February

Feby. 1.
Monday. — My Brother George and myself went this morning to pay our respects to Col: Petrie on board the Swift Cruizer. — We found him busy preparing to go on shore at Tutacorin, and having invited us to accompany him we did so accordingly. — We all dined with the Officer Commanding at the Fort - and returned on board in the Evening. — At Tutacorin we first learnt the exact amount of Colonel Stuart's Force, and the names and description of the Corps of which it is composed. — As from this information it appears that no part of the 36th. Regt. is to be employed on this Expedition, Col: Petrie agreeably to his kind promise has written to the Officer commanding the Forces at Madras to allow George Jarvis to serve as a Volunteer on the present Service with the 77th. Regiment, and with which he has directed George should in the mean time do Duty. —

Feby. 2.
Tuesday. — Immediately after Breakfast this morning, I went on board the Swift to see Col: Petrie, and had the pleasure of being then introduced to Colonel Dugald Campbell of the Madras Native Cavalry, who had come on board to see his old friend Col: Petrie.

Colonel Campbell, who commands in the Tutacorin District, has, most liberally and kindly sent a considerable quantity of Fresh Stock on board of all the Transports for the use of the officers and men. — Colonel Campbell is I find, a Native of Argyleshire - and appears to be a most pleasant agreeable man. —

At Noon today, our Fleet weighed anchor, and sailed from Tutacorin Bay - Standing over to the Island of Ceylon across the Gulph of Manar. —

Feby. 4.
Thursday! — At Day-break this morning we got sight of the Madras Fleet, with Colonel Stuart and the Troops from that Residency for the Expedition on board, we gained fast upon them - and by 10,O'Clock, we were close up with them - almost forming but one Fleet; thus meeting and uniting at a most fortunate and happy moment.

At 11,O'Clock this forenoon, both the Madras and Bombay Fleet of Transports anchored in the little Bay of Negombo - within about three miles of the shore. —

Negombo is a small Town on the Island of Ceylon - and about Twenty four miles to the Northward of Columbo - the Capital and Chief Settlement of the Island, where the Governor resides. —

In the Evening some of the Madras Troops were landed, and took possession of Negombo - and a small Fort there - which the Enemy abandoned and Retreated from immediately on the approach of our Troops to the shore even before they landed. —

Feby. 5.
Friday! — The whole of the Troops from both Madras and Bombay were disembarked in the course of this day at Negombo - where they were Encamped. —

Feby. 6.
Saturday ! — My Brother George and myself were this morning introduced by our friend Col: Petrie to our new Commander in chief Colonel Stuart who appears to be a pleasant gentlemanlike man. —

The Army were this day Brigaded. The command of the European Brigade, consisting of the 52d., 73d. 77th. Regts., was given to Lieut. Colonel Banivea, [sic] and that of the Bombay Sepoy Brigade was given to Major Wiseman. — The following were the General and Brigade Staff attached to Colonel Stuart's Army - Vizt.
Major Agnew — Adjt. Genl.
Major Allan — Qr. Mr. Genl. &c. &c.
Capt. Burough — Paymr. Genl. &c. &c.
Doctor Briggs — Surgeon Genl.
Mr. Atkinson — Commy. Genl.
Mr. Pearson — Do. Bbay Detachmt.
Mr. Hallett — Paymr. Do. Do.
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Capt. Turin — Brigade Major Madras Nat. Infy.
Capt. Robertson — Do. European Brigade
Lieut. Gray — Do. Bbay Nat. Do.
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Feby. 7.
Sunday! — The Flank Companies of the 3 King's Regiments having been formed into a Battalion under the command of Capt. Barbut of the 73d. Regt., were joined this morning by the Bbay Grenadr. Battn. of Sepoys under Capt. McDonald, marched this day at Noon under the command of Lt. Colonel Petrie to take Post 12 miles in advance of the rest of the Army. — Lt. Jarvis attached to 77th. Grenadrs.

