ABSTRACT
The Dutch settlement of Demerara was delivered up in December, according to the peace of Amiens, immediately upon the departure of the troops in British pay. The Dutch governor, Meertens, in consequence of the sickness of the Batavian troops, directed that the burgher militia, or inhabitants of Stabroek and the adjoining towns, should mount guard, and do the night duty. They were mostly British, and many, after the first week, were confined to their beds, from not being accustomed to this course of life. Without a certificate from their doctors of their incapability to do duty, the fine for non-attendance on guard or parade was a joe (1/. 165.), for the second offence the offender was confined, and if it occurred more than twice successively, he was to be banished the colony.
