PART IV.

CHAP. I.

Of the reason of our going to Ceilon, and Detaimnent there.

[The subject of this fourth Part.] In this Fourth and last Part,

I purpose to speak concerning our Captivity in this Island, and

during which, in what Condition the English have lived there, and

the eminent Providence of God in my escape thence, together with

other matters relating to the Dutch, and other European Nations,

that dwell and are kept there. All which will afford so much variety,

and new matters, that I doubt not but the Readers will be entertained

with as much delight in perusing these things, as in any else that

have been already related. I begin with the unhappy Occasion of our

going to this Countrey.

[The occasion of their coming to Ceilon.] Anno MDCLVII. The Ann Frigat

of London, Capt. Robert Knox Commander, on the One and twentieth day

of January, set Sail out of the Downs, in the Service of the Honourable

the English East-India Company, bound for Fort S. George, on the Coast

of Cormandel, to Trade one year from Port to Port in India. Which we

having performed, as we were Lading of Goods to return for England,

being in the Road of Matlipatan, on the Nineteenth of November Anno

MDCLIX. happened such a mighty Storm, that in it several Ships were

cast away, and we forced to cut our Main-Mast by the Board, which so

disabled the Ship, that she could not proceed in her Voyage. Whereupon

Cotiar, in the Island of Ceilon, being a very commodious Bay, fit

for our present Distress, Thomas Chambers Esq; (since Sir Thomas)

the Agent at Fort S. George, ordered, That the Ship should take in

some Cloth, and go to Cotiar Bay, there to Trade, while she lay to

set her Mast. Where being arrived according to the appointment of

those Indian Merchants of Porta Nova we carried with us, to whom those

Goods belonged, they were put ashore, and we minded our Business to

set another Main-mast, and repair our other Dammages we had sustained

by the late Storm.

[They were not jealous of the People, being very courteous.] At our

first coming thither, we were shy and jealous of the People of the

Place, by reason our Nation never had any Commerce or Dealing with

them. But now having been there some Twenty days, and going a Shore and

coming on Board at our Pleasure without any molestation, the Governor

of the Place also telling us, that we were welcom, as we seemed to

our selves to be, we began to lay aside all suspitious thoughts of the

People dwelling thereabouts, who had very kindly entertained us for our

Moneys with such Provisions and Refreshings as those Parts afforded.

[A pretended Message to the Captain from the King.] By this time the

King of the Countrey had notice of our being there, and as I suppose

grew suspicious of us, not having all that while by any Message made

him acquainted with our intent and purpose in coming. Thereupon

he dispatched down a Dissauva or General with his Army to us. Who

immediately sent a Messenger on Board to acquaint the Captain with his

coming, and desired him to come ashore to him, pretending a Letter to

him from the King. We saluted the Message with firing of Guns, and my

Father the Captain ordered me with Mr. John Loveland, Merchant of the

Ship, to go on shore and wait upon him. When we were come before him,

he demanded who we were, and how long we should stay? We told him,

We were English, and not to stay above twenty or thirty days, and

desired Permission to Trade in his Majestie's Port. His answer was,

the King was glad to hear that the English were come to his Countrey,

and had commanded him to assist us as we should desire, and had sent

a Letter to be delivered to none, but to the Captain himself.

We were then some twelve Miles from the Sea-side. Our reply was, That

the Captain could not leave his Ship to come so far, but if he pleased

to come down to the Sea-side himself, the Captain would immediately

wait upon him to receive the Letter. Upon which the Dissauva desired

us to stay that day, and on the morrow he would go down with us.

Which being a small request, and we unwilling to displease him,

consented to.

[The beginning of their Suspition.] The same day at Evening, the

Dissauva sent two of his chief Captains to the House where we lay

to tell us, That he was sending a Present to the Captain, and if we

pleased we might send a Letter to him; that he would send the Present

in the Night, and himself with us follow the next Morning. At which

we began to suspect, and accordingly concluded to write and advise

the Captain not to adventure himself, nor any other on shore till he

saw us. We having writ a Letter to this purpose they took it and went

away, but never delivered it.

[The Captain seized, and seven more.] The next Morning the Present,

which was Cattle, Fruit, &c. was brought to the Sea-side, and delivered

to the Captain; the Messengers telling him withal, that we were upon

the way coming down, with the Dissauva; who desired his Company on

shore against his coming, having a Letter from the King to deliver into

his own hand. Hereupon the Captain mistrusting nothing, came up with

his Boat into a small River, and being come ashore, sat down under

a Tamarind Tree, waiting for the Dissauva and us. In which time the

Native Soldiers privately surrounded him and Men, having no Arms with

them; and so he was seized on and seven men with him, yet without any

violence or plundering them of any thing: and then they brought them

up unto us, carrying the Captain in a Hammock upon their Shoulders.

[The Long-boat Men seized.] The next day after, the Long-boats Crew,

not knowing what had happened, came ashore to cut a Tree to make Cheeks

for the Main-mast, and were made Prisoners after the same manner,

tho' with more violence. For they being rough and making resistance,

were bound with Wyths, and so were led away till they came where the

People got Ropes. Which when our Men saw brought to them, they were

not a little affrighted. For being already bound, they concluded

there could be no other use for those Ropes but to hang them. But

the true use of them was to bind them faster, fearing lest the Wyths

might break, and so they were brought up farther into the Countrey;

but afterwards being become more tame, they were loosed. They would not

adventure to bring them to us, but quartered them in another House, tho

in the same Town. Where without leave we could not see one another. The

House wherein they kept the Captain and us, was all hanged with white

Callico, which is the greatest Honour they can shew to any. But the

House wherein the other men were, that were brought up after us, was

not. They gave us also as good Entertainment as the Countrey afforded.

[The General's Craft to get the Ship, as well as the Men.] Having

thus taken both our Boats and Eighteen men of us, their next care

was, fearing lest the Ship should be gone, to secure her: Therefore

to bring this about, the Dissauva told the Captain that the reason

of this their detainment was, that the King intended to send Letters

and a Present to the English Nation by him, and therefore that the

Ship must not go away, till the King was ready to send his Messenger

and Message, and thereupon desired the Captain to send on Board to

order her stay; and it being not safe for her to ride in the Bay,

lest the Dutch might come and fire her, that he should take order

for her bringing up into the River. Which advice of his, the Captain

approved not of. But concealing his dislike of it, replied, that

unless he could send two of his own men on Board with his Letter and

Order, those in the Ship would not obey him, but speedily would be

gone with the Ship. Which he, rather than he would run the hazzard

of the Ships departing, granted; imagining that the Captain would

order the Ship to be brought up into the River, as he had advised,

tho the Captain intended to make another use of this Message.

[The Captain's Order to them on board the Ship.] Upon which the

Captain sent two of his men, some Indians accompanying them in a

Canoo to the Ship, the Captain ordering them when they were aboard

not to abuse the Indians, but to entertain them very kindly, and

afterwards that setting them ashore, they should keep the Canoo to

themselves, instead of our two Boats, which they had gotten from us,

and to secure the Ship, and wait till further order.

These two men stayed on Board, and came not back again. This together

with the Ships not coming up displeased the Dissauva, and he demanded

of the Captain the reason thereof. His answer was, That being detained

on Shore, the Men on Board would not obey his Command. Upon this

some days after the Dissauva bid the Captain send his Son with order

to those aboard that the Ship might be brought into the River, but

provided that he would be Security for my return; which he promised he

would. His order to me was, to see the top Chains put upon the Cables,

and the Guns Shotted, and to tell Mr. John Burford chief Mate, and all

the rest, as they valued their Lives and Liberties to keep a Watch,

and not to suffer any Boat to come near, after it was dark: and charged

me upon his Blessing, and as I should answer it at the great Day,

not to leave him in this Condition, but to return to him again. Upon

which I solemnly vowed according to my Duty to be his Obedient Son.

[The Ships Company refuse to bring up the Ship.] So having seen all

done according to his appointment, I wrote a Letter in the Name of

the Company to clear my Father and my self, to this effect; That they

would not obey the Captain, nor any other in this matter, but were

resolved to stand upon their own defence. To which they all set their

hands. Which done according to my Promise and Duty I returned again,

and delivered the Letter to the Dissauva, who was thereby answered,

and afterwards urged the Captain no more in that matter: but gave him

leave at his pleasure to write for what he pleased to have brought to

him from the Ship: still pretending the King's order to release us,

was not yet, but would suddenly come. And so we remained expecting

it about two Months, being entertained as formerly with the best Diet

and Accommodation of the Countrey.

