Memoir Of Hendrick Zwaardecroon, Commandeur Of Jaffnapatam Part 9

[52] Lit. "man searchers." These were probably small boats rowed by men.

[53] Cakes of palmyra sugar.

[54] Coconut sh.e.l.ls.

[55] See note on p. 15.

[56] This is what he says: "It was my intention to have a new drawbridge built before the Castle, with a small water mill on one side to keep the ca.n.a.ls always full of sea water; and a miniature model has already been made."

[57] He died on December 15, 1691, on board the s.h.i.+p Drechterland on a voyage from Ceylon to Surat.

[58] Cured and dried fish.

[59] Pallars?

[60] See page 21 supra.

[61] The church was completed in 1706, during the administration of Commandeur Adam van der Duyn.

[62] "Van geen oude schoenen te verwerpen, voor dat men met nieuwe voorsien is."

[63] Tanjore.

[64] This is unfortunately no longer forthcoming, having probably been destroyed or lost with the rest of the Jaffna records; and there is no copy in the Archives at Colombo. But an older report of Commandeur Blom dated 1690 will be translated for this series.

[65] Also lost.

[66] The figures are as given in the MS. It is difficult to reconcile these equivalents with the rate of 3 guilders to the rix-dollar. The denominations given under florins (guilders) are as follows:--16 aba.s.sis = 1 stiver; 20 stivers = 1 florin.

[67] See note on p. 16.

[68] Hendrick Zwaardecroon.

[69] Customs duty.

[70] Tanjore.

[71] A fanam, according to Valentyn's table, was equal to 5 stivers.

[72] During the early years of the Dutch rule in Ceylon there was, besides the Governor, a Commandeur resident in Colombo. This post was subsequently abolished.

[73] An old Dutch measure for coal and lime, equal to 32 bushels.

[74] See note on p. 42.

[75] A mixties was one of European paternity and native on the mother's side.

[76] Portuguese descendants of the lower cla.s.s.

[77] The term "qualified officers," here and elsewhere, probably refers to those who received their appointment direct from the supreme authorities at Batavia.

[78] The elephant keeper.

[79] The men who attend on the elephants, feed them, &c.

[80] Durbar.

[81] Customs duty.

[82] Toddy.

[83] Umbrella.

[84] Thomas van Rhee.