332 STATISTICAL ACCOUNT OF THE 



1803, English newspapers were brought to the colony de- 

 scribing the situation of affairs m Europe ; in June, an em- 

 bargo took place on all the shipping, except the American 

 vessels, who were now admitted by virtue of the governor's 

 proclamation to a free trade. Two British vessels were de- 

 tained, and the cargoes of those under Dutch colors were 

 ordered to be landed. From the non arrival of vessels from 

 Europe, the colonies were in the greatest distress, and in want 

 of almost every thing. 



It was soon known through the medium of neutral vessels, 

 that war was declared between England and France ; and 

 through the same channel also, as the packet letters were 

 regularly sent from Barbadoes, that the bills drawn on Hol- 

 land, in renewal of those dishonoured, were noted for non 

 acceptance, and certainly would be protested at maturity, as 

 no merchant in Holland would think of making any ad- 

 vances to Demerary, &c. in time of war ; the situation of 

 the merchants and planters was really distressing. Bills re- 

 turning on them every day, accompanied with pressing let- 

 ters from England, praying that provision may be made for 

 such bills. Under these teasing circumstances, suffering 

 under a loss of two hundred and fifty thousand pounds, so 

 large was the mere damages on the bills without interest and 

 other expenses, which could not possibly be avoided from the 

 «»ature of the business between the colonies and mother 



