44. Superintendent of the Fire Brigade and Wardens of the Town. As
above.
45. As stated here, the deacons have a deficit of Rds. 1,145.3.7 over
the last five and half years, caused by the building of an Orphanage
and the maintenance of the children. At present there are 18 orphans,
10 boys and 8 girls, and for such a small number certainly a large
building and great expenditure is unnecessary. As the deficit has been
chiefly caused by the building of the Orphanage, which is paid for
now, and as the Deaconate has invested a large capital, amounting to
Fl. 40,800, on interest in the Company, I do not see the necessity of
finding it some other source of income, as it would have to be levied
from the inhabitants or paid by the Company in some way or other.
46. No more sums on interest are to be received in deposit on behalf
of the Company, in compliance with the instructions referred to.
47. What is stated here with regard to the money drafts must be
observed.
48. Golden Pagodas.--I find a notice, bearing date November 18,
1695, giving warning against the introduction of Pagodas into this
country. It does not seem to have had much effect, as there seems
to be a regular conspiracy and monopoly among the chetties and other
rogues. This ought to be stopped, and I have therefore ordered that
none but the Negapatam and Palliacatte Pagodas will be current at 24
fannums or Rds. 2, while it will be strictly prohibited to give in
payment or exchange any other Pagodas, whether at the boutiques or
anywhere else, directly or indirectly, on penalty of the punishment
laid down in the statutes. Your Honours must see that this rule
is observed, and care must be taken that no payment is made to the
Company's servants in coin on which they would have to lose.
49. The applications from outstations.--The rules laid down in the
annexed Memoir must be observed.
50. With regard to the Company's sloops and other vessels, directions
are given here as to how they are employed, which directions must be
still observed. Further information or instructions may be obtained
from Colombo.
51. The Fortifications.--I think it would be preferable to leave the
fortifications of the Castle of Jaffnapatam as they are, instead
of raising any points or curtains. But improvements may be made,
such as the alteration of the embrazures, which are at present on the
outside surrounded by coral stone and chunam, and are not effective,
as I noticed that at the firing of the salute on my arrival, wherever
the canons were fired the coral stone had been loosened and in some
places even thrown down. The sentry boxes also on the outer points
of the flank and face had been damaged. These embrazures would be
very dangerous for the sentry in case of an attack, as they would
not stand much firing. I think also that the stone flooring for the
artillery ought to be raised a little, or, in an emergency, boards
could be placed underneath the canon, which would also prevent the
stones being crushed by the wheels. I noticed further that each canon
stands on a separate platform, which is on a level with the floor of
the curtain, so that if the carriage should break when the canon are
fired, the latter would be thrown down, and it would be with great
difficulty only that they could be replaced on their platform. It
would be much safer if the spaces between these platforms were filled
up. The ramparts are all right, but the curtain slopes too much;
this was done most likely with a view of permitting the shooting with
muskets at even a closer range than half-way across the moat. This
deficiency might be rectified by raising the earthen wall about
half a foot. These are the chief deficiencies I noticed, which could
be easily rectified. With regard to the embrazures, I do not know at
present whether it would be safer to follow the plan of the Commandeur
or that of the Constable-Major Toorse. For the present I have ordered
the removal of the stones and their replacement by grass sods, which
can be fixed on the earthen covering of the ramparts. Some of the
soldiers well experienced in this work are employed in doing this,
and I think that it will be far more satisfactory than the former plan,
which was only for show. The sentry boxes had better be built inside,
and the present passage to them from the earthen wall closed up, and
they must be built so that they would not be damaged by the firing of
the canon. The Dessave has been instructed to see that the different
platforms for the artillery are made on one continuous floor, which
can be easily done, as the spaces between them are but very small
and the materials are at hand.
I wish the deficiencies outside the fort could be remedied as well
as those within it. The principal defect is that the moat serves as
yet very little as a safeguard, and it seems as if there is no hope
of its being possible to dig it sufficiently deep, considering that
experiments have been made with large numbers of labourers and yet the
work has advanced but little. When His Excellency the Honourable the
Commissioner van Mydregt was in Jaffnapatam in 1690, he had this work
continued for four or five weeks by a large number of people, but he
had to give it up, and left no instructions as far as is known. The
chief difficulty is the very hard and large rocks enclosed in the
coral stone, which cannot be broken by any instrument and have to
be blasted. This could be successfully done in the upper part, but
lower down beneath the water level the gunpowder cannot be made to
take fire. As this is such an important work, I think orders should
be obtained from Batavia to carry on this work during the dry season
when the water is lowest; because at that time also the people are
not engaged in the cultivation of fields, so that a large number
of labourers could be obtained. The blasting of the rocks was not
undertaken at first for fear of damage to the fortifications, but
as the moat has been dug at a distance of 10 roods from the wall,
it may be 6 or 7 roods wide and a space would yet remain of 3 or
4 roods. This, in my opinion, would be the only effectual way of
completing the work, provision being made against the rushing in of the
water, while a sufficient number of tools, such as shovels, spades,
&c., must be kept at hand for the breaking of the coral stones. It
would be well for the maintenance of the proper depth to cover both
the outer and inner walls with coral stone, as otherwise this work
would be perfectly useless.
