Book: An Historical Relation Of The Island Ceylon In The East Indies

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[He Travailed a Nights in the Woods without fear, and slept
securely.] In this my Flight thro the Woods, I cannot but take notice
with some wonder and great thankfulness, that this Travelling by
Night in a desolate Wilderness was little or nothing dreadful to me,
whereas formerly the very thoughts of it would seem to dread me,
and in the Night when I laid down to rest with wild Beasts round me,
I slept as soundly and securely, as ever I did at home in my own
House. Which courage and peace I look upon to be the immediate gift
of God to me upon my earnest Prayers, which at that time he poured
into my heart in great measure and fervency. After which I found my
self freed from those frights and fears, which usually possessed my
heart at other times.

In short, I look upon the whole Business as a miraculous Providence,
and that the hand of God did eminently appear to me, as it did of
old to his People Israel in the like circumstances, in leading and
conducting me thro this dreadful Wilderness, and not to suffer any
evil to approach nigh unto me.

The Hollanders much wondered at our Arrival, it being so strange
that any should escape from Cande; [Entertained very kindly.] and
entertained us very kindly that Night: and the next Morning being
Sunday, sent a Corporal with us to Manaar, and a Black Man to carry
our few things.

[Sent to Manaar. Received by the Captain of the Castle.] At Manaar
we were brought before the Captain of the Castle, the Cheif Governor
being absent. Who when we came in was just risen from Dinner; he
received us with a great deal of kindness and bad us set down to
eat. It seemed not a little strange to us, who had dwelt so long
in Straw Cottages among the Black Heathen, and used to sit on the
Ground and eat our Meat on Leaves, now to sit on Chairs and eat
out of China Dishes at a Table. Where were great Varieties, and a
fair and sumptuous House inhabited by White and Christian People;
we being then in such Habit and Guize, our Natural colour excepted,
that we seemed not fit to eat with his Servants, no nor his Slaves.

[Who intended them to Sail the next day to Jafnapatan.] After Dinner
the Captain inquired concerning the Affairs of the King and Countrey,
and the condition of their Ambassadors and People there. To all which
we gave them true and satisfactory Answers. Then he told us, That to
Morrow there was a Sloop to sail to Jafnapatan, in which he would send
us to the Commander or Governor, from whence we might have passage
to Fort St. George, or any other place on that Coast, according to
our desire. After this, he gave us some Money, bidding us go to the
Castle, to drink and be merry with our Country-men there. For all
which kindness giving him many thanks in the Portuguese Language,
we took our leaves of him.

[Here they meet with a Scotch and Irish man.] When we came to the
Court of Guard at the Castle, we asked the Soldiers if there were
no English men among them. Immediatly there came forth two men to
us, the one a Scotchman named Andrew Brown; the other an Irishman
whose name was Francis Hodges. Who after very kind salutes carried
us unto their Lodgings in the Castle, and entertained us very nobly,
according to their Ability, with Rack and Tobacco.

[The People flock to see them.] The News of our Arrival being spread in
the Town, the People came flocking to see us, a strange and wonderful
sight! and to enquire about their Husbands, Sons, and Relations,
which were Prisoners in Cande.

In the Evening a Gentleman of the Town sent to invite us to his House,
were we were gallantly entertained both with Victuals and Lodging.

[They are ordered a longer stay.] The next day being Munday, ready to
Embark for Jafnapatan, came Order from the Captain and Council, that
we must stay until the Commander of Jafnapatan who was daily expected,
came thither. Which we could not deny to do: and order was given to the
Victualers of the Soldiers, to provide for us. The Scotch and Irish
man were very glad of this Order, that they might have our company
longer; and would not suffer us to spend the Captains benevolence in
their company, but spent freely upon us at their own charges. Thanks
be to God we both continued in health all the time of our Escape:
but within three days after we came to Manaar, my Companion fell very
Sick, that I thought I should have lost him.

[They embark for Columbo.] Thus we remained some ten days; at which
time the expected Commander arrived, and was received with great
ceremonies of State. The next day we went before him to receive his
orders concerning us. Which were, to be ready to go with him on the
morrow to Columbo, there being a Ship that had long waited in that
Road to carry him, In which we embarked with him for Columbo. At our
coming on board to go to Sea, we could not expect but to be Sea-sick,
being now as Fresh men, having so long disused the Sea, but it proved
otherwise, and we were not in the least stirred.






CHAP. XII.

