Washington telegraph., 1851-10-15

dividing his command, committed one OF
those errors which eventually .cost him
his life; but had Crittenden, on the morn-
ing Of the 18th. gone and Joined Lopez
at Las Posas instead of retreatng to the
sea, all would have been wel-then he
would have lost only the stores; as it was
he lost all. Why he did so, is inexplica-
bic, and must ever remain involved in
mystery.
Had Lopez carried out his original in.
tention OF landing near Puerto Principe,
the result might, perhaps, have been
difterent-he might there, perhaps have
tound friends, and raised force suiti-
cient TO sustain itself until reinforce
ments Were sent out from the States. In
landing where he did, Lopez without
doubt acted as he thought for the best;
but there, as in many other instances,
he erred OF his personal courage there
IS no doubt; but when we speak of mill
tary knowledge, of Judgment, of his
ability to lead an expedition, l say q,
once he had neither. Lopez was proba-
bly, as much or more deceived than any
man in the expedition. His ambition
led him to he the tool and victim of
heartess spectators. Avarice. no: phi
lanlhropy, was the main spring of this
expedition.
now distinctly, openly assert tha; all
those letters purporting TO be from Cuba,
which were published during the month
of July last, and copied throughout the
Union, were base forgeries, for the ex
press porpose of deceiving the citizens OF
the United States, and advancing the
sale of Cuban bonds. Knowing the ann
bition Of Lopez, and that strong DISPOSE
ton to extend the glorious boon of free
dom which fills the breast of every Amer
can citizen, these spectators in human
blood took advantage of their knowledge
to further their own end. -..
They well knew how little effort was
required to start and keep alive this eX-
citement. They thought, or at least
they fondly hoped, that more men would
go out to join this little band, and that
eventually the island would be free.
| Cuban bonds We're worth, or were selling
at from 10 to 20 cents on dollar. when
.hls expedition left. Naturally they would
increase in value, as the prospect OF
liberating Cuba became more certain;
and if this expedition succeeded as they
pretended to think it would, Cuoa when
liberated from what they denominated
the tyranny of Spain, would have been
burthened with a 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 would-be philan-
thropists, who, active as they wished to
be thought in the holy cause of liberty.
took the bes. of good care to peril neither
life nor their own precious liberty in its
behalf. AT the expiration Of the war.
and after Cuba should have become free,
then it was TO be annexed 10 the United
States, and as matter of course the
payment Of these Cuban bonds was to
be assumed by that government. What
do they care for the mothers, wives and
sisters of the gallant men who formed
tins Inflated expedition, who have been
rendered utterly Wretched and miserable
forever! They do rot feel the chains,
:he anguish, borne by these 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 and 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 vengeance. Heavy, indeed, must
be their punishment when, at the last
day, all offended and just Judge shall
demand Of them retribution for their deed.
This is, | believe, a correct account of
the causes, proceedings and results Of The
unfortunate expedition. have endeavor-
ed to give an impartial account, and if
any man, either North or South, con-
sGers himself aggrieved by any remark
contained herein, will endeavor TO afford
him such satisfaction as the nature of the
case may demand. There have also been
understand, some reflections made on
the conduct of our Counsel at Havana,
Mr.. Owens. and also Que of the officers of
the ALb0ny, at the time of the execution.
AT that lime, Mr. Owens not only was
unable to do anything to assist them,
but as | am informed and believe, was
actually in danger himself. from the iab-
BILE at Havana, guard of Spanish SOL
diers having been placed over his property
and person. by order of the Captain
General. AS for the Albany, she was
pOwerless, on that occasion. Her officers
and crew, TO man, sympathized with
and deeply regretted the melancholy
fate Of their unfortunate countrymen; but
they could do no more. My word for it,
if ever an opportunity should occur, the
officers and crew of that ship will no:
only uphold the honor OF the American
flag but add new laurels to its wreath.
Aud now, in conclusion. let me, through
the medium of your columns, return my
sincere thanks to his Honor the Mayor,
to Col. O'Hara, Capt. Gray, and other
citizens of Key West. for the many