378 
Journal of the Embassy 
its passage tlirougli the country, and its reception at court. 
As the general was to be accompanied by a large escort, it 
was necessary to quiet the apprehensions, and remove the sus- 
picions of the Candians on this head, as they always had been 
extremely averse to the introduction of a military force into 
their country. 
This object having been effected, "and the necessary arrange- 
ments having taken place, the embassy prepared for its depar- 
tures The presents destined for the king of Candy had for some 
time been in readiness, and the detachment from the garrison 
of Columbo, which was to accompany the general, had been 
appointed. It consisted of the light company, and four battalion 
companies of his majesty’s ipth foot, five companies of the 2d 
battalion of the 6th regiment of coast sepoys, five companies 
of the Malay regiment, a detachment from the Bengal artillery, 
with four six-pounders and two howitzers, and part of the 
Madras pioneer and lascar corps. 
March 10th. The tenth of March, 1800, being fixed upon 
for the day of our departure, the general, his staff, and suite, 
with the above escort, marched from Columbo to Palambahar, 
about four miles distant, and situated on the right bank of 
the Mutwal river. Here we encamped in some rice-fields ad- 
joining. 
11th. Remained in our encampment waiting for the presents 
which were still at Columbo. One Maclaren, a private in the 
19th regiment, was drowned while bathing in the river. Rain, 
thunder, and lightning at night. Thermometer at 79°* 
12th. Remained in the same place, the presents not being 
yet arrived, nor a sufficient number of coolies provided to con- 
vey the hospital doolies and provisions for the detachment, 
4 
