[29]. The farming out of the duties, including those on the import of foreign cloth of 20 per cent., having increased by Rds. 4,056½, must be continued in the same way. The stamping of native cloth (included in the lease) must be reduced, from September 1 next, to 20 per cent. The farmers must also be required to pay the monthly term at the beginning of each month in advance, which must be stipulated in the lease, so that the Company may not run any risks. There are prospects of this lease becoming more profitable for the Company in future, on account of the passage having been opened.

[30]. With regard to the Trade Accounts, such good advice has been given here, that I fully approve of it and need not make any further comments, but only recommend the observance of the rules.

[31]. The debts due to the Company, amounting to 116,426.11.14 guilders at the end of February, 1694, were at the departure of Mr. Zwaardecroon reduced to 16,137.8 guilders. This must no doubt be attributed to the greater vigilance exercised, in compliance with the orders from the Honourable the Supreme Government of India by resolution of 1693. This order still holds good and seems to be still obeyed; because, since the date of this Memoir, the debt has been reduced to 14,118.11.8 guilders. The account at present is as follows:—

Guilders.[5]
The Province of Timmoraatsche376. 2.8
The Province of Patchelepalle579.10.0
Tandua Moeti and Nagachitty (weavers)2,448.13.0
Manuel of Anecotta8,539. 6.0
The Tannecares caste1,650. 0.0
Don Philip Nellamapane375. 0.0
Ambelewanner150. 0.0
Total14,118.11.8

Herein is not included the Fl. 167.15 which again has been paid to the weavers Tandua Moeti and Naga Chitty on account of the Company for the delivery of Salampoeris, while materials have been issued to them later on. It is not with my approval that these poor people continue to be employed in the weaving of cloth, because the Salampoeris which I have seen is so inferior a quality and uneven that I doubt whether the Company will make any profit on it; especially if the people should get into arrears again as usual on account of the thread and cash issued to them. I have an idea that I read in one of the letters from Batavia, which, however, is not to be found here at the Secretariate, that Their Excellencies forbid the making of the gingams spoken of by Mr. Zwaardecroon, as there was no profit to be made on these, but I am not quite sure, and will look for the letter in Colombo, and inform Their Excellencies at Batavia of this matter. Meantime, Your Honours must continue the old practice as long as it does not act prejudicially to the Company. At present their debt is 2,448.13 guilders, from which I think it would be best to discharge them, and no advance should be given to them in future, nor should they be employed in the weaving of cloth for the Company. I do not think they need be sent out of the country on account of their idolatry on their being discharged from their debt; because I am sure that most of the natives who have been baptized are more heathen than Christian, which would be proved on proper investigation. Besides, there are still so many other heathen, as, for instance, the Brahmin Timmerza and his large number of followers, about whom nothing is said, and who also openly practise idolatry and greatly exercise their influence to aid the vagabonds (land-loopers) dependent on him, much to the prejudice of Christianity. I think, therefore, that it is a matter of indifference whether these people remain or not, the more so as the inhabitants of Jaffnapatam are known to be a perverse and stiff-necked generation, for whom we can only pray that God in His mercy will graciously enlighten their understanding and bless the means employed for their instruction to their conversion and knowledge of their salvation.

It is to be hoped that the debt of the dyers, amounting to 8,539.6 guilders, may yet be recovered by vigilance according to the instructions.

[32]. The debt of the Tannekares, who owe 1,650 guilders for 11 elephants, and the amount of 375 guilders due by Don Gaspar advanced to him for the purchase of nely, as also the amount of Fl. 150 from the Ambelewanne, must be collected as directed here.

[33]. With regard to the pay books nothing need be observed here but that the instructions given in the annexed Memoir be carried out.

[34]. What is said here with regard to the Secretariate must be observed, but with regard to the proposed means of lessening the duties of the Secretary by transferring the duties of the Treasurer to the Thombo-keeper, Mr. Bolscho (in which work the latter is already employed), I do not know whether it would be worth while, as it is best to make as few changes as possible. The instructions with regard to the passports must be followed pending further orders.

[35]. I will not comment upon what is stated here with regard to the Court of Justice, as these things occurred before I took up the reins of Government, and that was only recently. I have besides no sufficient knowledge of the subject, while also time does not permit me to peruse the documents referred to. Mr. Zwaardecroon’s advice must be followed, but in case Mr. Bolscho should have to be absent for a short time (which at present is not necessary, as it seems that the preparation of the maps and the correction of the Thombo is chiefly left to the surveyors), I do not think the sittings of the Court need be suspended, but every effort must be made to do justice as quickly as possible. In case of illness of some of the members, or when the Lieutenant Claas Isaacsz has to go to the interior to relieve the Dessave of his duties there, Lieut. van Loeveningen, and, if necessary, the Secretary of the Political Council, could be appointed for the time; because the time of the Dessave will be taken up with the supervision of the usual work at the Castle. I think that there are several law books in stock in Colombo, of which some will be sent for the use of the Court of Justice by the first opportunity; as it appears that different decisions have been made in similar cases among the natives. Great precaution must be observed, and the documents occasionally submitted to us. I think that the number of five Lascoreens and six Caffirs will be sufficient for the assistance of the Fiscaal.