NO. 50.— 1899.] VAN ECK'S KANDYAN EXPEDITION. 43 



one just opposite the other, and in front of it, but somewhat 

 further off, is a very steep hill which cannot be climbed 

 even by clambering with hands and feet. Every one must 

 confess that Heaven has wonderfully stood by us in. this 

 victory.* 



On Wednesday, the 13th, in the afternoon the Lieutenant- 

 Colonel departed with the army from Wewedde, in order to 

 take possession of Giriagamme, situated beyond Gallegiddere. 

 Accordingly on Thursday the good news was received that 

 the place, which was situated on a hill, and also provided 

 with a fortress, was captured by His Honour without the 

 least conflict of arms. The enemy could have easily 

 defended that fort, which is sufficiently impregnable by 

 nature, and could well have continued to remain there. 



This noon a small embassy from Kandia arrived here 

 bearing with it an ola, and it was sent back again with a 

 reply at 8.30 P.M. 



On Friday, the 15th, His Excellency the Governor, after 

 the midday meal, departed with the main body of the army 

 from Wewedde, and having passed by Gallegiddere arrived 

 at 7 P.M. at Giriagamme. Having spent that night there he 

 set out next morning, on Saturday, the 16th, from thence, 

 and having crossed over the Hoenang oye arrived at 10.30 

 A.M. at the camp of the Lieutenant-Colonel, which lay on 

 this side of the river Mahawile-gange, at the pass of Kattoe- 

 gastotte. Here His Excellency the Governor made his 

 entrance into the king's pleasure-house, and shortly after 

 that there came a messenger from the other side of the river 

 to ask His Excellency the Governor, in the name of the 

 magnates of the court, whether he was inclined to receive 

 them, as they were expressly come to treat with His 

 Excellency about the peace. His Excellency granted them 

 this, and at once fixed the time for the audience for 4.30 P.M. 

 So, when they were allowed to cross over the river, to wit, 



* For descriptions of assaults on Gralagedara Fort by Portuguese and 

 British, see Ribeiro, p. 153, and Cordiner II., p. 177.— D. W. F. 



