The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1851-09-17

with the officers OF the United States ship Albany on the
subject They men OF high staining IN society," ano
they assure me thai such not the case-that they
were shot in accordance with military usage such
occasions, and that the only thing That occurred thai
could be condemned the way ia which they were
dragged 10 and thrown into the carts by the negroes
dered 10 bury Them.
Il has been reported that Crttenden wrote home that
lie had been abandoned by Lopez without arms
muniion do moi believe that Cdltenden ever wrote
anything of the kind Attached TO his command--n
hourly contact with him-l knew him, and do not hes
tate in saying that Drawer, nober, more honorable
than William L. Crllenden never lived Instead OF hav
ing no ammunition, he had all, and particularly
ected TO guard i-hat being most difficult and yel
most honorable service Lopez did not desert him, but
in leaving him. in dividing his command committed one
OF those which eventually him his life but
had Crlenden the morning OF the l3lh, gone and
Joined Lopez al Los P0sas instead OF Tereatng TO the
sea- all would have been we'll then be would have lost
only the stores; it he lost all Why he did so is
nexplicabe, and must ever remain involved in mystery
Had Lopez carried out his original intention OF landing
near Puerto Principe, the result might, perhaps, have
been diferent-he might there, perhaps, have found
friends. and raised force sufficient sustain itself
u reiniocements were sent out from the States. In
landing where he did, Lopez without doubt acted as he
thought for the best but there, in many other in.
stances he erred Oi his personal courage there is
doubt but when we speak OF military knowledge OF
judgment, OF his ability TO lead expedition, say
once he had neither Lopez probably as much
more deceived than any man IN the expedition His am
bion led him 10 be the tool and victim of hearess spec
uators Avarice, not philanthropy, was the main spring
OF this expedition
now distinctly, openly assert that all those letters
purporng TO be from Cuba, which published during
the month OF July last, and copied throughout the Uniou
were base ogeres for the express purpose Of deceving
the citizens OF the United States and advancing the sale
of Cuban bonds Knowing tue ambition of Lopez, and
that strong disposition 10 extend the glorious boon OF
freedom which fills The breast of every American CITIZEN
these Spectators in human blood took advantage OF their
knowledge 10 further their own end. They well knew
how little effort required to start and keep alive this
citement They thought or al least they ondy hoped that
India hand IL.
eventually the island would be free Cuban bonds were
worth, selling al from ten twenty cents on
dollar when this expedition lett. Naturally they would
increase in value as the prospect OF beratiDg Cuba be-
came more certain and II this expedition succeeded,
they pretended to think it would Cuba. when liberated
from what they demonstrated the tyranny OF Spain would
have been burdened with debt II from fifty to one hun
ded millions OF dollars al least fifty per cent Of which
would have been in the pockets of those won be phi
anthropists who active they wished thought
the holy OF liberty took the best OF good TO
peril neither life their precious bery in lis be-
halt AT the expiration OF the and after Cuba should
have become free then il be annexed to the United
States, and a matter of course the payment OF these
Cuban bonds was 10 be assumed by that government.
What do they care for the mothers, wives, and sis
iers OF the gallant men VINO formed tins Inflated
| expedition. who have been rendered utterly mise
rable AID wreched forever They do fee, the chans
the anguish horne by those hundred and sixty noble
fellows, doomed TO spend the best ten years OF their lives
in Spanish prison. No; they feel the blood money in
their pockets and laugh the result o their specula
ton They are the men TO be punished. II is on them
the shades OF murdered couniryme call for VEN
geauce. Heavy indeed must be their punishment, when
the last day offended and just Judge shall demand OF
them retTbnton for their deeds.
This is believe correct account OF the causes pro-
ceedlngs, and results OF the unfortunate expedition
have endeavoed to give impartial account; and il any
man. either North South considers himself aggreved
by any remark contained herein, will endeavor afford
him such satisfaction the nature OF the may de-
mand. There have also been, understand, reec
lions made on the conduct OF consul al Havana Mr.
Ovens and also on the officers Of the Albany the time
of the execution. AT that time Mr. Owens not only
unable TO do anything 10 assist them, but, as am IN
formed and believe actually in danger himself from
the rabbe OF HAVANA guard oil Spanish soldiers having
been placed his property and person by order OF the
captain general As for the Albany she was poweress
on that occasion. Her officers and crew, TO man, sym
pathzed with and deeply regretted the melancholy fate OF
their unfortunate countr, but they could do no more
My word for il, # oppor unity should occur, The
officers and Of that ship will not only uphold the
honor of the American flag but add new laurels to lis
wreath
And now, inconcuson, let me, through the medium
OF your columns my sincere thanks 10 his honor
the Mayor, to Colonel 0Haa, Captain Cary, and other
citizens Key West, Tor the many kindnesses and atten
lions shown 10 me, assuring them that shall remem-
Der them with gratitude
annex, for the benefit OF their friends, list Of the
officers who left New Orleans in Critendens regiment
remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant
PHILIP 5. VAN VECHTEN,
Late FRS. Lieutenant Cuba Expedition.