Feby. 8.
Monday! — The Army marched from Negombo at 2. P.M. - and Encamped at Canore - on the Banks of a deep Nulla of that name - about 10 Miles distance - at 7. P.M. —

Feby. 9.
Tuesday. — The Army moved on at Day-break; - crossed the Nulla in Tonies, which took up several hours, and Encamped at Jeelaul [?] at 6. P.M. distance about 10 Miles. —

Feby. 10.
Wednesday — This is Halting Day. —

I went to call on Lt. Col: Petrie and my Brother George at the Camp of the Flank Battalion, about a mile in advance from our Ground, immediately as soon as I had Breakfasted, accompanied by Doctr. Anderson and Lieut. Shaw, - and staid for a Couple of Hours there. — The Flank Battn. & Grenadr. Battn. are Encamped close to the Banks of the Mulwaiee River, on the opposite side of which a body of 700 men of the Enemy are Intrenched with 7 Pieces of Cannon, ready to dispute our Passage across this River, as given out by themselves. — They fired several Guns in the course of this day across the River at our Camp, and at the Parties sent out to Reconnoitre - by which one of our Public Native followers was wounded.

Feby. 11.
Thursday — It was discovered at Day break this morning that the Enemy had abandoned their Intrenchments on the opposite side of the Mulwaiee River in the course of last Night, and went off in such a hurry that they took none of their Guns with them but threw them into the River. This last part of the intelligence was confirmed by some Deserters who came in to us from the Enemy this morning. —

At 1. P.M. The Army crossed the River Mulwaiee in three Divisions, within a few minutes of one another forming Line, as soon as they crossed, fronting Columbo and our rear to the river. — The Line advanced at Four O'Clock for about a mile, and halted on very strong commanding Ground within about 3 miles of the Town and Fortress of Columbo, without being in the least annoyed or molested by the Enemy. Here the Camp was Pitched - but the whole of the Army lay all night on their Arms. — The Flank Battalion has been posted about a quarter of a mile in front of the Line. —

Feby. 12.
Friday! — At Dawn of Day this morning the Enemy attacked our Advanced Corps, and made several attempts to storm and take two Six Pounders attached to it, but were every time repulsed with great loss. — The Malays were the most forward in these attacks, and made several attempts to stab our Artillery men at the Guns with their creesses. — The Enemy was in considerable Force not being less than a Thousand Europeans and Malays. — Our Advanced Corps was therefore Reinforced from the European Brigade soon after the attack commenced, and which did not cease till 9,O'Clock, when the Enemy was completely repulsed - and pursued to near the Walls of Columbo.

The Enemy lost their commanding Officer (Colonel De Lisle) who was mortally wounded, and about 150 men killed and wounded. — Our loss was one officer killed (Ensign Grant of the 77th. Regt.), and 18 men killed and wounded. —

My Brother in law Lieut. Jarvis of the 36th. - who was attached to and doing Duty with the 77th. Grenadiers - had an opportunity of distinguishing himself on this little brilliant occasion - being warmly engaged during the whole time of the attack; - Capt. Spry commanding the 77th. Grenadrs. took particular notice of George during the action and spoke of his gallantry in the most handsome manner. — This is the first action George was ever in. —

The Army changed Ground and moved forwards this Evening in Line - taking up a strong Position in the Pettah and along the face of a Hill within 2000 Yards of the Fort of Columbo. — The Army lay on their Arms all this Night, expecting to be again attacked by the Enemy at Day-break - but he did not think proper to molest us.

Feby. 13.
Saturday. — The Army changed Ground again this Evening a little to the Left, in order to take up a still stronger Position before Columbo previous to our Breaking Ground and commencing making our approaches.

Feby. 14.
Sunday! — The Guns and Stores for the Siege were landed in the course of this day. —

Major Agnew the Adjt. Genl. was sent in to Columbo with a Flag of Truce this day at 2. P.M. to summon the Governor to surrender the Fort to the British Arms - or take the consequence. — At 6. P.M. Major Agnew returned to Camp, with a request from the Dutch Governor, Mr. Van Angelbeck, [sic] that a Cessation of Hostilities should take place for 24 Hours - which was granted by Colonel Stuart. —

Feby. 15.
Monday! — The Cessation of Hostilities still continues - and we understand that Articles of Capitulation are drawing - and that the Enemy has agreed to surrender the Fort tomorrow morning. —

Feby. 16.
Tuesday! — At Day-break this morning it was announced to the Army that Govr. Van Angelbeck [sic] has agreed to surrender the Town and Fortress of Columbo - with all its Dependencies on the Island of Ceylon - by Capitulation - which was signed and executed by both Parties late last Night.

