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The New Hampshire Gazette And Historical Chronicle
Portsmouth, Greenland, Rockingham County, New Hampshire
What is this article about?
Letter from Surinam reports a slave insurrection in Rio Berbice starting on Mr. Vernuzobre's plantation, spreading quickly. Governor retreated to Fort Nassau amid betrayal by Dutch ship captains, who forced him to abandon and burn the fort. Reinforcements from Surinam and St. Eustatia arrived; skirmishes with rebels ongoing, general attack planned for May 9, 1763.
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Extract of a letter from a Gentleman at Surinam, to his Friend here, dated June 15, 1763.
Sir, My last informed you of an Insurrection of the Negroes in Rio Berbice: it began in Rio Cagnig, on the Plantation of Mr. Vernuzobre, and in less than 10 Days was general in both Rivers. The Governor, with such of the Inhabitants as escaped, retired into Fort Nassau, where four Dutch Ships were lying; the Governor had scarcely Time left to acquaint the neighbouring Colonies of this horrid Disaster. Our Colony instantly dispatched Troops to his Assistance, who arrived in Time to prevent the unfortunate Remainder from leaving the Colony. It is astonishing, that notwithstanding those 4 Ships were lying at the Fort, yet the Governor, by the unaccountable infamous Conduct of the Captains, was obliged to spike up his Guns, and burn the Fort: they had absolutely refused giving any Assistance, and flatly told him to quit the Place by such a Time, or they would sail away, and leave him to his Fate. What could this unhappy Governor do, but comply? At that Time he had not more than 23 Men able to bear arms left. If our Letters had arrived in time, those Dastards would have swung for it e'er now; two of them have escaped their Deserts for a while; but I am sure, if Justice is to be had in Holland, they will meet with it there on their Arrival.
The Governor complains grievously of the Inhabitants, who behaved excessively ill. Some Creole Slaves which escaped to Demerara, say, if the White People had made a Stand, Affairs would not have come to that Extremity. The Creole Negroes knew nothing of the Plot. Our People have had several Skirmishes with them, in which the Rebels have been obliged to Retreat with Loss. The Governor had likewise received a Reinforcement of 160 Men from St. Eustatia. It was agreed to make a general Attack on the Rebels the 9th of May. By our not hearing from him, I am afraid the Rebels have retreated to Correntyn, or thereabouts, and cut off our Land Communication. We have detached two Companies of Regulars, under Command of a Major, to our Frontiers, to repel the Rebels from thence, in case they should settle that Way.
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Foreign News Details
Primary Location
Rio Berbice
Event Date
June 15, 1763 (Letter Date; Insurrection Began Earlier In 1763)
Key Persons
Outcome
governor left with 23 armed men; rebels retreated with losses in skirmishes; reinforcements of 160 men from st. eustatia; general attack planned for may 9; possible rebel retreat to correntyn cutting communications.
Event Details
Insurrection of Negroes began on Mr. Vernuzobre's plantation in Rio Cagnig, spreading generally in both rivers within 10 days. Governor and survivors retreated to Fort Nassau; Dutch ship captains refused aid, forcing abandonment and burning of the fort. Surinam dispatched troops in time; skirmishes with rebels; Creole slaves uninvolved; inhabitants criticized for poor behavior.