No. 55.-1904.] RAJA SINHA II. AND THE DUTCH. 189 
Xour Majesty has nothing but all good to expect, as he shall find me 
as regards the same his obedient servant. God keep His Majesty's 
person in health for many years. In Your Majesty's fortress of Gale, 
pro. March, 1645. 
(Signed) Joan Maetsuickek. 
So far from the king's request for the withdrawal of the 
Dutch troops to Negombo being complied with, on May 25 
war was formally declared against him by Thyssen, and four 
of his elephants were seized within the royal boundaries 
by the Commandeur of Negombo, Nicholas Overschie,^^^ 
This conduct of their representatives did not meet with the 
approval of the Council in Batavia, who recalled Thyssen, 
and sent Maatzuyker to take his place as Governor of 
Galle.^^^ As soon as he arrived (on April 27, 1646), 
Maatzuyker addressed the King in two letters,^^^ dated April 
30 and May 4, in conciliatory terms, informing him that 
Thyssen and Overschie had been dismissed from their 
posts,^^^ and that the elephants would be restored. He 
added, that when Raja Sinha would be pleased to receive 
them a letter and presents from the Council to the King 
would be forwarded. Before these epistles, however, 
reached the enraged monarch he had sent the following 
indignant missive^^'' to the commander of the Dutch camp 
in the Seven Korales : — 
[2.] 
Never had the Dutch nation entered this my Island nor had they 
enjoyed any fruit of it until I sent for them on account of the 
Portuguese continuing to surround my said Island with a number of 
fortresses. And so when I sent for them they came to it, and with my 
help and favour took several fortresses, peace being made between me 
and the Dutch nation as long as the sun and moon should endure^ 
with the conditions that are in the treaties ; and one of these is that 
I pay the expenses incurred in my service with the fruits and products 
of this my Island of Ceilao, as to this present hour I am ready and 
prepared to do punctually, and if I have not contributed and paid 
them it is on account of the wars which hitherto have been going on 
except that in so far as I had them I have always paid with the 
products that could be collected, beside favours, gifts, and presents^^^ 
which I bestowed upon the admirals of the fleets that came to my 
help, and to other persons who from time to time have appeared at 
this my court (of which I do not wish to make too much), as to the 
