NO. 53. — 1902.] GALLB DUTCH RECORDS. 



461 



MS.fol. 116. 



of reconnoiting the roads and the state of the country near 

 Mapouligam ; 



which matters having been closely inquired into, especially 

 as regards the fact that the road leading to Mapouligam, at 

 6 miles distance upwards of Cosgere, is very difficult to pass; 

 also that it would be impossible to row up the river and 

 carry up without danger the provisions for 800 men to so 

 great a distance, 



Therefore it has been unanimously pronounced fit and 

 advisable — seeing that the enemy has still more up-roads at 

 his disposal than the said road to Mapouligam, which up- 

 roads cannot possibly be occupied and got at by our men — 

 that therefore we shall give up the said occupation, and 

 recall the 800 men aforesaid to Galle, 



that meanwhile the other 500 soldiers shall remain in the 

 vicinity of Cosgere until the return of the spies sent out and 

 until further decision in this matter ; 



also that 200 men of the 800 aforesaid shall remain near 

 Gindure, in order to occupy that pass. 



Thus done and resolved in the village of Vacquel, datum 

 ut supra. (Signed) Francois Caron, Jan Thysen, Willem 

 van der Beecq, Marten Vinck, Steven Pietersz, Pieter Vinck- 

 boous. 



Monday, December 28, 1643. 



MS.fol. 117. 



Whereas yesterday and to-day the 500 soldiers com- 

 manded by the Captain-Major Willem van der Beecq 

 formerly stationed in the village of Cosgere in order to 

 harass the enemy, have returned hither, so that now the 

 whole of our forces are again assembled together, 



Therefore the members of this Council have met on the 

 question what had best be done now, for the greatest advan- 

 tage of the Honourable General Company. 



Whereupon, after mature consideration, it has been un- 

 animously determined and resolved, 



