The "Peacock" and the "Hornet." 89 



the vessel, this officer so greatly distinguished himself 

 that, immediately upon his arrival in the colony General 

 CARMICHAEL promoted him to be a Captain in the 

 Militia.* One has only to con the shipping advertise- 

 ments in the Demerary and Essequebo Royal Gazette 

 of the 23rd February, 1813, to realize the conditions 

 under which the colony's trade was carried on in a time 

 of warfare. Here is a ship announced as to sail with 

 the first convoy in April. She is described as being 

 well armed and manned. Another will positively sail 

 with the first convoy that may offer. A third, mounting 

 fourteen eighteen-pounders, with small arms, and men 

 answerable, will sail the first spring tides. A fourth is 



* The record of Captain Playter's gallant conduct should be preserved 

 for the encouragement of his successors in the Militia and Volunteers. 

 The subjoined official notice is taken from The Demerary and Essequebo 

 Royal Gazette of January the 5th, 1813 :— 



The King's House, Demerary. 



The following promotions to take place in the Demerary Militia: — 



A report having been made to his Excellency the Acting Governor of 

 the conduct of Lieutenant Playter of the Grenadiers of the First Bat- 

 talion, having distinguished himself in a severe engagement with the 

 enemy on board of the Ramoncita, Captain Venables, in which, highly 

 to the credit of the Commander, and every person on board, a very 

 superior force was defeated. 



Lieutenant Playter is promoted to the rank of Captain in the 

 Militia, remaining (agreeable to his own wishes) in the Grenadiers, 

 which company he will command in the absence of the senior Captain, 

 Robertson. 



Lieutenant Alexander Grant to be Captain of the Artillery Com- 

 pany. 



M. Viret and James A. Albouy, Gents, to be Lieutenants of 

 Artillery. By Command, 



King*s House, Georgetown, JOHN EYRE. 



January 5th, 1813. a.d.c. 



M 



