Capture of Demerara and Essequibo facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Capture of Demerara and Essequibo
Part of the American Revolutionary War
Period map showing Dutch colonies in South America
Date 22 January 1782 Location Demerara and Essequibo, South America Result French victory, French occupation of Demerara, Essequibo and Berbice until the Treaty of Paris (1783)
Belligerents
France	Great Britain
Commanders and leaders
Armand of Kersaint Comte de Bouillé	Gov. Robert Kingston
Strength
Frigate Iphigénie 4 Sloops 355 men from the Régiment d'Armagnac and 1ére Legion (Volontaires Étranger de la Marine)	28th Regiment of Foot
Casualties and losses
Unknown, Minimum	3 sloops captured 2 brigs captured, 1 sunk 28th Rgt. surrendered

The capture of Demerara and Essequibo was a military event that happened in January 1782. It was part of the American Revolutionary War, also known as the American War of Independence. During this time, France took control of the Dutch colonies of Demerara and Essequibo in South America from the British. These areas are now part of modern-day Guyana. The French victory meant they occupied these lands until a peace treaty was signed in 1783.

Why Did the French Capture Demerara and Essequibo?

In December 1780, Great Britain declared war on the Dutch Republic. This brought the Dutch into the 4th Anglo-Dutch War. Early in 1781, a large British fleet, led by Admiral Lord Rodney, sailed to the West Indies.

The British wanted to take control of valuable colonies. After capturing some Caribbean islands, Admiral Rodney sent ships to take over Essequibo and Demerara. These colonies were rich in goods like sugar and coffee. The local Dutch governor, Van Schuilenburg, was not happy with the protection his colony was getting from the Dutch. So, he surrendered to the British without much of a fight. This meant the British got a lot of valuable goods.

How the French Took Control

In 1782, French naval captain Armand de Kersaint arrived in Demerara. He commanded a powerful 32-gun ship called the Iphigénie, along with other ships.

A French force of 335 soldiers then attacked the British soldiers stationed there. The British garrison was led by Governor Robert Kingston. His soldiers were from the 28th Regiment of Foot. The French attack was successful. Governor Kingston and his troops were forced to surrender. Because of this victory, Essequibo and another colony called Berbice also surrendered to the French a few days later.

The French also captured five British naval ships during this time. These included the Orinoque, Barbuda, Sylph, Stormont, and the brig Rodney.

What Happened After the Capture?

After the French victory, Comte de Kersaint became the new governor of the captured areas. To make sure they kept control, the French started building forts. These forts were built at the mouth of the Demerara River. They forced local planters to provide enslaved people to help build these forts. The French also doubled a tax called the capitation tax. This made life harder for the colonists.

However, the French control did not last very long. In 1783, the Treaty of Paris was signed. This treaty officially ended the American Revolutionary War. As part of the treaty, Demerara, Essequibo, and Berbice were given back to the Dutch.