Their Arrival at Columbo, and entertainment there. Their departure
thence to Batavia. And from thence to Bantam: Whence they set Sail
for England.


[They are wondred at Columbo.] Being arrived safely at Columbo, before
the Ship came to an Anchor, there came a Barge on board to carry the
Commander ashore. But being late in the evening, and my Consort sick of
an Ague and Fevor, we thought it better for us to stay until Morning,
to have a day before us. The next morning we bid the Skipper farewel,
and went ashore in the first Boat, going strait to the Court of Guard:
where all the Soldiers came staring upon us, wondring to see White-men
in Chingulay Habit. We asked them if there were no English-men among
them; they told us, There were none, but that in the City there
were several. A Trumpetter being hard by, who had formerly sailed
in English Ships, hearing of us came and invited us to his Chamber,
and entertained my Consort being sick of his Ague, in his own Bed.

[Ordered to appear before the Governour.] This strange news of our
arrival from Cande, was presently spread all about the City, and all
the English men that were there immediatly come to bid us welcome out
of our long Captivity. With whom we consulted how to come to speech of
the Governour. Upon which one of them went and acquainted the Captain
of the Guard of our being on shore. Which the Captain understanding
went and informed the Governour thereof. Who sent us answer that to
morrow we should come before him.

[Treated by English there.] After my Consort's Fit was over, our
Countreymen and their Friends invited us abroad, to walk and see
the City. We being barefoot and in the Chingulay Habit, with great
long Beards, the People much wondred at us, and came flocking to see
who and what we were; so that we had a great Train of People about
us as we walked in the Streets. After we had walked to and fro, and
had seen the City, they carried us to their Land-Ladies House, where
we were kindly treated both with Victuals and Drink; and returned to
the Trumpetter's Chamber, as he had desired us, when we went out. In
the Evening came a Boy from the Governor's House to tell us, that the
Governor invited us to come to Supper at his House. But we having Dined
late with our Countreymen and their Friends, had no room to receive
the Governor's Kindness: and so Lodged that Night at the Trumpetters.

[They come into the Governor's presence. His state.] The next Morning
the Governor, whose Name was Ricklof Van Gons, Son of Ricklof Van Gons
General of Batavia, sent for us to his House. Whom we found standing in
a large and stately Room, paved with black and white Stones; and only
the Commander, who brought us from Manaar, standing by him: who was
to succeed him in the Government of that place. On the further side
of the Room stood three of the chief Captains bare-headed. First,
He bid us welcom out of our long Captivity, and told us, That we
were free men, and that he should have been glad if he could have
been an Instrument to redeem us sooner, having endeavoured as much
for us as for his own People. For all which we thanked him heartily,
telling him, We knew it to be true.

[Matters the Governor enquired of.] The Governor perceiving I could
speak the Portugueze Tongue, began to inquire concerning the Affairs
of the King and Countrey very particularly, and oftentimes asked about
such Matters as he himself knew better than I. To all his Questions
my too much Experience inabled me to give a satisfactory Reply. Some
of the most remarkable matters he demanded of me were these.

First, They inquired much about the reason and intent of our coming
to Cuttiar. To which I answered them at large. Then they asked,
If the King of Cande had any Issue? I told them, As report went,
he had none. And, Who were the greatest in the Realm next to him? I
answered. There were none of Renown left, the King had destroyed them
all. How the hearts of the People stood affected? I answered, Much
against their King. He being so cruel. If we had never been brought
into his presence? I told them, No, nor had ever had a near sight
of him. What strength he had for War. I answered, Not well able to
assault them, by reason the hearts of his People were not true to
him. But that the strength of his Countrey consisted in Mountains
and Woods, as much as in the People.

What Army he could raise upon occasion? I answered, I knew not well,
but as I thought about Thirty Thousand men.

Why he would not make Peace with them, they so much sueing for it,
and sending Presents to please him? I answered, I was not one of his
Council, and knew not his meaning.

But they demanded of me, What I thought might be the reason or occasion
of it? I answered, Living securely in the Mountains he feareth none;
and for Traffick he regardeth it not.

Which way was best and most secure to send Spyes or Intelligence
to Cande? I told them, By the way that goeth to Jafniputtan, and by
some of that Countrey People, who have great correspondence with the
People of Neurecaulava, one of the Kings Countries.

What I thought would become of that Land after this King's Decease? I
told them, I thought, He having no issue, it might fall into their
hands.

How many English men had served the King, and what became of
them? which I gave them an account of.

