Richmond daily times. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1853, 1851-09-16
id SO. lie nexpcabe. and must ever remain involved

did so, lie inexpcabe, and must ever remain involved
in mystery.
Had Lopez carried out his original intention of land
ing near fuetto Prlnclpe, the result might, perhaps
have been dltierent-he might there, perhaps have
found friends, and raised force sufficient to sustain il
sell until renorcemens were sent cut from the States
In shding where he did, Lopez, without doubt acted
as he thought for the BEST but there as in many other
instances, lie erred OF his personal courage there is
no doubt; but when we speak of military knowledce
OF Judgment, OF his ability to lead expedition saw
al once he mac neither Lopez was probably as much
or more deceived than any in the expedition His
ambition led him to be the tool and victim OF hearess
SPECTATORS Avarice, not philanthropy, was the main
spring OF this expedition.
now distinctly opeplv assert that all those l.,,.,
purpofting to be from Cuba which were published du.
ring the month OF July last and copied throughout the
unon were base toreeres, Tor the express purpose OF
deccVing the citizens OF the United States and adj
yancing the sale oil Cuban bonds Knowing the am.
bhlon OF Lopez, aud that strong disposition to extend
the glorious boon OF freedom which fills the breast of
every American cilzen, these SPECTATORS in human
blood took advantages OF their knowledge to further
their own end They well knew how little effort was
required 10 start and keep alive this excitement -
They thought or at least they tondly hoped, that
more men would 60 on 10 JOIN this little band and
that eventually the islam would be free Cphan
bonds we worth, selling at from 10 TO 90
cents on dollar, when this expedition left Naturallv
they would increase IN value, as the prospect of ibe
rang Cuba became more certa n; and if this expedj-
ton succeeded, as they pretended 10 think it woId
Cuba when liberated from what they denomnated the
tyranny OF Spain, would have been bur hened with
debt OF from fifty to one hundred mi lions of dolsrs
at least fifty per cent OF which would have been in the
pockets OF these would be phau hropists Who active
as they wished to be thought in the holy cause Of lib
cry ook the best OF good care to peril neither lie
Their own precious liberty in its behalf. At The expi-
ration OF the war; and after Cuba should have become
ifee, then 1t was to be annexed to the United States
ana as matter OF course the payment OF these Gu.
pan ponds was to be assumed by that government
nat do they care for the mothers, wives and sisters
OF the gallant men who formed this Inflated exnedi.
uon, VINO have been rendered utterly wretched aud
miserable forever? They do not feel the chains The
anguish, borne by those hundred and sixty noble
fellows, doomed the best ten years of their lives
IN Spanish prison. No; they feel the blood money
III lhelr pockets and laugh over the result OF their
speculation. They the men to be punished 1t 10 |
on them the shades of our murdered countrymen call
Tor vengeance. Heavy, indeed must be their punish
ineht when at the last day. offended and lust Judge
snail demand OF them rerIbuton for their deed
Ins, believe, account of the causes. pro
ceedngs, and results of the unfortunate exDedtion
nave enueavored to give an impartial account and il |
any man, either North South considers himself az
grieved by any remark contained herein will endea
vor to afford him such satisfaction as the nature OF the
case may demand There have also been, under
stand, some reflections made on the conduct of our
Consul at Havana Mr. Owens, and also one of the
Officers OF The Albany, at the time of the execulion-
AT that time, Mr.. Owens no, only was unable to do
anything 10 ASSIST them, but as am informed and be-
at havana, guard OF Spanish soldiers having been
placed oyer his properly and person by order of the
captain General. AS for the Albany, she was power
less on that occasion. Her officers and crew. TO n
man, sympatized with and deeply regretted the melan-
choly late OF their unfortunate count ymen; but they
could do no more. My word for it, ifever an oppor.
luny should occur, the officers and of thai ship
will not only uphold the honor OF the American flag
but add new laurels to its wreath
And now, in conclusion. let me, through the medium
OF your columns return my sincere thanks to his Honor
the Mayor, 10 Col. OHara, Capt Cary and other Cit
liens OF Key West, for the many kndnesses and aten
tons shown to me, assuring Them that shall ever re-
member them with gratitude
oftcers, who left New Orleans, in Clittenden's reg
ment. vs.
remain, very respectfully,
Your obedent servant
PHILIP S. VAN VECHTEN
Late LIST Lieutenant Cuban Expedition
r. OFFICERS OF cRrTTENDEN's COMMAND.
C 20 W Il Cn'tenden, I'd 1t Stevens, Co A