under' the Dutch. 
53 
Such is the history of Ceylon previous to its falling into 
our possession. The mismanagement of the Portuguese and 
Dutch, and their impolitic conduct towards the natives, pre- 
vented them from at all reaping from this valuable colony 
the advantages which it was calculated by nature to afford. 
Superstition and the love of tyranny continually stirred up 
internal enemies to the Portuguese, while luxury and the re- 
laxation of military discipline made them fall a prey to the 
first foreign invader. The prudent and persevering efforts by 
which the Dutch obtained possession seemed to promise 
greater stability and longer duration to their power. That 
thirst of gain, however, Avhich liad given vigour to their ope- 
rations for the reduction of the island, counteracted the na- 
tional advantages which might have been derived from the 
acquisition ; for this passion being as strong in each individual 
as in the nation at large, every one was solicitous only for 
his own private emolument ; and provided this was attained, 
he gave himself little trouble to promote public objects. Rapa- 
cious exactions, the want of any regular plan of policy, and 
a total neglect of military defence, were the consequences of 
this spirit. That fire of patriotism which had once animated 
the Dutch in Europe was completely extinguished in this 
colony. During the American war, the French and English 
fleets successively occupied their harbours, while the Dutch 
seemed in resigned apathy to await their fate from the fortunes 
of others. 
These errors, and this misconduct, which ended in depriving 
its successive possessors of this valuable island, will, it is to 
be hoped, be avoided by our countrymen ; and from my own 
observation I can confidently state, that if the care of it be 
