Richmond daily times. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1853, 1851-09-11
From the New Orleans Crescent Sent %

~, LETTER FROM COL. CRITTENDEN.
Inc loowng letter. the last that the gallant Critlenden
news which we publish to-day shows that he was ms-
taken in his sweeping estimate OF Cuban desire for
freedom, as, indeed, having passed beyond the
coast, nha9ed by Spanish fishermen, he had no op-
portunty OF falrly Judging In their unarmed condi.
ton, the Cubans would be very apt to wait till Tonaz
had gained victory and position before decla,inu
themselves. Ihat Lopez did not return to assist Crit
tenden, now seems to be accounted for by the almost
certain fact, that he had quite as much as he could
well do IN defending himself. That Lopez is rash. we
believe but It is oily to suppose that he would have
wully sacfillced one hundred men--the flower of his
ioree-at the risk OF mourning American Indignation
and OF losing his own head Colonel Crttenden
doubtless, would convey his idea of the hasly and
RASH not treacherous and false, character of Lopez
In this estimate OF him, disposed TO concur
with the brave and amented dead
SHr-oF WAR EspERAHzA.,
August l6, 1851.
| DEAR LucIEN-In half an hour |, with ifty others
am TO De shot We were taken prisoners Yesterday -
we were IN small boats Gen. Lopez separated the
balance OF the command from me. | had with me
about one hundred-was attacked by two battalion Of
100 great and strange to tell, not furnished with
single musket cartridge Lopez did not GET anv ar
Hlleiy, nave not the heart to write to any of my
family. Ii the truth ever comes out you will find that
did my duty, and have the perfect confidence Of
every man with me. We had retired from the field
ana were gong +, to sea, and were overaken by the
Spanish steamer Habanero, and captured. Tell Cen
Huston that his nephew got separated from me m he
3thday of the gh-and that have not seen M bim e
since. He may have struggled off and Joined Lone.
who advanced rapidly to the interior My people,
however, were entirely surrounded on every side we
saw that we had been deceived grossly and were ma
king for the United States when taken. During my
short soIoqTn on this Island, have not met Single
patriot. We landed some 40 or so miles TO the VEST
ward Of this and am sure that in that part of the
Lopez was only three miles off, II he had not been
deeeNng u.s. as to the state of things, he would have
fallen back with his force and made fight instead Of
which he marched on Immediately to the interior. I
am requested to get you to tell Mr. Green of the Gus
tom House, that his brother shares my fate. Victor
Kerr Kerr. is also with me, also Stanford. recoIect no
otnefso your acquaintance at present l will die like
man. My heart has not failed me yet, nor do |
believe Ii, it will Communicate with my family
This IS an incoherent letter, but the circumstances
must excuseit; My hands swollen to double their
thickness ung from having them too tightly corded
| for the last eighteen hours Write to John and let him
write to my mother. | am afraid that the news will
break her heart My heart beats warmly towards her
now.
farewell. My love to al! ofmy friends l am sorrv
that die owing cent, but it is inevitable
Yours, strong in heart,
w. L. CRITTENDEN.