SHORT NOTES by Gerrit de Heere, Governor of the Island of Ceylon, on the chief points raised in these Instructions of Commandeur Hendrick Zwaardecroon, for the guidance of the Opperkoopman Mr. Ryklof de Bitter, Second in authority and Dessave of the Commandement, and the other members of the Political Council of Jaffnapatam. Where the notes contradict the Instructions the orders conveyed by the former are to be followed. In other respects the Instructions must be observed, as approved by Their Excellencies the Governor-General and the Council of India. 1. The form of Government, as approved at the time mentioned here, must be also observed with regard to the Dessave and Secunde, Mr. Ryklof de Bitter, as has been confirmed by the Honourable the Government of Batavia in their special letter of October 19 last. 2. What is stated here is reasonable and in compliance with the Instructions, but with regard to the recommendation to send to Mr. Zwaardecroon by Manaar and Tutucorin advices and communications of all that transpires in this Commandement, I think it would be sufficient, as Your Honours have also to give an account to us, and this would involve too much writing, to communicate occasionally and in general terms what is going on, and to send him a copy of the Compendium which is yearly compiled for His Excellency the Governor. This we authorize Mr. de Bitter and the other members of Council to do. 3. We fully confirm the recommendation here given. 4. The Wanni, the largest territory here, has been divided by the Company into several Provinces, which have been given in usufruct to some Majoraals, who bear the title of Wannias, on the condition that they should yearly deliver to the Company 42 1/2 alias (elephants). The distribution of these tributes is as follows:-- Alias. Don Philip Nellamapane and Don Gaspar Ilengenarenne, for the Provinces of-- Pannegamo 17 Pelleallacoelan 2 Poedicoerie-irpoe 2 ---- 21 Don Diogo Poevenelle Mapane, for the Provinces of-- Carrecattemoele 7 Meelpattoe 5 ---- 12 Don Amblewannar, for the Province of-- Carnamelpattoe 4 Don Chedoega Welemapane, for the Province of-- Tinnemerwaddoe 2 Don Peria Meynaar, for the Province of-- Moeliawalle 3 1/2 ====== Total 42 1/2