New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1850-06-08
The Cuban Failure 0mciai Correspondence.
From the Herald.
Mr.. Claytoas Letter to Mr.. Campbell, our Consul
at Harano, Of Jane /.


at Hacono, Of Jane /.
lcopyl
DEPARTMENT OF STATE, WASHINGTON, June !, 1850
To Robert b. Campbell, Egg U. s. CoasuL Haraaa:
SIR: From various sources of information, con.
lecture that the Spanish authorities in Cuba in
their excessive zeal to punish the invaders OF that
Island and all concerned with them, while flushed
with victory, may possibly forget the difference
between crime and the intention 10 commit it, and
wreak their vengeance on American citizens,
either native naturalized, not guilty OF any act
OF invasion, depreciation upon Spanish territory.
1t is said and believed here that many such were
arrested or island near the coast Of Yucatan,
called Contoy, within the territory Of power hav.
ing friendly relations with the United States. AS
ali the facts not in our possession, the iuig-
ment we may have formed OF the capture abduc-
ton, and punishment OF these men may possibly
be- very erroneous. But let US suppose that the
men captured ON the Mexican island were Anne.
rican citizens, and had occupied it intending 10
invade Cuba, still cannot recognize the right of
the spanish authorities to hang garote, or shoot
them for their intention. There was yet locus
penitentia lett Tor every man OF Them aud they
might have returned 10 the United States guilty,
indeed, Of violation OF the laws Of their own
country, bat Of no law that am aware Of under
which Spain could have punished them The in
tention 10 commit crime is not per Sc crime Some
overt act must accompany the intent. design
10 commit murder is not murder, nor is it, without
somo attempt 10 carry it into execution punish
able by the laws of man, however guilty the Of
fender may be IN fore eoRscleEciG and by tue OF.
dinances Of his Creator
Here follows the paragraph given IN yesterdays Tr5-
sae demanding the release 81 The Americans iaken on
Womsns Island, OF prepare for 4 ssuguinary war
i am exceedingly anxious to ascertain all the
facts connected with the cspture Of our citizens on
tho Mexican Island, and their fate. Write by every
possible opportunity. Keep me well advised Of
every thing progressing in Cuba
learn tins morning, that there is rumor afoat
that more Americans some say thousands have
landed on the south side of Cuba.
BY this time, the frigates Congress and Saratoga
must have joined the Albany and Germantown.
They ought 10 be able to protect our countrynaen.
who are not guilty Of the invasion.
am, Sir, very respectfully your ohee lent servant
Il JOHN ~ CLAYTON.
IastrsctioAs Of he Secretary of he Nary to he
Commanders Of the ships Of Var detailed to
Cn6o.
NAVY DErAKTuKNT, Wednesday, May IS, ESQ.
SIN, Though the Government has no precise ia.
formation. vet il has been Informed from sources
entitledso great respect and consideration, that
military organization has been effected an the in.
terror Of the United States, formidable both Ia
no nbers and the character Of those engaged in il,
for DE purpose OF attacking the Island o. CUBA and
reyblutonizing the Government This force is
10 consist OF between SIX aad ten
tbs qssnd troops of the best and materials 10 render
the assault formidable and as il is believed. is
suffSielf with other means and resources at COM
msnd 10 emancpste Caba from Spanish rale.
srgc numbers OF those engaged IN the enterprise
departed, as II was alleged, from the city OF New
Orleans, accompanied by Generals Lopez, Con-
lales, and others IL is represented that they ex-
pee, 10 effect landing upon the island about this
ime. All accounts concur in representing that II
8 q military expedition or enterprise, begun aud
et on foot within the territory or jurisdiction OF toe
Jnited States to be carried on from thence against
he island of Cuba and the Government Of Spain
Any such ipvssiop Of that Island Is IN violation