Richmond daily times. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1853, 1851-12-06
THE PRISONERS IN SPAIN.

1ttE GfIlSONERS In SPAlN
Acting Secretary of State to Mr.. Caldeon.
DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Washington, September 6, 1851.
1t having been announced, both by telegraph and in
the newspapers OF this date that Lopez has been cap
tufed and executed, and that one hundred and ttv-
undersigned, Acting Secretary of State of the United
States, has the honor of addressing himself to his ex
celency Don A. Calderon de la Barca, Envoy Extra
ordinary and Minister Penipotentlsry OF her Caho-
nc Majesty, Tor the purpose OF ascertainng from him
whether he Is possessed of any certain information
on the subject, and in that event beg that he will
be pleased to communicate the same to this Depart.
mont.
In the ofthese facts relative to the execution
OF Lopez and the seizure of his command, being true
as generally stated, the undersigned avds himself of
this opportunity to suomlt the following remarks 10
his exceleney Don A. Calderon de la Barca
During the several hostile attempts which have been
made upon the island of Cuba, the Government of
the United States has hesitated to pursue the
course whch was pointed out to it by the stern die
ates OF duty. whether in putting forth all its execu-
tive energies to prevent anv violation of existing laws,
to punish those OF its officers who had failed to ex-
ecue, or exhibited any criminal backwardness in
the execution OF, such laws. In view of these con-
sderaions, and OF the traglcal antecedens connect
ed with this last expeditions in view also of the pecu-
liar state OF excitement under which the Iopular mad
Is SUI laoofng, consequent ueon the summary pro
ceedlngs against the party OF Americans captured
Bahia Honda, the Government of the United States
would be much gratIfed learn that his eycellepcy
Mr. Caderon had used the influence of his high 10.
slton IN Fersuadlog the Governor-General of Cuba
to treat the unfortunate party of citizens of the Uni
ted States reported to have lately been captured with
that lenency which SO becomes magnanimous CON
queror, and which, In this case could not fail to
strengthen the cause of her Majesty. by showing to
the world that in the midst of the most aggrava
ting circumstances the Spanish authorities can listen
to the voice OF humanity and appreciate the unhap-
py position OF those misguided men who have been
lured on to destruction by false representations
1t may be said on the part of Spain that the sum-
mary execution of Mr.. Crtenden's party was an in.
dspensabe act of policy, required BY the exgency Of
The OCCASION, and necessary deter Others from ma
king similar attempts in future; but any violence or
undue auserty which may be pursued against the party
OF Amrcans lately captured would only tend to exas.
perae the public mind in this country Now that the
principal nstgator OF those outragss out of the way
any harsh measures against these detenceess men
would probably De made the plea for new commotons
and be represented the unnecessary ou,pourings of
revengeful spirit; Whereas by course of enity and
mercy, the storm of passions which at present RACES
i'll portions OF this country might be appeased and The
asperes felt by those who have lost friends or rela-
tons by the first executions considerably sofened
down.
The Undersigned begs Mr. Calderon distinctly to
understand that no right is claimed on the part
OF this Government to intervene officially with regard
to this matter, but that the foregoing remarks are offer
ed as simply embodyng the private wishes of this
Government, and worthy The consideration of one
so em'nenty humane and kindly disposed as her Cath
lie Majes.ys representative in the United States
The undersigned has the honor to renew to Mr..
Calderon the of his distinguished consdera-
ti0n
w. S. DERRICK, Acting Sec'y.