Whether I had any Acquaintance or Discourse with the great Men at
Court? I answered, That I was too small to have any Friendship or
Intimacy, or hold Discourse with them.

How the common People used to talk concerning them? I answered,
They used much to commend their Justice and good Government in the
Territories, and over the People belonging unto them.

Whether the King did take Counsel of any, or rule and act only by
his own will and pleasure? I answered, I was a Stranger at Court,
and how could I know that?

But, they asked further, What was my Opinion? I replied, He is so
great, that there is none great enough to give him counsel.

Concerning the French, If the King knew not of their coming before
they came? I answered, I thought, not, because their coming seemed
strange and wonderful unto the People.

How they had proceeded in treating with the King? I answered, as shall
be related hereafter; when I come to speak of the French detained in
this Land.

If I knew any way or means to be used whereby the Prisoners in Cande
might be set free? I told them, Means I knew none, unless they could
do it by War.

Also they enquired about the manner of Executing those whom the
King commands to be put to Death. They enquired also very curiously
concerning the manner of our Surprizal, and Entertainment or Usage
among them. And in what parts of the Land we had our Residence. And
particularly, concerning my self: in what Parts of the Land, and
how long in each I had dwelt, and after what manner I lived there,
and of my Age; and in what Part or Place when God sends me home,
I should take up my abode. To all which I gave answers.

They desired to know also, how many English men there were yet
remaining behind. I gave them an account of Sixteen Men, and also of
Eighteen Children born there. They much enquired concerning their
Embassadors detained there, and of their behaviour and manner of
living; also what the King allowed them for Maintenance; and concerning
several Officers of Quality Prisoners there, and in general about
all the rest of their Nation. And what Countenance the King shewed to
those Dutch men that came running away to him? I answered, The Dutch
Runnawayes the King looks upon as Rogues. And concerning the Portugueze
they enquired also. I told them, The Portugueze were about some fifty
or threescore persons, and six or seven of those, Europe men born.

They asked me moreover, How we had made our Escape, and which way,
and by what Towns we passed, and how long we were in our Journey? To
all which I answered at large.

[The Governor desires him to go to Batavia.] Then the Governor asked
me, What was my intent and desire. I told him, To have Passage to our
own Nation at Fort S. GEORGE. To which he answered, That suddenly
there would be no convenient opportunity. But his desire was that
we would go with him to Batavia, where the General his Father would
be very glad to see us. Which was not in our power to deny. Then he
commanded to call a Dutch Captain, who was over the Countreys adjacent,
subject to their jurisdiction. To him he gave Order to take us home
to his House, and there well to entertain us, [Cloths them.] and
also to send for a Tailor to make us Cloths. Upon which I told him,
his Kindness shewn us already was more than we could have desired;
it would be a sufficient favour now to supply us with a little Money
upon a Bill to be paid at Fort S. George, that we might therewith
Cloth our selves. To which he answered, That he would not deny me any
Sum I should demand, and Cloth us upon his own account besides. For
which we humbly thanked his Lordship: and so took our leaves of him;
and went home with the aforesaid Captain.

[Sends them Money.] The Governor presently sent me Money by his
Steward for Expences when we walked abroad in the City. We were
nobly entertained without lack of any thing all the time we stayed
at Columbo. My Consort's Ague increased, and grew very bad; [And a
Chirurgeon.] but the chief Chirurgeon by order daily came to see him,
and gave him such Potions of Physick, that by God's Blessing he soon
after recovered.

[The Author writes a Letter to the English at Cande.] During my
being here, I writ a Letter to my fellow Prisoners I left behind me
in Cande. Wherein I described at large the way we went, they might
plainly understand the same. Which I finding to be safe and secure,
advised them, when God permitted, to steer the same course. This
Letter I left with the new Governor, and desired him when opportunity
presented, to send it to them. Who said he would have it Copied out
into Dutch for the benefit of their Prisoners there, and promised to
send both together.

[The former Demands and Answers penned down in Portugueze by the
Governor's order.] The Governor seemed to be pleased with my aforesaid
Relations, and Replies to his Demands, insomuch that he afterwards
appointed one that well understood Portugueze to write down all the
former particulars. Which being done, for further satisfaction they
brought me Pen and Paper, desiring me to write the same that I had
related to them in English and sign it with my hand, which I was not
unwilling to do.