With regard to the high grounds northward and southward of the town,
this is not very considerable, and thus not a source of much danger. I
admit, however, that it would be better if they were somewhat lower,
but the surface is so large that I fear it would involve a great
deal of labour and expenditure. In case this were necessary, it would
be just as important that the whole row of buildings right opposite
the fort in the town should be broken down. I do not see the great
necessity for either, while moreover, the soil consists of sand and
stone, which is not easily dug. With regard to the horse stables and
the carpenters' yard just outside the gate of the Castle, enclosed
by a wall, the river, and the moat of the Castle, which is deepest
in that place (although I did not see much water in it), I think it
would have been better if they had been placed elsewhere; but yet I
do not think they are very dangerous to the fort, especially as that
corner can be protected from the points Hollandia and Gelria; while,
moreover, the roof of the stable and the walls towards the fort could
be broken down on the approach of an enemy; for, surely no one could
come near without being observed. As these buildings have been only
newly erected, they will have to be used, in compliance with the
orders from Batavia.
Thus far as to my advice with regard to this fort; but I do not mean to
oppose the proposals of the Commandeur. I will only state here that I
found the moat of unequal breadth, and in some places only half as wide
as it ought to be, of which no mention is made here. In some places
also it is not sufficiently deep to turn the water by banks or keep it
four or five feet high by water-mills. Even if this were so, I do not
think the water could be retained on account of the sandy and stony
soil, especially as there are several low levels near by. Supposing
even that it were possible, the first thing an enemy would do would be
to direct a few shots of the canon towards the sluices, and thus make
them useless. I would therefore recommend that, if possible, the moat
be deepened so far during the south-west monsoon that it would be on a
level with the river, by which four or six feet of water would always
stand in it. With regard to the sowing of thorns, I fear that during
the dry season they would be quite parched and easily take fire. This
proposal shows how little the work at the moat has really advanced,
in fact, when I saw it it was dry and overgrown with grass. So long
as the fort is not surrounded by a moat, I cannot see the necessity
for a drawbridge, but the Honourable the Government of India will
dispose of this matter. Meantime I have had many improvements made,
which I hope will gain the approval of Their Excellencies.
52. The fortress Hammenhiel is very well situated for the protection
of the harbour and the river of Kaits. The sand bank and the wall
damaged by the storm have been repaired. The height of the reservoir
is undoubtedly a mistake, which must be altered. The gate and the part
of the rampart are still covered with the old and decayed beams, and
it would be well if the project of Mr. Blom be completed. This is a
very necessary work, which must be hurried on as much as circumstances
permit, and it is recommended to Your Honours' attention, because
the old roof threatens to break down.
53. As I have not seen any of these places, I cannot say whether the
water tanks are required or not. As the work has to wait for Dutch
bricks, it will be some time before it can be commenced, because
there are none in store here.
54. Manaar is a fortress with four entire bastions. I found that the
full garrison, including Europeans and Mixties, [75] consists of 44
men, twelve or fifteen of whom are moreover usually employed in the
advanced guard or elsewhere. I do not therefore see the use of this
fortress, and do not understand why instead of this fortress a redoubt
was not built. Having been built the matter cannot now be altered. It
has been stated that Manaar is an island which protects Jaffnapatam
on the south, but I cannot see how this is so. The deepening of
the moat cannot be carried out so soon, but the elevations may be
removed. Lime I consider can be burnt there in sufficient quantities,
and my verbal orders to the Resident have been to that effect. The
pavement for the canons I found quite completed, but the floors of
the galleries of the dwelling houses not yet. The water reservoir
of brick, which is on a level with the rampart, I have ordered to be
surrounded with a low wall, about 3 or 3 1/2 feet high, with a view
to prevent accidents to the sentinels at night, which are otherwise
likely to occur. The Dessave must see whether this has been done,
as it is not likely that I would go there again, because I intend
returning to Colombo by another route.
