An item reported the Dutch brig Zr.Ms. Merkuur (1) captain De Quartel on 31th August outside the harbour returning from the coast with the news that in the night of the 26th she meet an armed schooner which was believed to be a Spanish privateer and which immediately started with firing her guns. After the passing of a shot just between the mizzen and mainmast ordered De Quartel to shoot twice. This was replied by the unknown vessel followed by a full salvo of the Merkuur causing the escape of the other vessel. The Merkuur had been underway from La Guayra towards Puerto Cabello.
Note
1. Mercuur or Merkuur, on stocks at the navy yard at Rotterdam, Netherlands 15 January 1817, launched 18 July 1818, docked and coppered at the navy yard at Hellevoetsluis, Netherlands 9-16 November, off Curacao hit by lightning and burned 1822 and an armament of 18 guns.
