A Few Memories Extending over '/ 1 Years in British Guiana. 71 



turned any remarks to those who on passing made reference to him. His 

 quaint and by no means inaudible inuendoes when in Court, as Crown 

 Solicitor, of course were not heard by the Bench. Lynch. Dargan, 

 Cunningham and De Sou/a were all men of mark, the last being a martyr 

 to his convictions, meeting with a very sad end, not being allowed to 

 follow his wife's body to the burial ground, she having died when he was in 

 prison. This so preyed on his mind that not being strong he died before 

 he accomplished what he attempted. One more of them I must not for- 

 get namely that cleverest of all our Lawyers in Dutch Law, Dr. Belmonte. 

 He Mas a bit excitable and emphatic in trying to drive home his points, 

 often standing near the Judge's desk. On one occasion, having failed to 

 carry his point by all other sources, he took up his Voet (pronounced foot) 

 shaking it before the Judge, said he would give him his " foot," receiving 

 the reply, it is said. " If you do I will give you my fist." 



Going over a period of 41 years, of course I am aware that there 

 are innumerable names that I have left out. and also many incidents, 

 humorous, pathetic and tragic that I might have referred to. such as the 

 two riots, the terrible boating accidents, etc.. etc., my only apology being 

 that I have already made this paper by far too long. 1 claim no literary 

 ability feeling that my attempt at writing these memoirs is very crude 

 and very incomplete Tracking up old memories has made me somewhat 

 sad, for there are xery few left of those whom 1 knew as young men. 

 It makes one feel lonely, to remember how many have gone beyond 

 recall while I am still left. Why ? 



Of course in a subject like this so much could he said and so much 

 is better left unsaid, that I have felt it very difficult indeed to put my 

 thoughts (without any references before me) together in such a way as 

 to give pleasure without offence : it being merely a few disjointed jottings 

 of a few memories extending over a period of 41 years in a land of 

 promise which bids fair some day (let us hope soon) to be a land literally 

 flowing with milk and honey. 



I must before closing pay a high tribute to the Colony, as being by no 

 means one of the worst places on earth, believing that for those w T ho take 

 care of themselves, taking plenty of exercise and leaving alcohol severely 

 alone, good health will follow. Coming out here 41 years ago in 

 very weak health and not having been away from the Colony for 36 

 years and having kept undoubtedly good health, I speak volumes for the 

 Colony. I often say that the Government ought to subsidize me to 

 demonstrate abroad that this is really a good colony to live in. 1 still 

 hope to live long enough to travel to the frontier by Railway, the sooner 

 this is built irrespective of whether Brazilians will use it or not. the 

 sooner will British Guiana become one of the brightest jewels in the 

 liritish possessions. 



