The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1851-10-17
The Cfeoies of Cuba.

Since my return TO this clty have been asked SO
many qnestons and have heard many reports about
Cuban affairs, that believe it due 10 uuh 10 the mem
DRY OF the martyrs in the Cuban cause, and to the Cuban
people in general to raise my voice, however humble and
unknown, 10 state such facts circumstances have
given me special knowledge of.
sesnnly state that General Lopez never deceived any
about the revolutionary ipelng in Cuba, and the
operation he hoped 10 meet from the Cubans My posi-
ton near him during the last eighteen months OF his life
enables me 10 stale knowingly that letters from all parts
OF the island have often called him and his friends what
ever might be their number. No letters or news have
ever been forged IN this CITY; and astonshed that
such accusation could have been made against
the few devoted friends who sincerely convinced OF the
goodness OF the cause have spared no effort no sacrifice
10 it, and have engaged in their time their name.
and their fortune with no other guarantee Than the word
and honor OF man. These letters have never been
written with the intention OF decevins their only fault
is exaggefaion not regards the feelings and wishes OF
the Cuban people but as 10 the possibility OF immediate
action circumstances have been against The expedition.
The revolution had broken out on the ith OIL July IN
Puerto Principe; from many points patriots bad started
and concentrated IN the Coscoro mountains, who were
and still, defending themselves against the royal
troops The government, OF course, Immediately ex-
peced the arrival OF expedition from the States, and
took all necessary measures; arrests made, the
army of spies reinforced, and all suspicious marked
and closely watched The General arrived. But few
Cubans joined him. il is true; but how many tried to Join
The jaileIs OF Havana may answer that question by
stating how many arrests were made on the roads since
the 18th August; they answer il by telling what is
the crime committed by thousand wreiches
in Spanish dungeons or transported to Spain The SOL
diers also will answer by saying how many have been
executed behind the bushes OF the Aguacae and The
Pena Blanca
Say that the Cubans paalyzed by the system of
under which they ve say that they crushed BY
tyranny; that they lack resoute leaders, capable of form
ing plan and OF leading people without arms, and sur
rounded by the most ingenious system OF spies accuse
them OF cowardy weakness; but do not cast iniamy
their by representing them fighting the patriots,
tracking with dogs iRe man who has been their only hope
Tor two years.
was in Cuba when Gen. Lopez arrived, and | will
only say that had 4 been possible TO JOIN him you'd MOI
nop be an New Oriea"s Those who know me will not
doubt my words. Now, while am COMMUNICATION hav.
iDg myself and heard what say and having been
amongst the Cubans and exposed 10 the dangers,
ooae nobody to share my conviciionsbui will tell The
incredulous go the island OF Cuba; seek nor.
nation IN newspapers published under the most vgilant
censorship nor amongst men who are interested IN SHOW
ing that the Island quiet but with the Cubans; be
their ieHd let your observation be personal and
then try little conspiracy Only assemble and arm fifty
men warrant You will find both and money; but
after that il you able Withdraw your head from the
sisted the trials OF conspators ie il you escape,
you will soon be back, aud will say with me, must be
10 be believed understood this people has the
will but not the power OF moving.
II has not been my intention TO get into long discus
sion; am public writer and is with regre, that
put my name before the public; but returning TO New
Orleans have been painfully affected by the Revision
which has taken place since the news OF The defeat oil
that heroic little party whose deeds Will be long spoken
OF by the Spanish soldier, who, more generous than his
government gives due credit 10 an enemy that only gave
way force ten times stronger. have heard accuse
tons murmured against General Lopez and his noble and
generous friends who feel less the loss OF Their fortunes
their exposed 10 the attacks OF vulgar enemies
than for The loss of a who bad unworthy
thought, whose motives were pure and generous Gen
Lopez had honored me by his friendship and conf fence
grisve his loss that OF lather; and think that
raising my weak TO justify him, his friends the
cause for which he died. Is 10 me a du,y-s rendering a
homage to his memory Those who insult his ashes by
calumnies guilty OF an act OF cowarlce, and would
be as guilty II remained silent ] confidently hope thai
time will Justify him in the eyes OF the world and that
have not been able 10 him, may yet day aid
in avengng him have personal interest engaged ~
tbs Cuban cause; my life is all could give to ~ and Il
regret being obscure and unknown IL IS only because
more elevated position would have given weight "a
my words-woris which are dictated by sincere ant
well-convicied heart.
F. DE GOURNAY
NEw ORLEANS, August Q, 1851