[The Captain orders the ship to depart.] Having continued thus long

in suspence, and the time and season of the year spending for the

Ship to proceed on her Voyage to some other place, and our condition

being, as we feared, and afterwards found to be, the beginning of a

sad Captivity, the Captain sent order to Mr. John Burford to take the

charge of the Ship upon him, and to set Sail for Porto Nova whence

we came, and there to follow the Agent's order.

[The Lading of Cloth remained untouched.] If any inquire what became

of the Cloth of our Lading, which we brought thither, they only took

an account to see what it was, and so left it where and as it was

before, and there it remained until both House and Goods rotted,

as the People of the same Town informed me afterwards.

[The Probable season of our Surprize.] I impute the main reason of

our Surprize to our Neglect, viz. in not sending a Letter and Present

to the King at our first coming. Who looking upon himself as a great

Monarch, as he is indeed, requires to be treated with sutable State.

[The number of those that were left on the Island.] Thus were Sixteen

of us left to the mercy of those Barbarians, the Names of which are as

follow. The Captain, Mr. Joh. Loveland, John Gregory, Charles Beard,

Roger Gold, Stephen Rutland, Nicolas Mullins, Francis Crutch, John

Berry, Ralph Knight, Peter Winn, William Hubbard, Arthur Emery, Richard

Varnham, George Smith, and my Self. Tho our hearts were very heavy,

seeing our selves betrayed into so sad a Condition, to be forced to

dwell among those that knew not God nor his Laws; yet so great was the

mercy of our gracious God, that he gave us favour in the sight of this

People. Insomuch that we lived far better than we could have expected,

being Prisoners or rather Captives in the hands of the Heathen;

from whom we could have looked for nothing but very severe usage.

[The Dissauva departs.] The Ship being gone, the King sent to call

the Dissauva speedily to him, who upon this order immediately marched

away with his Army, leaving us where we were. But concerning us was

no order at all.

CHAP. II.

How we were carried up into the Countrey, and disposed of there,

and of the sickness, sorrow and death of the Captain.

[They intend to attempt an Escape, but are prevented.] The Dissauva

with his men being gone, the people of the Town were appointed to

guard and secure us until further order. But they carryed us some six

miles higher into the Countrey, and would not yet adventure to bring

the Long boats-crew unto us, but kept them by themselves in another

Town, fearing lest we might make an Escape, as certainly we would have

attempted it had they not removed us. There was a small Moors Vessel,

which lay in the River, which they had seized on about this time,

as we supposed they would have done by our Ship if they could have

catched her there. This Vessel had some forty men belonging to her

who were not made Prisoners as we were, but yet lay in the same Town:

with those we had concluded, that they would furnish us with Arms,

and in the night altogether to march down, and get on board of their

Vessel, and so make our escape. But being prevented in this design

by our departure, we were fain to lay at their mercy.

[Their condition commiserated by the People.] In our new quarters

our entertainment proved as good as formerly. And indeed there was

this to mitigate our misery, that the People were courteous to us and

seemed to pity us. For there is a great difference between the People

inhabiting the high-lands, or the mountains of Cande, and those of

the low-lands where we now are placed, who are of a kinder nature

by far than the other. For these Countreys beneath the mountains

formerly were in subjection unto the Portugueze. Whereby have been

exercised and acquainted with the customs and manners of Christian

People. Which pleasing them far better than their own have begot

and bred in them a kind of love and affection towards Strangers,

being apt to shew Pity and Compassion on them in their distress. And

you shall hear them oftentimes upbraiding the High-landers for their

insolent and rude behavior.

[They are distributed into divers Towns.] It was a very sad Condition

whilst we were all together, yet hitherto each others company

lessened our sufferings, and was some comfort that we might condole

one another. But now it came to pass that we must be separated and

placed asunder, one in a Village, where we could have none to confer

withall or look upon, but the horrible black faces of our heathen

enemies, and not understand one word of their Language neither, this

was a great addition to our grief. Yet God was so merciful to us,

as not to suffer them to part my Father and I.

[An Order comes from the King to bring them up into the Countrey.] For

it was some sixteen days after our last remove, the King was pleased

to send a Captain with Soldiers to bring us up into the Countrey. Who

brought us and the other men taken in the Long boat together: Which

was an heavy meeting; Being then, as we well saw, to be carried

Captives into the mountains. That night we supped together, and the

next morning changed our condition into real Captivity. Howbeit they

gave us many comfortable promises, which we believed not; as, that

the Kings intent was not to keep us any longer, than till another

Ship came to carry us away. Altho we had but very little to carry,

God knows, yet they appointed men to carry the cloths that belonged

to the Captain and Officers.

[How they were Treated on the way in the Woods.] We still expected they

would plunder us of our cloths, having nothing else to be plundered

of: but the Chingulay Captain told us, that the King had given order

that none should take the value of a thread from us: Which indeed

they did not. As they brought us up they were very tender of us, as

not to tyre us with Travelling, bidding us go no faster than we would

our selves. This kindness did somewhat comfort us. The way was plain

and easie to Travail through great Woods, so that we walked as in an

Arbour, but desolate of Inhabitants. So that for four or five nights

we lay on the Ground, with Boughs of Trees only over our heads. And of

Victuals twice a Day they gave us as much as we could eat, that is,

of Rice, Salt-fish, dryed Flesh: And sometimes they would shoot Deer

and find Hony in the Trees, good part of which they always brought

unto us. And drink we could not want, there being Rivers and Puddles

full of Water as we Travelled along.

[And in the Towns among the Inhabitants.] But when we came out of the

Woods among Inhabitants and were led into their Towns, they brought

us Victuals ready dressed after their fashion, viz. Rice boiled in

Water, and three other sorts of Food, whereof one Flesh, and the

other two Herbs or such like things that grow in their Countrey, and

all kinds of ripe Fruit, which we liked very well and fed heartily

upon. Our entertainment all along was at the Charge of the Countrey:

So we fed like Soldiers upon free Quarter. Yet I think we gave them

good content for all the Charge we put them to. Which was to have the

satisfaction of seeing us eat, sitting on Mats upon the Ground in their

yards to the Publick view of all Beholders. Who greatly admired us,

having never seen, nor scarce heard of, English-men before. It was

also great entertainment to them to observe our manner of eating with

Spoons, which some of us had, and that we could not take the Rice up

in our hands, and put it to our mouths without spilling, as they do,

nor gaped and powred the Water into our Mouths out of Pots according

to their Countreys custom. Thus at every Town where we came they used

both young and old in great Companies to stare upon us.

[They are brought near Cande, and there Seperated.] Being thus brought

up all together somewhat near to the City of Cande. Now came an Order

from the King to separate us, and to place us one in a Town. Which

then seemed to us to be very hard, but it was for the convenience or

getting Food, being quartered upon the Countrey at their Charge.

[The Captain and his Son and two more quartered together.] The Captain

Mr. John Loveland, my self and John Gregory were parted from the rest,

and brought nearer to the City, to be ready when the King should

send for us. All the Rest were placed one in a Town according to the

aforesaid Order. Special Command also was given from the King, that

we all should be well entertained, and according to the Countrey fare

we had no cause to complain. We four were thus kept together some

two Months, faring well all the while. But the King minding us not,

[Parted.] Order came from the great Men in Court to place us in

Towns, as the rest were; only my Father and I were still permitted

to be together, and a great Charge given to use us well. [How they

fared.] And indeed twice a Day we had brought unto us as good fare as

the Countrey afforded. All the rest had not their Provisions brought

to them, as we had, but went to eat from house to house, each house

taking its turn.

[The Captain and his Son placed in Coos-wat.] On the Sixteenth of

September, 1660. My Father and I were placed in a Town called Bonder

Coos-wat the situation was very pleasing and commodious, lying about

Thirty Miles to the Northward of the City of Cande, in the Countrey

called Hotcurly and distant from the rest of our People a full days

journey. We were removed hither from another Town nearer to the City

where the Nobles at Court supposing that the King would call for us,

had placed us to have us ready. Being thus brought to Bonder Cooswat,

the People put it to our choice which House we would have to reside

in. The Countrey being hot and their Houses dark and dirty, my Father

chose an open House, having only a Roof but no Walls. Wherein they

placed a Cot, or Bed-stead only with a Mat upon it for him, which

in their Account is an extraordinary Lodging; and for me a Mat upon

the Ground.

[Moneys scarce with them.] Moneys at that time were very low with

us. For although we wanted not for opportunity to send for what

we would have brought unto unto us from the Ship, yet fearing we

should be plundered of it, sent not for any thing only a Pillow for

my Father. For we held it a point without dispute, that they that

made Prisoners of our Bodies would not spare to take our Goods;

my Father also alledging, that he had rather his Children at home

should enjoy them.

