THE ISLAND OF CEYLON. 
9 * 
forming in all a number fully equal to the. force sent 
against it. 
The dissensions among both the civil and military officers 
of the garrison was a cause which more powerfully hastened 
its surrender. Those principles which have produced so 
many convulsions and atrocities in Europe, had also pene- 
trated into this colony. The Governor, M. Van Anglebeck, 
was a very respectable old officer of moderate principles and 
a mild disposition. Many of those under him were, however, 
violent republicans of the jacobin party ; they declaimed 
against the Governor as a man of a weak mind, and wished 
to place in the government his son, whom they had gained 
over to their own principles. The violence of this party had 
gone to an alarming height; they had already begun to 
denounce their opponents, and several respectable gentlemen 
would in all probability have fallen victims to their fury, had 
not the sudden arrival of the English at this critical moment 
rescued them from impending destruction. 
The state of discipline in the garrison had also fallen into 
the most shameful disorder. Drunkenness and mutiny were 
carried to the greatest height. The old Governor has fre- 
quently declared at the tables of our officers, that he was 
in constant danger of his life from their mutinous conduct, 
lie had resolved to defend the place to the last, but such 
was the state of insubordination which prevailed, that he 
could not by any means induce the Dutch troops, and in 
particular the officers, to march out against the enemy. 
