Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1851-09-27
A CIRCULAR LETTER TO THE EDITORS.

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s!taE EsG a#3-tl HAVANA, SErTEMBER II, 1851.
| Having been requested by very large portion
of the Prisoners of the late Cuban Expedition to
write to their friends informing them of their situa-
ton and good health, have thought best TO throw
my observations, which must necessarily be gene
raj in their principal features, into the form OF
circular and have now the honor to address you
this a. the reques! Of all the prisoners.
The prisoners brought this city in different lots,
and fast they arrived shaved Of their hair chained
two together and placed all long saloon in the prison.
During the fret few days exceedingly difficult to OBJ
tain permission to visit them The British Consul JOSEPH
T. CRAwroaD, Esq did the first day, and, accomPa-
MED by his Secretary, Mr.. W. SIDNEY SMITH, who has
cea'ed 10 his exerions in their behalf gave them the
first cheering words On the next day, Mr. ALLEN OwHS,
the American Consul, asked for and obtained permission
and as subsequently informed BY the prisoners, told
them that "the President had proclaimed them without the
pale of the law and be could do nothing for them During
several days only means of contributing the ameora
ton Of their condition through Mr. SnIrH who
tnued visit them twice daily, taking them small comforts
and speaking in their behalf, by which he improved
in very great degree their situation. He took up sub
scpton the English residents for the purpose pro-
vdng clothing for those who were British subjects
and the Secretary Of the German Society," consequences Of
receiving letter from Capt Schlch Them and
subsequently, provided the Germans in the same manner
that tbs Eognh Consul had provided for his coun.rymen
not able obtain permission 10 see them until FRI
day 5h instant noon, when found tina, twenty had
that morning been sent to the hospital and that few Of
the others had had their chains taken off for what
could learn. The Americans and others found
very much dispred in consequence of the language Mr.
OwES had held to them, and from seeing others much
4
ing them would do my utmost have them we'll pro-
vded for their more fortunate companions had been.
On leaving the prison spoke several of my friends
about raising funds for the prisoners and great the in
shown in their behalf that our efforts were crowned
with the take this occasion pay just
tribute those Cuban gentlemen who generously provided
me with funds without which my efforts would have been
barren and also many American friends who contributed
mot only money but personal efforts would gladly
ton names but the impossbiy Of naming all would render
the paricuarizing Of few apparently nvdious and will
therefore cite but two who connected with the press
these Mr.. WHrTI Of the New York Courier and En-
quirer and Mr.. CALIAHAs Of the New Orleans Pcayune
To these gentlemen, in company with many Others much
praise is due. '.s - /.
Oh Saturday the prisoners received several visits and
Of money wherewith to purchase bread. Mr.. SMITH
also took them cigars and other comforts On Sunday
morning their chains taken of they allowed
bathe and enabled send them their extra clothing
They were in excellent spirits and many their country
men had obtained permission v them, and they found
they we're not abandoned by their friends they quite
gay. Writing materials to-day allowed them, at the
request Of Mr. SIXTH, and many Of them wrote their
homes They all received small Of money purchase
such ties they might fancy. On this day they received
Information that Commodore PARKER not allowed to
hem which they regretted exceedingly, and during the af
ternoon they had short visit from Mr.. OwEs. isa9
On Monday morning, they were to embark early, Mr.
SIXTH, Mr. CAILAHAs and myself visited them before day
They had coffee and bread before going board Besides
what they received from the Government each man had pea
jacket, wooen shirt pair Of pants pair Of stockings
and pot aud board Of ship were placed for their use
S25 lbs chocolate boxes tobacco, barrels vinegar and