Concerning the French. With some inquiries what should make the King detain white men as he docs. And how the Christian religion is maintained among the Christians there.
About the year 1672 or 1673; there came fourteen sail of great ships from the King of France to settle a trade here. Monsieur DE LA HAYE the Admiral, put in with his fleet into the port of Kottiaar. From whence, he sent up three men by way of embassy, to the King of Kandy: whom he entertained very nobly, and gave every one of them a chain of gold about their necks, and a sword all inlaid with silver, and a gun. And afterwards he sent one of them down to the Admiral with his answer which encouraged him to send up others, that is, an Ambassador, and six more, who were to reside there, till the return of the fleet back again; the fleet being about to sail to the coast of Coromandel.
To the fleet, the King sent all manner of provisions, as much as his ability could afford; and not only permitted but assisted them to build a fort in the bay: which they manned, partly with their own people and partly with Cingalese, whom the king sent and lent to the French. But the Admiral finding that the King's provisions, and what else could be brought in the island, would not suffice for so great a fleet: was forced to depart for the coast of Coromandel, promising the King by the Ambassador aforementioned, speedily to return again. So leaving some of his men with the King's supplies [auxiliaries] to keep the fort till his return: he weighed anchor and set sail. But never came back again. Some reported they were destroyed by a storm; others by the Dutch. The Admiral had sent up to the King great presents, but he would not presently receive them; that it might not seem as if he wanted anything or were greedy of things
