ten native cloth merchants, subjects of the British Government, had been frightfully mutilated at Candy, by having their ears, noses, and right arms cut off.
Forbearance being no longer possible, preparations were made for putting an end to the tyranny of the Candian monarch, and a detachment of troops was organised at Colombo for that purpose, under the command of Major Hook, who began his march up the country on the 11th of January, 1815. The Candians attempted to dispute his passage of the river Calanegangee, but four or five rounds from a six-pounder dislodged and scattered them in all directions. Seven other divisions were put in motion from different parts of the coast to co-operate with Hook; and on the 14th of February, the capital, which was nearly deserted by the inhabitants, was taken possession of by General Brownrigg. The King and his family being brought away, were subsequently sent to replace Tippoo's family at Vellore; the fallen tyrant declaring that, as he was no longer permitted to be a king, he was very thankful for all the kindness he received from the English. On the 2nd of March, the British flag was hoisted over the palace at Candy; and a royal salute was fired to announce that his Majesty George the Third was undisputed sovereign of the whole island of Ceylon.