[But they had good Provisions without it.] But to make amends for

that, we had our Provisions brought us without money, and that twice a

Day, so much as we could eat, and as good as their Countrey yielded;

to wit, a Pot of good Rice, and three Dishes of such things as with

them is accounted good Cheer; one always either Flesh, Fish or Eggs;

but not over much of this Dish, the other Dishes, Herbs, Pumkins or

such like, one of which is always made sower.

[The Town where they were, Sickly.] The first year that we were brought

into this Town, this part of the Land was extraordinary Sickly by Agues

and Feavours, whereof many People dyed; insomuch that many times we

were forced to remain an hungry, there being none well enough either

to boil or bring Victuals unto us.

[How they passed their time.] We had with us a Practice of Piety, and

Mr. Rogers seven Treatises, called the Practice of Christianity. With

which companions we did frequently discourse; and in the cool of the

Evening walk abroad in the Fields for a refreshing, tyred with being

all day in our House or Prison.

[They both fall Sick.] This Course lasted until God was pleased to

visit us both with the Countrey Sickness, Ague and Feavour. The sight

of my Fathers misery was far more grievous unto me than the sence

of my own, that I must be a Spectator of his Affliction, and not any

ways able to help him. And the sight of me so far augmented his grief,

that he would often say, What have I done when I charged you to come

ashore to me again, your dutifulness to me hath brought you to be a

Captive. I am old and cannot long hold out, but you may live to see

many days of Sorrow, if the mercy of God do not prevent it. But my

prayers to God for you shall not be wanting, that for this cause he

would visit you with his Mercy, and bestow on you a Blessing.

[Deep Grief seizes the Captain.] My Father's Ague lasted not long,

but deep grief daily more and more increased upon him, which so

over-whelmed even his very heart, that with many a bitter sigh he

used to utter these words, These many years even from my youth have

I used the Seas, in which time the Lord God hath delivered me from

a multitude of Dangers; rehearsing to me what great Dangers he had

been in, in the Straits by the Turks and by other Enemies, and also in

many other places, too large here to insert, and always how merciful

God was to him in delivering him out of them all, So that he never

knew what it was to be in the hand of an Enemy; But now in his old

Age, when his head was grown grey, to be a Captive to the Heathen,

and to leave his Bones in the Eastern Parts of the World, when it was

his hopes and intention, if God permitted him to finish this Voyage,

to spend and end the residue of his days at home with his Children

in his Native Countrey, and to settle me in the Ship in his stead;

the thoughts of these things did even break his heart.

[Their Sickness continues.] Upwards of three Months my Father lay in

this manner upon his Bed, having only under him a Mat and the Carpet

he sat upon in the Boat when he came ashore, and a small Quilt I

had to cover him withall. And I had only a Mat upon the Ground and a

Pillow to lay on, and nothing to cover me but the Cloths on my back:

but when I was cold, or that my Ague came upon me, I used to make a

Fire, Wood costing nothing, but the fetching.

[Their Boy's disobedience adds to their trouble.] We had a black Boy

my Father brought from Porto Nova to attend upon him, who seeing

his Master to be a Prisoner in the hands of the People of his own

Complexion, would not now obey his Command, further than what agreed

unto his own humour, neither was it then as we thought in our Power

to compel or make him; but it was our ignorance. As for me, my Ague

now came to a settled course; that is, once in three days, and so

continued for Sixteen Months time.

[His excessive sorrow.] There appearing now to us no probability,

whereupon to build any hopes of Liberty, the sence of it struck my

Father into such an Agony and strong Passion of Grief, that once I

well remember in Nine days time nothing came into his mouth, but

cold water; neither did he in three Months together ever rise up

out of his Bed, but when the course of Nature required it: always

groaning and sighing in a most piteous manner: which for me to hear

and see come from my dear Father, my self also in the same Condition,

did almost break my heart. But then I felt that Doctrine most true,

which I had read out of Mr. Roger's Book, That God is most sweet,

when the world is most bitter.

In this manner my Father lay until the Ninth of February 1660/61. By

which time he was consumed to an Anatomy, having nothing left but

Skin to cover his Bones; yet he often would say, That the very sound

of Liberty would so revive him, that it would put strength into his

Limbs. But it was not the will of him, to whom we say, Thy will be

done, to have it so.

[His Discourse and charge to his Son before his Death.] The evening

before his Death, he called me to come near his Bed side, and to sit

down by him, at which time also I had a strong Feavor upon me. This

done, he told me, That he sensibly felt his life departing from him,

and was assured that this Night God would deliver him out of this

Captivity, and that he never thought in all his Lifetime that Death

could be so easie and welcom to any Man, as God had made it to be

to him, and the joyes he now felt in himself he wanted utterance to

express to me. He told me, These were the last words, that ever he

should speak to me, and bid me well regard and be sure to remember

them, and tell them to my Brother and Sister, if it pleased God, as

he hoped it would, to bring us together in England; where I should

find all things settled to my contentation, relating to me after what

manner he had settled his Estate by Letters which he sent from Cotiar.

In the first place and above all, He charged me to serve God, and with

a circumspect care to walk in his ways, and then, he said, God would

bless me and prosper me. And next, he bad me have a care of my Brother

and Sister. And lastly, He gave me a special charge to beware of strong

Drink, and lewd Company, which as by Experience many had found, would

change me into another man, so that I should not be my self. It deeply

grieved him, he said, to see me in Captivity in the prime of my years,

and so much the more because I had chosen rather to suffer Captivity

with him than to disobey his Command. Which now he was heartily sorry

for, that he had so commanded me, but bad me not repent of obeying

the command of my Father; seeing for this very thing, he said, God

would bless me, and bid me be assured of it, which he doubted not of,

viz. That God Almighty would deliver me; which at that time I could not

tell how to conceive, seeing but little sign of any such Matter. But

blessed be the Name of my most gracious God, who hath so bountifully

sustained me ever since in the Land of my Captivity, and preserved

me alive to see my Deceased Father's word fulfilled! And truly I was

so far from repenting, that I had obeyed the Command of my Father,

and performed the Oath and Promise I made unto him upon it, that it

rather rejoyced me to see that God had given me so much Grace.

[His Death.] But tho it was a trouble to him, that by his means I

was thus made a Captive; yet it was a great Comfort to him, he said,

to have his own Son sit by him on his Death-bed, and by his hands to

be Buried, whereas otherwise he could expect no other but to be eaten

by Dogs or wild Beasts. Then he gave me order concerning his Burial,

That having no winding sheet, I should pull his Shirt over his head,

and slip his Breeches over his feet, and so wrap him up in the Mat

he layd upon: and then ceased speaking, and fell into a Slumber. This

was about Eight or Nine a Clock in the Evening, and about Two or Three

in the Morning he gave up the Ghost, Feb. the Ninth, 1660. being very

sensible unto the very instant of his Departure.

[And Burial.] According to his own appointment with my own hands I

wrapped him up ready for the Grave; my self being very sick and weak,

and as I thought ready to follow after him. Having none but the black

Boy with me, I bad him ask the People of the Town for help to carry my

Father to the Grave, because I could not understand their Language. Who

immediately brought forth a great Rope they used to tye their Cattle

withal, therewith to drag him by the Neck into the Woods, saying,

They could afford me no other help, unless I would pay for it. This

Insolency of the Heathen grieved me much to see, neither could I with

the Boy alone do what was necessary for his Burial, though we had

been able to carry the Corps, having not wherewithal to dig a Grave,

and the ground very dry and hard. Yet it was some comfort to me that

I had so much Ability as to hire one to help; which at first I would

not have spared to have done, had I known their meaning.

[The Place where he lyes.] By this means I thank God, in so decent

a manner as our present condition would permit, I laid my Father's

Body in the Grave. Most of which I digged with my own hands; the place

being in a Wood, on the North-side of a Corn Field, where heretofore

we had used often to walk, going up to Handapoul: that Division,

as I have said, being called Bonder Cooswat, because formerly it had

belonged to the Revenues or Jointure of the Queen, Bonder implying

something relating to the King. It lyes towards the Northwest of the

middle of the Island in the County Hotcurly.

Thus was I left Desolate, Sick, and in Captivity, having no earthly

Comforter, none but only He who looks down from Heaven to hear

the groaning of the Prisoners, and to shew himself a Father of the

Fatherless, and a present help to them that have no helper.

[Upon the Captain's death, a Message sent his Son from Court.] The

News of my Father's Death being carried to Court, presently two

Messengers were sent from thence to see me, and to know of me, How

and in what manner my Father died, and what he had left. Which was

a Gold Ring, a Pagoda, and some two or three Dollars and a few old

Cloths; God knows but a very little, yet it scared me not a little,

fearing they would take it away from me, and my want being so great;

but they had no such order nor intent. But the chief occasion of

their coming was to renew the former order unto the People of that

Town, that they should be kind to me and give me good Victuals, left

I might dye also as my Father had done. So for a while I had better

entertainment than formerly.

