The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1854-12-30
The Galapagos Islands.

HUDSON, Dec. %, 1854.
Letter from Former Resident-Description of the
Isiands-Flori1na-A Great Settlement, &c.
In this mornings edition of the HERALD you
say, in relation to the purchase Of the Galapagos
Islands, ~ the chances are that an offer has been
made by Ecuador. and, judging from the past, it
seems probable that it will be accepted by the 3D.
ninistration.'
Between the years 1883 and 1887 spent most Of
my time in the vicinity of those barren islands; and
frequent visits 70 James, Albemarle, Charles and
Hoods Islands afforded me an opportunity Of learn
ing something Of their general character and worth
This information feel called upon to lay before the
American public, and, therefore, tender it to your
widely circulated journal e. the best medium.
The Galapagos Islands consist of about Q dozen
(thirteen) small rocky islands, of volcanic origin
Stuated under the equator, and within 700 miles Of
the western coast Of south America
Upon one CT them, Charles Isaod, there was
settlement called Flosiana. II contain ed popu
lation Of not more than two hundred souls, chiefly
convicti. - the wrtor vas informed by Spaniard
djgnihed with the title Of governor. He stated
that the government of Ecuador had condemned
them TO death, but through his inser;ession, they
were psrdoDed, upon condition Of founding this
coleny-and . nice colony he had Of ia few
miserable buts and eet Of ragged dirty, lazy fol-
lowers, whose principal occupation was TO beg and
steal from the crews Of any whaling ships that
should chance to come to anchor.
This governor-for that was his title also sport
cd the additional and prior titls of Colonel Or Gene
raj Villasmil, or Vilasm; and he informed me that
he was educated, or born in New OrleAnA His
laws were absolute, and were made particularly to
favor the captains OF hale ships whose tyranncal
conduct often drove their crews to desertion. The
number Of married persons on the island were two;
number Of churches, o.; number Of schools, o. shops
| and stores, 0. The Governors bank" Of deposit
was under large stone back Of his hut, and near
the spring that supplied cold water; but cir.
cumstances proved that 1t was no more go
cure than other similar institutions-tha& the
rife in Wall street was abroad-for early
enc morning It was d. covered, alas, that there
was decrease of two in the population Of Forana,
and upon Close examination It was Ascertaned that
the only craft 10 small boat the island boosted Of,
had been launched during the night and the depo-
sits removed" ! afterwards saw these two " 6nan-
ciers" in Lima, Peru. They looked upon the affair
as clever trick; and have no doubt they enjoyed
But was going 70 tell you Of the Galapagos gene
rally and, therefore, must not confne my descrip.
ton to their only town, and the queen" Of the
group. One general description win apply TO all the
Islands. They are Of volcanic origin and their sur
sailors "cliDkers." Here and there You may SEQ Q
growth Of underbrush. No trees are found except
spec.es Of cactus called " the cabbage tree" A
i : M may snss ss.os 4
Rain never falls, and vegetation Is scantiy supplied
by night dews. Few tropical birds a-e found here
therefore the reports Of large quantities Of guano
may safely be discrsdited.
have also travelled many miles along the weather
coast Of Hoods and A1bemarle Islands, and can
tain no recollection OF any substance resembling
that material.
To be BRIEF these Islands are entirely destitute of
wealth, and would prove worse than vaueless to the
United States The only attractions they ever pos
sessed for our whaling feet, that Ia now rapidly
abandoning their waters for better fishing grounds
were that they furnished an abundant supply Of land
turtle tsrrapin-of an excellent quality and enor
nous size.
1t is possible that the administration contemplate
q new speculation--th the purchase of Florans-and
its removal in q couple Of mali ships to supply the
place OF Greytown demolished, or 1t may be tina.
they intend 70 monopoze in future the turtle trade
fer aldcrmanic suppeB; or perchance Pierce il
eratefu for once in his fe and recollects how much
be is indebted to haty plate Of SOUP and that
the purchase Of this barren, rocky turtle country
will be fitting mement0 Of his administration. The
dear people, no doubt, would willingly pay the
g. 100000 II he would instantly accept the Ivern
norsbip Of them. AN OLD WHALEMAS.
MURDER IN CNCNNATI.-The citizens In the
neighborhood OF Catharne and Rttenhouse stree
were thrown into . state Of excitement about ten
o'clock yesterday morning, by the announcement Of
= dreadful murder having be0n Committed In their