CO882-(1-2) — Page 121

PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE

FITFLIC.O. 882

Reference :-

6

1

PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE, LONDON

ALLY WITHOUT PERMISSION OF THE REPRODUCED PHOTOGRAPHIC-

COPYRIGHT PHOTOGRAPH-NOT TO

(Translation.)

120

What I have further to state in addition to what I have already mentioned in my statement of the 3rd instant, is, that during the residence of the said Kadahapolle or Kahalle Unnanse at our said temple in Colombo, he stated that there were then two Princes in the Kandyan country, who were eligible to become Kandyan Kings; and that from his general conversation, it appeared that he ex- pected a speedy change in the Government of the Kandyan country, by the substitution of a Kan- dyan Government in the room of the present one. And, as far as I believe, that it was about twelve months after the said Priest has left our Pansele, the rebellion in the Kandyan country broke out, and that he was shot at Kandy.

Thus this was written and signed on the 6th December, 1849, by me, Mohotty watte, Goona- nande, Unnause of the Kottenchene Pansele at

Colombo.

Signature of Goonanande Unnanse.

A true Translation,

E. DE SARAM.

approach

3. The third point is one which with great reluctance, as it compels Lord Torring- ton to give the most distinct contradiction to the assertion of Mr. Selby, as to his use of expressions which that gentleman has ascribed to him in this instance, when Mr. Selby solicited a pardon for the priest, and that not upon any information or opinion of his own, for he had not heard the trial. But, on the grounds that the very proctors who had been present, and refused to assist the unfor- tunate man with their advice when solicited to do so, they expressed some misgivings as to the suffi- ciency of the testimony on which he had been con- victed.

As to Lord Torrington's explanation of this unpleasant passage, I prefer to give it in his Ex- cellency's own words, as contained in the paper which I now produce. (See Lord Terrington's Mem.)

121

SEQUESTRATION.

Another proceeding during martial law, which has been the subject of much comment and many charges against Lord Torrington, was the proclamation, threatening with sequestration and ultimate confiscation of their property, all those

For Colonel Drought's opinion of the effects of sequestration, in pro- tecting the property of the inne fugitive rebels who did not, within a given cent, and bringing back the dir time, return to their allegiance; and with this loyal and warning to their all-

gianes. (Bee Colonel Drought's there have been mixed up complaints that the Statement, page 8.)

It will be seen by the minutes of property of innocent persons was seized under Court-martial that persons were colour of this proclamation; and that it had tried for frightening the people

from their villages and then plun- been needlessly brought to sale, and wantonly dering their deserted houses.

sacrificed.

All these statements are incorrect.

Sequestration and seizure of property is one of the ordinary expedients resorted to in suppressing rebellions throughout the continent of India.

On the occasion of all former rebellions in Ceylon, it was equally adopted by the Govern-

ment.

Its effect is prodigions, not merely as a punish- ment to those active in rebellion, but still more in deterring those who have not been insurgents themselves from concealing and comforting the actual insurgents.

And this effect was produced by Colonel Drought's notification of the 8th of August.

It was mainly instrumental in facilitating the capture of the Pretender, as the alarm for seques- tration effectually deterred those who would other- wise have been inclined to harbour the Queen's anemies.

*The

slarnation of, the 18th. Angyet, inviting fugitives de ruing those who refase, that their property would

dùm, has been erroneouslý dážersbed as a

I was not, instand of a threat, which it was.

and the Garanzument,' knew well thai be

etsept by a special set of the Legis-

of natual conviction for high treason, when follows ipes fusta. (Despatch Confideriial Papers. Bso Ened Torrington's, Blur Book, pagu 918.)

Me H. Maddoik's mensorundum, which is supposed to have been the original of the proslamation, mggests that the Governor should declare that the property of rebels “is liable to ensfars.”“” tion and will be comdisented." (Papers, No. 38, page 5.)