200 
JOURNAL, R.A.S. (CEYLON). [VOL. XVIII. 
February 16, 1645 (given above). He also thanked the King 
for oflEers of help, and asked for facilities for gathering cinna- 
mon. He was glad to hear that a horse was acceptable to His 
Majesty, and the animal would be sent by way of Walawe. 
In return he asked that a permanent ambassador might be 
allowed to remain at the royal court.^^^ 
To another letter^^^ from Raja Sinha, dated April 28, 
Maatzuyker replied on May 24 to the effect that the King's 
disava over the territories of Matara would be received 
with all honour, but begging that the person he had already 
appointed in the King's name might be approved of. He 
also hoped that the King would mention the continuance of 
the gathering of cinnamon there and its appropriation by 
the Dutch towards the liquidation of His Majesty's debt to 
them. The Persian horse was read^' to go as soon as persons 
arrived to take it, and another ambassador would be sent 
when the one then in *Kandy returned with an assurance 
of peace.^^^ On May 12 the King wrote^^^ to Maatzuyker, 
sending him some presents, for which the Governor sent 
his thanks from Galle on June 7.^^^ He also forwarded 
th e Persian horse and a Dutch saddle, promising, if this 
pleased His Majesty, to send a better one. He also sent 
some small gifts, and once more begged the King that the 
Dutch envoy should be allowed to return.^^^ 
At last, on July 15, Maarschalk made his appearance 
accompanied by two native envoys,^^^ and bringing the 
following letter^^^ from the King : — 
[7.] 
[I] Raija Cinga Raiju, Most Potent Emperor of Ceilao, 
send all greeting. 
The letter which Your Honour wrote me from my fortress of Gale 
on the 24th of May was presented at this imperial court on the 7th of 
June, and the second, written at the same fortress on the 7th of June, 
arrived on the 20th idem. I was gratified with them because of their 
saying that you were ready and willing to do me many loyal and 
faithful services, and with perfect health I shall rejoice if things go 
on from good to better in accordance with your desire. In the letter 
which Your Honour wrote me on the 24th of May you said that as 
soon as the present ambassador with my reply and conditions of peace 