[They Embark for Batavia.] Upon the Governor's departure there were
great and royal Feasts made. To which he always sent for me. Here
were exceeding great Varieties of Food, Wine, and sweet Meats, and
Musick. Some two and twenty days after our Arrival at Columbo, the
Governor went on board ship to sail to Batavia, and took us with
him. At which time there were many Scores of Ordnance fired. We
Sailed all the way with Flag and Penant under it, being out both
Day and Night, in a Ship of about Eight hundred Tuns Burthen; and
a Soldier standing armed Sentinel at the Cabin door both Night and
Day. He so far favoured me, that I was in his own Mess, and eat at
his Table. Where every Meal we had Ten or Twelve Dishes of Meat with
variety of Wine. We set Sail from Columbo the Four and twentieth of
November, and the Fifth of January anchored in Batavia Road.

[His friendly Reception at Batavia with the Governor.] As we came to
greater Men so we found greater Kindness; for the General of Batavia's
Reception of us, and favours to us exceeded (if possible) those of the
Governor his Son. As soon as we came before him, seeming to be very
glad, he took me by the hand and bad us heartily welcom, thanking God
on our behalf that had appeared so miraculously in our deliverance;
telling us withal, That he had omitted no means for our Redemption,
and that if it had layd in his Power, we should long before have had
our Liberty. I humbly thanked his Excellency, and said, That I knew
it to be true; and that tho it missed of an effect, yet his good will
was not the less, neither were our Obligations, being ever bound to
thank and pray for him.

[Furnishes them with the Cloths and Money.] Then his own Tailor
was ordered to take measure of us, and furnish us with two Sutes of
Apparel. He gave us also Moneys for Tobacco and Betel, and to spend
in the City. All the time we stayed there, our Quarters were in
the Captain of the Castle's House. And oftentimes the General would
send for me to his own Table, at which sat only himself and Lady;
who was all bespangled with Diamonds and Pearls. Sometimes his Sons
and Daughters-in-Law, with some other Strangers did eat with him;
the Trumpet founding all the while. We finding our selves thus kindly
entertained, and our Habits changed, saw, that we were no more Captives
in Cande, nor yet Prisoners elsewhere; therefore cut off our Beards
which we had brought with us out of our Captivity; for until then we
cut them not; God having rolled away the reproach of Cande from us.

Here also they did examine me again concerning the passages of Cande,
causing all to be writ down which I said, and requiring my hand to the
same. Which I refused, as I had done before, and upon the same account,
because I understood not the Dutch Language. Whereupon they persuaded
me to write a Certificate upon another Paper under my Hand, that what
I had informed them of, was true. Which I did. This Examination was
taken by two Secretaries, who were appointed to demand Answers of me
concerning the King of Ceilon and his Countrey: which they committed
to Writing from my mouth.

[Offer him passage in their Ships.] The General's youngest Son
being to go home Admiral of the Ships this year, the General kindly
offered us passage upon their Ships, promising me Entertainment at
his Son's own Table, as the Governor of Columbo had given me in my
Voyage hither. Which offer he made me, he said, That I might better
satisfie their Company in Holland concerning the Affairs of Ceilon,
which they would be very glad to know.

[Come home from Bantam in the Caesar.] At this time came two English
Merchants hither from Bantam, with whom the General was pleased to
permit us to go. But when we came to Bantam, the English Agent very
kindly entertained us, and being not willing, that we should go to
the Dutch for Passage, since God had brought us to our own Nation,
ordered our Passage in the good Ship Caesar lying then in the Road,
bound for England, the Land of our Nativity, and our long wished
for Port. Where by the good Providence of God we arrived safe in the
Month of September.







CHAP. XIII.

Concerning some other Nations, and chiefly Europaeans, that now live
in this Island. Portugueze, Dutch.


Having said all this concerning the English People, it may not
be unacceptable to give some account of other Whites, who either
voluntarily or by constraint Inhabit there. And they are, besides the
English already spoken of, Portugueze, Dutch, and French. But before
I enter upon Discourse of any of these, I shall detain my Readers
a little with another Nation inhabiting in this Land, I mean, the
Malabars; both because they are Strangers and derive themselves from
another Countrey, and also because I have had occasion to mention
them sometimes in this Book.

[Concerning Malabars that inhabit this Island. Their
Territories.] These Malabars then are voluntary Inhabitants in this
Island, and have a Countrey here; tho the Limits of it are but small:
it lyes to the Northward of the King's Coasts betwixt him and the
Hollander. Corunda Wy River parts it from the King's Territories. Thro
this Countrey we passed, when we made our Escape. The Language they
speak is peculiar to themselves, so that a Chingulays cannot understand
them, nor they a Chingulays.

