194 



TiMEHRI. 



for regular and quick Mail Packets to and from Barbados. 

 However, these arrangements were almost immediately 

 frustrated by the war again breaking out, the Mail boat 

 being detained, and the colonists put to great inconve- 

 nience from want of regular communication until 

 U6lober following, when the colony was again captured 

 by the British, 



On the 17th of October 1803, the Court of Policy 

 considered the necessity for making new arrangements 

 with Barbados. The existing state of things was un- 

 bearable. The mails had come sometimes when oppor- 

 tunity occurred, but there had been no certainty of their 

 coming at all, while, when they did arrive, it was only 

 after long delays. Mr. Rapin proposed that the schooner 

 Fanny ^ belonging to Mr. Bynoe be engaged, she being 

 known as a fast sailer and well suited for the purpose. 

 Her owner was willing to depart from Demerary on or 

 before the 20th, and in three days after his arrival in 

 Barbados, be ready to return with the mails. Bynoe 

 would take the risk of the sea, provided the Government 

 took that of capture by the enemy, and the cost would 

 be three joes or 66 guilders per day. 



On deliberation, the Court came to the conclusion that 

 it was not desirable to settle the matter until they heard 

 from England, as probably something might be done 

 by the Postmaster General. Meanwhile the Colonial 

 Postmaster was ordered to make arrangements with 

 Barbados, so that by the first opportunity after the 

 arrival of the Mails there, they might be forwarded by 

 British vessels. It was agreed that a premium of five 

 joes should be paid to the vessel bringing the Mails, to 

 raise which, the Postmaster was empowered to charge 



