486 



JOFRNAL, R.A.S. (CEYLON). [VOL. XVII. 



Monday, January 18, 1644 A.D. 



MS.fol. 146. 



Whereas we have been informed by the reports of 

 Lieutenant Camholt, who, pursuant to our last resolution had 

 with 60 matchlock men and 30 musketeers been sent out to 

 reconnoitre the river Moutewael and the coasts thereabouts, 

 that at about a cannon-shot's distance north of the said river 

 he had found out a small bay with tolerably quick water, 

 well fitted for landing guns, 



without, however, to our regret, for reasons set forth in the 

 daily report under date of the 14th of this month, having 

 been able to make a thorough investigation respecting the 

 nature of the said river. Therefore, in conformity with 

 previous resolutions, it has, after mature consideration of 

 present circumstances, been resolved 



that to-morrow, or the day after to-morrow at the latest, 

 as soon as the guns shall have been planted on the points and 

 everything be in readiness, and the coolies or black baggage- 

 carriers shall have made their appearance here, 

 we shall break up from here with the whole army and march 

 along the seashore straight to the river Moutewael aforesaid, 

 situated at half a mile's distance north of Columbo, to the 

 intent that when arrived there, we may with the Divine help 

 drive out the enemy, who is rumoured to lie at vantage 

 entrenched on the other side of the said river, and afterwards 

 march against Columbo and with our troops make an attempt 

 against the town, and if possible, capture it ; 



MS.fol. 147. 



For which purpose there shall also be carried by land the 

 four field-pieces with their carriages, together with two 

 barrels of grapeshot, two chests of wad, tampions, and cart- 

 ridges for the same, under the command of the Constable- 

 Major Christiaen Paulusz, assisted by 12 sailors and 

 musketeers, the field-pieces to be dragged by coolies. 



