Ghxrles Waterton in Demerara. 265 



It may be well to mention here that Water Street is a made-up road, 

 which originated in an ordinary mud dam, such as we have now in front 

 of Ruimveldt. It was so slushy in wet weather as to be impassible for 

 anyone with boots ; in 1807 it was marked on a plan as 2=1 feet wide 

 with ditches on either side. The Seamen's Hospital was built well inside 

 the dam and occupied what is now part of the Society's premises east of 

 the Reading Room. The mud dam probably extended along what is now 

 the pavement in front of the Reading Room, and Edmonstone's mud flat 

 would have been outside. Regulations were made against dragging 

 timber over the dams, and no doubt some of the floods reported at inter- 

 vals were due to this cause. 



The " Royal Gazette" of June 29th, 1837, has the following under 

 the heading " Died : " 



" This morning at 20 minutes past 6 o'clock on Plantation La Jalousie 

 — the Honourable Robert Waterton."' 



The same paper July 22nd. 1837, reports another death : 



i; This day in town, Archibald Edmonstone, junior, son of A. 

 Edmonstone. Esq., formerly of this Colony." 



The following is a copy of an autograph letter of Waterton, which 

 was presented to the Museum by the Rev. Father Barraud, S.J. : — 



' ; Walton Hall near Wakefield, 



January 18. 1865. 



" My dear Father Johnson, — 



Allow me to send you my condolence on your recent family 

 affliction. Your good uncle (" qui sobriam duxit sine labe vitam ") was my 

 companion for several years. We mourned with Alma Mater in her early 

 and her utmost need. We witnessed her rapid progress to prosperity : 

 and we have lived to see her blooming in meridian splendour — the admira- 

 tion of our country, and the consolation of every aching heart around 

 her. 



" I did not fully enjoy my Christmas visit to dear Alma Mater. The 

 ague kept hanging on me. It shortened my sojourn in her magnificent 

 establishment ; and it punished me severely the day after reaching home. 

 Believe me, dear Father Johnson, with great regard, yours very sincerely. 



" Chas. Waterton.'' 



