Sunbury American. [volume] (Sunbury, Pa.) 1848-1879, 1851-10-04
1nterestins Ccttcr.
THE PRISONERS AT HAVANA.
HAVANA, Sept. II. 1851

taVlng Oeen Tequesleu ny very Iurge
portion of The prisoners of the late Cuban
expedition 10 write 10 their friends informing
them of their situation and good health, |
have thought it best 10 throw my observa-
lions, which must necessarily be general in
their principal features. into the form of a
Circular, and have now the honor TO ad-
dress you this al the reques, of all the phi
soners.
The p;isoners were brought 10 this city in
different lots, and as fast as they arrived
were shaved of their hair, chained two TO-
gether, and placed all in one long saloon in
the prison. During the frs, few days it
was exceedingly difficult 10 obtain permis-
sion 10 visit them. The British Consul,
Joseph 7. Crawford, Esq, did SO on the first
day, and accompanied by his secretary, MIR.
w. Sidney Smith, who has never ceased in
his exerions in their behalf, gave them the
first cheering words. On the next day Mr.
Allen f. Owen the American Consul, asked
for and obtained permission and, as was
subsequently informed by the prisoners, told
them that othe President had proclaimed
them without the pale of the law and he
could do nothing for them"
During several days our only means Of
contributing 10 the amelioralon of their con.
dition was through Mr. Smith, who contn-
ned 10 visit them twice daily, taking them
small comforts and speaking in their behalf
by which means he improved in very
gIeat degree their situation. He took up a
subscription among the English residents for
the purpose of providing extra clothing for
those who were British subjects, and the Sc
cretary Of The German Society, in conse-
quence of receiving letter from Captain
Schlicht, went 10 see them and subsequently,
provided for the Germans in the same man
ner that the English Consul had provided for
his countrymen.
| was not able to obtain permssion to see
them until Friday 5th inst, al noon, when
found that twenty-five had that morning
been sent 10 the hospital, and that some few
Of the others had their chains taken off, for
what reason | could not learn. The Amer
cans aud some others found very much dis
pirited in consequence Of The language Of
Mr.. Owen had held 10 them, and from see
ing others SO much better cared for, and
did what could to cheer them. assuring
them wouId do my utmost 10 have them as
well provided for as their more fortunate
companions had been.
On leaving the prison spoke TO several Of
my frienls about raising funds for the pri.
sonnrs ami so great was the interest shown
in their behalf that our efforts were crowned
with the utmost success. | take this occa-
sion 10 pay a Just tribute TO those Cuban
gentlemen who so generously provided ne
with funds, without which my efforts would
have been barren, aud also 10 many Amefi-
can friends who contributed not only money
but personal efforts; | would gladly mention
names, but the impossibity of naming all
would render the particularising Of few
apparently inyidious, and | will therefore
cite but two, who are connected with the
press these are MIR. White Of the New
York Courier & Enquirer and Mr.. Callahan
Of the New Orleans Picayune TO these gen.
llemen in common with many Others much
praise is due.
On Saturday the prisoners received several
visits and a sum of money wherewith 10
purchase bread. Mr. Smith also took TO
them sigars and other comforts. On Sunday
morning their chains were taken off, they
were allowed 10 bathe, and was enabled 10
send them their extra clothing. They were
in excellent spirits and as many of their
countrymen had now obtained permission to
visit them, and they found they were not
abandoned by their friends, they were qnite
gay. Writing materials were to-day allowed
them al the request OF MIR. Smith and many
of them wrote 10 their homes. They all re-
ceived a small sum of money to purchase
such trihes as they might fancy on this
day they received information that Commo-
dore Parker was not allowed 10 see them
which they regretted exceedingly, and dur
ing the afternoon they had short visit from
Mr.. Owen.
On Monday morning as they were 10 en-
bark early, Mr.. Smith, Mr.. Callahan and
myself visited them before day, they had
coffee and bread before going on board
Besides what they received from the gov
eminent each man had pea Jacket, a wool
en- shirt, pair of pants, pair of stockings
aud a Tin pot ; and on board ship were pla-
ced for their use S25 10 chocolate, boxes
tobacco, . barrels vinegar, and some small
stores, and the sum OF S735 was placed in
the hands of Capt. Oriz of the Pdmera de
Guatemala for general distribution oil arrival
at the port of destination. Besides This the
German Society gave Capt. Ortiz Sl36 for
The Germans and several persons lefl sums
for individuals. They embarked in high
spirits and excellent health, all desiring a
most aA.eciionate farewell 10 be sent TO
;aeir friends with assurances of their high
hopes for a speedy release. Those who re-
main here awaiting ship will follow their
companions ia fey dave.