No. 38.— 1889.] THE DUTCH IN CEYLON, 1602-1757. 129 



It was clearly apparent that the abandonment of the fort 

 of Mai wane and the retreat of the Company's forces to Colombo 

 had much emboldened the Candians, and they ventured 

 to come to the Pellegore garden, within an hour's distance of 

 the Castle. 



The Court, or rather the Dessawe of the Four and Seven 

 Corles, contended that the Hina Corle having been taken posses- 

 sion of on behalf of the King, the garden also belonged to 

 him as being a dependency of that Corle. 



The inhabitants of the Happitigam and Alutkoer Corles 

 claimed to be under the King's protection, and prevented the 

 publication of a proclamation of an amnesty : they also hin- 

 dered the people of Mallimande and the Baygam and Belligam 

 Corles and the Company's servants in their occupations, 

 especially in the loading of rice in the boats, &c. 



The troubles at last grew to such a height that it became 

 necessary to make an appeal to Batavia for the assistance of 

 troops, as the rebels were countenanced by the King's people, 

 who lorded it completely in the Hina, Hapitigam, and; 

 Alutkoer Corles. 



But upon the arrival at Colombo, on July 23 of the same year, 

 of Baron Gustaaf Will em van Imhoff, Councillor Extraordi- 

 nary^ Netherlands-India, and his assumption of the Govern- 

 ment, everything seemed to calm down and remain quiet. 



He informed the courtiers of his arrival by letter, but 

 refrained from mentioning other matters, only requesting 

 the speedy return of the Company's Ambassador. 



He also issued a proclamation throughout the country 

 with great ceremony, announcing his arrival and advising the 

 people to abandon their rebellious and unruly practices, to 

 return peaceably to their villages, and resume their lawful 

 occupations. In order to satisfy their complaints, the farming 

 of the fisheries of Bamberen, Koddegodde, Tengale, Dikwelle, 

 Nielwelle, Inmoedere, and Oekewelle, and the lakes of 

 Naklegam and Kannoekellie, was abolished, as well as the 

 farming of chewing-tobaccos. In consequence the peelers 

 returned to their work. 



86-90 K 



