CEYLON. 
283 
expelled them; that a regular succession of monarchs of the Cingalese 
race followed for ages, but which, for a long time past, had been 
interrupted by a series of kings of the Malabar race, who had 
gained possessionof the throne of Candy ; that the Adigaar's brother, 
who was Adigaar about nineteen years ago, had, through his in- 
fluence, placed a king of that race on the throne; and that he 
himself, about two years since, in the midst of civil discord, had 
elevated the present monarch, although he had no legal preten- 
sions, and was in fact illegitimate. He then asked Mr. Boyd, what 
he thought of these things ? His answer was that he was sure the 
Governor would not think it incumbent upon him to enter into the 
validity of the present King's title ; that having found him in 
power at the time of his arrival in the island, he had recognised 
him, and had since lived on terms of amity with the Candian 
nation. The Adigaar then said, that the answer pleased him ; and 
proceeded to observe, that the English had now considerable posses- 
sions in Ceylon, and might, if they chose, obtain the whole Can- 
dian territory ; and upon this he wished to hear Mr, Boyd's sen- 
timents. That gentleman then distinctly related to him the tenor 
of his Excellency's instructions ; namely, that the Governor was 
sincerely desirous of the continuance of his power, and would 
secure it to him, provided the King of Candy could be induced to 
place himself and his country under the protection of Great Bri- 
tain, and to admit an English garrison into his capital ; but that he 
certainly would not permit a single soldier to enter the Candian 
territory, or to give him, the Adigaar, any assistance whatsoever, 
unless the safety of the King's person, and the continuance of his 
dignity , were stipulated as a preliminary to any agreement to be 
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