The Hillsdale standard. [volume] (Hillsdale, Mich.) 1851-1909, 1851-09-30


N leayng hip ie dividing his command com.
cost him his life; but had Criisndeb, Cd ttHHE
morning OF the 18th, gone on and joined Lo-
pez, al Los Posss. instead OF refreshing to the
sea, all would have been well-then he would
have lost only the stores; as II was. he lost all
Why he did so, is mex plicable. and must ever
remain involved ia mystery. Had Lopez car
red out his original attention OF landing near
Puerto Principe the result might, perhaps.
have been differenl--he might there perhaps,
have found friends, and raised force sum
cient to sustain itself until reinforcements were
sent out from the States. In landing where
he did, without doubt he actedas he thought
for the best; but there, as in many other Ia
stances he erred. or his personal courage
there is no doubt; but when he speaks Of mill
tary knowledge or, judgement. Of his ability
| to lead an expedition, say at once he had
neither. Lopez was as much or more de-
ceived than any man in the expedition. His
ambition led him to be the tool and victim Of
heartless spectators. Avarice, not philan-
thropy. was the main spring Of this expedition.
| now distinctly assert that all those letters
rurportng TO be from Cuba. which were pub
ished during the month Of July last. and cop
| led throughout The Union, were base forgeTies;
for The express purpose OF deceiving the titi-
gems Of the United States and advancing the
sale of Cuban bonds. Knowing the ambition
Of lopez and that strong disposition TO extend
the glorious boon Of freedom which fills the
breast Of every American citizen, these specu-
lators in human blood took advantage of their
knowledge TO further their own euds. They
well knew how little effort was required to
start and keep alive this excitement. They
| ;houa ht or at least they fondly hoped, that
j more men would 60 out TO join this litlle band,
and that eventually the island would be free.
Cuban bonds were worth. or were selling al
from 10 10 90 cents ou dollar when this expe-
dition left. Naturally they would increase in
value. as the prospect Of Iiberating Cubs be-
came more certain; and If this expedition sue
coeded. as they pretended to think it would,
Cuba when liberated from what they denomI-
mated the tyranny Of Spain, would have been
burdened with debt Of from fifty to one hun
dred millions Of dollars. at fifty per cent, Of
which would have been in the pockets Of these
l would be philanthrOpists. who, active ss they
wished 10 be thought 10 the holy cause OF
liberty. took the best Of goed care TO peril nei
ther life nor their own precious liberty 10 It's
behalf. Al the expiration Of the war, and af-
ter Cuba should ID have become free, then il was
to have been annexed TO- the United States, and
as matter of course the payment Of these
Cuban bonds was to 30 assumed by that gov
ernmeut. What do they care for the mothers;
| WIVES anu SIStcfo w tuc Rd'dnt Hou WIN
formed this Inflated expedition, who have been
rendered utterly wietched and miserable for =
ever! They do not feel the chains, the an
guish, borne by those one hundred aod sixty
noble fellows, doomed to spend the best ten
J years oftheir 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 or
} hem the shades &C our murdered .couotrymer
I call for vengence. Heavy. indeed, must be
their punishment when, at the last day, al of
} erded and just Judge shall demand Of then
3 retributou for their deeds.
This is, believe, a correct account OF TIT
> causes, proceedings, and results Of the unfor'
l tunate expedition. have endeavored TO gv'
g an impartial account, and il any man, eithe
D North or South, considers himself aggrievet
by any remark contained hercin, will en-
deavor TO afford him satisfaction as the natur,
0 of the case may demand There have als'
Q been, understand, some reflections made OF
, our consul at Havana, Mr.. Owens. aud also oil
+ the officers ofthe Albany, at the time Of th
D executions:
E At that time, Mr.. Owens was uot only unab
to do anything to assist them, but, as | am in
y formed and believe, was actually in danger him
o self. from the rabble Of Havana, guard O
: soldiery having been placed over his propert.
: and person by order Of the Captain General
Q As for the Albany she was poweress on tina
}, occasion. Her officers and crew, to a man sym
n pathised with and regretted tho fate of thei
e unfortunate countrymen; but they could do n
b more. My word 70. it, if ever an opportuni
d ty should occur, the officers and crew of tina
i ship will not only uphold the honor of the Anne
rican flag, but add new laures to its wreath.
}. And now in conclusion, let mo through tn
u medium of your columns. return my thanks
: his honor, the Mayor, to Col. O'Hara, Capt
d Cary. and other citizens of Key West. for tn
many kindnesses and attentions shown to me
u assuring them that shall over remember ther
b with gratitude. remain very respectfully,
d Your obedient servant,
q PHILLIP S. VAN VETCHEN,
b Late lst. Lieut.. Cuba Expedition.
IS .Ae