The British Troops are to take Possession of the Gates of the Fortress of Columbo this morning at Ten OClock; the Dutch Troops marching out at the same time with the Honors of War - and laying down their Arms on the Glacis - and to be considered Prisoners of War. —

At 10,O'Clock this morning The Flank Battalion marched from Camp and took Possession of the Gates of Columbo. — At the same time 3 Companies of the 73d. - 3 Companies of the 77th. Regt. (under my command), and the 7th. Battn. Madras Nat: Infy. (commanded by Capt. Bowser), were directed to march from Camp under the orders of Capt. Whitelocke, to the Glacis - and there receive and see the Dutch Garrison lay down their Arms. — The Dutch Troops marched our accordingly between 10 and 11,O'Clock - but in a most disorderly tumultuous manner, almost all of them being very much intoxicated - and very abusive and insolent to their officers - who were very much ashamed of the noisy and very unruly conduct of their men. —

We got them however at length drawn up in Line on the Glacis, where they Piled up their Arms, and were then all marched back into the Fort, under strong Guards, as Prisoners of War. —

The Dutch Garrison who have thus quietly surrendered, consisted of 3000 Fighting Men - European and Native Troops - and there were about 1200 of the former description. By the Articles of Capitulation the Dutch Troops are all to be sent to Batavia in the Island of Java (- the Seat of the Supreme and Govt. General of the Dutch in India -) as soon as convenient. — Such of the Malay and other Native Troops, as chuse [sic] to take Service with us, are to be allowed to do so, by an Article in the Capitulation.

This is a most important and valuable Capture and acquisition to not only the East India Company in a commercial point of view - but also to the British Nation at large in a Political one, in as far as it contains the only good Harbour for our Navy on this side of India - and the French being prevented from Possessing themselves of this valuable Island. — There are immense quantities of Cinnamon, Pepper, Arrack, and various other goods and Merchandise, belonging to the Dutch Company, found in Columbo; the Guns, Ordnance and Naval Stores, are also of very great value; so that there is good reason to hope the Captors will share very handsomely indeed in Prize Money in this occasion. —

Feby. 17.
Wednesday. — I continued on Duty on the Glacis, in charge of the Arms of the Dutch Garrison until 4. P.M. this afternoon - when I was Relieved.

The 73d. & 77th. Regt. Encamped this afternoon on the Glacis - close to the Fort - and the Officers were quartered in Houses in the Pettah.

I got a very good one for myself and our mess - which consists of my Brother George Jarvis - Lieuts. Shaw and Mc.Kenzie - and Lieut. Charles Gordon of the 76th. Regt. — We have all along continued to mess together since we landed at Negombo. —

I wrote this Evening - via Madras - to my dearest Jane to give her the happy tidings of the fall of Columbo. —

Feby. 18.
Thursday! — I received Letters this morning from Major Auchmuty the Kings Adjt. Genl. at Calcutta, informing me that the Comr. in Chief Sir Robt. Abercromby had lately been kindly pleased to appoint my Nephew Murdoch Maclaine, and my Cousin Hector Macquarie, to Ensigncies in the 73d. Regiment immediately in this Country - which I shall do accordingly. —

At 2. P.M. I was sent for by Colonel Stuart to come to speak to him at his Quarters in the Fort, where he had removed yesterday.

Upon my waiting on him, he was pleased to say - that - from the very high character he had heard of me from Lt. Col: Petrie and others, he was desirous to entrust me with the Command of a Detachment that was to be sent off next Day to take Possession of the Town and Fortress of Point de Galle - and the Dependencies thereunto belonging in that District, between 80 and 90 miles to the Southward of Columbo. — That as there were Public Property of great value in the Stores and Arsenals at Point de Galle, he wished to send an officer of Capacity and experience there to take Possession of that important Place - and that he therefore had selected me for this Service if it was perfectly acceptable and agreeable to me to go. — I thanked Colonel Stuart for the very high flattering opinion he was pleased to entertain of me, as well as for the high honor he did me in Selecting me for so important an Service - assuring him that I was proud and happy to acquiesce in his wishes - and that I was ready at a moment's notice to receive his orders and commands for this or any other Service. — He told me my Detachment would consist of a Party of European Artillery and the 9th. Battn. of Madras Sepoys, which would be ordered immediately to be ready to march tomorrow afternoon, and that he would have my Instructions ready for me at 2,O'Clock tomorrow, when he desired me to call for them. — I then took my leave and returned Home to my quarters to prepare - and make the necessary arrangements for my departure tomorrow. — The Service on Ceylon being now terminated - at least all actual Service being at an end, my much beloved and esteemed Broyr. in law Lieut. Jarvis has determined on joining his own Regt. at Trichinopoly immediately - and for that purpose takes his leave of us in a couple of days more; he does so however with infinite regret, being much attached to the 77th. Regt. from the very great attention and kindness he has all along experienced from all the officers both on this and former Service.

