378 
JOURNAL OF THE EMBASSY 
an open plain, nearly surrounded by the river, which winds 
here in a variety of directions. The situation of Cudavilli 
is delightfully romantic. 
14th. Halted this day. From Columbo we learnt that 
the 51st regt. from Madras had arrived there and dis- 
embarked in order to form part of the garrison. Rain, 
thunder and lightning at night. 
15th. Marched twelve miles to Gurrawaddi, a very pretty 
place situated in a pleasant and romantic country, with 
several high and steep hills in the neighbourhood. An ex- 
tensive choultry, or house for the accommodation of travellers 
was built here by the Dutch : at present it is much out 
of repair. A Cinglese village and a small circular fort 
or rather intrenchment, lie close by the river which is here 
broad and rapid. During the disturbances in 1797, the 
35th battalion of Madras Sepoys occupied this post for 
several months, and during that period lost many of their 
men from the fire of the rebels who concealed themselves 
in the neighbouring thickets.* This day a private of the 
19th regt. while washing his trowsers on the brink of the 
river was suddenly seized and dragged down by an alliga- 
tor. Rain with severe thunder and lightning at night. 
16th. Halted. We now began to experience the difference 
of climate here and at Columbo. Heavy fogs and dews at 
night, succeeded by excessively hot and sultry weather by 
day; the height of the thermometer being 92 at noon. * 
Rain thunder and lightning at night. 
