GOLUMBO. 
There we met a lascaryn (or native soldier) of the Governor's guard, 
with a note from his Excellency, informing me that he was sent to 
show me the way. The garden is in fact a jungle of cinnamon, and no 
otherwise interesting. By one o'clock I arrived at his Excellency's 
country-lodge at St. Sebastian's, situated very prettily on a fresh- 
water lake, that nearly insulates the fort, of which there is a pleasing 
view. The house is wretched, having been transformed into a habi- 
tation from a powder magazine; and within a hundred yards the 
Dutch had placed the powder mills, now likewise rendered habi- 
table, where I immediately took up my residence. My reception 
from his Excellency was most kind and friendly ; and, as an inva- 
lid, I was rejoiced to find myself in such comfortable quarters. I 
immediately placed myself under the care of Mr. Christie, the 
chief surgeon, a young man of very considerable talents, which have 
been employed for the benefit of the settlement during the very 
fatal time we have possessed it. I was obliged to confine myself in 
great measure to the house, where his Excellency contrived every 
possible amusement. 
On Christmas-day the whole of the natives of rank came to pay 
their compliments to him : he detained them till I appeared, when 
he presented each to me. They all made the attempt to prostrate 
themselves and embrace my knees, but I raised them and gave each 
an embrace. The Maha Moodeliar was the highest native, and was 
dressed in blue silk with gold chains and medals ; and most of them 
were in the same coloured dress, but only a few had the honorary 
badges. The Moors were in their white robes, with jewels in their 
ears. Several of the young Cingalese spoke English. 
- The next day we had a Cingalese play, if it can be so called. 
