Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1852-01-10
FIR on AN AMERICAN IN SPIN
MADRID, DECEMBER 5, 1851.


Messrs GALES & SEAToN-G GENTLEMEN: Since
had the honor to address you on the 18th Of Sep
TENDER last, the excitement of public feeling here
against the United States has much abated. But
whilst there is less violence there is perhaps more
purpose 1t was known that the expedition Of Lo-
PEE had been destroyed; it was known that the
Government of the United States had exerted itself
to prevent the departure of renforcements from
shores it was known that England and France had
shown themselves disposed to interfere in favor of
Spain and it was hoped that the insult to the flag
and the national honor Of Spain, in the outrageous
assault upon her Consul, and in the pillage NAL
treatment of her peaceable subjects at New Orleans
Mobile and Key West, would be promptly repaired
by great nation, which seemed to regard with re-
greet and apprehension, far aswe could Judge from
the public press, those excuses of lawless mob.
But not a little distrust has constantly mingled
with the hopes of Spain to see all these delicate
questions amicably and honorably settled.
+ The failure thus far to convict before our tribu-
mails any of the actors or promoters in the different
attempts upon Cuba and the frequent recurrence of
those attempts, notwithstanding the professed oppo-
stion of the Federal Government, has led to an idea
that Government is either little able or little de-
sraus to control the unlawful desires and enterprises
OF what is supposed to be large portion of the
American people.
Bue credit certainly is not given for what has
really been done by our Government
An immediate and striking effect of the events at
New Orleans is shown in proongng the captivity of the
survivors Of the expedition of Bahia Honda
Laterly four vessels have arrived from Havana with
about hundred and sixty prisoners of whom about
hundred and thirty Americans.
These unfortunate would have all been released be-
fore now, and perhaps their way their homes had it
been for the referred to- The Queen and her
Government disposed to be mercifu Itsrecocnised
that these deceived are now undeceved and
that they have already suffered punishment for
their folly and crime.
The language here is eve have suffered injury at the
hands ofthe people of the United States The United
States have suffered injury from Spain or her people
Do rs justice first and viii show mercy afterwards"
The question is longer concerning the occurrences in
CUBA for the thrtytwo Engshmen among the prisoners
were alike eulpabe with their American companions
the dcuy IN the way of the release of the latter the
events within the United States II is automatically true
that 'road BE- impossible for The Spanish ny 10 ssstai
ase Teek against the uersa Indignation Of the natioa a
Ter should pdrdoned The american prsoaes un-
less II could say, at the time the insult to our
national honor at New Orleans has been honoraby repair
ed by the American Government which has testified it's
regret and dsayoTa Of those outages and is ready to
indemnify the losses Of our plundered countrymen
The Deputies In the Cortes session. are constant
~ demanding Of Government explanations the state of
AFFAIRS with the United States and take every opportunity
to stimulate the Ministry to firm and decided ac
ton They exeam against the delays at Washington and
talk about supporting negotiations with cannon The
Minister Of State replies that for the present the state
negotiations demand, his silence but gentlemen may be
that the honor Of the country the first care of her
Majesty's Government
ThePress Is not idle The position Of many influential
journals is that the demands Of Spain this affair should
De IN the nature Of uttnam; and if refused that
amcatle relations with the United States should be mme-
da'ey broken. The sate Of war with the republic is
foreseen and its chances and the means of maintaining
On either side calculated The power of the United States
Is moderated But, be Is what it may where say they,
can it strike Spain
The plan Of hosties on their side "a that Of world
Wde system OF pryateering upon our commerce. whose
ey extent ana richness will fall easy prey
/" NDe a'alee ana hostility which will be every where
stlUislated against us We cannot defend IT, We cannot
retaan IN KIND Spain has no comm worth destroy
mg whist her Aayal stations In the Mediterranean the
Ianarles, Porto bico Cuba the PHILIPPINES would rive
support and harb@r to crowds Of coYsars in evcrv sea
fnrateerng papers will also be sent To England France
ouu hefe' ana @nuch foreign capital and enterprise
little friendly to US engaged in this maritime crusade
be can only attack chba say they but though Spain
may ioSe tat lsan tue Republic shall not gain IT, As
soon as any INVASION sha get foothod in the island TOO
firm 70 be repealed by the ordinary resources az - sn
will emancpae the negroes, end make by strobe f ,b
pon the richest island Of tie seas not worth tho b;
and rcprisas for her loss viii content bersols -.
preying upon our commerce. which will cost her notbin
and VIII enrich thousands Of her subjects So stron Il
the indication that the nation is prepared TO take this
course, mat ~ one time insurance companies have resod
70 undeTrtc policies upon our vessels trading to tho