55. Great attention should be paid to the provisions and
ammunition. The order of His Excellency van Mydregt was given as a
wise precaution, but has proved impracticable after many years of
experience, as His Excellency himself was also aware, especially
with regard to grain and rice, on account of the variable crops to
which we are subject here. However, the plan must be carried out as
far as possible in this Commandement, with the understanding that
no extraordinary prices are paid for the purchase of rice; while, on
the other hand, care must be taken that the grain does not spoil by
being kept too long; because we do not know of any kind of rice except
that from Coromandel which can be kept even for one year. At present
rice and nely are easily obtained, and therefore I do not consider it
necessary that the people of Jaffnapatam should be obliged to deliver
their rice at half per cent. less to the Company. The ten kegs of meat
and ten kegs of bacon must be sent to Colombo by the first opportunity,
to be disposed of there, if it is not spoilt (which is very much to
be feared). In case it is unfit for use the loss will be charged to
the account of this Commandement, although it has to be borne by the
Company all the same. Greater discrimination should be exercised in
future to prevent such occurrences, and I think it would be well in
emergencies to follow the advice of the late Mr. Paviljoen, viz., to
capture 1,000 or 1,200 cattle around the fort and drive them inside it,
while dry burs, &c., may also be collected to feed them. The arrack
must never be accepted until it has been proved to be good. In Batavia
it is tested by burning it in a silver bowl, and the same ought to be
done here, it being tested by two Commissioners and the dispenser. In
future bad arrack will be charged to the account of the person who
accepted it. The acceptance of inferior goods proves great negligence,
to say the least, and Your Honours are recommended to see that these
orders are observed. It is a satisfaction to know that there is a
sufficient stock of ammunition. An attempt must be made to repair
the old muskets, and those which are unfit for use must be sent to
Colombo. Pitch and tar will be sent. The storing away of fuel is a
praiseworthy precaution; but on my arrival I found only very little
kept here, and the space for the greater part empty.
56. The military and the garrison are proportionately as strong here as
in other places, the want of men being a general complaint. However,
in order to meet this defect in some way, 34 of the military men who
came here with me are to remain, and also the three men whom I left
at Manaar and appointed to that station. I therefore do not think it
necessary to employ any more oepasses, [76] especially as we intend to
reduce the number of these people in Colombo to a great extent, so that
if they are really required, which I cannot see yet, some of them might
be sent here. At present we have nothing to fear from the Sinhalese. We
are on good terms with them, and it would be inexcusable to employ
any new men whose maintenance would be a heavy expenditure. Strict
discipline and continual military drill are very important points,
specially recommended to the attention of the Dessave.
57. Public Works.--Care must be taken that no more native artisans
are employed than is necessary, as this means a considerable daily
expenditure. The various recommendations on this subject must be
observed. The four old and decayed Portuguese houses, which I found
to be in a bad condition, must be rebuilt when circumstances permit,
and may then serve as dwellings for the clergy and other qualified
officers, [77] but orders from Batavia must be awaited. Meantime
I authorize Your Honours to have the armoury rebuilt, as this is
indispensable.
58. I agree with the recommendations with regard to the horse stables,
and also think that they could very well be supervised by the Chief,
and that it is undesirable for private overseers to be employed
for this purpose. The stable outside the fort has been brought into
readiness, and it may now be considered for what purpose the stable
in the Castle could be utilized.
59. It is well that the floor of the hospital has been raised,
but the floor of the back gallery is also too low, so that it is
always wet whenever it rains, the water both rising from the ground
and coming down from the roof, which has been built too flat. It is
also necessary that a door be made in the ante-room and the entrance
of the gallery, in order to shut out the cold north winds, which are
very strong here and cause great discomfort to the patients. I also
think that the half walls between the rooms should be raised by a half
stone wall up to the roof, because it is too cold as it is at present
for such people. These and other improvements are also recommended
to the attention of the Dessave.
60. It is always the case with the Company's slaves, to ask for
higher pay as soon as they learn a trade. I cannot countenance this
on my part, because I consider that they already receive the highest
pay allowed for a slave. They deserve no more than others who have
to do the heaviest and dirtiest work. These also if put to the test
would do higher work, as experience has proved. It is true that the
number here is small, but I think the rules should be the same in
all places. As there are, however, some slaves in Colombo also who
receive higher pay, the wages of the man who draws 6 fanams might be
raised to 8, 4 to 6, and 3 to 5 fanams, on the understanding that no
increase will be given hereafter. The emancipation of slaves and the
intermarrying with free people has also been practised and tolerated
in Ceylon, but whatever may be the pretext, I think it is always
to the prejudice of the Company in the case of male slaves. In the
case of women without children the matter is not quite so important,
and I would consent to it in the present case of the woman whom a
native proposes to marry, provided she has no children and is willing
to place a strong and healthy substitute. Until further orders no
more slaves are to be emancipated or allowed to intermarry with
free people. Those who are no longer able to work must be excused,
but those who have been receiving higher pay because they know some
trade will, in that case, receive no more than ordinary slaves. It
is not wise to emancipate slaves because they are old, as it might
have undesirable consequences, while also they might in that case
very soon have to be maintained by the Deaconate.
