376 
JOURNAL OF THE EMBASSY 
ministers of his Candian Majesty, in order to make with 
them the necessary arrangements for its passage through 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 suspicions of the Can- 
dians on this head, as they had always 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 de- 
parture. The presents destined for the King of Candy had 
for some time been in readiness, and the detachment from 
the garrison of Col umbo, which was to accompany the Ge- 
neral, had been appointed. It consisted of the light com- 
pany, and four battalion companies of his Majesty’s 19th 
foot, five companies of the 2d battalion of 6th regiment of 
coast sepoys, five companies of the Malay regiment, a de- 
tachment 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 Pa- 
lambahar, about four miles distant, and situated on the right 
bank of the Mutwal river. Here we encamped in some 
rice-fields adjoining. 
11th. Remained in our encampment waiting for the pre- 
sents which were still at Columbo. One Maclafen, a private 
