The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1851-03-31
From ~ Nsv OrI<ass PiesySrs. March ~.
kunarfaama IN Havapa.

yoW ~ 1vo10 OvtGoSS kSc01o0os NQo{c1 40 4
AmsEieans IN Havana.
Quite an interesting interview took place BE-
tween Mr.. Clay, who came passenger in the steam
chip Georgia - far ~ Havana, and tho captai,
general Of Cuba, DON Jose do IL Conoha. ON the ISL
inst, large number Of distinguished American
being present.
Mr.. Clay having signiHed, when he transmitted
his passport, that il was his desire, in common
with many Of his countrynen, 70 pay their respect
to tho captain general at such timo ~ be might b,
pleased TO suggest, his exoellsncy appointed tn,
following day. at IL O'Clock, the hour when HI
would be happy TO receive them. At that tims
Mr.. Clay, accompanied by his friend DR.. Mercer
and also by Senator Downs of this State, Senator
Clemens Of Alabama, Senator Jones Of Iowa, and
the Hon. Messrs. In Serc and Penn Representative
In Congress from this State, and Hon. Messrs. Vol
ney E. Howard of Texas, Stanton of Tennessee
and Holmes Of South Carolina, with Col. Van Al
len Of Now York, Coils. Jennings and Stewart, and
D. G. Labatt, esq., ofthis city. repaired to the resi-
dsnce OF bis excelIsncy. Mr.. La serc, Mt the re-
quest Of Mr. Clay, acted interpreter. the captain
general speaking French.
On reaching the palace the party was usherec
into an elegant apartment, where the captain
general, plainly but tastily attired in citizens
dress. entered the room, and greeted Mr. Clay
with much cordiAlity The latter then introduced
his friends. and begged Mr.. La Sere to say to hi,
sxcellency that be was glad TO have the opportu-
nifty Of thanking him. in person. for the courtesy
with which both himself and companions had been
allowed 70 land.
The captain general replied that he was most
happy to extend to him the courtesies Of the
Island during his stay, and desired 70 know how
long he and his friends purposed remaining in
Havana. Mr.. Clay answered that he desired to
remain about two weeks, parenthesising. with
great good taste, with your excellency's permis-
sion" He went on to say that his friends we're
returning TO their respective homes. with tho ex-
caption Of Mr.. Holmes. who ON account of his az
trsmo youth. was on his way 70 California. This
was said with Mr.. Ciay's customary smile Of dry
and quaint humor, and occasioned not q little
mirth among those who could see that Mr.. II. had
arrived a full years of maturity. Mr.. Clay con
tinucd, that he visited Cuba with three objects;
one, TO recruit his healthanohcr, to meet his old
friend Dr. Mercer, burning gracefully to that
gsntlsman) land the third, to pay his respects to
his sxcelisncy in person.
The captain general then remarked, that the
government Of Spain had always been tho friend
OF tho United States from the day Of their indie
pendence. and that he trusted their amcable rela-
ons would Be strengthened by tho visit of the dis
tinguished gentlemen no saw around him. Mr..
Clay replied, that the Government Of tho United
States. 10 far a. be was informed, was extremely
anxious to maintain, uninterrupted, those friendly
fsslings which had ever existed and that whatever
might be done by individuals to threaten the con-
tinuance Of these relations, he was sure the Go
vsrnmsnt would deplore. and do all in its power to
avert The captain general here alluded to ru-
NOR that another expedition was being fitted out
from tho United States against Cuba, and in tho
course Of bis remarks intimated that tho island
IN d~E>
After Mr.. Clay had assured him that, in his opin-
Ion, there was little foundation for such rumor,
the captain general invited him. and such of his
companions ~ might remain in Havana, to dine at
The palace on the Sunday following; at the same
time stating that he was sorry their short visit pre-.
vented him from entertaining them as he desired
1s, however, invited them to bring their ladies, in
tho evening. to promenade through the palace and
isten 70 the music in tho plaza; and thus ended
this interview.
In the evening, which was beautifully brilliant
number Of American ladies, elegantly attired,
visited the captain general and his amiable lady
Among them were Mrs. Gen. Ashley and Mrs. Cox
Of 81. Louis, Mrs. and Miss Scott Of Iowa, Mrs.
VII. z. Howard Of Texas, Miss McCaleb Of
o.:Ny r.. Miss Louisa G.. Reid of New York. Mrs.
y Of Tsnnessee, and Mrs. Capt. d. D. Porter;
I'D nothing could exceed the cordially and deli
oa&y with which they were entertained. Mrs.
Howard and Mrs. Porter converted with the lady
81 khe captain general in Spanish, and were
Charmed With her hospitable affability. Several
Castiian ladies were also present who spoke En-
glish huently, whilo all the Americans were do
lightsd with their reception. as they wcrc taken
through the spacious and gorgeously furnished
apartments Of the palace. Meanwhile the we'll
known bands. for which Havana has been long
celebrated, were giving some of their choicest mu-
sc IN the plaza in front, tho square literally crowd
cd with citizens and strangers.
Such y tho report Of the reception Of Mr.. Clay
and his friends in the capital Of Cuba a. we have
received Il from gentleman who was present