 was at the same time sent to the Court notifying the irregular 

 procedure attempted in the King's name. 



The Ambassadors then left Mature at once, but no answer 

 was received to the ola sent to the Court. 



However, at the end of the year some Ambassadors arrived 

 at Colombo, who, without alluding at all to the foregoing 

 incident, said that the King had determined to open the 

 gravets again. As this was done at the commencement of 

 the following year, 1735, the Singalese offered a quantity of 

 arecanuts at the usual price. 



Shortly afterwards a large number of peelers, who had 

 received their usual presents and pay, assembled at Kirimet- 

 jawe and in the Seven Corles in the King's territory, erected 

 some huts and remained idle, under pretence of having 

 received much unjust treatment. 



The Dessawe of Nigombo was delegated to summon 

 them before him to state their grievances. They, however, 

 paid no attention to this ; but wrote an ola to the Dessawe 

 complaining of their Vidaan, and insisting on his removal, 

 after which they promised to return to the Company's 

 service. They also sent a letter, bearing no signature, to 

 the Council, with a series of complaints about the heavy 

 charges and taxes to which they were subjected, amongst 

 them the performance of Doererobe and Hoehandiren 

 services, and complained against the Dessawe and his 

 Modliaar and Mohandiram. 



