292 



JOURNAL, R.A.S. (CEYLON). [VOL. XVI L 



All which having been duly weighed by the aforesaid 

 Council, and it having been considered not only that we are 

 well acquainted with the great power of the enemy in the 

 Island of Ceylon (more than we have seen for many years 

 past), and that they have called back their forces from the 

 interior in order to assist in throwing up works to prevent 

 our landing anywhere (which would be attended with great 

 danger) and offer the greatest possible resistance ; 



But also that at Negumbo, where according to the state- 

 ments of the Captains of the yachts " Lief de," "Lecq," 

 " De Zeeusche Nagtegaal," and 44 De Star," which have been 

 cruising before the said fortress, they have seen thirteen flags 

 floating and three of them marching out — there must be a 

 strong garrison. 



MS. page 39. 



And, on the other hand, that out of our present crews and 

 soldiers we could raise no greater force than one of 300 men, 

 if we do not wish to leave the ships undermanned ; that 

 besides we are altogether unprovided with storming apparatus 

 and could not possibly obtain it ; and that, moreover, which 

 certainly is not least to be considered, we are altogether 

 unacquainted with Eaja Singa's doings and intentions ; 



It has been unanimously resolved and approved of — so 

 long as we shall be without advices from the Commander 

 Quast, or until we shall see him in person — 



Not to undertake anything against the enemy by land, but 

 to blockade efficiently the roads of Columbo and Negumbo, 

 together with the river Cayemelle, so that no supplies from 

 the sea can be brought into these fortresses ; 



For this purpose shall be assigned the ships hereunder 

 following : — 



For the roads of Columbo: "Bergen op den Soom," 

 "Armuyden," and " Bredam," and the yachts "Liefde," 

 " Lecq," " De Star," and " Zeeusche Nagtegaal "*; 



For the roads of Negumbo and the fortresses situated 

 thereabouts the large sloop and the large boats of the ships 