CHAP. III.

How I lived after my Father's Death. And of the Condition of the rest

of the English: and how it fared with them. And of our Interview.

[His chief employment is Reading.] I still remained where I was before,

having none but the black Boy, and my Ague to bear me Company. Never

found I more pleasure in Reading, Meditating and Praying than now. For

there was nothing else could administer to me any Comfort, neither had

I any other Business to be occupied about. I had read my two Books so

often over, that I had them almost by heart. For my custom was after

Dinner to take a Book and go into the Fields and sit under a Tree,

reading and meditating until Evening; excepting the Day when my Ague

came, for then I could scarce hold up my head. Often have I prayed

as Elijah under the Juniper Tree, that God would takeaway my life,

for it was a burthen to me.

[He loses his Ague.] At length it pleased God my Ague began to be a

little moderate; and so by degrees it wore away, after it had held

me sixteen Months.

[How he met with an English Bible in that Countrey.] Provisions

falling short with me, tho Rice I thank God, I never wanted, and

Monies also growing low; as well to help out a Meal as for Recreation,

sometimes I went with an Angle to catch small Fish in the Brooks,

the aforesaid Boy being with me. It chanced as I was Fishing, an

old Man passed by, and seeing me, asked of my Boy, If I could read

in a Book. He answered, Yes. The reason I ask, said the old Man,

is because I have one I got when the Portugueze left Columbo, and if

your Master please to buy it, I will sell it him. Which when I heard

of; I bad my Boy go to his House with him, which was not far off,

and bring it to me to see it, making no great account of the matter,

supposing it might be some Portugueze Book.

The Boy having formerly served the English, knew the Book, and as

soon as he had got it in his hand came running with it, calling out

to me, It is a Bible. It startled me to hear him mention the name

of a Bible. For I neither had one, nor scarcely could ever think to

see one. Upon which I flung down my Angle and went to meet him. The

first place the Book opened in after I took it in my hand, was the

Sixteenth Chapter of the Acts, and the first place my eye pitched on,

was the Thirtieth and one and Thirtieth Verses, where the Jailor asked

S. Paul, What must I do to be saved? And he answered saying, Believe

in the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved and thine house.

[Struck into a great Passion at the sight of the Book.] The sight of

this Book so rejoiced me, and affrighted me together, that I cannot

say, which Passion was greater, the joy, for that I had got sight of a

Bible, or the fear, that I had not enough to buy it, having then but

one Pagoda in the World, which I willingly would have given for it,

had it not been for my Boy, who dissuaded me from giving so much,

alledging my Necessity for Money many other ways, and undertaking

to procure the Book for a far meaner price, provided I would seem

to slight it in the sight of the old Man. This counsel after I

considered I approved of, my urgent Necessities earnestly craving,

and my Ability being but very small to relieve the same: and however,

I thought, I could give my piece of Gold at the last cast, if other

means should fail.

I hope the Readers will excuse me, that I hold them so long upon this

single passage, For it did so affect me then, that I cannot lightly

pass it over as often as I think of it, or have occasion to mention it.

The sight indeed of this Bible so overjoyed me, as if an Angel had

spoke to me from Heaven. To see that my most gracious God had prepared

such an extraordinary Blessing for me; which I did, and ever shall

look upon as miraculous, to bring unto me a Bible in my own Native

Language, and that in such a remote part of the World, where his

Name was not so much as known, and where any English Man was never

known to have been before. I looked upon it, as somewhat of the same

nature with the Ten Commandments he had given the Israelites out of

Heaven; it being the thing for want whereof I had so often mourned,

nay and shed tears too; and than the enjoyment whereof there could

be no greater joy in the world to me.

[He casts with himself how to get it.] Upon the sight of it I left

off Fishing, God having brought a Fish to me, that my Soul had longed

for; and now how to get it and enjoy the same, all the Powers of my

Soul were employed. I gave God hearty thanks that he had brought it so

near me, and most earnestly prayed that he would bestow it on me. Now,

it being well towards Evening, and not having wherewithal to buy it

about me, I departed home, telling the old Man, that in the Morning

I would send my Boy to buy it of him.

All that Night I could take no rest for thinking on it, fearing lest

I might be disappointed of it. In the Morning as soon as it was day,

I sent the Boy with a knit Cap he had made for me to buy the Book,

praying in my heart for good success, which it pleased God to grant:

For that Cap purchased it, and the Boy brought it to me to my great

joy, which did not a little comfort me over all my Afflictions.

[Where the rest of the English were bestowed.] Having said all this

concerning my Father and my Self, it will be time now to think of the

rest of our poor Countreymen, and to see what is become of them. They

were carried into the County of Hotteracourly, Westward from the City

of Cande, and placed singly according to the King's Order aforesaid,

some four, some six Miles distant one from the other. It was the King's

Command concerning them that the People should give them Victuals, and

look after them. So they carried each man from house to house to eat,

as their turns came to give them Victuals, and where they Supped there

they Lodged that Night. Their Bedding was only a Mat upon the Ground.

[Kept from one another a good while, but after permitted to see

each other.] They knew not they were so near to one another a great

while; till at length Almighty God was pleased by their grief and

heaviness to move those Heathen to Pity and take Compassion on them:

So that they did bring some of them to one another. Which joy was

but Abortive, for no sooner did they begin to feel the Comfort of one

anothers Company, but immediately their Keepers called upon them to

go from whence they came: fearing they might consult and run away,

altho Columbo the nearest Port they could fly to was above two days

Journey from them. But as it is with wild Beasts beginning to grow

tame, their Liberty encreaseth: So it happened to our Men; so that at

length they might go and see one another at their pleasures; and were

less and less watched and regarded. And seeing they did not attempt

to run away, they made no matter of it, if they stayed two or three

days one with the other.

[No manner of work laid upon them.] They all wondered much to

see themselves in this Condition, to be kept only to eat, and the

People of the Countrey giving it unto them, daily expecting when they

would put them to work, which they never did, nor dared to do. For

the King's order was to feed them well only, and to look after them

until he pleased to send for them. This after some time made them

to change their minds, and not to think themselves Slaves any more,

but the Inhabitants of the Land to be their Servants, in that they

laboured to sustain them.

Which made them to begin to Domineer, and would not be content unless

they had such Victuals as pleased them, and oftentimes used to throw

the Pots, Victuals and all at their heads that brought them, which

they patiently would bear.

[They begin to pluck up their hearts.] And as they lived here longer,

they knew better what Privileges they had in belonging unto the King,

and being maintained by virtue of his Command. And their Privileges

they made use of to no purpose, as I shall relate an instance or two

by and by; and showed their English Metal.

[What course they took for Cloths.] Victuals was the only thing allowed

them, but no Cloths. By this time the Cloths they had were almost

worn out. This put them to a study what course to take to procure

more, when those on their backs were gone. The readiest way that they

could devise was this, that whereas they used to take their Victuals

brought to them ready dressed, they should now take them raw; and so

to pinch somewhat out of their Bellies, to save to buy Cloths for their

Backs. And so accordingly they concluded to do: and by the favour that

God gave them in the sight of the People, by alledging the Innocency

of their Cause, and the Extremity of their present Condition, having

not the least ability to help or relieve themselves, they consented

to give them two Measures of Rice a day each man. One of which is

as much as any man can eat in a day, so that the other was to serve

for advance towards Cloths. [Their fare.] For besides Rice, they gave

them to eat with it Salt, Pepper, Limes, Herbs, Pumpkins, Coker Nuts,

Flesh a little. These and such like things were their constant fare.

[What Employment they afterwards followed.] And thus they made a shift

to live for some years, until some of them had an insight in knitting

Caps, by whom all afterwards learned, and it proved to be the chief

means and help we all had to relieve our wants. The ordinary price we

sold these Caps for, was Nine pence a piece in value English Money,

the Thread standing us in about three pence. But at length, we plying

hard our new Learned Trade, Caps began to abound, and Trading grew

dead, so that we could not sell them at the former price: which

brought several of our Nation to great want.

[How the English Domineered.] The English began now to pluck up their

hearts, and tho they were entred into a new Condition, they kept

their old Spirits, especially considering they were the King's Men,

and quartered by his special order upon the People. When they had

obtained to have their Allowance raw, if any brought them not their

full due, they would go in and Plunder their Houses of such Goods

as they found there, and keep them until they came and brought them

their compleat allowance to redeem their Goods back again.

