An Account of the War In 1803. A‘1Q 
Jurn to Columbo. The General took with him the 51st regiment who were get- 
ing extremely sickly, and also Colonel Ramsey’s native regiment. The grenadier and 
light company of the 19th were at the same time dispatched to Trincomalee with 
the sick ot their own regiment. The rest of the troops were left at Candy under 
the command of Colonel Barbut, who was appointed commandant of the place. 
Previous to the departure of General Macdowal for Columbo, various -measures had 
been taken to secure our new conquests. On the Trincomalee side, about fifteen 
miles from Candy, a fort was erected, called Fort Macdowal; and about halfway 
from Candy to Columbo, another post was established at Dambadinla. The inten- 
tion of these works was to keep up the communication with our principal set- 
tlements. They were of very considerable strength from their position ; and eacli 
was garrisoned by a body ot Europeans and natives. 
Governor North had during our successes been concerting means to procure a 
permanent peace with the Candians. When I left Columbo in May tSoo, there 
were at that city two Candian princes vdio had taken refuge there. They had botlr 
pretensions to the crown of Candy; but of the grounds and justice ot their claims 
I am ignorant. While I remained on the island, these men were not encouraged 
in their pretensions to the crown, although I believe they received pecuniary as- 
sistance, and command over the natives in some ot the neighbouring districts from 
our Governor. The refractory disposition of the reigning King of Candy, even after 
the capture of his capital, at length induced Governor North to place one of these 
princes on the throne. A truce was likewise concluded with the old King, who found 
that he must rather await the operation of time and the climate, than attempt to expel 
us by force; and some of the most valuable provinces remained in our hands. 
The following account of a visit of the Governor to the ceded provinces, 
extracted from the Ceylon Gazette, presented a flattering appearance of the re-esta- 
blrshment of tranquillity. 
“ The Governor has this day. May 8th, returned to the government house at Hubs- ' 
dorp from Dambadinia, where he had been on a visit to the ceded provinces lately 
conquered. On Monday he entered Columbo under a salute of 19 guns. The 
streets were lined from the Delft gate to the government house. His Excellency arrived 
at Dambadinia, the chief place ot the newly acquired provinces ot the seven corles, on 
the first ot May ; were spacious bungaloes were erected tor him, his suite, ami 
escort. The same day the Governor v/as waited on by all the head men, who 
declared their satisfaction at the change ot government that had taken place, and 
promised fidelity and obedience to our gracious Sovereign. On the 3d ot May 
Pelirne Talavoe, the chief Adigar of Candy, taking advantage of the truce subsisting 
between the two powders, came to pay his respects to the Governor, and held a 
Jong conference with him. Next day the Adigar’s visit was returned by Mr. Ar- 
buthnot, the secretary to government, who remained a long time on affairs respect- 
ing the government of the country, and in which the Adigar was to have a high 
authority, and retain his situation. A truce has been established between the Can- 
dians and us, and we are in hopes those conferences may establish peace. On tii^. 
