270 
TlMEHRl. 
had not arrived in time to stifle the rebellion in Deme- 
rara, where it had also already begun to appear. I 
cannot however persuade myself that the Government of 
the colony will refuse to render him their thanks if they 
are called upon to do so. If they do we can 
produce letters from the principals, which I am sure will 
be sufficient proof to convince their Superiors. Mon- 
sieur VAN S'GRAVESANDE has no doubt acted very 
well, and is disposed to serve Demerara, but the rest of 
the gentlemen of the Council (a very small number 
excepted) are extremely jealous of the progress of this 
river, and, we have reason to believe, will do all in their 
power to prejudice and oppress us. We have long 
noticed this, and wished we were free from any con- 
nection with Essequebo, that is as a dependency of it. 
Our Commander VAN BERCHEYCK is dead. Here then 
is an opportunity of sending out a man of influence and 
decision. We would heartily join with the Company to 
increase his salary, which is so miserably small that we 
give yearly to those who have the care of our private 
plantations, much more than is given to him who has 
the charge of the Government. This may be a reason 
why we have been so badly governed for long, for no 
one would consent to accept the Governorship unless he 
saw his way to turn it to his own advantage. I feel sure 
that our condition will be aggravated if M. VAN BER- 
CHEYCK, uncle of the late Governor, or M. Heyliger, 
obtain any post in the Government of the colony. The 
first solicits the Commandership of Demerara, and the 
second the Secretaryship for the whole colony ; the one 
is no more eligible than the other for either of these 
posts. BERCHEYCK, being still at the age of fifty a young 