[What Satisfaction one of them received from a Potter.] Some of our

English men have proceeded further yet. One for example went to buy

Pots of a Potter. Who because he would not let him have them at his

own price fell to quarrel, in which the English man met with some

blows. Which he complained of to the Magistrate as being a Person

that belonged unto the King, and therefore claimed better usage. And

the Magistrate condemned the Potter as guilty in lifting up his hand

against him, and sent some of his Soldiers to bind him, and then

bad the English man go and content himself by paying him in the same

Coin again, as he had served our Countreyman; which he did until he

was satisfied, and moreover, ordered him to take the Pots he came

to buy and pay nothing. But the Law was not so satisfied neither,

for the Soldiers laid on many blows besides.

[A scuffle between the English and Natives.] Another time at a certain

Feast, as they were drinking and wanting Wine, they sent Money to buy

more; but the Seller refused to give it them for their Money. Which

they took so hainously, that they unanimously concluded to go and take

it by force. Away they went each man with his Staff in his hand, and

entred the House and began to Drink; which the People not liking of,

gathered their Forces together, and by blows began to resist them. But

the English men bravely behaved themselves, and broke several of

their Pates. Who with the Blood about their Ears went to the City to

complain to the great Men. They demanded of them, If they had ever sold

them Wine before. They answered, Yes. They asked them again, Why then

did they refuse to sell them now? And that they were well served by

the English for denying them drink for their Money: and so sent them

away laughing at them. Our Men got two or three black and blew Blows,

but they came home with their Bellies full of Drink for their pains.

[The Author after a year sees his Countreymen.] But to return unto my

self. It was a full year after my Father died, before I had sight of

any of my Countreymen and Fellow Prisoners. Then John Gregory with much

ado obtained leave to come and see me: which did exceedingly rejoyce

me. For a great Satisfaction it was, both to see a Countreyman, and

also to hear of the welfare of the rest. But he could not be permitted

to stay with me above one day. Until then, I knew not punctually where

the rest of my Countreymen were, but having heard that they were within

a days Journey of me, I never ceased importuning the People of the

Town where I dwelt, to let me go and see them. Which tho very loath,

yet at last they granted. Being arrived at the nearest English man's

House, I was joyfully received, and the next day he went and called

some of the rest of our Countreymen that were near. So that there

were some seven or eight of us met together.

[Their Conference and Entertainment.] We gave God thanks for his great

Mercies towards us, being then, as we did confess, in a far better

Condition than we could have expected. They were now no more like the

Prisoners I left them, but were become House keepers, and Knitters

of Caps and had changed their Habit from Breeches to Clouts like the

Chingulays. They entertained me with very good chear in their Houses

beyond what I did expect.

[He consults with his Countreymen for a future livelyhood.] My Money

at the same time almost gone, and Cloaths in the same condition,

it was high time for me now to take some course in hand to get

more. Therefore I took some advice with them about Knitting, my Boy

having Skill therein. Likewise they advised me to take my Victuals raw,

wherein they found great Profit. For all this while here being no signs

of releasing us, it concerned me now to bethink my self how I should

live for the future. For neither had I, any more than my Countreymen,

any allowance for Cloths, but Victuals only.

Having stayed here some two or three days, we did take leave of one

another, hoping to see one another oftner, since we knew each others

Habitations: and I departed to my House, having a Keeper with me.

[The difficulty he met with of having raw Rice.] By this time I began

to speak the Language of the Countrey. Whereby I was inabled the better

to speak my mind unto the People that brought me my Victuals. Which

Was henceforward not to boil my Rice, but to bring it raw according

to the quantity that the other English men had. This occasioned a

great deal of disputing and reasoning between us. They alledged,

That I was not as they, being the Captain's Son, and they but his

Servants, and therefore that it was ordered by the great Men at Court,

that my Victuals should be daily brought unto me, whereas they went

always from house to house for theirs: Neither was it fitting for

me, they said, to imploy my self in such an Inferior Office as to

dress my own Meat, being a Man that the King had notice of by Name,

and very suddenly before I should be aware of it, would send for me

into the Presence, where I should be highly promoted to some Place

of Honour. In the mean time, they told me, as pretending to give me

good counsel, That it was more for my credit and repute to have my

Provisions brought unto me ready Dressed as they were before.

[He reasons with the People about his allowance.] Altho I was yet

but a Novice in the Countrey, and knew not much of the People, yet

plain reason told me, that it was not so much for my good and credit

that they pleaded, as for their own benefit. Wherefore I returned

them this answer, That if as they said I was greater in quality than

the rest, and so held in their Estimation, it would be but reason to

demand a greater allowance, whereas I desired no more than the other

English men had. And as for the toyl and trouble in dressing of it,

that would be none to me, for my Boy had nothing else to do. And then

I alledged several inconveniencies in bringing my Victuals ready

boiled; as first, that it was not dressed according to my Diet;

and many times not brought in due Season, so that I could not eat

when I was an hungry. And the last and chief reason of all was, that

I might save a little to serve my Necessity of Clothing: and rather

than want Cloths for my Back, I must pinch a little out of my Belly,

and so both go share and share like. And so at length, thanks be to

God, I obtained, tho with much ado, to get two Measures of Rice per

day for my self, and one for my Boy; also Coker-nuts, Pumpkins, Herbs,

Limes, and such like enough, besides Pepper and Salt; and sometimes

Hens, Eggs, or Flesh: Rice being the main thing they stand upon,

for other things they refuse not to give what they have.

[He builds him an House.] Now having settled all Business about my

allowance, my next concern was to look after an House more convenient,

for my present one was too small to dress my Victuals in, and to

sleep in too. Thereabouts was a Garden of Coker-nut Trees, belonging

unto the King, a pleasant situation; this place I made choice of to

build me a House in. And discovering my desire to the People, they

consented, and came and built it for me: but before it was finished,

their occasions called them away, but my Boy and I made an end of

it, and whitened the Walls with Lime, according to my own Countrey

fashion. But in doing this I committed a Capital Offence: for none may

white their Houses with Lime, that being peculiar to Royal Houses and

Temples. But being a Stranger nothing was made of it, because I did

it in ignorance: had it been a Native that had so done, it is most

probable it would have cost him his Head, or at the least a great Fine.

[He follows business and thrives.] Being settled in my new House,

I began to keep Hogs and Hens; which by God's Blessing thrived very

well with me, and were a great help unto me. I had also a great benefit

by living in this Garden. For all the Coker-nuts that fell down they

gave me, which afforded me Oyl to burn in the Lamp, and also to fry my

meat in. Which Oyl being new is but little inferior to this Countrey

Butter. Now I learned to knit Caps, which Skill I quickly attained

unto, and by God's Blessing upon the same, I obtained great help and

relief thereby.

[Some attempted running away, but were catched.] In this manner we

all lived, seeing but very little sign that we might build upon, to

look for Liberty. The chief of our hopes of it was that in process of

time when we were better acquainted we might run away. Which some of

our People attempted to do too soon, before they knew well which way

to go, and were taken by the Inhabitants. For it is the custom of the

Chingulays to suspect all white People, they meet travailing in the

Countrey, to be Runaways; and to examine them: and if they cannot give

satisfactory answers, they will lay hold of them and carry them back

unto the City. Where they will keep them Prisoners under a guard of

Soldiers in an open House like a Barn with a little Victuals sometimes,

and sometimes with none at all. Where they have no other remedy to

help themselves but Begging. And in this Condition they may lye perhaps

for their Lifetime, being so kept for a Spectacle unto the People.

[Little incouragement for those that bring back Runnaways.] Tho the

common way whereby the King gratifies such as catch Runawayes and

bring them up, is not over acceptable. For they are appointed to

feed and watch them until he calls for them to be brought before

him. At which time his promise is bountifully to reward them. But

these Promises I never knew performed. Neither doth he perhaps ever

think of it after. For when the King is made acquainted with the

matter, the men that have brought up the Prisoner are in a manner

as bad Prisoners themselves, not daring to go home to their Houses

without his leave, but there they must remain. After some years stay,

the common manner is, for them to give a Fee unto the Governor of

the Countrey, and he will licence them to go home, which they must

be contented with instead of the promised reward.

CHAP. IV.

Concerning some other English men detained in that Countrey.

[The Persia Merchant's men Captives before us.] In the same Captivity

with our selves on this Island, was another Company of English Men,

who were taken about a year and an half before us, viz. in the year

MDCLVIII. They were Thirteen in number, whose names were as follow,

Viz. Mr. William Vassal, John Merginson, Thomas March, Thomas Kirby,

Richard Jelf, Gamaliel Gardiner, William Day, Thomas Stapleton,

Henry Man, Hugh Smart, Daniel Holstein, an Hamburger, James Gony,

and Henry Bingham. The occasion of their Seizure was thus. The

Ship these Men belonged unto was the Persia Merchant, Capt. Francis

Johnson Commander, which was lost upon the Maldives Islands. But they

escaped in their Boats, and passing along by this Land went on shore

to recruit and buy Provisions, and so were taken. The Chingulays that

took them [Plundered by the Natives.] Plundered them of what they

had, except their Cloths. Yet one of them, John Merginson by name,

having cunningly hid his Money about him, saved it from the Heathen,

but from his own Countrymen he could not, some of whom knowing of

it set upon him and robbed him of it. But it did them little good,

for the King hearing of it sent and robbed the Robbers.

