The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1851-10-16
RELEASE OF CAPTAIN ELLIS

The editor of the New York Daily Tunes
has had an interview with Capt Robert Ellis
Of Washington, one Of the Cuban prisoners
who, having received pardon, has just return
ed home. The Times says:
Captain Ellis speaks in the highest terms of
Lopezs bravery, but does not consider him rs
having possessed the elements necessary to sue
cess with small force. Ellis was senior cap
tain in Colonel Downman's command. and
while defending the entrance 10 the town du-
ring the last battle, was wounded in the left
hand by musket ball which passed through
it from one side to the other seyering the cords
Of the fingers, but without injuring the bone
He continued in command, however. until again
wounded, in the groin. by ball. which struck
his own musket, and CHANGING, lost its force be-
fore entering his body. Himself and party
of friends after the dispersion Of Lopez. took
refuge in n peasants hut, which was surround
ed soon after by the Spanish troops who took
them prisoners, bound them and set them in
row to be shot The commanding officer, after
brief deliberation altered his mind. conclu-
ding to postpone the execution until he could
communicate with his superiors Thus was
the apparent doom of the prisoners ayerted at
the last moment; and upon reaching the main
body of his troops, to their great JOY they found
the order just issued by the Captain General
directing that no more prisoners should be shot,
but that all taken should be sent into Havana
Thus again were they reprieyed. Their cap
ture an hour earlier would have sealed their
fate inevitably. In consequence of his wounds,
Captain Ellis was sent 10 the hospital, and not
being reported convalescent prior to the sailing
of the first detachment of prisoners transported
to Spain, escaped transportation with them
Thus time was given his friends 10 intercede for
his pardon-with what success. his presence
among us is the best indication He has quite
recovered from his wounds with the exception
that he has lost the use of the fingers of his left
hand. He desires especially to express his OBJ
| legations TO Lieutenant X. J. II. Handy, of the
United States Revenue Cutter Forward, to
whose efforts mainly he ascribes his liberation
To Mr. Sidney Smith secretary of the British
| consul. also is he in common with all his com
panions in misfortune, deeply indebted for his
sympathy and unremitting efforts to alleviate
their distress and secure their comfort Mr.
J. s. Thrasher was also unceasing in his atten.
tons.
Mrs. Patterson, of New Orleans, who went t.
Havana to intercede in person for the life and
| liberty of her son, Charles A. Downer, arrived
| too late to see him, as he had already departed
for Cadiz We are glad to hear, however, that
she Esss SO far successful ASH secure from Con-
-In his fpD napaap Ths, ,9neslDaent has xbeen
T sent to Spain, and win probably reach there IN
time to give him a joyful greeting upon landing
The Captain General states that, if the Span
ish residents at New Orleans are indemnifet
for the losses sustained at the hands of the mob
there will be no obstacle to the immediate re
lease of all the prisoners upon proper applica
ton to the Court of Madrid. So satisfied il
Concha upon this point, that he authorized
Captain Ellis to make the above statement t.
the United States authorities at Washington
OF course the naturalization for the destruc.
ton by mobs must be made under the statute
of Louisiana The friends of the prisoners may
therefore feel quite easy with respect to their
fate At the same time, it will be well to sec
ond with vigor the efforts being made for their
| liberation.