The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1851-09-19

AS a part of the history of the recent extraordi-
nary invasion of Cuba, we publish the following
communication, which appears in the New Or
leans Picayune of the 10th instant, with the COM
ments OF that journal, which follow. The commu-
nication bears the date of August 8; but this is of
course Iapsus psnna, and it should have been
September 81
Since my return to this city have been asked
many questions and have heard so many re-
ports about Cuban affairs that believe 1t due TO
truth, to the memory OF the martyrs in the Cuban
cause and to the Cuban people in general, to raise
my voice, however humble and unknown, to state
such facts circumstances have given me special
knowledge OF.
] solemnly state that General Lopez never de-
ceived any about the revolutionary feeling in
Cuba, and the cooperation he hoped to meet from
the Cubans. My position near him during the last
eighteen months of his life, enables me to state
knowingly that letters from all parts OF the island
have often called him and his friends, whatever
might be their number No letters or news have
ever been forged in this city, and am astonished
that such an accusation could ever have been made
against the few devoted friends who, sincerely
convinced of the goodness of the cause, have
spared effort, sacrifice to serve 1t, and have en-
gagged in it their time their name and their fortune,
with no other guarantee than the word and honor
of one man. These letters have been writ
ten with the intention of deceiving; their only
fault is exaggeration, not as regards the feelings
and wishes of the Cuban people, but as to the pos
been against the expedition the revolution had
broken out on the Attn of July in Puerto Principe;
from many points patriots had started and concen-
trated in the Coscoro mountains who were and are
still defending themselves against the royal troops.
The government, Of course, Immediately expected
the arrival OF expedition from the States, and
took all necessary measures arrests were made
the army of spies reinforced, and all suspicious
men marked and closely watched. The general
arrived. But few Cubans joined him, it ID true;
but how many tried to join? The jailors of Havana
may answer that question by stating how many
arrests were made on the roads since the 18th OF
August; they can answer it by telling what 10 the
crime committed by over two thousand wretches
now in Spanish dungeons or transported to Spain.
The soldiers also will answer by saying how many
have been executed behind the bushes OF the Aqua
cate and the Pena Blanca.
Say that the Cubans paralyzed by the system
of terror under which they live; say that they
crushed by tyranny; that they lack resolutc lead
ers, capable OF forming plan and OF leading
people without arms, and surrounded by the most
Ingenious system of spics accuse them OF cowardly
weakness, but do not cast infamy on their name by
representing them fighting the patriots, tracking
with dogs the man who has been their only hope for
two years.
was in Cuba when General Lopez arrived, and
will only say that, had 10 been possible TO join him.
/ tsoisld not be in Neao Orleans; those who
know me will not doubt my words Now, while
/ am convinced, for having myself seen and
heard what cay, and having been amongst the
Cubans and exposed to the same dangers, oblige
nobody to share my convictions, but Will tell the
incrsdulous. GO to the Island OF Cuba do not seek
information in newspapers published under the
most vigilant censorship, nor amongst men who
are interested in showing that the island is quiet,
but mix with the Cubans, become their friend; let
your observation be personal, and then try little
conspiracy. Only assemble and fifty men, |
warrant you will find both men and money; but
after that, if you able, withdraw your head
from the moose in which you had already seen 1t,
if you have resisted the trials of consprators life,
+, ,xHilI hp hnc md wi
cay, with me, it must be seen to be believed or UNI
derstood this people have the will but not the power
of moving.
disc ussion; no public writer and it ia with re-
greet that put my name before the public; but re-
turning to New Orleans, l have been painfully af-
fected by the revusion which has taken place since
the news of the defeat of that heroic little party
whose deeds will be long spoken of by the Spanish
colder, who, more generous than his government,
gives due credit to an enemy that only gave way
to force ten times stronger. have heard accu-
sations murmured against General Lopez and his
noble and generous friends, who feel less the loss
of their fortunes their name exposed to the attacks
of vulgar enemies, than for the loss of man who
never had an unworthy thought, whose motives
pure and generous General Lopez had hon
ored me by his friendship and confidence. Igrieve
his loss that of father and think that raising
my weak voice to justify him., his friends, or the
cause for which he died is to me duty-is render
ing homage to his memory. Those who insult
his ashes by calumnies guilty of an act of cow
ardice, and would be as guilty if remained 81
lent. ] confidently hope that time will justify him
in the eyes of the world and that if have not been
able to save him. may yet one day aid in aveng
ing him. / have personal interest engaged In
the Cuban cause; my life is all could give to ii;
and if | regret being obscure and unknown, it is
only because a more elevated position would have
given more weight to my words-words which are
dictated by sincere and well-convnced heart
p. F. DE GoURNAY
New ORLEANS, August 9, 1851.