The southern press. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1850-1852, 1851-09-24
Fey We have received the following circular
by the steamer Cherokee--dated


HAVANA September II, 1851.
Having been requested by a very large por
ton Of the prisoners of the late Cuban exped-
ton 10 write TO their friends informing them OF
their situation and good health, have thought
it best To throw my observations, which must
neces nsry be general in their prime al features,
into the form of circular, and lave now the
honor to address you this at the request OF all
the prisoners.
The prisoners were brought to this city in
different lots and as fast as they arrived were
shaved of their hair, chained two together, and
placed all in one loAg saloon in the prison.
During the first few days il was exceedingly
difficult to obtain permission to visit Them
The British consul, Joseph T. Crawford, e1q,
did so on the frs day, and accompanied by his
secretary Mr.. W. Sidney Smith, who never
ceased in his exertions in their behalf, gave them
the first cheering words. On the next day Mr..
Allen f. Oven, the American consul, asked fer
and obtained permission, and, as was subs
quently informd by the prisoners, told them that
"thc President had proclaimed them without the
pale Of the law, and he could do nothing for
during several days our only means of
contributing to the amelioraton of their condi-
ton was through Mr.. Smith, who continued to
visit them twice daily, taking them small com
forts and speaking in their behalf by which
means he improved in very great degree their
situation.-He took up subscription among
the English residents for the purpose Of provid-
ing extra clothing for those who were British
subjects, and the secretary of the German socie-
ty, in consequence of receiving a letter from
Capt Schlcht, went to see them, and subse
quently provided for the Germans in the same
manner that the English cousu had provided
for his countrymen.
| was not able to obtain permission to see
them until Fridav, 9th instant, at noon, when
found that twenty-five had that mo. ning 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 en-
some others found very much dspirted, in
consequence Of the language Mr.. Owen had
held to them, and from seeing others so much
cared for, and did what could to cheer them,
assuring them would do my utmost to have
them as we'll provided for as their more fortu-
nate companions had been.
On leaving the prison, spoke to several Of
nv friends about raising funds for the prison.
ers, and so great was the interest shown in
their behalf shat 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 lie N. O.
Picayune. To these gentlemen, in company
with many others, much praise is due.
On Saturday the prisoners received several
visits, and sum of money wherewith 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 rs many of their countrymen had now OBJ
tanned permission to visit them. and they found
they were not abandoned by their friends, they
were quite gay. Writing materials were to-
day allowed them, at the reques, of Mr.. Smith,
and many of them wrote to their homes. They
all received small sum of money, to purchase
such trihes AS they fancy. On this day they RS
eeved information that Commodore Parker ives
not allowed to see them, which they regretted
exceedingly. During the afternoon, they had
a short visit from Mr. Oven.
On Mondry morning, MS they were to embark
ea-ly, Mr. Smith. Mr. Callahan and myself visit.
ed them before day: they had coffee and bread
before going on board. Besides what they re
ceived from the government each man had pea
jacket, wooden shirt, pair of pants, pair of
stockings, and a Tin pot and on board ship were
placed for their use s25 ID. chocolate, boxes
tobacco, barrels vinegar and some small stores,
and the sum of 1875 WIS placed in the hands
49, III nf the Dr,r do fsua In
for general distribution on arrival at the port of
destination. Besides this the German society
gave Captain Ortiz Sl36 for the Germans and
several persons left sums for individuals. They
embarked in high spirits and excellent health
all desiring a most afecionate farewell to be sent
to their friends with assurances Of their high
hopes for speedy release Those who remain
here awaiting ship will follow their companions
in few days.
Those who are In the hospital are all doing
well and are very well cared for by every one
around them. They also have been allowed
writing materials, ard their friends will probably
receive letters from them as early AZ they may re-
ceive this. The captain general has been very
cousiderate and kind in his orders relative both
to sick and well, and their attendants and Jail
ors have treated them with much consideration.
In regard to 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 proximste ac-
couchement of the Queen will afford most adj
vantageous opportunity to grant them all 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 serv'f
j. s. THRASHER.