[Their Prince.] They have a Prince over them, called Coilat wannea,
that is independent either upon the King of Cande on one hand,
or the Dutch on the other, only that he pays an acknowledgment to
the Hollanders. Who have endeavoured to subdue him by Wars, but they
cannot yet do it: yet they have brought him to be a Tributary to them,
viz. To pay a certain rate of Elephants per annum. The King and this
Prince maintain a Friendship and Correspondence together. And when
the King lately sent an Army against the Hollanders, this Prince let
them pass thro his Countrey; and went himself in Person to direct
the King's People, when they took one or two Forts from them.

[The People how governed.] The People are in great subjection under
him: they pay him rather greater Taxes than the Chingulays do to their
King. But he is nothing so cruel. He Victualleth his Soldiers during
the time they are upon the Guard, either about the Palace or abroad
in the Wars: they are now fed at his Charge: whereas 'tis contrary
in the King's Countrey; for the Chingulay Soldiers bear their own
Expences. He hath a certain rate out of every Land that is sown,
which is to maintain his Charge.

[Their Commodities and Trade.] The Commodities of this Countrey are,
Elephants, Hony, Butter, Milk, Wax, Cows, wild Cattel: of the three
last great abundance. As for Corn it is more scarce than in the
Chingulays Countrey; neither have they any Cotton. But they come up
into Neure Caulava yearly with great droves of Cattel, and lade both
Corn and Cotton. And to buy these they bring up Cloth made of the same
Cotton, which they can make better than the Chingulays; also they
bring Salt and Salt Fish, and brass Basons, and other Commodities,
which they get of the Hollander: because the King permits not his
People to have any manner of Trade with the Hollander; so they receive
the Dutch Commodities at the second hand.

[Concerning the Portugueze. Their Power and Interest in this Island
formerly.] We now proceed unto the Europaean Nations. And we begin
with the Portugueze, who deserve the first place, being the oldest
Standers there.

The Sea-Coasts round about the Island were formerly under their Power
and Government, and so held for many years. In which time many of the
Natives became Christians, and learned the Portugueze Tongue. Which
to this day is much spoken in that Land: for even the King himself
understands and speaks it excellently well. The Portugueze have
often made Invasions throughout the whole Land, even to Cande the
Metropolis of the Island. Which they have burnt more than once,
with the Palace and the Temples: and so formidable have they been,
that the King hath been forced to turn Tributary to them, paying
them three Elephants per Annum. However the middle of this Island,
viz. Cand' Uda, standing upon Mountains, and so strongly fortified,
by Nature, could never be brought into subjection by them, much less
by any other, but hath always been under the Power of their own Kings.

[The great Wars between the King and them, force him to send in for
the Hollanders.] There were great and long Wars between the King of
Ceilon and the Portugueze: and many of the brave Portugal Generals
are still in memory among them: of whom I shall relate some passages
presently. Great vexation they gave the King by their irruptions
into his Dominions, and the Mischiefs they did him, tho oftentimes
with great loss on their side. Great Battels have been lost and won
between them, with great destruction of Men on both parts. But being
greatly distressed at last, he sent and called in the Hollander to
his aid. By whose reasonable assistance together with his own Arms,
the King totally disposessed the Portugueze, and routed them out of
the Land. Whose rooms the Dutch now occupy, paying themselves for
their pains.

[The King invites the Portugueze to live in his Countrey.] At the
Surrender of Columbo, which was the last place the Portugueze held,
the King made Proclamation, That all Portugueze, which would come
unto him, should be well entertained. Which accordingly many did,
with their whole Families, Wives, Children, and Servants, choosing
rather to be under him than the Dutch, and divers of them are alive
to this day, living in Cande Uda; and others are born there. [Their
Privileges.] To all whom he alloweth monthly maintenance; yea also,
and Provisions for their Slaves and Servants, which they brought
up with them. This People are privileged to Travel the Countreys
above all other Whites, as knowing they will not run away. Also when
there was a Trade at the Sea Ports, they were permitted to go down
with Commodities, clear from all Customs and Duties. Besides these
who came voluntarily to live under the King, there are others whom
he took Prisoners. The Portugueze of the best Quality the King took
into his Service, who are most of them since cut off according to his
kind Custom towards his Courtiers. The rest of them have allowance
from that King, and follow Husbandry, Trading about the Countrey,
Stilling Rack, keeping Taverns; the Women sew Womens Wastcoats,
the Men sew Mens Doublets for Sale.

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