Lewisburg chronicle. [volume] (Lewisburg, Pa.) 1850-1859, 1851-09-24

much or more deceived tnan any man IN
the expedition His ambition led him to
be the tool and victim of heartless specu-
lators. Avarice, not philanthropy, was
the main spring of this expedition.
now distinctly, openly assert that all
those letters purporsing to be from Cuba,
which were published during the month
of July last, and copied throughout the
Union, were base forgeries, for the express
purpose of deceiying the citizens of the
United States, and advancing the sale OF
Cuban bonds. Knowing the ambition OF
Lopez, and that strong disposition to ex-
tend the glorious boon of freedom which
fills the breast Of every American citizen,
these spectators IN human blood took ad-
vantage of their knowledge to further
their own end. They well knew how little
effort was required to start and keep alive
this excitement. They thought, or at
least they foudly hoped, that more men
would go out to join this little band, and
that eventually the Island would be free.
Cuban bonds were worth, or were selling
al from 10 to 20 cents on dollar, when
this expedition left. Naturally they would
increase in value, as the prospect Of hber-
ating Cuba became more certain; and If
this expedition succeeded, as they preten-
ded to think it would, Cuba, when liberia
ted from what they denomnated the tyr
amy Of Spain, would have been bu-thened
with debt of from fifty to one hundred
| millions of dollars, at least fifty per cent Of
which would have been in the pockets Of
these wouid-be philanthropists, who, active
as they wished to be thought in the holy
cause Of liberty, took the best of good
care to peril neither life nor their own pre-
cious liberty in its behalf At the exp
ration of the war, and after Cuba should
have become free, then il was to be annexed
to the United States, and as a matter Of
course the payment of these Cuban bonds
was to be assumed By that Government.
What do they care for mothers, wives and
sisters of the gallant men who formed this
ill-fated expedition, who have been rem
dered utterly wretehed and miserable for
ever2 They do not feel the chains, the
anguish, borne by those one hundred and
sixty noble fellows, doomed to spend the
best ten years of their lives in Spanish
prison. No; they feel the blood money
in their pockets, aud laugh over the result
of their speculation. They are the men
to be punished. 1t is on them the shades
of our murdered countrymen call for ven
geauce Heavy, indeed, mus. be their pun
ishment when, =: the last day, an offended
and just Judge sh;ll demand of them ret
ributicn for their deed.
This is, believe, correct account Of
the causes, proceelinss an | results of til:
unfortunate expedition. l have endeav-
ored to give an impirtial account, aud if
any mn, either y nth or S,asi, considers
him self acgrievci by any rem ,rk contained
/ herein, will endeavor to afford him such
/ satisfaction as the nature Of the case may
demand. There have also been, / und,r-
stand, some reflections made on the con-
/ duct of our Consul ut Havana, Mr. Owen,
and also one of the officers of the Albany,
at the time of the execution At that
time Mr.. Owen not only was unable to do
anything to assist them, but, as am in
formed and believe, was actually in dan
ger himself, from the rabble at Havana, a
guard Of Spanish soldiers having been
placed over his property and person by or
der of the Captain General As for the
Albany, she was powerless on that occa-
sion. Her officers and crew to man,
sympathized with and deeply regretted
the melancholy fate of their unfortunate
eountrynel; but they could do no more.
My word for it, if ever an opportunity
should occur, the officers and crew of that
ship will not only uphold the honor of the
American flag, but add new laurels to its
wreath.
And now, in conclusion, let NE, thro'
the medium of your columns, return my
sincere thanks to his Honor the Mayor, to
Col o Hara, Capt Cary, and other citizens
of Key West, for the many kindnesses and
attentions shown to me, assuring them
that shall ever remember them with graf
itude.
| annex, for the benefit of their friends,
list of the officers who left for New Or
leans, in Critten lens regiment.
l remain, very respectfully, your obedi-
ent serv't, PHILIP s. VAN VEcHTEN,
Late Ist Lieutenant Cuba Expedition.
OFFICERS OF CRITTENDEN' S COMMAND.
Col. " L. Crittenden; Com. Gen.-
Cook; q. NJ Gen. Vesey,; Reg. z. NJ.
Felix Huston, Jr.; Reg. Adj't-Stan-
niforl Reg Com. - Bell; Capt. j. A.
Kelly, Co. A.; lst Lieut.. Jno. Brise, do.
I'd. i.t.-Stevens, Co. A; Capt. James
~, 1ot ,aut ID Vau