Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1849-1856, 1851-09-18

They wandered about until midday
of the cath, when halt was ordered,
and upon examination it was found that
they had only go serviceable muskcts, |
and about 40 dry cartridges. They.
commenced retreat, when force Of
900 charged upon the party of Lopez,
which dispersed, throwing away their
arms and fled into the mountains 7 men
only remaining with Lopez. A large
number were ovcrtaken and immediate
iy killed.
We remained in the mountains until
the morning f the Goth, having had but
one meal in days, when We resolved
il was better 10 be killed outright than
to die n lingering death from starvation.
We advanced to house, received an
excellent breakfast, and shortly after, in
endeavoring to escape, were seized by
200 armed countrymen and carried to
San Cristobal. On the 29th we left
for Havana.
IAN order was received from the Cap
{ lin General to proceed to Mariel and
embark, he being fearful that the priso-
ners would be torn to pieces by the rab-
bic of Havana.
We reached Mariel on the 30th, and
embarked on board the steamer Altman
darere, when an express arrived bring
ing information of the capture ofLopez,
and the steamer was delayed to await
his arrival, which took place on the 3lst,
when we Immediately left for Havana
Lopez was entirely at liberty, and
smoked his cigar with much uncon-
cern.
Outside the harbor of Mariel, Lopez
was transferred to the steam frigate Pi-
zarro, which conveyed him to Havana.
and which he did not leave till the next
morning, for the place Of execution.
The remainder Of us were confined
that night in the city prison. The pris-
oners' heads were shaved, their whis'
kers cut of, and they were securely
fastened in pairs by chains.
At the time of my release from prison,
there were l6O prisoners. Their sen
tence is ten years hard labor in SPAIN
They all appeared in good spirits, and
were looking forward to a speedy re-
lease.
Lopez was caugh, by the bloodhounds
in the mountains. The dogs, being
some distance in advance Of the men,
bit him badly in the left leg. There
were II countrymen in the party who
captured him, each of whom was pre-
sentcd publicly with one thousand dol
lars. and cross Of honor, Immediately
after his execution.
Lieut.. Van Vcchtcn further says, that
up TO the time he left, the Spaniards
could account for 27l Americans, inclu-
ding Crittcnden's command, whom they
had killed and wounded-men who were
lei, on the field sick and fatigucd, men
who gave out on the march, and men
whom they hunted down in the noun
tain with dogs. These, with l6O prison.
crs. make 43l accounted for-leaving a
balance of22, whose fate is yet un-
known. OF these probably the greater
portion are still alive in the mountains
and as the troops have all been recalled
to Havana, some Of them may yet sue
cccd in getting home.
At the time received my appoint
mcnt from Mr.. Segur, one ofthe editors
of the N. o. Delta, was told by him
thata revolt was regularly organized
among the Crcolcs throughout the Is
land that they had elected Gen. Lopez
as leader within ten days after land
ing, Lopez would be at the head Of TO-
600 men, and that two regiments of
Spanish troops would come over to him
with equipments.
As have already stated, our first sal
u,ation was a volley of musketry. In
stead of finding the Creoles our friends,
we found them our nemies-keeping
the troops constantly informed Of our
movements, and hanging on our skirts,
putting to death all those who struggled
on their march.
OF the troops cannot but speak in
praise, without single excepton-giv-
ing the prisoners wine, bread, cigars
and tobacco.
Much has been said relating TO the
mutilation Of the bodies. Such, howev-
er, is not the fact. Ii is reported that
Crittenden wrote home that he was a.
bandoned by Lopez, without arms or
ammunition. Such is not the fact
Lopez did not desert him, but in divid-
ing his command, committed one of
those errors which eventually cost him
his lie.
or his personal courage, there is no
doubt; but what we speak of his militia
ry knowledge, or his ability to lead an
expedition, nc had neither. The let
tiers, &c, OF the Junta, purporting to be
from Cuba, and published in July last,
were base lorgeries, written TO deceive
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