The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1854-12-30
LATEST FROM HAvANA-THE PRISONERS IN THE
PuNTA CASTLE

BY the arrival of the steamship Isabel at Charleston we
have Havana dates 10 the 23d instant inclusive The only
news OF interest which find in the Charleston papers
that which relates the arrested board the Amer
lean schooners lately seized at Baacoa charge of
having conveyed thither large quantities Of firearms &c
Senior Lacoste whose real name is said to be Francisco,
passenger the schooner that detained has openly
confessed that he the island for the express purpose
of assisting in overthrowng the Spanish dynasty This
confession if there other proof against him. would
certainly consgn him to death He appears to have been
betrayed by feow-eountryman. He solemnly asserts
that Mr. Felix the passenger board the schooner that
released wholly ignorant of his intentions that
he visited the island for his health and partc
pant in the plot of the revoutioniss The Havana
respondent of the Charleston Standard furnishes the follow
ing interesting particulars of interview he had with
Lacoste
MY object in visiting the Puntn offer my SYM
pahy and any little attention in my power to Mr. Felix
who you will remember is charged with being connected
with the landing of the arms, &C. recently, at Baracoa
He however poor fellow still .ncomunieado and
could him. He is confined in darkened room,
deprived of the light of day with soldier constantly
standing sentinel before the weboted door, had, how
ever the pleasure OF long conversation with Mr. Lacose
whose real aseertained TO be Francisco Eseampes
and will endeavor to describe well feeble pen
will permit me- the conversation that took place between
uspremising that Mr. 'Escampes is tall young man. of
some eght-and twenty thirty years of age. Il was
seized SIR said he Baracoa placed my back in the
filthy hold of vessel with arms tightly fastened be-
hind me as to give mo great pain and permitted
mattrass which my friends wished to bring rest
my aching bones upon Thence taken in chains to the
castle ST. Jago de Cuba where after long confinement
they brought in the hold ola vessel to this place During
the days passage from St Jago to this city kept
the hold cruelty tied to be unable to smoke
cigar biscuit in the morning and another at dinner time
my daily and sole allowance of food Upon my nqnir
ing the in which he supposed the authorities
Baracoa had obtained the information which led TO the
Of the and to his arrest he replied have but
to-day discovered that fact came consigned to
and h. Itnr
his country to the governor of Baracoa and de-
posted with him all my papers &c, &c The fiscal this
day read to the deposition made by Hernandez and
when smiled at the misstatements contained in it, was
asked why smiled replied, at the thought of what
be the feelings of such miscreant AS Hernandez
was under examination yesterday and to-day. Sir, he
added in continuation they showed flag which they
is to be the flag of Cuba when she free here
fight under that flag and gain my country freedom, to
die for her No such ever gained without blood
! she'd ! not for my life and presume my blood will
be she'd and only regret that it did not happen fighting
for my counrys liberty But it is no illusion. pledge
myself though deem il such, Cuba will ere long
be free is so ordained and what must be p be- Upon
being asked by the examining judges if did not know il
was crime attempt to raise revolution in the country
replied said he that knew that they under the Span
sh laws considered SUCH but according to view
would be blessed deed to free Cuba from the chain that
Spain had placed around her When they asked if Mr.
Felix was not have been my second in command,
spurned the idea saying Mr. Felix knew not the object
my coming Cuba He here pass the winter and
to avoid the cold of the North When they said who do
know in Cuba, to whom did look for support? said
knew no one knew not who would support me but
came to fight for Cnbas freedom and free again repeat
she very will be.