NO. 53.— 1902.] GALLE DUTCH RECORDS. 



•301 



got the company of soldiers from Galle, and that we have no 

 time to lose [ 



If we should happen to see any advantage or chance of 

 undertaking something against Negumbo, — 

 In what place or locality, according to their judgment, the 

 men could be most conveniently set ashore, without meeting 

 with too much resistance from the enemy ; 

 The Lord President exhibiting at the same time a map of 

 the country round Negumbo, showing also the little islands 

 situated before and near the said fortress, in order to give 

 those who are unacquainted with the place 



MS. page 52. 



some insight into the circumstances of the same ; 

 Secondly, what means might be employed to induce the 

 enemy to withdraw their forces now lying between Col umbo 

 and Negumbo and concentrate them on one side of Columbo, 

 whether by stationing our whole armament off Caleture 

 or out of sight of Columbo, and by making a feint as if we 

 were desirous of landing there, or by some other method 

 that might in our case be deemed advisable ; 



Thirdly, whether it would not be advisable— since in case 

 of any enterprise beingresolved upon, there should be no time 

 lost in deliberations — forthwith to form a vanguard, a chief 

 body, and a rear guard, to appoint the companies of soldiers 

 and sailors that would belong to each, to elect the superin- 

 tendents of provisions, ammunition, &c, in order that 

 everything belonging to a warlike enterprise may be in 

 readiness, and nothing may be found wanting ; 



All which having been duly weighed by the Council 

 and the assembled friends, 



They advise and approve by majority of votes. 



As touching the first point 



That, so far as they can judge from the map submitted to 

 them, and the well-grounded oral information given by the 

 President, 