Dr. Anderson, Capt. Whitelocke, and some other friends dined with our mess today.

Feby. 19.
Friday! — I wrote Letters early this morning to my dearest Jane, via Madras, informing her, of my going to take Possession of Point de Galle. — At 2. P.M. I waited on Colonel Stuart and received my Instructions from in regard to my Command and the arrangements he wishes me to make on taking Possession of the Dutch Town and Fortress of Point de Galle. — The Adjutant General informed me that my Detachment would be ready Paraded for me at 3,O'Clock on the Esplanade near the South Gate of the Fort. — After getting my Instructions and taking Leave of Colonel Stuart - and my good friend Lt. Col: Petrie, I returned Home to my Quarters and took an early hasty Dinner with my messmates, who were so good as to order Dinner at 1/2 past 2. on account of my going away. — At 3,O'Clock I took leave of my dear Brother George Jarvis, and the rest of my friends of the mess - and set out to join my Detachment. —

I found the Detachment paraded near the South Gate. — It consisted of 30 Men of the Madras Artillery Commanded by Lieut. Quayle of the Royal Artillery, and 7 Companies of the 9th. Battn. of Madras Nat: Infy. Commanded by Lieut. Mc.Cully; the Commandant Capt. Bannerman being obliged to remain behind Sick at Columbo; and the other 3 Companies of the Battn. had been detached two days before - under Lieuts. O'Reilly, Harris, and Hazard, to take possession of some small Forts on the Coast near Point de Galle; with directions to put themselves under my orders, and report their Proceedings to me, on my arrival at Point de Galle, or as I passed their respective Posts.

At 1/2 past 3. P.M I marched off my Detachment - and after a long fatiguing march of 18 miles arrive at the Panitura River - which we cross in Boats - and halt on the other side of it at the Village of Panitura; where we got very good Quarters - but did not get into them until 10,O'Clock at Night.

Feby. 20.
Saturday. — March from Panitura at Day-break - and arrive at 9. a.m. at the beautiful River of Calitura; cross it in Boats to the Village and Fort of that name: distance from our last Quarters 10 miles. — Halted here to rest the Detachment during the heat of the Day. — I found Lieut. Hazard of the 9th. Battn. here, who had taken Possession of the Fort, and to whom I gave the necessary orders and Instructions for his guidance. — March on again at Sunset from Calitura - and arrive at 11,O'Clock at Night at the large Village of Béntotté - on the South side of a large River of that name - and which we cross in Boats - distance 9 miles from last stage; here we halt all Night.

Feby. 21.
Sunday. — March from Béntotté at 8. a.m.; arrive at Coscottah at 11. — Halt and dine there. — At 5. P.M. march on again - and reach the large Village of Amblangoddé at 9,O'Clock at Night - where we halt and get into very good Quarters; Our march today is 18 miles. —

Feby. 22.
Monday. — March at 5. a.m. from Amblangoddé, and reach the Village of Hycottee at 9 OClock, distance 10 miles. — Here we halt and Breakfast. — March on again at 11. a.m. and arrive at the beautiful little Village of Genderé at 4. OClock P.M. having the River of the same name - which runs close to the Village in Boats; distance from our last stage 11 miles; - So that we have marched 21 Miles today. —

Being now arrived within 4 miles of the Town and Fortress of Point de Galle, I wrote a Letter to the Dutch Commander or Governor, announcing my arrival at Genderé in command of a British Detachment of Troops for the purpose of taking Possession of Galle in the name of His Britannic Majesty agreeably to the articles of Capitulation signed by the British and Dutch Commanders at Columbo. — With this Letter from myself - and one also from Governor Van Angelbeck - I sent my Dutch Interpreter Serjt. Mc.Kenzie of the 77th. Regt. (whom I got leave to bring with me as he spoke and wrote both Dutch and French remarkably well), this Evening at 6,O'Clock to Mr. Fretz the Commandeur of Galle; to whom I have intimated my intention of marching in to take Possession of the Fort tomorrow at 12,O'Clock, and requesting that he will be pleased to make the necessary arrangements for delivering it up at that time. —