[Brought up to the King.] These men thus seized were carried up before

the King. Of whom he demanded, whether the English had Wars with the

Hollanders. They answered, No. Or, if the English could beat them. They

answered, They could and had done it lately. Then he gave order to

give them all some Cloths, and to Mr. William Vassal, being the chief

of them, a double Portion. And out of them made choice of two Lads;

whom afterwards he sent and took into his Court. Their honours and

their ends we shall see by and by. They were all placed in the City of

Cande, and each of them had a new Mat given them to sleep on, and their

Diet was Victuals dressed and brought them twice a day from the King's

own Palace. They had Cloths also distributed to them another time.

So that these men had the advantage of us. For we neither had Mats

nor Cloths, nor had the honour of being ever brought into the King's

Presence.

[They hoped to obtain Liberty, but were mistaken.] This civil Reception

upon their first coming up into the City, put these Persia Merchant-men

in hope, that the King would give them their Liberty. There was at

that time an old Portugueze Father, Padre Vergonse by name, Living

in the City. With him they discoursed concerning the probability of

their Liberty, and that the favours the King had shewn them seemed

to be good signs of it: but he told them the plain truth, that it

was not customary there to release white Men. For saying which,

they railed at him, calling him Popish Dog, and Jesuitical Rogue,

supposing he spoke as he wished it might be. But afterward to their

grief they found it to be true as he told them.

[A ridiculous action of these Men.] Their entertainment was

excellently good according to the poor condition of the Countrey, but

they thought it otherwise, very mean and not according to the King's

order. Therefore that the King might be informed how they were abused,

each man took the Limb of an Hen in his hand, and marched rank and

file in order thro the Streets with it in their hands to the Court,

as a sign to the great Men whereby they might see, how illy they were

served; thinking hereby the King might come to hear of their misusage,

and so they might have order to be fed better afterwards. But this

proved Sport to the Noblemen who well knew the fare of the Countrey,

laughing at their ignorance, to complain where they had so little

cause. And indeed afterwards they themselves laughed at this action

of theirs, and were half ashamed of it, when they came to a better

understanding of the Nature of the Countreys Diet.

[They had a mind to Beef, and how they got it.] Yet notwithstanding

being not used to such short Commons of Flesh, tho they had Rice in

abundance, and having no Money to buy more, they had a desire to kill

some Cows, that they might eat their Bellies full of Beef, but made

it somewhat a point of Conscience, whether it might be lawful or not,

to take them without leave. Upon which they apply themselves to the old

Father abovesaid, desiring him to solve this Case of Conscience. Who

was very ready to give them a Dispensation. And told them, That

forasmuch as the Chingulayes were their Enemies and had taken their

Bodies, it was very lawful for them to satisfie their Bodies with their

Goods. And the better to animate them in this design, bid them bring

him a piece, that he might partake with them. So being encouraged by

the old Father, they went on boldly in their intended Business.

[A Passage of the Courage of the Men.] Now if you would have an account

of the Metal and Manfulness of these men, as you have already had a

tast of ours, take this passage. The Jack Fruit the Kings Officers

often gather wheresoever it grows, and give to the Kings Elephants,

and they may gather it in any mans grounds without the Owners leave,

being for the Kings use. Now these English men were appointed to dwell

in an house, that formerly belonged unto a Noble man, whom the King

had cut off, and seized upon it. In the ground belonging to this

House stood a Jack Tree full of Fruit. Some of the Kings men came

thither to gather some of them to feed the Elephants. But altho the

English had free liberty to gather what they could eat or desire,

yet they would permit none but themselves to meddle with them, but

took the Officers by the shoulders and turned them out of the Garden,

altho there were more a great many than they could tell what to do

with. The Great men were so Civil, that notwithstanding this Affront,

they laid no Punishment upon them. But the Event of this was, that a

few days after they were removed from this house to another, where

was a Garden but no Trees in it. And because they would not allow

the King a few, they lost all themselves.

[Two of his Company taken into Court.] I mentioned before two Lads

of this Company, whom the King chose out for his own service, their

Names were Hugh Smart and Henry Man. These being taken into his Court,

obtained great Favour and Honour from him, as to be always in his

presence, and very often he would kindly and familiarly talk with

them concerning their Country, what it afforded; and of their King

and his Strength for War. Thus they lived in his Favour for some time.

[The one out of Favour, his end.] Till at length Hugh Smart, having

a desire to hear news concerning England, privatly got to the Speech

of a Dutch Embassadour. Of which the King had notice, but would not

believe it, supposing the information was given him out of Envy to

his Favorite, but commanded privately to watch him, and if he went

again, to catch him there. Which he not being aware of, went again,

and was catched. At which the King was very angry. For he allows none

to come to the speech of Ambassodours, much less one that served in

his presence, and heard and saw all that passed in Court. But yet

the King dealt very favourably with him. For had it been a Chingulay,

there is nothing more sure than that he should have dyed for it. But

this English mans Punishment was only to be sent away and kept a

Prisoner in the Mountains without Chains, and ordered him to be well

used there. Where indeed he lived better content than in the Kings

Palace. He took a Wife here and had one Son by her, and afterwards

dyed by a mischance, which was thus. As he was gathering a Jack from

the Tree by a Crock, it fell down upon his side, and bruised him so

that it killed him.

[The other out of Favour, and lamentable Death.] Henry Man the other,

yet remained in Favour, and was promoted to be Chief over all the Kings

Servants that attended on him in his Palace. It happened one Day,

that he broke one of the Kings China Dishes. Which made him so sore

afraid, that he fled for Sanctuary into a Vehar, a Temple where the

Chief Priests always dwel, and hold their consultations. This did

not a little displease the King; this Act of his supposing him to

be of Opinion that those Priests were able to secure him against the

Kings displeasure. However he shewing Reverence to their Order would

not violently fetch him from thence; but sent a kind Message to the

English man, bidding him not to be afraid for so small a matter as a

Dish (And, it is probable had he not added this fault he might have

escaped without Punishment) and that he should come and Act in his

place as formerly. At which Message he came forth, and immediatly,

as the King had given order, they took hold of him and bound his Arms

above the Elbows behind, which is their fashion of binding men. In

which manner he lay all that Night, being bound so hard that his Arms

swelled, and the Ropes cut throw the Flesh into the Bones. The next

day the King Commanded a Noble man to loose the Ropes off his Arms,

and put Chains on his Legs, and keep him in his House, and there feed

him and cure him.

Thus he lay some Six Months, and was cured, but had no Strength in

his Armes, and then was taken into his Office again, and had as much

Favour from the King as before. Who seemed much to lament him for

his folly, thus to procure his own ruine.

Not long after he again offended the King. Which as it is reported

was thus. A Portugueze had been sent for to the City to be employed in

the Kings Service; to which Service he had no Stomach at all, and was

greatly afraid of, as he justly might be. For the avoiding therefore

of it he sends a Letter to this English Courtier, wherein he entreated

him to use his interest to excuse him to the King. The English man

could not read the Letter being writ in the Portugueze Tongue, but

gave it to another to read. Which when he knew the contents of thought

it not safe for him to meddle in that business, and so concealed the

Letter. The person to whom the English man had given it to read, some

time after informed the King thereof. Whereupon both the Portugueze

that sent the Letter, and the English man to whom it was sent, and

the Third Person that read it, because he informed no sooner, were

all three at one time and in one place torn in pieces by Elephants.

[The King sends special order concerning their good usage.] After this

Execution the King supposing that we might be either discontented in

our selves, or discountenanced by the People of the Land, sent special

order to all parts where we dwelt, that we should be of good cheer,

and not be discouraged, neither abused by the Natives.

Thus jealous is the King of Letters, and allows none to come or go. We

have seen how dear it cost poor Henry Man. Mr. William Vassal, another

of the Persia-Merchant men, was therefore more wary of some Letters

he had, and came off better.

[Mr. Vassals prudence upon the receit of Letters.] This man had

received several Letters, and it was known abroad that he had. Which

he fearing lest the King should hear of, thought it most convenient

and safe to go to the Court and present him himself; that so he might

plead in his own Defence to the King. Which he did. He acknowledged

to him that he had received Letters, and that they came to his hands

a pretty while ago: but withall pretended excuses and reasons to clear

himself. As first, that when he received them, he knew not that it was

against the Law and manner of the Countrey; and when he did know, he

took Council of a Portugueze Priest, (who was now dead) being old and

as he thought well experienced in the Countrey. But he advised him to

defer a while the carrying them unto the King until a more convenient

season. After this he did attempt, he said to bring them unto the

King, but could not be permitted to have entrance thro the Watches:

so that until now, he could not have opportunity to present them.

