Richmond daily times. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1853, 1851-09-10
rvpEDITION OF LOPEZ AS NARRATED
BY HIS FOLLOWERS.

Tinted States SlCOD-Ol-WuT AlUdHy, OdlGQ f1d-
vana, September 1st, 1851, stating that, in reply
to a request from him that he might be permitted
Z to visit the Americans who accompanied Lopezs
expedition, and who had surrendered or been
captured and brought into Havana, he received
the following reply from the Captain General:
[TRANsLArIoN.I
HAVANA August 81, 1851.
Sir: have received the letter which you addressed
To me this day soliciting my PERMISSION TO hold an in.
teryiew with the prisoners who have been brought to
this port, and who formed part of the invading ex-
nedtion which attacked this island.
| inform you in reply, that l order the comman
der of her maesty's frigae "Esperanza" board of
which the prisoners are, admit you at any hour at
which you may present yourself TO hold the desired
interview with permission to remain with the prisoners
so long as you may find it convenient; and ayailmy
self of this occasion you of the esteem which
your noble conduct and frank and honorable character
entiile YOU to from
am, therefore, with all respect, your obedient
want &c. JOSE DE LA CONCHA.
Charles J. Plat, ESQ.,, Commanding United States
sloop-owar Albany, and Senior Officer ofthe Ma
val Forces of the United States in this porr.
And that avang HI nmse OF hlS pefm R Gap
or visited the PRISON in which these unfortunate men
were confined, and received from them a narravesof
the fatal expedition as follows:
Egtract from dcspatch 10 the Navy Department from
Commander Charles T. Pratt, Commanding United
States ship Albany, dated Haoana, Sept. l.
persed, and number OF prisoners reported brought
to this place on the 9th ut, addressed letter to
the Captain General requesting permission to hold
interview with any American who might be among
them. This permission was readily accorded in re:
ply, which is enclosed. The interview postponed
until the morning of the 3Oh, the prisoners having in
the time been transferred to the castle of the
"Punta," and some ac:essions having been made to
their number The commandant OF the castle informed
me that the whole number OF prisoners 81, of
whom about 80 or IS were Americans, we learned
from themselves This officer was present throughout
the interview. Another gentleman, who was intro
duced Inspector OF prisons, in during its con-
tnuance, and remained until its close. The prisoners
were heavily ironed, were clad in prison uniform,
and had their hair closely cut. They were confined
in an arched gallery to which had through
grated doors the inner one being entirely of IRON
In the little ante room between the two doors lay the
confinement.
On our entrance the Americans ordered to adj
other end of the cell. Inquiry being made for the Off
GERS, the following presented themselves. viz:
James A. Kelly, OF New Orleans. formerly Of Bayou
Robert NJ Order, of New Orleans, native of Ken
lucky; lieutenant in the
j. D. Baker, of -, also lieutenant.
No other officer of the expedition presented himself
They informed that had obtained permission to
visit them, and that my object to obtain from them
any information they nigh; choose to give, which would
be forwarded to the Government OF the United States
and perhaps might be the means of deterrng others of
countrymen from placing themselves in the same
deporable situation. They were told distinctly thai
that nothing could be done for them Americans, in
asrnuch as the Presidents proclamation had declared
that any persons joining an invading force would there
by forfeit the protection OF the Government OF the
United States. This said TO prevent their forming
any false hopes from my visit.
The information obtained was given in the presence
of the entire party by the aforesaid officers and being
uncontradcted by any OF theln may be regarded the
testimony OF the whole
They stated that the expedition sailed from New Or
leans in the steamer "Pampero" They were not sure
OF the exact number composing, it, but thought was
four hundred and eighty seven that it certainly did
amount 10 five hundred: Before landing in Cuba
they anchored near Key West, where they remained
several hours, and were visited by citizens of that
place. They landed in Cuba about o'clock of the NOR
ming of the 18th August Their first fight took place
the 18Th. From that period they had lost all recol-
lection Of dates. They had five engagements, but
could not tell how many OF their number had been kill
ed. They were armed with condemned muskets-
had no rifles; but many indiyduashad revolvers and
knives. They brought with them 5000 cartridges, and
captured many more after landing. They had no
tllery. Soon after landing they found they had been
deceived and became anxious TO return home. They
had been informed before sailing. that fourteen
were in possession of the patriots" Ito their
language0 and that the whole island was in state OF
revolution.
They suppose that the fifty men captured with Col.
onel Crittenden were endeavoring to make their
cape. They SO infer from the fact that they all
a ap ,6sD the S they met met with and disgust,
tised towards them. The country people generally
fled at their approach and none joined them. Worn
out with hunger and fatigue, the men composing this
body threw away their arms week or ten days pre-.
ylously-they could not distinctly remember when
Ihey had not at that time heard OF the offer OF life to
such as would give themselves up, but their intention
was to throw themselves upon the mercy of the Spanish
government. They did not come in all together, but
in small parties, and at different times. They had
subssted chiefly upon fruit, and the last that
some OF them had eaten was portion Of their gener
ais horse There was no lack OF ammunition when
they threw away their arms, though much of what
they brought had been damaged by rain Lieutenant
Grder stated that he carried musket, though Of
fcer, and that he had twentyeghl rounds Of cartrd-
ges in his box when he threw i. away.
Capt. Kelly stated that the editor Of the N. Orleans
Della, Mr.. Sgur, was instrumental in persuading him
tolon the expedition, having addressed him personally
persuaded many others also. The whole party mani
Tested much indignation towards General Lopez and
Mr. Sigur and many OF them asserted that it would be
for the latter if they should live return home
On being told that General Lopez taken prisoner
cly OF Joy and emulation ran through the crowd.
They stated that Lopez was chief OF the expedi-
Colonel Dowseman was second in command, and
was killed on The 18TH
Col VIM. Scott Haynes OF Tennessee, was another
leader. According to their best belief he was still in
the mountains.
Col Crenden had been an officer of the u. S tates
army during the war with Mexico.
Hungarian named Pragay, who acted as Adutant
General, was MORALLY wounded on the 18Th.
1t is matter OF regret that SO imperfect narrative
has been obtained from these unfortunate men. In the
excitement of the moment. many would speak at
once; and to some questions 1t was diitlcuit 10 get a
satisfactory answer on account OF the eagerness OF all
to giveit.
Attn request OF the commandant of the castle, the
prisoners asked they had the benefit of medical
attend lance since their confinement They replied that
they had. They were also asked if they had been
provided with meals day and whether they bad
pleao ana coffee tor breakfast. Some said they had
but others replied that they had coffee. The COM
manaant immediately Inquired the of his subor
ainate VINO stated that those who had been confined
tnefe on previous evening too late to be pro-
vdeo ior on that morning, but that they would have
tneil allowance OF coffee at dinner He stated that the
others mao been provided for according the ORDER
Il may be proper to add that the prisoners appeared
TO be IN good health and by no means go much reduced