Page:An English Garner Ingatherings from Our History and Literature (Volume 1 1877).pdf/349

 NINETEEN YEARS' CAPTIVITY

IN THE KINGDOM OF CONDE UDA.

BY

Captain ROBERT KNOX.

CHAPTER I.

Of the reason of our going to Ceylon, and detainment there.

In this fourth and last part, I purpose to speak concerning our captivity in this island; and during which, in what condition the English have lived there; and the eminent providence of GOD in my escape thence: together with other matters relating to the Dutch and other European nations that dwell, and are kept there. All which will afford so much variety and new matter, that I doubt not but the readers will be entertained with as much delight in perusing these things, as in any else that have been already related.

I begin with the unhappy occasion of our going to this country.

Anno 1657, the Anne frigate of London, Captain ROBERT KNOX Commander, on the 21st day of January; set sail out of the Downs in the service of the Honourable the English East India Company, bound for Fort St. George [Madras] on the coast of Coromandel, to trade one year from port to port in India. Which we having performed, as we were lading goods to return for England, being on the road