Serjt. Mc.Kenzie returned from the Fort at 10,O'Clock at Night, with a very polite Letter from Governor Fretz - thanking me for my polite attention, and saying that he would be ready to deliver up to me the Fortress and Town of Point de Galle at 12,O'Clock tomorrow - or earlier if I wish it, as every preparation was already made for that purpose. —

Feby. 23.
Tuesday! — Lieut. Harris of the 9th. Madras Battn. joined me at Genderé this morning with his Company. —

At 10.A.M. I marched with the detachment from Genderé for Point de Galle. — About halfway thither I was met by two Gentlemen in a Carriage belonging to Govr. Fretz - who announced themselves as two of the Members of Council of the Government of Galle, and that they were sent by the Govr. to conduct me in his Carriage into the Fort, where he and the rest of the Members of Council were ready to receive me at the Government House. I accompanied these two Gentlemen accordingly into Galle in the Governor's Carriage; - leaving orders with Lieut. Harris, the next senior officer, to follow me with the Detachmt. without hurrying the men on the march - and to halt as soon as he came within a couple of Hundred Yards of the Gates of the Fort till he should receive further orders from me. — I arrived at the Government House in the Fort at 1/2 past 11. a.m. and was there received by Governor Fretz, all the Members of Council, and the Heads of Offices Military & Civil of the Dutch administration, and principal officers and other Gentlemen belonging to this Settlement. — These Gentlemen were all individually introduced by the Governor to me, commencing with the Members of Council and the Commanding Officer of the Troops.

The Governor then came up to me and presented me, in a most solemn and formal manner, on a large Silver Salver, with the Keys of the different Gates of the Garrison; making a short, but very appropriate Speech on the occasion: - in doing which, however, he was very much affected and shed Tears - as did also several of the Gentlemen around him.

I was very much moved at this scene, and wished it over as soon as possible since its being farther prolonged would only add to their distress. — I therefore made a short reply to the Governor, assuring him, that I was most sincerely disposed, as well from motives of Duty as inclination, to make his own particular Situation and that of all the Members of Council and other Gentlemen of the Settlement of Point de Galle as easy and comfortable as possible, and that they might rely on their wishes being attended to in every respect as far as was consistent with my Duty while I continued in command of Galle. —

The Governor thanked me in his own and the name of the whole. —

Wine and Cake was then carried round - and Healths were drank. — The Governor invited me and the officers of my Detachment to dine with him at 4,O'Clock, inviting all the Gentlemen now present at the same time to meet us. — Mr. Fretz - said the Government House was ready for my accommodation and reception immediately, as is usual on such occasions, and that he would leave it with his Family in the morning; but I begged he would not think of doing so - and that I must insist on his remaining in it with his whole Family as long as I continued in the command of Galle; as a Couple of Rooms of it were quite enough for me - and full as much as I had occasion for - the House being very large and quite sufficient for both our accommodation. — Mr. Fretz appeared very sensibly touched with this - saying he esteemed himself and his Family most highly and gratefully obliged to me, as it was a favor and condescension they very little expected. —

At 1/2 past 12,O'Clock the meeting at the Government House broke up, and I took my leave to march in the Detachment. —

I found it halted as directed at South East Gate of the Fort, and marched it in directly, with Drums beating and Colours flying, through that Gate to the Grand Parade in the middle of the Fort - where all the Dutch Troops were assembled under arms ready to receive us with their Commanding Officer Colonel ——- [blank] at their head. — As soon as I had formed the British Detachment fronting them, the Dutch Troops Presented arms and saluted us, which was returned by us. — The Dutch Guards at the Gates and Batteries and over the Magazines, Arsenals and different Public Warehouses and Stores within the Fort, were then immediately relieved, and replaced by an equal number of British Troops. — As soon as the Guards were relieved, and the Dutch troops had joined the Main Body on the Grand Parade, the whole of them - by word of command from their own Commander Col: ——- [blank] grounded their Arms and surrendered themselves Prisoners of War, to the number of 650 Fighting men. — They were in the mean time allowed to remain in their former Barracks under proper Guards until there is an opportunity of sending them to Madras - from which they are all to be sent to Batavia. —

