The publication of the letters can be confirmed by this extract from The Jamaica Despatch. A Mr Myers was offered the post of schoolmaster at Bocatoro by Juan Galindo
but, like Philemon before, found the town to be non–existent. Juan had used him to carry the letters
to Philemon but naturally feeling aggrieved Mr Myers decided to make his feelings and the letters public.
To the Editor of the Jamaica Despatch and New Courant.
Sir,
You were kind enough to say you would give insertion in your valuable journal, to any statement I
should send respecting the manner in which I have been duped by " JUAN GALINDO" who styles himself Colonel,
and Minister of Legation, from the Republic of Central America, to his Britannic Majesty, and who was
lately, and I presume now is, residing at No 282, Regent street London.
I therefore beg to state, that in the latter part of last year, an advertisement appeared in the
Athenaeum, for a " Gentleman to teach his native language in a foreign country." In consequence I
addressed a letter, and shortly afterwards received a communication from a Monsr. Louis Fenwick De
Porquet, residing in Tavistock street, Covent Garden, and who is in partnership with a Mr Cooper,
the Bookseller and School Agents.
After various interviews with this person, he gave me a letter to Galindo, who, after putting several
questions to me said that I was one of the most suitable persons that had been sent to him, and that he
engaged me, and would let De Porquet know when I was to depart. I ought, perhaps to have stated that De
Porquet placed, prior to this, in my hands, a circular signed by Mr Nicholas Carlisle, of Somerset House,
who is Secretary to the Royal Antiquarian Society, which stated amongst other things the terms on which
the teachers were to be engaged, a copy of which I beg to enclose. Shortly after this, I received a note
from De Porquet requesting me to call on him; I did so.
He stated that Galindo had directed him to say
that I was to hold myself in readiness to depart for "Vera Paz" by the end of the month. I consequently
gave up my engagements in London, and then wrote to Galindo that I was ready to depart. Not receiving an
immediate reply, I called on him and made a similar statement.. He said the vessel in which my passage
was to be provided, would not be ready to sail for perhaps five or six months, and that he had not
authorised De Porquet to say I should sail in February. I replied, that he had stated to me that
he would let De Porquet know when I was to depart, and that as De Porquet was his agent, he was
bound in common honesty, to adhere to any contract made by that individual.
After some rather sharp conversation, he said that, if I felt inclined to pay my own passage,
he would appoint me to a much better and larger town than Vera Pax, namely – Bocatoro; that his
relatives resided there, as also many highly respectable Spaniards, from whom I should doubtless
receive many pupils, and that my expenses should be refunded on my arrival!! As I had given up my
connection in London,
and should therefore find it a matter of difficulty to meet with fresh engagements, and as I was fast
exhausting my little finances, after advising with my friends as a dernier resort, I determined on
agreeing to Galindo 's proposal. I called on him, and gave him to understand that I consented to this
arrangement; and he the gave me the card of a Mr Benjamin Lumley. a Lawyer, residing at No 6 Quality
Court, Chancery Lane.
After a brief lapse of time, I received my appointment from Galindo as "teacher of the National
School in the town of Bocatoro." I also received a passport (in Spanish) and what he termed a packet
of despatches - also a packet from Lumley all of which are addressed to Captain PHILEMON GALINDO.
Commandant of the port of Bocatoro; and who, I learn, is the father of the said "Don Juan" now in
London.
You may, Sir, easily imagine my astonishment, chagrin, and disappointment on arriving in
this city, "a stranger in a strange land," on learning that Bocatoro is inhabited only by aborigines;
that their civilized life is not known; that it was a perfect wilderness, destitute of every comfort;
and that this Commandant Philemon Galindo had himself, within a few weeks, been in this city in
extreme poverty and wretchedness, and his brother a patient in the public hospital.
Bocatoro,
that had been represented to me as a flourishing town, and where I should find a comfortable
residence ready for my reception on my arrival, is all that I have before stated, and perfectly
uninhabitable, except to the "monsters wild."
As several other individuals have, as well as myself, been thus cruelly deceived - amongst others several
ladies, who have been sent direct to some place, I believe, in the Pacific - I have felt it my duty thus
to give "plain unvarnished tale" for publication; and thereby, I trust, prevent any more of my countrymen
or women becoming prey to this arch-villain Galindo, than whom ,assuredly, a more perfect wretch has
never existed. I also beg to enclose herewith the packet I received from Galindo. also that from Lumley,
who I can view but as an accomplice in this infamous affair.
The packets are sealed, but I leave them
to your discretion to be used in such manner as you may deem most likely to serve the "cause of
humanity".
I regret to add, that I fear a British Nobleman, and one his Majesty's Ministers has or is likely
also to be duped by this deceptious scoundrel, Galindo, who, I observe by the Court Circular, in a paper
received per last packet had an interview with my Lord Glenelg!!
