272 TlMEHRI. 
three months time an equal number of men from 
Barbados. In this way we hope to convince your 
Excellency that we consider you as our patron and 
protedtor. I frankly own, that had we not had before 
our eyes your generous and firm behaviour, we should 
long since have removed our belongings from this colony, 
and I have reason to believe our example would have 
been followed by several others. It will be a happv 
event for us when the Prince of Orange attain his 
majority. My brother gave me an exa6l account of the 
gracious reception accorded him by the Prince of Orange, 
the Duke of Brunswick* and by your Excellency. I have 
not failed to communicate it all to my father, and I am 
sure he will feel the same sentiments of gratitude and 
respe6t as those which animate him who desires on all 
occasions to be considered. 
P.S. —I beg your Excellency to read the enclosed letter 
I received from the Governor of Essequebo, which will 
further enlighten you with regard to the affairs of the 
colony ; and after having noted the principal items, to 
let me have it back, while honouring me with your 
sentiments on the subject, and on what we have to do. 
Laurens Storm Van s 1 Gravesande, to Gedney Clarke, Junr. Rio 
Demerara, 23rd April, 1764. 
Sir, — This morning the 23rd April, I received your ami- 
able letter of 13th February, which gave me infinite plea- 
sure, first, because it is always agreeable to me to have the 
honour of hearing from you, secondly, because it is the 
first news we have received of the arrival of Captain 
STOFFEL, of which I was very wishful to hear because, by 
* The Duke of Brunswick was guardian of the young Prince, and 
Count Bentinck a friend of the Duke. 
