Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1851-09-19
The Narrative.


tendens regiment and of the three out of the
vvors of Lopezs expedition who have been pardoned
by the Captain General. He gives complete mar
rative of the affair, most of which is already known
1t seems that the Pampero left the Northeast pass of
the Mississippi the 9th ult. intending to call at
Key West for Pilot to St Johns River Fla there
to take on board light battery, cassons, etc. and
from thence run to the south side of Cuba, and land
as near Puerto Principe possible The plan was
so far changed direct from Key West to Cuba
The landing at Ca banos, near Bahia Honda, was
cident occurred as follows: The large number ofmus
kets stacked the compass caused such variation
OF that instrument, that the next morning after
leaving Key West, the persons board the steam
surprised to find themselves in plain sigh of
the Moro Castle and about twelve miles Distant
She was instantly put about, and the Captain and
mate having been taken out of q Spanish schooner
to act as pilots her head was again turned towards
land, running along the coast to the westward. On
the llth while running under press of steam, the
vessel struck on coral reef and it became necessa-
ry to land, and accordingly, the morning of the
18th the force anded-the first boats being fred up
on by twenty men, who dispersed on the fire being
returned. That day Lopez, with 1913 men, pushed
forward to Los Posas. a small village about 10 miles
distant, leaving Crittenden with $50 men in charge
of the baggage. consisting of 5000 muskets, 100000
cartridges, 700 pounds of powder, in kegs, together
with the personal baggage of the officers. On the
18th Crttenden having got two carts, started to JOIN
Lopez but was attacked by 500 Spanish troops. and
after hard fighting. his command DISPERSED a
small part escaping to the main body under Lopez,
the remainder either falling the field of battle
! being subsequently shot after having been made
prisoners. At the same hour that Crittenden was
attacked, similar attack made upon Lopez by
800 Spanish troops, under Gen. Emma, who re-
pulsed with loss of 200 the American loss being
about 80. Lopez rode entirely unarmed the
field, occasionally applying red raw hide with a
good deal of vigor to the shoulders of such he
thought could be hurried into firing a little faster.
On the morning of the 14th Lopez marched from Los
Posas into the mountains and on the 18th. he was
again attacked by 800 lancers and 600 infantry 1t
was in this battle that Gen. Emma received his NOR
tai wound. The Spaniards again repulsed,
with the loss of 325 The battle lasted for two hours.
in the very heat of the day from II to 2 o'clock
Immediately after, Lopez made forced march in
treat of IS miles in 5 hours, mountain road.
On the 10TH being still in the mountains the troops
were overtaken by heavy rain, which destroyed
useless. Being thus in a manner unarmed. they
were surprised and totally routed on the Goth. AT
ter ,7hch, as many of them as stuck together wan
dered through the mountains until the Oath: unable
to extrcate themselves. The number which remain
ep with Lopez had dwindlel down to l25 men, hav-
ing 80 muskets, 90 of which were seryiceabe, and
there being in the party 40 dry cartridges. On the
9th, they struck the road between Bahia Honda
and San Christoval, where they were attacked by
the enemy, nine hundred strong of course they were
routed completely separating into small parties, and
throwing away their arms. Only seven remained
with the General. Lopez caught with blood
hounds in the mountains. on the morning of the
Goth. The dogs being some distance in advance o
the men, bit him badly in the left leg, There were
II countrymen in the party who captured him, eaci
of whom was publicly presented with 81 900 and
cross of honor Immediately after Lopezs execution
h All the men who went out with Lopez accoun
ted for with the exception of % who are probably il
n the mountains and may yet make their escape. Thu
prisoners keep up their spirits they have stron
o hopes that their captivity will be put an en-
: to.
+ Lieut.. Van Vechten says, that doubts exists Oh
the part any in regard to Lopez personal courage
but. says lie = when speak of military knowledge
10 of judgment of his ability to lead expedition,
: say at that he had neither. Lopez muc
ID or probably deceived than any other man i
the expedition The greater portion of the prefer
N ded letters from Cuba telling big tales of revolution
O. patriots, and 50 on were forgeres The first saluts
l. ton which greeted the adventures volley
Sc muSketry instead of, as the New Orleans Delta a
re serted large body of friends with horses, store
i etc. The whole affair horrible deception go
n ten up by reckless spectators in this country
ne Moses Y. Beach & Sons, of Plainfeld Bank not
m rety. Cuba bonds selling at 10 to 20 cents
l. the dollar, when the expedition started. If the
n could get up excitement and by lying tales eau
be the public to believe that Cuban independence
ge matter of certainty, the BOMBS would increase
s. price if not value, to the advantage of the specul
Ct tors.
b. We have made long article, although but
if meagre sketch of the narrative in question, wifi
We goes the whole ground, and, Of embr
of ccs much already we'll known; but everything rel
ting to this miserable occurrence is of interest
4 Public Library
De- To the Editor or politician, whose avocation !
at quire constant reference to historical scientific
Ort statistical authorities the want of public library