88 TlMEHRI. 



it was, that in September, and again in 06tober, 1812, 

 volunteers from the 60th Regiment and from the Royal 

 Militia, had put to sea in an armed packet-boat and 

 a merchant ship. It was not only off the coasts of the 

 colony that the dangers of war awaited the trading 

 ships. Vessels sailed from England and elsewhere for 

 the colony, never to reach it, and so with vessels from 

 the colony. They were captured at sea. As many of 

 the merchant ships were armed, the enemy sometimes 

 caught a Tartar. Not a few vessels had arrived in the 

 Port of Georgetown, after having made it very hot for 

 the foe.* One instance must suffice. The Ramoncita 

 came in, early in the year, with news of a hard fight she 

 had been engaged in, not far from Madeira, with an 

 American ship, which was probably the privateer A merica. 

 The enemy had given her name as the United States' 

 ship of war Hornet. This did not frighten Captain 

 VENABLES. Whatever her name, she was a more for- 

 midable vessel than the Ramoncita. By skilfully 

 manoeuvring his ship, and vigorously plying his guns, 

 VENABLES succeeded in doing so much damage to the 

 foe that she had to draw off. Among the Ramoncita? s 

 passengers was Lieutenant PLAYTER of the first 

 battalion of the Royal Militia. Placing himself at the 

 head of those who played the part of marines on board 



* After this manner does the Royal Gazette of the 9th of February, 1813- 

 herald the fame of the triumphant merchant ships : — * * * "Scarce 

 had we noticed the Caledonia's 'glorious deeds,' when those of the 

 Maxwell claimed publicity ! —scarce had we told of her, the 'laurel'd 

 tale,' than, too, the Bridget, with her 'gory sides,' but 'victor flag,' 

 demanded our applause !— scarce had we stowed Afr name, and great 

 exploits, than soon the Ramoncita's ' feats of war,' we had to state ! 

 And now the Ccesars."" 



