Gazette Of The United States

The following are the conditions of Capitulation agreed on between the commanders of the British armament, and the government of Demerara, on its surrender the 22d of April last, received by the ship Sally, Captain Lathrop, arrived on Sunday, and translated from the Dutch language, for the Daily Advertiser.

WE, the Governor and Inhabitants, convened in Council of the Colony of Essequibo and Demerara, make known to all it may concern, That we have this day received, from his Excellency General White and the bearing commander Parr, commander of the navy of his Britannic Majesty, in this river, of the force now moored in this harbour, as well as those vessels which are not arrived, a summons to deliver the Island to the same power and to subject ourselves in friendship and tranquility to the government of his Majesty on the terms prescribed, viz.

That the inhabitants shall be entitled to perfect safety of their persons, free religion, with liberty to keep possession of all their property as well by water as by land, excepting those who shall appear to remain subject to the inhabitants of the Republic of France. Further, on the laws and customs of such laws as might have been made previous to the surrender of the Colony to the government of his Majesty, every thing, nevertheless, upon the most liberal and generous terms.

That if it should so happen, that the Colony, in case of a general peace, should remain under British Government, the same Island in that situation shall enjoy such commercial rights and advantages which are allowed in the British Colonies in the West Indies. With respect to the military and naval forces, that the officers and privates of the land forces, if it is agreeable to them, shall be received in British service with liberty on restoration of the Prince of Orange, to re-enter into his Service. Every officer and private after taking the oath of allegiance to his Britannic Majesty, to be employed where it may be necessary, shall receive the sum of one hundred guilders.

The officers will, under those conditions, receive leave of absence for two hundred days, with their baggage and travelling money, the same as is allowed to British officers, -the officers and privates of the marine cannot be taken into British service until his majesty's pleasure be known: but they shall be entitled to receive their pay agreeable to their rank, and enjoy every facility which can be afforded them:

That the Governor and every civil officer after the oath, of allegiance to his majesty shall be taken, shall have the liberty if they choose, in their respective situations, except those who have given proofs of partiality to the Republic of France.

The Governor only relinquishing the military command: should those liberal terms be refused, the Governor, council, and any one concerned, shall become answerable for the consequences, unless an immediate attack takes place by way of the land and sea forces, in such a manner as to render every resistance useless, Major General White and Capt. Parr, gave the Governor one hour's time and no longer, after rendering this instrument to accept or to refuse.

And, as we, to the welfare of ourselves generally in this colony could not refuse to accept it, we have under the benefits of it, after mature deliberation, resolved to deliver up the colonies and district to the aforesaid authority, and by subscription communicated the same to the British commander in chief. Having thought it our duty to inform all our inhabitants of this publication, with request to submit themselves to it for the welfare of these colonies. As the same are as usual, will be published in both rivers legally and sent for perusal.

Signed this day in the convened court of admiralty, the 22d day of April, 1796.

(Signed) Anth. Beaujon,

I. F. Van Well, Major.

F. C. Fisher, Captain.

By order of the same,

(Signed) M. Finne, Sec'ry. ad. int.

Witnesses.

P. P. Luyke,

Thos. Cumming,

A. Meachent.