128 Toivn mid Harbour of Columho* 
with many expressions of satisfaction and triumph at the 
exploit. 
In the centre of the principal street is a very handsome and 
lofty house, which belonged to the Dutch governor, M. Van 
Anglebeck. At present it is the residence of general JMacdowal, 
who commands our forces on the island. There is also another 
very handsome and spacious house for the commandant of the 
garrison, with suitable offices and gardens. 
The hospital, which is designed for soldiers and sailors, is 
roomy and convenient. It is very properly divided into distinct 
wards, so as to keep the sick of different disorders completely 
separate, and thus prevent infection from spreading. Close by 
it is a house for the chief surgeon, where all the hospital 
stores are prepared and kept. It is whth much pleasure I add, 
that this hospital (an institution so indispensably necessary in 
those hot climates) is extremely well managed ; and that every 
attention is paid to the health of the troops who are sent here 
> for medical assistance. 
The fort of Columbo, being of itself very extensive, and its 
outworks and detached posts numerous, requires a strong gar- 
rison. Three or four battalions are usually stationed here. 
The regular guards placed on the different gates consist of 
eighty Europeans, and three times that number of native troops. 
Besides these, other guards are stationed in the bazars and 
posts, which are established round the garrison, and also in 
the cantonments of the native troops. On my arrival in 1796, 
the garrison consisted of the 73d regiipent, half the Madras 
European regiment, two companies of Bengal artillery, and three 
battalions of Sepoys. The immediate command of the troops 
is given to the oldest officer of the battalions on duty here. 
