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 NINETEEN YEARS' CAPTIVITY

IN THE KINGDOM OF CONDE UDA.

BY

Captain ROBERT KNOX.

PRELIMINARY CHAPTER I.

A general description of the Island.

How this island lies with respect unto the neighbouring coasts, I shall not speak at all, that being to be seen in our ordinary sea cards [charts] which describe those parts); and but little concerning the maritime parts of it, now under the jurisdiction of the Dutch: my design being to relate such things only that are new and unknown unto these European nations. It is the inland country therefore I chiefly intend to write of: which is yet a hidden land; even to the Dutch themselves that inhabit upon the island. For I have seen among them a fair large map of this place; the best I believe extant, yet very faulty. The ordinary maps in use among us are much more so. I have procured a new one to be drawn with as much truth and exactness as I could: and his judgment will not be deemed altogether inconsiderable, who had for twenty years travelled about the island, and knew almost every step of those parts: especially those that most want describing.

I begin with the sea coasts: of all which the Hollander is master. On the north end; the chief places are Jaffnapatam and the island of Manaar. On the east side, Trincomalee and Batticalloe. To the south, is the city of Point de Galle. On the west, the city of Colombo; so called from a tree, the natives call ambo (which bears the mango fruit) growing in that place, which never bare fruit but only leaves, which in their language is cola; and hence they