The southern press., 1851-09-24
W-We have received the following circular
by the steamer Cherokee-dated

HAVANA September IL, 1851.
Having been requested by a very large por,
ton of the prisoners of the late Cuban expedi-
ton to write to their friends informing them OF
their situation and good health, have thought
it best to throw my observations, which must
necessarily be general in their principal features,
into the form of a circular, and have now the
honor to address you this at the request of all
the prisoners
The prisoners were brought to this city in
different lots, aud as fast as they arrived were
shaved of their hair, chained two together, and
placed all in one long saloon in the prison.
During the first few days it was exceedingly
difficult to obtain permission to visit them
The British consul, Joseph L. Crawford, esq,
did SO on the first day, and accompanied by his
secretary Mr.. w. Sidney Smith, who never
ceased in his exertons in their behalf, gave them
the first cheering words On the next day Mr..
Allen +. Owen, the American consul, asked for
and obtained permission, and, as was subse-
quently intormd by the prisoners, told them that
"thc President had proclaimed them without the
pale of the law, and he could do nothing for
them."-During several days our only means Of
contributing to the ameliofation of their condi-
ton was through Mr.. Smith, who continued to
visit them twice daily, taking them small CON-
iOTlo opCdhlHS ehoh pSHA''b " "uiSb
means he improved in very great degree their
situation.-IIe took up subscription among
the English residents for the purpose of provd-
ing extra clothing for those who We're British
subjects, and the secretary of the German socie-
ty, in consequence of receiving a letter from
Capt. Schlicht, went to see them, and subse
quently provided for the Germans in the same
manner that the English cousul had provided
for his countrymen.
was not able to obtain permission to see
them until Friday, 9Th instant. at noon, when
found that twenty-five had that morning been
sent to the hospital, and that some few of the
others had had their chains taken off, for what
reason could not learn. The Americans and
some others ! found very much disprited, in
consequence Of the language Mr.. Owen had
held to them and from seeing others 80 much
cared for, and did what could to cheer them,
assuring them would do my utmost to have
them as well provided for as their more fortu-
nate companions had BEEN
On leaving the prison, spoke to several of
my friends about raising funds for the prison.
ers, and SO great was the interest shown in
their behalf. that our efforts were crowned with
the utmost success. | take this occasion to
pay just tribute to those Cuban gent, emen who
so generously provided me with funds, without
which my efforts would have been barren, and
also to many American friends who contributed
not only money but personal efforts. would
gladly mention Names but the impossibility Of
naming all would render the particularizing of
few apparently invidious, and will therefore
cite but two, who are connected with the PRESS
these are Mr. White, of the New York Courier
and Enquirer, and Mr.. Callahan, of the N. o.
Picayune. To these gentlemen, in company
81 fbpro praiaa ia duo
On Saturday the prisoners received several
visits, and sum of money wherewth to pur
chase bread. Mr.. Smith also took to them Sc
CARS and other comforts. On Sunday morning
their chains were taken off, they were allowed
to battle, and was enabled to send them their
extra clothing. They were in excellent spirits,
and as many Of their countrymen had now OBJ
tained permission to visit them and they found
they were not abandoned by their friends, they
were quite gay. Wiring materials We're to-
day allowed them, at the request of Mr.. Smith,
and many Of them wrote to their homes. They
all received a small sum Of money, to purchase
snch trifies as they fancy On this day they re-
ceived information that Commodore Parker was
not allowed to see them, which they regretted
exceedingly. During the afternoon, they had
a short visit from Mr.. Owen.
On Mouday morning, IL they were Ia embark
ea-ly, MJ Smith. Mr.. Callahan and myself visit
ed them before day; they bad coffee and bread
before going on board. Besides what they re.
ceived from the government, each man bad pea
jacket, WOODEN shirt, pair Of pants, pair Of
stockings, and a Tin pot and on board ship were
placed for their use 625 H. chocolate, , boxes
tobacco, = barrels vinegar and some small stores,
and the sum Of S735 was placed in the hands
Of Captain Ortiz, of the Primera de Guatemala,
for general distribution on arrival at the port of
destination. Besides this, the German society
gave Captain Ortiz 1886 for the Germans. and
several persons left sums for individuals. They
embarked in high spirits and excellent health,
all desiring most afiectionate farewell to be sent
to their friends with assurances of their high
hopes for a speedy release. Those who remain
here awaiting slip will follow their companions
in few days. ...
Those who are in the hospital are all doing
well and are very we'll cared for by every one
around them. They also have been allowed
writing materials, and their friends will probably
receive letters from them as early as they may re.
ceiye this. The captain general has been very
confederate and kind in his orders relative both
to sick and we'll, and their attendants and jail.
ors have treated them with much consideration.
! In regard 10 exertions for their liberation, ]
would suggest to you some prompt effort IN
their behalf, through the American minister at
Madrid, for the reason that the proximate nc.
couchement Of the Queen will sfford most ad.
vantageous opportunity TO grant them oil free
pardon, and the liberation Of three here would
induce us to suppose that like boon might be
obtained for all.
] have the honor TO be respectfully,
Your ob't scrv't.
J. 3, THRASHER.