61. It is in compliance with our orders that close regard should
be paid to all that passes at Manaar. This has been confirmed again
by our letter of June 1, especially with a view to collect the duty
from the vessels carrying cloth, areca-nut, &c., as was always done
by the Portuguese, and formerly also by the Company during the time
of the free trade. Further orders with regard to this matter must be
awaited from Batavia. Meantime our provisional orders must be observed,
and in case these are approved, it will have to be considered whether
it would not be better to lease the Customs duty. Personally I think
that this would be decidedly more profitable to the Company.
62. With regard to the ill-fated elephants, I have to seriously
recommend better supervision. It is unaccountable how so many of
these animals should die in the stables. Out of three or four animals
sent to Jaffnapatam in 1685, and once even out of ten animals sent,
only one reached the Castle alive. If such be the case, what use is
it to the Company for efforts to be made for the delivery of a large
number of elephants? Moreover, experience proves that this need not
be looked upon as inevitable, because out of more than 100 elephants
kept in the lands of Matura hardly two or three died in a whole year,
while two parties of 63 animals each had been transported for more than
120 miles by land and reached their destination quite fresh and well,
although there were among these six old and decrepit and thirteen baby
elephants, some only 3 cubits high and rather delicate. It is true, as
has been said, that the former animals had been captured with nooses,
which would tire and harm them more than if they were caught in kraals,
but even then they make every effort to regain their liberty, and,
moreover, the kraals were in use here also formerly, and even then
a large number of the animals died. These are only vain excuses,
for I have been assured by the Lieutenant Claas Isaacsz and others
who have often assisted in the capture of elephants, both with nooses
and in kraals, that these animals (which are very delicate and must
be carefully tended, as they cannot be without food for 24 hours)
were absolutely neglected both in the stables at Manaar and on the
way. An animal of 5 or 6 cubits high is fed and attended there by only
one cooly, while each animal requires at least three coolies. They
are only fed on grass, if it is to be had, and at most 10, 12, or
15 olas or coconut leaves, whereas they require at least 50 or 60,
and it is very likely that those that are being transported get still
less, while the journey itself also does them a great deal of harm. How
little regard is paid to these matters I have seen myself in the lands
of Mantotte and elsewhere, and the Chief of Manaar, Willem de Ridder,
when questioned about it, had to admit that none of the keepers or
those who transported the animals, who are usually intemperate and
inexperienced toepas soldiers or Lascoreens, had ever been questioned
or even suspected in this matter. This is neglect of the Company's
interests, and in future only trustworthy persons should be employed,
and fines or corporal punishment ordered in case of failure, as the
death of such a large number of elephants causes considerable loss
to the Company. I think it would be best if the Chief of Manaar were
held mostly responsible for the supervision and after him the Adigar of
Mantotte. They must see that the animals are fed properly when kept in
the stalls during the rainy season; and these animals must always have
more than they eat, as they tread upon and waste part of it. During
the dry season the animals must be distributed over the different
villages in the Island, some also being sent to Carsel. Care must be
taken that besides the cornak [78] there are employed three parrias
[79] for each animal to provide its food, instead of one only as at
present, and besides the Chief and the Adigar a trustworthy man should
be appointed, either a Dutch sergeant or corporal or a reliable native,
to supervise the stalls. His duty will be to improve the stables,
and see that they are kept clean, and that the animals are properly
fed. The tank of Manaar, which is shallow and often polluted by
buffaloes, must be cleaned, deepened, and surrounded with a fence,
and in future only used for the elephants. The Adigar must supervise
the transport of the elephants from Mantotte and Manaar to the Castle,
and he must be given for his assistance all such men as he applies
for. At the boundary of the district of Mantotte he must give over his
charge to the Adigar of Pringaly, and the latter transporting them to
the boundary of Ponneryn must give them over to the Adigar of Ponneryn,
and he again at the Passes to the Ensign there, who will transport them
to the Castle. Experience will prove that in this way nearly all the
animals will arrive in good condition. The Dessave de Bitter is to see
that these orders are carried out, and he may suggest any improvements
he could think of, which will receive our consideration. This is
all I have to say on the subject. It seems that the Castle, &c.,
are mostly kept up on account of the elephants, and therefore the
sale of these animals must counterbalance the expenditure.