On the British Detachment's marching in and arrival on the Parade the Dutch Flag was struck - and the British one immediately hoisted; - and as soon as the Dutch Guards were relieved, and that the whole had laid down their arms, on a concerted signal being given for that purpose, Lieut. Quayle fired a Royal Salute of 21 Guns from the Guns on the Works, in honor of the occasion of the Town and Fortress of Point de Galle being taken Possession of in the name of His Britannic Majesty. — This being done the British Detachment were marched to the Barracks allotted for them - and orders given for a double allowance of Arrack being given to them for this day to drink His Majesty's Health, whilst the officers accompanied me to dine with Governor Fretz. —

At 3. P.M I accompanied the officers of my Detachment to the Government House, and having introduced them all to Mr. Fretz, I retired to my Room to write a short Dispatch to Colonel Stuart, to inform him of my having taken Possession of the Town and Fortress of Galle this day at 1/2 past 12,O'Clock. — I also gave Lieut. Harris written Instructions and orders for his guidance in regard to the Command I have appointed him to at the Fort and District of Matura, about Twenty miles to the Southward of Galle, whither he proceeds this Evening to relieve Lieut. OReilly-; who, as Eldest Lieutenant, is ordered up to join the 9th. Battn. and to command it during Capt. Bannerman's absence. —

Having dispatched my Letter by Express to Colonel Stuart - and given Lieut. Harris his final orders to march at 1/2 past 5,O'Clock this Evening with his Company for Matura, I returned to the Great Hall or Dining Room, where I found Mr. Fretz and his Company assembled for Dinner - there being about Sixty Gentlemen present. —

We sat down at 1/2 past 4,O'Clock to a most excellent and plentiful Dinner; we sat at Table exactly an hour having got up and retired to drink Coffee in another Room at 1/2 past 5. —

There was however plenty of Wine drank during the hour we remained at the dinner Table, the Dutch Gentlemen Hobber-nobbing very frequently - and drinking a great deal of Wine at Dinner. —

After drinking Coffee the Party broke up, and I took an short ride in to the Country along with the Governor in an open Carriage. — On our Return to the Fort, I took a walk along the Ramparts, and visited the different Guards - and also the Barracks where the Prisoners of War, and my own Detachment, are lodged, giving the necessary orders to the officers on Duty to send frequent Patroles [sic] through the different parts of the Town during the Night to preserve order and tranquillity. [sic]

I supped also by particular invitation with Mr. Fretz - at1/2 past 9,O'Clock, and he then introduced me to all his Family - which consisted of one son and four Daughters - two of whom were married. — Mr. Fretz is a widower - his wife being dead some years. — His son is quite a Boy, but his three eldest Daughters are very pleasant agreeable Women. —

Mr. Fretz, while at Supper, very politely asked me if I would do him and his Family the honor to live with them and be their Guest during my short stay at Galle; — and the Invitation having been given with so much apparent and real honest sincerity, I accepted of it without any hesitation. — We broke up from Table at 1/2 past 10,O'Clock, and Mr. Fretz very politely accompanied me to shew me my Bed-Room, where a very elegant Bed had been made up and prepared for me. — This good old Gentleman then took his leave of me. —

Feby. 24.
Wednesday! — I got up at Daybreak and went out to take a walk round the Ramparts and to visit the Guards. — I was happy to find, from the Reports of the officers on duty, that every thing remained perfectly quiet in Town during the Night, there being neither noise nor riot of any kind. — I attended the Parade at 7.O'Clock to see the Garrison mount and file off before me there. I appointed Lieut. ——- [blank] to act as Fort Adjutant at Galle until Colonel Stuart's pleasure shall be known. — At 8.a.m. I came home to Breakfast with Mr. Fretz. — As soon as we had Breakfasted Mr. Fretz and the different Heads of Offices - or of the Administrations, (as here called) in Galle, accompanied me to look at the different Magazines, Armouries, Arsenals, and Warehouses, belonging to the late Dutch Government in this Fort, and delivered me Inventories of the Arms, Ammunition, Ordnance and Military Stores, and the various kinds of Merchandise they contained.

I took a very particular view of them all along with Mr. Fretz and the Dutch Gentlemen that had the care and charge of these Places.

