Coral stone, used for building purposes and for the burning of lime, is found here in abundance. This also the Company obtains without any expenditure, because it is dug up and broken by ordinary Oeliares. It is also found at Point Pedro, where it is burnt into lime or otherwise sent to the Castle in tonys or pontoons, where it is then either burnt into lime, used for foundations or for the filling up of the body of walls, which are then covered on the outside with cut coral stone, as this makes them strong and durable. For some years the cut stone has also been sent to Negapatam for the fortifications. This must be continued until we receive notice that it is no longer necessary, which I think will be soon, because I noticed that lately not so much stone was asked for. From 1687 up to the present about 52,950 cut stones have been sent to this place.[26]
It may be understood from the above that lime is easily obtained here, and without great expenditure. That which is required for the Company here is delivered free of charge. For the lime sent to Negapatam 7 fanams are paid in place of 5 light stivers. [37] This is paid to the lime burners at Canganture, who received an advance on this account, of which a small balance is left. Meanwhile the Dessave de Bitter informed us on his return from Coromandel that no more lime was required there, but in order that the Company may not lose by the advance made, a quantity of 8,000 or 9,000 parras of lime is lying ready at Canganture, which must be fetched by the Company's vessels in March or April and brought to Kayts. This, I think, will make up the amount, and if not, they must reimburse the difference. It will be seen from this that we have tried to comply with the wishes of His late Excellency van Mydregt, who wrote from Negapatam on July 10, 1687, that the new fortifications there were to be supplied with lime and all other building materials which are to be found here. The lime sent there since that date has amounted to 4,751 31/75 lasts.[27]