Richmond daily times. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1853, 1851-09-26
HAVANA, Sept. II, 1851.

To the Editor of the Republic
Having been requested by very large portion oil the
prisoners Of the late Cuban expedition to write to their
friends informing them OF their situation and good
health have thought best to throw my observations,
which must necessarily be general in their principal fea
lures, into the form OF circular, and have now the
honor TO address you this at the request OF all the pr
sonerS.
The prisoners were brought to this city in different
lots, and as fast they arrived shaved OF their
hair, chained two together and placed all IN one long
saloon in the prison. During the first few days 1t was
exceedingly difficult to obtain permission TO visit Them
The British Consul, j. T. Crawford, E:q did SO on the
hrst day, and accompanied by his secretary MI w.
5. Smith, who has never ceased in his exertlons 10
their behalf, gave them the first cheering WORDS On
the next day Mr.. Allen f. Owen, the American Con-
sui asked for and obtained permission, and, as was
subsequently, informed by the prisoners told them that
"the President had proclaimed them without the pale OF
the law, and he could do nothing tor them" During
several days our only means OF contributing to the
ameoration OF their condition was through Mr. Smith,
who continued visit them twice daily, taking them
small comforts and speaking in their behalf by which
means he improved IN very great degree their sllua
ton He took up subscription among the Englsh
residents for the purpose OF providing extra clothing tor
those who British subjects; and the Secretary OF
the German society," in consequence OF receiving e'ler
from Captain Schicht, went TO see them, and suose-
lueny provided for The Germans in the same manner
that the English consul had provided or MS country
men.
was not able to obtain permission to see them until
Friday, 9Th instant, noon when toanu mat twenty
five had that morning been sent to the hospital, and
that few of the Others had had their CHAINS taken
of-for what reason | could not learn. The Amefi-
cans and some others found very much dlsplrited in
consequence of the language Mr.. owen had held to
them and from seeing Others much better cared tor
and did what could TO cheer them, assuring them |
would do my utmost have them as we'll provide Tor
as their more fortunate companions had been.
On leaving the prison | spoke to several OF my
friends about raising funds for the prisoners; and so
great was the interest shown in their behalf that
efforts We're crowned with the utmost success take
this occasion 10 pay just tribute to those Cuban
gentlemen who 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 effects. l would gladly men
ton names, but the mpossbility OF naming all would
render the partcularzng OF few apparently nvld GUS
and will therefore Gle but two who are connected
with the press these Mr. White, OF the New ork
Courier and Enquirer, and Mr. Ca laham OF the New
Orleans Ptcdyune. 10 these gentlemen, IN company
with many others, much praise Is DUE
On Saturday the prisoners received several visits,
and sum OF money wherewith to purchase bread
forts 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 excel
lent spirits, and as many of their countrymen had now
obtained permission to visit them, and they found they
were now not abandoned by their friends they were
quite gay. Writing materials swere to-day allowed
them at the request TO Mr.. Smith, and many OF them
wrote 10 their homes. They all received small sum
OF money purchase such tres as they might fancy;
this day they received in formation that Commodore
Parker not allowed to them, which they regret
ted exceedingly, and during the afternoon they had
short visit from Mr.. Owen.
On Monday morning, they were to embark ear
y, 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 woollen Shirt
pair OF pants, pair OF stockings, and tin pot; and
on board ship we've placed for their eight hundred
and twenty five pounds chocolate, two boxes tobac
CO, two barrels vinegar, and some small stores, and
| the of seven hundred and thirty five dollars
placed IN the hands OF Captain OrtlZ OF the PrImera
| de Guatemala, for general distribution arrival
at the port of destination Besides this, the German
| Society gave Captain Ortiz hundred ond thirty
six dollars for the Germans and several persons left
sums for individuals. They embarked IN high spirits
| and excellent health all desiring most affeconate
farewell to be sent to their friends with assurances of
their high hopes for speedy release. Those who re-
| main here awaiting ship will follow their companions
| In few days.
Those who are in the hospital are all doing well,
| and very well cared for by every around
| them. They have also been allowed writing mater as,
and their friends will probably receive letters from
them early they may receive this. The Captain
General has been very conslderate and Kind in his
orders relative both sick and WE'LL and their
dants and jallors have treated them with much
| slderatlon.
In regard to exertions for their liberation would
suggest TO you some prompt effort in their behalf
through the American minister at Madrid tor the
son that the proXimate ACCOMPLISHMENT of the Queen
them all free PARDON and the liberation of three
would induce suppose that like boon might be
obtained for ALL
have the honor to be, respectfully, your very ODE
dent servant, J. S. THRASHER.