[They come into the Governor’s presence.  His state.] The next Morning the Governor, whose Name was Ricklof Van Gons, Son of Ricklof Van Gons General of Batavia, sent for us to his House.  Whom we found standing in a large and stately Room, paved with black and white Stones; and only the Commander, who brought us from Manaar, standing by him:  who was to succeed him in the Government of that place.  On the further side of the Room stood three of the chief Captains bare-headed.  First, He bid us welcom out of our long Captivity, and told us, That we were free men, and that he should have been glad if he could have been an Instrument to redeem us sooner, having endeavoured as much for us as for his own People.  For all which we thanked him heartily, telling him, We knew it to be true.

[Matters the Governor enquired of.] The Governor perceiving I could speak the Portugueze Tongue, began to inquire concerning the Affairs of the King and Countrey very particularly, and oftentimes asked about such Matters as he himself knew better than I. To all his Questions my too much Experience inabled me to give a satisfactory Reply.  Some of the most remarkable matters he demanded of me were these.

First, They inquired much about the reason and intent of our coming to Cuttiar.  To which I answered them at large.  Then they asked, If the King of Cande had any Issue?  I told them, As report went, he had none.  And, Who were the greatest in the Realm next to him?  I answered.  There were none of Renown left, the King had destroyed them all.  How the hearts of the People stood affected?  I answered, Much against their King.  He being so cruel.  If we had never been brought into his presence?  I told them, No, nor had ever had a near sight of him.  What strength he had for War.  I answered, Not well able to assault them, by reason the hearts of his People were not true to him.  But that the strength of his Countrey consisted in Mountains and Woods, as much as in the People.

What Army he could raise upon occasion?  I answered, I knew not well, but as I thought about Thirty Thousand men.

Why he would not make Peace with them, they so much sueing for it, and sending Presents to please him?  I answered, I was not one of his Council, and knew not his meaning.

But they demanded of me, What I thought might be the reason or occasion of it?  I answered, Living securely in the Mountains he feareth none; and for Traffick he regardeth it not.

Which way was best and most secure to send Spyes or Intelligence to Cande?  I told them, By the way that goeth to Jafniputtan, and by some of that Countrey People, who have great correspondence with the People of Neurecaulava, one of the Kings Countries.

What I thought would become of that Land after this King’s Decease?  I told them, I thought, He having no issue, it might fall into their hands.

How many English men had served the King, and what became of them? which I gave them an account of.