Slave Emancipation on Corn Island

The book "Gate of the Pacific" by British Naval Commander Bedford Pim published in 1863 is a rather schlorly analysis of Central American culture and the engineering prospects of canal contruction across the isthmus. I found the majority of the book rather dry reading, but did find a few interesting pieces of historical information in the book as well as some great engravings (including a really niceone of San Juan Del Sur) and maps.

According to letters copied in the book, slaves on Corn Island were emancipated by order of Queen Victoria and the King of Mosquito on August 27th, 1841. The emancipation was accomplished by Colonel MacDonald. According to the letters, the slaves were assembled on the South-west Bay, where they were pronounced free (what a day that must have been for the slaves to be told - ok your free). The former owners of the slaves were granted 25 pounds (british currency) per slave to be paid in yearly installments with 4% annual interest. In 1853, the former owners complained they still had not been paid their money.

In 1841 at the time of emancipation, there were 98 slaves owned on Corn Island. The following is the tally per slave owner:

James Bowden and James N. Bowden: 19 slaves John Bowden: 10 slaves Michael Quin, Patrick Quin, John Quin, Catherine Quin, Mary Quin and Margaret Quin: 39 slaves Maria E. Forbes: 1 slave Eleanor Frances: 2 slaves Joseph M. Nansank: 1 slave Lydia Brown: 13 slaves John Hooker, Margaret Hooker, Susan Hooker, Amelia Hooker, Janette Hooker: 5 slaves Christopher Downes: 2 slaves Elizabeth Cottrell: 1 slave Eleanor Culver: 4 slaves Escalona Nansank, Caroline Nansank: 1 slave

Now 165 years have passed since the slaves were emancipated, and assumming that the British Government never settled the outstanding debt with the former owners, the heirs of these people would theoretically now be owed per slave, 18,176.77 pounds or $33,048.07 at the current exchange rate. For the Quin family that means they are owed $1,288,874.70. WOW. I think I need to find the Quins and introduce myself as Captscott "Quin" their long lost cousin and suggest we hire ourselves a British lawyer!