63. The cultivation of dye-roots is dealt with under the heading of
the Moorish Trade.
64. I approve the orders from Colombo of May 17, 1695, with regard
to the proposal by Perie Tamby, for I think that he would have looked
for pearl oysters more than for chanks.
65. With regard to the pearl fishery, some changes will have to be
made. The orders will be sent in time from Colombo before the next
fishery. In my Memoir, left at Colombo, I have ordered with regard
to the proposal of the Committee that four buoys should be made as
beacons for the vessels, each having a chain of 12 fathoms long, with
the necessary adaptations in the links for turning. With regard to the
question as to the prohibition of the export of coconuts on account
of the large number of people that will collect there, I cannot see
that it would be necessary. When the time arrives, and it is sure
that a fishery will be held, Your Honours may consider the question
once more, and if you think it to be so, the issue of passports may
be discontinued for the time. Most likely a fishery will be held
in the beginning of next year, upon which we hope God will give His
blessing, the Company having made a profit of Fl. 77,435.12 1/2 last
time, when only three-fourths of the work could be done on account
of the early south-west monsoon.
66. All particulars having been stated here with regard to the
inhabited islets, I do not consider it necessary to make any remarks
about them.
67. Horse breeding surely promises good results as stated in the
annexed Memoir. I visited the islands De Twee Gebroeders, and saw
about 200 foals of one, two, and three years old. I had some caught
with nooses, and they proved to be of good build and of fairly
good race. On the island of Delft there are no less than 400 or 500
foals. Many of those on the islands De Twee Gebroeders will soon be
large enough to be captured and trained, when 15 animals, or three
teams, must be sent to Colombo to serve for the carriages with four
horses in which it is customary to receive the Kandyan ambassadors
and courtiers. They must be good animals, and as much as possible
alike in colour. At present we have only ten of these horses, many
of which are too old and others very unruly, so that they are almost
useless. Besides these, 15 riding horses are required for the service
of the Company in Colombo and Galle, as not a single good saddle
horse is to be found in either of these Commandements. Besides these,
25 or 30 horses must be sent for sale to private persons by public
auction, which I trust will fetch a good deal more than Rds. 25 or 35,
as they do in Coromandel. The latter prices are the very lowest at
which the animals are to be sold, and none must be sold in private,
but always by public auction. This, I am sure, will be decidedly in the
interest of the Company and the fairest way of dealing. I would further
recommend that, as soon as possible, a stable should be built on the
islands De Twee Gebroeders like that in Delft, or a little smaller,
where the animals could be kept when captured until they are a little
tamed, as they remain very wild for about two months. Next to this
stable a room or small house should be built for the Netherlander to
whom the supervision is entrusted. At present this person, who is
moreover married, lives in a kind of Hottentot's lodging, which is
very unseemly. The Dessave must see that the inhabitants of the island
Delft are forbidden to cultivate cotton, and that the cotton trees now
found there are destroyed; because the number of horses is increasing
rapidly. The Dessave noticed only lately that large tracts of land of
two, three, and more miles are thus cultivated, in direct opposition
to the Company's orders. It seems they are not satisfied to be allowed
to increase the number of their cattle by thousands, all of which have
to derive their food from the island as well as the Company's horses,
but they must also now cultivate cotton, which cannot be tolerated
and must be strictly prohibited. Once the horses perished for want of
water; on one occasion they were shot on account of crooked legs; and
it would be gross carelessness if now they had to perish by starvation.
68. The Passes of Colomboture, Catsjay, Ponneryn, Pyl, Elephant, and
Beschutter; Point Pedro; the Water fortress, Kayts or Hammenhiel;
Aripo; Elipoecareve; and Palwerain-cattoe. No particular remarks
are necessary with regard to these Passes and stations, except that
I would recommend the Dessave, when he has an opportunity to visit
the redoubts Pyl, Elephant, and Beschutter with an expert, to see in
what way they could be best connected. I think that out of all the
different proposals that of a strong and high wall would deserve
preference, if it be possible to collect the required materials,
as it would have to be two miles long. As to the other proposals,
such as that of making a fence of palmyra trees or thorns, or to
dig a moat, I think it would be labour in vain; but whatever is
done must be carried out without expense or trouble to the Company,
in compliance with the orders from the Supreme Government of India.
69. The instructions with regard to the water tanks must be carried
out as far as possible.