Lieut. Quayle of the Royal Artillery, Lieut. Mc.Culley Coms. the 9th. Bn. of Madras Sepoys, and the Fort Adjutant accompanied me in visiting these Public Dêpots. —

After having visited them myself in this manner, I ordered a Committee of Officers, of which Lieut. Quayle was President, to Inspect minutely the different Magazines, Military Stores and Arsenals, taking a particular account of what they contained, comparing the same with the Inventories and noting down wherein they differed; and taking also an account of the exact number and description of Guns mounted on the Works. —

In regard to the Cinnamon and other different species of Merchandise in the Public Warehouses in Galle, my orders are to let them remain in charge of the Dutch Administrators, holding them responsible for their safety until such time as there are proper agents appointed by the British Government to relieve them from this Trust. — Until then the Keys of the different Warehouses are to remain in their custody, with proper Guards placed over them for their protection. — Thus, I am happy to say I am free from all responsibility as to these Warehouses containing Public Goods and Merchandise, and have only to send Copies of the Inventories I have received to Colonel Stuart agreeably to my Instructions. —

It took me from 9,O'Clock in the morning till 3,O'Clock in the afternoon in visiting and Inspecting these Magazines, Arsenals, and the different Public Warehouses, and which contain a great quantity of most valuable Public Property.

I returned Home at 3,O'Clock, and wrote to Colonel Stuart an account of what I had been doing all this day - promising to send him tomorrow a correct account of the Fortress and works of Point de Galle - together with Returns of the Ordnance, ammunition, and Military Stores found therein.

In this present Dispatch I sent Colonel Stuart Copies of the Inventories I received from the Dutch Administrators. —

I wrote Letters of this date to my beloved Jane, giving her an account of my Proceedings here - and of my being now dubbed Governor of Galle! —

I dined with Mr. Fretz and his Family at 1/2 past 4.O'Clock - and after drinking Coffee I rode out with him in an open Carriage for about 4 miles into the Country on the Matura Road - and had a very pleasant Ride. — Return Home at 8,O'Clock and spend the Evening in walking about and conversation. —

Feby. 25.
Thursday! — I rose soon after Day- break and walked on the Ramparts till 7,O'Clock, when I went to see the Guards mount and file off. —

Breakfasted at 8,O'Clock with Mr. Fretz and his Family. —

I wrote Letters today to both Colonel Stuart and Major Agnew the Adjt. General. — I sent the former a very particular detailed account of the fortress and Town of Point de Galle, specifying the extent of both, and the number of Troops, in my opinion, that are necessary to Garrison and defend the Fort of Point de Galle, in case of being attacked by an Enemy in a regular way. —

I sent Colonel Stuart at the same time correct Returns of the number of Guns & Arms, and quantity of ammt. ordnance and military stores found in the Fort, as examined and taken down by the Committee of officers of which Lieut. Quayle was President. —

I likewise sent Colonel Stuart a correct Return of the number and description of the Dutch Garrison who surrendered themselves Prisoners of War at Point de Galle on the 23d. Instant. —

I dined with Mr. Fretz and Family and rode out with him in the Evening.

Lieut. Quayle and some other officers of the Detachment dined with us at the Government House today. — Mr. Fretz is very polite and attentive not only to myself but to all my officers.

Feby. 26.
Friday. — Nothing Extraordinary. — I wrote Letters to Lieuts. OReilly and Harris at Matura, and ordered the former to come and join his Battalion as soon as delivered over charge to Lt. Harris.

Feby. 27.
Saturday. — Nothing Extraordinary. I wrote Letters of this date to Colonel Stuart and Lt. Col: Petrie.

Feby. 28.
Sunday. — Nothing Extraordinary. I accompanied Mr. Fretz to the Dutch Church. — I wrote of this date to my dear Mrs. M., and to my worthy friends Major Oakes and Mr. John Forbes at Bombay - Via Madras. —

Feby. 29.
Monday. — Lieut. O'Reilly joined from Matura this day and took the Command of the 9th. Battn. of Madras Native Infantry. — He dined with us at Mr. Fretz's - where we had a large Party of Dutch Gentlemen today. —

I wrote to Colonel Stuart today giving cover to various Returns called for. — I also wrote by this day's Post - via Madras - to my dearest Jane, and to Colonels Balfour and Kerr, in reply to Letters lately received. —

Source
Macquarie, Lachlan. Journal No. 3: 29 December 1794 – 27 September 1799.
Original held in the Mitchell Library, Sydney.
ML Ref: A769 pp.140–191. [Microfilm Reel CY Reel 299 Frames #458–484].