Trusting I have not intruded too much
on your valuable space, I have the honor to be, Sir, your obedient servant,
Walter Sydney Myers
Leader from the Editor of the Jamaican Despatch:
Kingston, Jamaica, May 11 1836
In this case we have broken through every rule which ought to be observed in society, and we have no
hesitation in admitting, that the following copies are of the sealed packets, entrusted to Mr. Myers by
Galindo, and his legal accomplice, Lumley. Our motives cannot be misunderstood. Galindo is a heartless
villain, and Mr Myers is the fourth victim to his cupidity, who have called upon us.
When we repeat that the wretch deluded his own father, and wrested from him every shilling he possessed,
before he left London, under the delusion of appointing him "Governor of the Islands of the Archipelago
of Chiriqui and adjacent coasts and countries of the main" his object cannot be mistaken!!!
The poor old man arrived in this city with his secretary, and so satisfied was "His Excellency"
that his son could not be the villain he was known to be, that he sailed for his Government in a
sloop of about fifteen tons leaving his brother, Captain Galindo, a pauper patient in our public
hospital! The successful career of Galindo is, in a great measure, attributed to the countenance he
receives from Lord Gleneig, for whose especial consideration we have given this statement:-
Ed. Despatch
From Colonel Galindo, to his Excellency the Governor of Bocatora,
Regent Street 282, Feb 5 1836
My Dear Father - I had the pleasure of writing to you on the 27th Ult. I repeat I am perfectly a
ruined man if you fail in establishing your residence in Bocatoro or its neighbourhood and do not
immediately send Felipe Augustin with the despatches to San Jose. Open the road from the bottom of your
Bay to the capital of Costarica, and oblige all trading vessels to come direct to Bocatoro, without
touching any of the intermediate places between Salt Creek and the Ecudo de Veragua. In Bocatoro
they must pay the tonnage dues and custom house duties to the receiver you appoint. All Turtlers must
pay the same, they cannot expect to fish on our coasts for nothing; do not be discouraged by any present
difficulties. I shall be in San Salvador in a few months and send you from there troops and money.
I implore you likewise to write favourably to Lumley and (Back?) (Who resides in Sussex Chambers,
Duke street St James - another accomplice - Ed), who are forming plans for colonizing with Europeans
in your neighbourhood, so much to the advantage of the country and yourself. Pray forward the enclosed map to the Secretary of State at San Jose, by the first safe opportunity. Arrangements are being made for Phil to do out as Protestant Bishop of the Mosquito shores!!! Sally will accompany him!!
Mr Myers takes out a Spanish and English dictionary, which will be serviceable to you in translating
all the printed and manuscript documents I put into your hands here.
Your affectionate son
Juan Galindo
London January 31 1836
My Dear Captain, –
I wrote to you a few days ago by one of the schoolmasters sent out by the Colonel
(an official and private) who is to settle, I believe, at Blu fields.
It would be a highly beneficial thing, as it would enable me to form a company for working the Mines,
if you could send me, as soon as possible, an official account of the mines, particularly the one on
the Hill or Mountain of Tisingal; have the goodness to state also the facilities for working its distance
from the shore, (which I believe is trifling) its probable productiveness, the protection of the
Government, your assistance, &c &c. Endeavour also to send me as large a quantity as possible of
the Ore in any state; I can easily get it refined here - pray attend to this.
I enclose a letter from Levyson; if you can obtain Pearls, it would, no doubt, be a highly valuable
source of profit - but pray in the first place, send me all the materials for putting the Mine into operation. Tortoiseshell and Sarsaparilla seem a great source of trade; if you can get any consignment to me, it might be a source of profit, but no points is of so much importance as information connected with the Mines.
From what the Colonel tells me, you may at first find things not exactly suited to your habits, but
pray adapt yourself to them. You will have the command, and can, in a very short period make things
what you would wish. The bearer (Mr Myers), the Colonel told me, he had sent him to Bocatoro, out of
compliment to me - he is of the Jewish persuasion - he does not know I am; dont tell him, as there is no
necessity for it. Do not mind about this letter being sealed; I have the Colonel's permission, and you
must recollect there is no regular post.
The Colonel treats me exceedingly well; he is a great deal with me; and I could, from your official
reports &c &c and the ore form a company. I should gain his entire confidence; and then a vast field
would be open for our well being!! Pray, therefore, let me again ask you to attend to this as well as
other matters, which may be attended with a beneficial result.
.aly Dear Captain, God bless you, yours affectionately,
Benj Lumley Solicitor
6 Quality Court, Chancery Lane, London
To Captain Philemon Galindo &e &c &c.
From Colonel Galindo to his confidential agent, Mr Lumley:
My Dear Sir, - My conference was satisfactory, but not conclusive. Mr Vaughan appears to be content.
When I mentioned the other evening, having proposed Philip Augustin as an agricultural proprietor,
it was only the idea of the moment. Let the lad go to San Jose, possibly by way of Salt Creek,
and behave well so as not to disgrace the names of Augustin and Galindo!! - I will make destiny
for him!! Pray hand this to our departing friends, and wish them from me every success to attend
them, if they act with prudence, perseverance and correctness.
Yours sincerely
Juan Galindo
Regent Street
Tuesday morning 5th Jan 1836