Philip's and Philemon's fourth letters are headed Kingston Jamaica 29th January 1837 but franked
(presumably in London) 10 Mar 1837 are again addressed to Mrs Galindo to the care of Mr Elliot Optician High Holborn London.
Part of Philemon's letter is illegible.
My Dear Mother
I am sorry to say that my Father is now placed in a more uncertain situation than ever he has been
since he left England. The Colonel has behaved to him like a brute! & treated me like a dog! for when
we were in San Juan de Nicaragua (we all sailed in the same ship with my Uncle James also) he sent me up
the river in a little canoe in which I was quite cramped along with three Spaniards & all the provisions
I had was about a pound of Manatti ( sea cow) & the passage was to be ten days but after I had been gone
about an hour I returned to my Father on board.
And from thence we proceeded to Bocatoro where two days
after our arrival two Columbian ships of war manned with a hundred men each came to take Bocatoro which
they did by hoisting their flag & firing a salute & they sent to tell my Father that he was no longer
governor therefore he had better depart, if not he would be shot & there being a vessel in port bound
for Jamaica by the assistance of the principal inhabitants we arrived here 13th Inst. On our return here
we put into Porto Bello where we spent our Christmas very comfortably for I went ashore to balls
& saw all the Spanish dances & one day our Capt gave a dinner on board to almost all the Spanish
ladies in Porto Bello & likewise eight gentlemen among whom was the governor who showed my Father
a great deal of respect.
I can hardly tell you what we had for dinner, custards, puddings, wines,
spirits , a roast pig, a roast turkey & so on. My Father went on shore & took drawings of the fort
& battery, slave market &c & saw the room that General McGregor jumpt out of into the sea & swam
to a brig when he was attacked by the old Spaniards.
On our arrival here we met with Mr Thomas
Edwards of Alton who is doing very well as an Agent for Morrasons Pills he desires me to give his
respects to you, my Father & he are very good friends. My Father has just received a letter from
Mr Richings whom he was afraid will come out & my Father has written to Mr King to send people
to him all this was done by the Colonel against my Fathers will; & he is afraid they will
come out also & two or three other people, he has written to you also but however I hope
this will reach you in time to prevent your coming out as he has no means at present to
receive you.
We have both (thank God) enjoyed an uninterrupted state of good health,
I am growing amazingly & eat very hearty. I don't think my Father could ever live in
England or any climate out of the Tropics I am obliged to give him a blanket every n
ight sometimes two. I sincerely hope that my sisters you and all my friends are quite well.
I remain my dear Mother your affectionate son P A Galindo
My dear love
The difficulties miseries & adventures I have gone through this twelvemonth were never equalled!!
My situation is too deplorable to relate Some fiend of Hell begot that scoundrel John who infused
into his mind & heart every infernal passion.
I have no prospect before me, but returning to England
as a pauper. That villain's conduct acts as a spell over me for they have written(by his directions)
to bring out several people I am afraid to write to them My 2 last letters to you were written (or?)
rather copied from him who obliterated a.........two that would have told you my suspicions.........him
& so closely did he watch me Phil nor..............could not take another to the Post Office.
He has ................me another government close to Bocatoro before he knew..............fool
enough to hope I shall possess it his face.......................see.
I am afraid to write to
Lumley as it may prejudice you.
Why have you not written to me. My state of mind is distraction
such was the apathy of my feelings that when the Columbians entered Bocatoro & I was advised to
conceal myself openly walked the beach. My death would not have been dishonourable my life I
am afraid will.
God Almighty bless you if we ever meet again we will be happy. I cant write any more.