[The King bids him to read his Letters.] The King at the hearing

hereof, seemed not to be displeased in the least, but bid him read

them. Which he did in the English Language, as they were writ; and

the King sat very attentive as if he had understood every word. After

they were read, the King gave Vassal a Letter he had intercepted,

sent to us from Sir Edward Winter, then Agent at Fort St. George; and

asked the News and Contents thereof. Which Mr. Vassal informed him at

large of. It was concerning the Victory we had gained over the Dutch

when Obdam Admiral of Holland was slain, and concerning the number

of our Ships in that Fight, being there specified to be an Hundred

and Fifty Sail. The King inquired much after the number of Guns and

Men they carried. The number of Men he computed to be one Ship with

another about Three Hundred per Ship. At that rate, the King demanded

of him how many that was in all. Which Mr. Vassal went about to cast

up in the Sand with his finger. But before he had made his Figure

the King had done it by Head, and bid him desist, saying it was 45000.

[The King pleased to hear of England Victory over Holland.] This News

of the Hollanders overthrow, and the English Victory much delighted

the King: and he inquired into it very particularly. Then the King

pretended he would send a Letter to the English Nation, and bad

Mr. Vassal inform him of a Trusty Bearer. Which he was very forward

to do, and named one of the best which he had made trial of. One of

the Great men there present, objected against him, saying, he was

insufficient, and asked him, if he knew no other. At which Vassal

suspected their Design, which was to learn who had brought those

Letters to him; and so framed his answer accordingly, which was that

he knew no other.

[Private discourse between the King and Vassal.] There was much

other discourse passed between the King and him at this time in the

Portugueze Tongue. Which what it was I could never get out of him,

the King having commanded him to keep it secret. And he saith, he

hath sworn to himself not to divulge it, till he is out of the Kings

hands. At parting, the King told him, for Secrecy he would send him

home privatly, or otherwise he would have dismist him with Drums

and Honour. But after this the King never sent for him again. And

the man, that he named as fit and able to carry the Kings Letter,

was sent away Prisoner to be kept in Chains in the Countrey. It is

supposed, that they concluded him to have been the man that brought

Vassal his Letters. And thus much of the Captivity and Condition of

the Persia-Merchant men.

CHAP. V.

Concerning the means that were used for our Deliverance. And what

happened to us in the Rebellion. And how we were setled afterwards.

[Means made to the King for our Liberty.] All of us in this manner

remained until the year MDCLXIV. At which time arrived a Letter on

our behalf to the King from the Right Worshipful Sir Edward Winter,

Governour of Fort St. George, and Agent there. The Dutch Embassadour

also at that time by a Commission from the Governour of Columba

treated with the King for us. With Sir Edward's Message the King

was much pleased, and with the Dutch's mediation so prevailed with,

that he promised he would send us away.

[Upon which they all met at the City.] Upon this, he commanded us all

to be brought to the City. Whither when we came, we were very joyful

not only upon the hopes of our Liberty, but also upon the sight of one

another. For several of us had not seen the others since we were first

parted. Here also we met with the Persia Merchant men, whom until this

time we had not seen. So that we were nine and twenty English in all.

[Word sent them from the Court, that they had their Liberty.] Some

few days after our Arrival at the City, we were all called to

the Court. At which time standing all of us in one of the Palace

Court-yards, the Nobles by command from the King came forth and told

us, that it was his Majesties Pleasure to grant unto us our Liberty,

and to send us home to our Countrey, and that we should not any more

look upon our selves as Prisoners or detained men. At which we bowed

our heads and thanked his Majesty. They told us moreover, that the

King was intended to send us either with the Dutch Embassadour,

or by the Boat which Sir Edward Winter had sent; and that it was

his Majesties good will to grant us our choice. We humbly referred

it to his Majesties pleasure. They answered, his Majesty could and

would do his pleasure, but his will was to know our minds. After a

short consultation we answered, since it was his Majesties pleasure

to grant us our choice, with many Thanks and Obeisance we chose to

go with the Dutch Embassadour, fearing the Boats insufficiency, she

having, as we were well sensible, laid there a great while: and if we

had chosen the Boat, the danger of going that way might have served

them for a Put off to us, and a Plea to detain us still, out of care

of us. And again, had we refused the Embassadours kindness at this

time, for the future, if these things succeeded not with us now, we

could never have expected any more aid or friendship from that Nation.

[All in general refuse the King's service.] In the next place they

told us, It was the Kings pleasure to let us understand, that all

those that were willing to stay and serve his Majesty, should have

very great rewards, as Towns, Monies, Slaves and places of Honour

conferred upon them. Which all in general refused.

Then we were bidden to absent, while they returned our answers to the

King. By and by there came Order to call us in one at a time, where

the former promises were repeated to every one of us of great Favours,

Honours and Rewards from the King to those that were willing to stay

with him. And after each one had given his answer, he was sent into

a corner in the Court, and then another called and so all round one

after another, they inquiring particularly concerning each mans trade

and office; Handycrafts-men and Trumpetters being most desired by the

King. We being thus particularly examined again, there was not one

of us was tempted by the Kings rewards, but all in general refused

the Kings honourable employment, choosing rather to go to our Native

Countrey. By which we purchased the Kings Displeasure.

[Commanded still to wait at the Palace. During which a Rebellion

breaks out.] After this they told us, we must wait at the Palace gate

dayly, it being the Kings pleasure, that we should make our personal

appearance before him. In this manner we waited many days. At length

happened a thing which he least suspected, viz. a general Rebellion

of his People against him. Who assaulted his Palace in the Night:

but their hearts failed them, daring not to enter into the Apartment

where his Person was. For if they had had courage enough, they might

have taken him there. For he stayed in his Palace until the Morning;

and then fled into the Mountains, and escaped their hands, but

more thro their cowardliness than his valour. This Rebellion I have

related at large in the second Part, whither he that desires to know

more of it may have recourse. Only I shall mention here a few things

concerning our selves, who were gotten into the midst of these Broils

and Combustions, being all of us now waiting upon the King in the City.

[They are in the midst of It, and in great danger.] It was a great and

marvellous mercy of Almighty God to bring us safe thro these dangers,

for it so happened all along that we were in the very midst. Before

they gave the Assault on the Kings Palace, they were consulting to lay

hands on us, fearing lest we might be prejudicial to their Business,

in joyning to the help and assistance of the King against them. For

tho we were but few in comparison, yet the Name of White men was

somewhat dreadful to them. Whereupon at first their Counsels were to

cut us off. But others among them advised that it would be better to

let us alone; For that we being ignorant of their Designs, as indeed

we were, and at quiet in our several Lodgings, could not be provided

to hurt or indanger them. But otherwise if they should lay hands on

us, it would certainly come to the Kings Ears, and Allarm him, and

then all would be frustrated and overthrown. This some of their own

Party have related to us since. These Counsels were not given out

of any secret good will any of them bore to us (as I believe ) but

proceeded from the over-ruling hand of God, who put those things into

their hearts for our safety and preservation. The People of the City

whence the King fled, ran away also leaving their Houses and Goods

behind them. Where we found good Prey and Plunder; being permitted

to Ransack the Houses of all such as were fled away with the King.

[The Rebels take the English with them.] The Rebels having driven away

the King, and marching to the City of Cande to the Prince, carried us

along with them; the Chief of their Party telling us that we should

now be of good cheer; for what they done upon very good advisement

they had done, the Kings ill Government having given an occasion

to it. Who went about to destroy both them & their Countrey; and

particularly insisted upon such things as might be most plausible to

Strangers, such as, keeping Embassadours, discouraging Trade, detaining

of Forainers that come upon his Land, besides his cruelties towards

themselves that were his natural People. All which they told us, They

had been informed was contrary to the Government of other Countries;

and now so soon as their business was settled, they assured us,

They would detain none that were minded to go to their own Countreys.

[They design to ingage the English with them.] Being now at Cande,

on Christmas-Day of all the days in the year, they sent, to call us

to the Court, and gave us some Money and Cloths first, to make us

the more willing to take Arms, which they intended then to deliver

unto us, and to go with them upon a Design to fall upon the old King

in the place whither he was fled. But in the very interim of time,

God being merciful unto us, the Prince with his Aunt fled. Which so

amazed and discouraged them, that the Money and Cloths which they

were distributing to us and other Strangers to gain us over to them,

they scattered about the Court and fled themselves. And now followed

nothing but cutting one anothers Throats to make themselves appear

the more Loyal Subjects, and make amends for their former Rebellion.

