This is Peereboom on the Berbice River, Guyana.
Here, on March 03, 1763, a huge force of rebellious slaves converged on the Dutch planters' house. Stalemate ensued, and so the warring parties agreed a cease fire, with the Dutch being allowed to head for their boats. What happened next would set the mood for the war to come.
This is Peereboom on the Berbice River, Guyana.
Here, on March 03, 1763, a huge force of rebellious slaves converged on the Dutch planters' house. Stalemate ensued, and so the warring parties agreed a cease fire, with the Dutch being allowed to head for their boats. What happened next would set the mood for the war to come.
The planters emerged from the house and gathered themselves on the bluff before heading down this slope. Then, as they reached the water’s edge, the rebels opened fire. Most of the Dutchmen were killed although a few got away by boat, or fled into the woods. For the rebels, it was a bittersweet moment. On the one hand, the Dutch would not forget them. On the other hand, the day was theirs, and so was the booty. For themselves, there were guns, bottles, jars, and Delft, and – for their leader – there was a plump Dutch "wench" called Madam George. Then, of course, there was Peereboom itself.
Soon it would be burnt and smashed to pieces. Up on the bluff, nothing would remain but lumps of brick and china, the wreckage of the day – which is how it is today.
