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



arrived in the afternoon at Orwevel, where a volley was 

 fired in honour of my arrival, and I was received and 

 welcomed by the officers. 



Having rested here a night, I left with a sergeant and six 

 soldiers for Colombo, and having come close to the pass 

 NacMegam, I was welcomed and received by a certain 

 captain-lieutenant. 



About 2 o'clock in the afternoon on Friday I returned 

 safe here ; and finding and seeing your Excellency in good 

 health, I was so glad that I could not restrain myself, and 

 was therefore not able to give your Excellency a full and 

 satisfactory report of what I had at one time heard with my 

 ears, and at another time seen with my eyes. 



According to my suspicions, the king showed (as also appear- 

 ed from many other circumstances) that he would, if he could, 

 turn bankrupt and give up his business and flee to no one else 

 save his trusty Hollanders and the Honourable Company. 

 And certainly Gopale Modiace, who was a Moor, a man held 

 in high esteem by the Emperor and always friendly disposed 

 towards the Honourable Company, gave such indications. 



Finally, the Company could not employ for such a journey 

 and embassy a man too bold or confident in speech, the bolder 

 and more confident the better for the Honourable Company 

 and the Emperor; as afrank and bold person can win the heart 

 of the Emperor, and that by his courage and honest reports. 



In conclusion I declare that all I have written above is 

 the honest and plain truth ; but I ask that your Excellency 

 may be pleased to excuse and take into consideration my 

 want of intelligence and youth. 



Signed and sealed by me on Sunday, the 15th November, 

 in the year 1671, in the Fort of Colombo, I who was, am, and 

 remain the most obedient servant and messenger of the 

 Honourable Company and your Excellency. 



(Signed) Henricus van Bystervelt. 



Actum ut supra 15th November, Anno 1681. 

 [Lower, his usual signature, confirmed in red wax.] 