[They resolve neither to meddle or make.] We for our parts little

thinking in what danger we were, fell in to scramble among the rest to

get what we could of the Monies that were strewed about, being then

in great necessity and want. For the allowance which formerly we had

was in this Disturbance lost, and so we remained without it for some

three Months, the want of which, this Money did help to supply. Having

gotten what we could at the Court, we made way to get out of the hurly

burly to our Lodgings; intending as we were Strangers and Prisoners,

neither to meddle nor make on the one side or the other, being well

satisfied, if God would but permit us quietly to sit, and eat such

a Christmas Dinner together, as he had prepared for us.

[The day being turned, they fear the King.] For our parts we had no

other dealings with the Rebels, than to desire them to permit us to go

to our Native Countrey, which Liberty they promised we should not want

long. But being sent for by them to the Court, we durst not but go,

and they giving us such things as we wanted, we could not refuse to

take them. But the day being turned put us into great fear, doubting

how the King would take it at our hands, from whom we knew this could

not be hid.

[But he justifies them.] Into our Houses we got safely. But no sooner

were we there, but immediately we were called again by a great Man,

who had drawn out his Men, and stood in the Field. This Man we thought

had been one of the Rebels, who to secure himself upon this change,

had intended to run away down to Columbo to the Dutch. Which made us

repair to him the more cheerfully, leaving our Meat a roasting on the

Spit. But it proved otherwise. For no sooner had he gotten us unto him,

but he Proclaimed himself for the old King, and forthwith he and his

Company taking us with him marched away to Fight or seize the Rebels,

but meeting none went into the City, and there dismissed us, saying,

He would acquaint the King, how willing and ready we were to fight for

him, if need had required; altho, God knows, it was the least of our

thoughts and intents, yet God brought it to pass for our good. For

when the King was informed of what we had received of the Rebels,

this piece of good Service that we had done, or rather supposed to

have done, was also told unto him. At the hearing of which himself

justified us to be innocent; saying, Since my absence, who was there

that would give them Victuals? And, It was mere want that made them to

take what they did. Thus the Words of the King's own mouth acquitted

us. And when the Sword devoured on every side, yet by the Providence

of God not one hair of our heads perished.

[They are driven to beg in the Highways.] The Tumults being appeased,

and the Rebellion vanished, the King was settled in his Throne

again. And all this happened in five days time. We were now greatly

necessitated for food, and wanted some fresh Orders from the King's

mouth for our future subsistence. So that having no other remedy,

we were fain to go and lay in the High way that leads to the City a

begging; for the People would not let us go any nearer towards the

King, as we would have done. There therefore we lay, that the King

might come to the knowledge of us, and give Command for our allowance

again. By which means we obtained our purpose. For having laid there

some two Months, the King was pleased to appoint our Quarters in

the Countrey as formerly, not mentioning a word of sending us away,

as he had made us believe before the Rebellion.

[Sent into new quarters there, and their Pensions settled again.] Now

we were all sent away indeed, but not into our own Countrey, but

into new Quarters. Which being God would have to be no better we were

glad it was so well, being sore a weary of laying in this manner. For

some three Months time we had no manner of allowance. We were all now

placed one in a Town as formerly, together with the Persia Merchant

men also, who hitherto had lived in the City of Cande, and had their

Provisions brought them out of the King's Palace ready dressed. These

were now sent away with us into the Countrey. And as strict a charge

was given for our good entertainment as before.

[Fall to Trading, and have more freedom.] We were thus dispersed

about the Towns here one and there another, for the more convenient

receiving our allowance, and for the greater case of the People. And

now we were far better to pass than heretofore, having the Language,

and being acquainted with the Manners and Customs of the People,

and had the same proportion of Victuals, and the like respect as

formerly. And now they fall into employments as they please, either

Husbandry or Merchandizing, or knitting Caps, being altogether free

to do what they will themselves, and to go where they will, excepting

running away: and for that end, we are not permitted to go down to

the Sea, but we may travel all about the Countrey, and no man regards

us. For tho the People some of the first years of our Captivity, would

scarcely let us go any whither, and had an eye upon us afterwards,

yet in process of time all their Suspitions of our going away wore

off; especially when several of the English had built them Houses,

and others had taken them Wives, by whom they had Children, to the

number of eighteen living when I came away.

Having said all this in general of the English People there, I will

now continue a further account of my self.

CHAP. VI.

A Continuation of the Author's particular Condition after the

Rebellion. Purchaseth a piece of Land.

[The Author at his new quarters builds him another House.] My hap

was to be quartered in a Countrey called Handapondown, lying to the

Westward of the City of Cande. Which place liked me very well, being

much nearer to the Sea than where I dwelt before, which gave me some

probable hopes, that in time I might chance to make an escape. But

in the mean time to free my self from the Suspition of the People,

who watched me by Night, and by Day, had an eye to all my actions, I

went to work with the help of some of my Neighbors to Build me another

House upon the Bank of a River, and intrenched it round with a Ditch,

and Planted an Hedge: and so began to settle my self; and followed

my business in Knitting and going about the Countries a Trading;

seeming to be very well contented in this Condition.

[The People counsel him to Marry.] Lying so long at the City without

allowance, I had spent all to some Seven shillings, which served me for

a stock to set up again in these new Quarters. And by the Blessing of

my most gracious God, which never failed me in all my Undertakings,

I soon came to be well furnished with what that Countrey afforded:

insomuch that my Neighbours and Townsmen no more suspected my running

away; but earnestly advised me to marry, saying, It would be an ease

and help to me, knowing that I then dressed my Victuals my self:

having turned my Boy to seek his Fortune when we were at the City:

They urged also, That it was not convenient for a young man as I

was to live so solitarily alone in a house: and if it should so

come to pass that the King should send me hereafter to my Country,

their manner of Marriage, they said, was not like ours, and I might

without any Offence discharge my Wife, and go away.

[Which he seemed to listen to.] I seemed not altogether to slight

their counsel, that they might the less suspect I had any thoughts of

mine own Countrey, but told them, That as yet I was not sufficiently

stocked, and also, That I would look for one that I could love: tho

in my heart I never purposed any such matter; but on the contrary,

did heartily abhor all thoughts tending that way.

[Here he lived two years.] In this place I lived two years; and all

that time could not get one likely occasion of running for it. For I

thought it better to forbear running too great a hazard by being over

hasty to escape, than to deprive my self of all hopes for the future,

when time and experience would be a great help to me.

[A Fort built near him, but afterward taken by the King.] In the year

MDCLXVI. the Hollanders came up and built a Fort just below me, there

being but a ridge of Mountains between them and me. But tho so near,

I could not come to them, a Watch being kept at every passage. The

King sent down against them two great Commanders with their Armies,

but being not strong enough to expel them, they lay in these Watches

to stop them from coming up higher. The name of this Fort was called

Arrandery. Which altho they could not prevent the Dutch from building

at that time. Yet some years after when they were not aware, they fell

upon it and took it, and brought all the People of it up to Cande,

where those that remained alive of them were, when I came from thence.

[He and three more removed thence] In this Countrey of Hotteracourly,

where the Dutch had built this Fort, were four English men placed,

whereof I was one. All whom the King immediately upon the News of the

Dutche's Invasion, sent order to bring up out of the danger of the

War into Cande Uda, fearing that which we were indeed intended to do,

viz. to run away.

This Invasion happening so unexpectedly and our remove so sudden,

I was forced to leave behind me that little Estate which God had

given me, lying scattered abroad in Betel-nuts, the great Commodity

of that Countrey, which I was then parting from: and much ado I had

to get my Cloths brought along with me, the Enemies, as they called

them, but my Friends being so near. And thus was I carried out of

this Countrey as poor as I came into it, leaving all the fruits of

my Labour and Industry behind me. Which called to my remembrance the

words of Job. Naked came I into this world, and naked shall I return:

God gave and God hath taken away, blessed be the Name of the Lord.

[Settled in a dismal place.] We all four were brought up together

into a Town on the top of a Mountain called Laggendenny. Where I and

my dear Friend and fellow Prisoner, and fellow Batchelor Mr. John

Loveland lived together in one House. For by this time not many of our

People were as we, that is, single men; but seeing so little hopes,

despaired of their Liberty, and had taken Wives or Bedfellows.

At our first coming into this Town, we were very much dismayed,

it being, one of the most dismal places that I have seen upon that

Land. It stands alone upon the top of a Mountain, and no other Town

near it, and not above four or five Houses in it. And oftentimes

into this Town did the King use to send such Malefactors as he was

minded suddenly to cut off. Upon these accounts our being brought to

this place could not but scare us, and the more, because it was the

King's special Order and Command to place us in this very Town.