and the tribute for these has been paid; although it is rather small and consists only of 9 1/2 alias (elephants), which the Wannias there, however, deliver regularly, or at least do not take very long in doing so. Perhaps they could furnish more elephants in lieu of the tithes of the harvest, and it would not matter if the whole of it were paid in this way, because this amount could be made up for by supplies from the lands of Colombo, Galle, and Matara, or a larger quantity could be ordered overland. That the Master of the Hunt, Don Gasper Nitchenchen Aderayen, should, as if he were a sovereign, have put to death a Lascoreen and a hunter under the old Don Gaspar on his own responsibility, is a matter which will result in very bad consequences; but I have heard rumours to the effect that it was not his work, but his father's (Don Philip Nellamapane). With regard to these people Your Honours must observe the Instructions of Mr. Zwaardecroon, and their further actions must be watched; because of their conspiracies with the Veddas, in one of which the brother of Cottapulle Odiaar is said to have been killed. Time does not permit it, otherwise I would myself hold an inquiry. 5. Mantotte, Moesely, and Pirringaly, which Provinces are ruled by officers paid by the Company, seem to be doing well; because the Company received from there a large number of elephants, besides the tithes of the harvest, which are otherwise drawn by the Wannias. The two Wannias, Don Philip Nellamapane and Don Gaspar, complain that they do not receive the tribute of two elephants due to them from the inhabitants of Pirringaly, but I do not find in the decree published by Commandeur Blom on June 11, 1693, in favour of the inhabitants, any statement that they owe such tribute for liberation from the rule of the Wannias, but only that they (these Wannias) will be allowed to capture elephants. These Wannias, however, sent me a dirty little document, bearing date May 12, 1694, in which it is stated that the hunters of Pirringaly had delivered at Manaar for Pannengamo in the year 1693 two alias, each 4-3/8 cubits high. If more evidence could be found, it might be proved that such payment of 2 alias yearly really had to be made, and it would be well for Your Honours to investigate this matter, because it is very necessary to protect and assist the hunters as much as possible, as a reward for their diligence in the capture of elephants. Payment must be made to them in compliance with the orders of His Excellency van Mydregt.