King’s Banquet, but it would not make the Reconcilement.  For after they had done, each man went home and dwelt in their own Houses as they did before.  It was thought that this carriage would offend the King, and that he would at least take away their Allowance.  And it is probable before this time the King hath taken Vengeance on them.  But the Ambassador’s carriage is so imperious, that they would rather venture whatsoever might follow than be subject to him.  And in this case I left them.

[The Author acquaints the French Ambassador in London, with the condition of these Men.] Since my return to England, I presumed by a Letter to inform the French Ambassador then in London of the abovesaid Matters, thinking my self bound in Conscience and Christian Charity to do my endeavour, that their Friends knowing their Condition, may use means for their Deliverance.  The Letter ran thus,

These may acquaint your Excellency, That having been a Prisoner in the Island of Ceilon, under the King of that Countrey near Twenty years; by means of this my long detainment there, I became acquainted with the French Ambassador, and the other Gentlemen his Retinue; being in all Eight Persons; who was sent to Treat with the said King in the Year MDCLXXII. by Monsieur De la Hay, who came with a Fleet to the Port of Cotiar or Trinkemalay, from whence he sent these Gentlemen.  And knowing that from thence it is scarce possible to send any Letters or Notice to other Parts, for in all the time of my Captivity I could never send one word, whereby my Friends here might come to hear of my Condition, until with one more I made an Escape, leaving Sixteen English men yet there; The Kindness I have received from those French Gentlemen, as also my Compassion for them, being detained in the same place with me, hath obliged and constrained me, to presume to trouble your Lordship with this Paper; not knowing any other means where I might convey Notice to their Friends and Relations, which is all the Service I am able to perform for them.  The Ambassador’s Name I know not; there is a Kinsman of his called Monsieur le Serle, and a young Gentleman called Monsieur du Plessey, and another named Monsieur la Roche.  The rest by Name I know not.  And then an account of them is given according to what I have mentioned above.  I shall not presume to be farther tedious to your Honour; craving Pardon for my boldness which my Affection to those Gentlemen being detained in the same Land with me hath occasioned.  Concerning whom if your Lordship be pleased farther to be informed, I shall be both willing and ready to be,

    Yours, &c.

The Ambassador upon the receipt of this, desired to speak with me.  Upon whom I waited, and he after some Speech with me told me he would send word into France of it, and gave me Thanks for this my Kindness to his Countreymen.