The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1858-02-10


leans In view Of the difficulty that had been expe
renced in the last attempt by having the point Of
organization within the territory of the United
States was determined to select place not within
its jurisdiction In accordance with this plan six
hundred men, divided into three equal divisions,
were embarked for the Island of Mugeres, off the
coast of Yucatan. The steamer Creole was pur-
chased to convey them from that island to the coast
of Cuba. Early in May she departed from New
Orleans and on the 18th of that month the expedi-
ton was embarked from Mugeres for its destination.
Proceeding along the Gulf coast, the expedition
landed during the night of the 10th at the town of
Cardenas where sharp resistance was made
by the Governor. who fortified himself in the stone
house in which he resided The delay caused by
this operation broke up the plan of Lopez, which
was to have embarked his expedition on the railroad
train for Matanzas. and to take that city by sur
prize. The inhabitants abandoned the town. and
the expedition remained there during the whole of
the 20th but in the evening they embarked again on
board the Creole, and departed for Key West, at
which place they arrived the next day, narrowly
escaping capture by the Spanish war steamer Pr
zaro, which was in pursuit. This ship had been to
the Island of Mugeres, and captured the Susan Loud
and another vessel which had taken portions Of the
expedition TO that island; but fading that Lopez
had already departed Immediately proceeded to Ha-
vana, where she learned that he was at Matanzas.
n
The vessel of Lopez was seized by order OF the
United States government, and he was afterwards
arrested at Savannah for violation of the neutrali
ty laws He however, acquitted, in the absence
OF the requisite evidence and an attempt which was
afterwards made by the United states au-
thorities at New Orleans to secure his con-
victon equally unsuccessful.
LAST EXPEDITION AND DEATH OF LOPEZ.
Although defeated in his first effort for the
;pJ of NH no was discOur.l
and after his acquttal proceeded in the work
of organization with his usual energy. He was
satisfied that the creoles in the other parts of
the island were more reliable than those Of Car
denas and the correspondence which he kept up
with some of the most prominent assured him of
liberal supplies, both of men and money whep he
should make his next descent. The experience Of
the Cardenas expedition was, however, but ill calcu-
lated to inspire the American filibusters with any
confidence that the creoles would fulfil their pro-
misses, and they therefore awaited some action on
their part before they would again consent to enlist
in their cause. The creole leaders informed of
this determination, and replied that they would
themselves take the initiative this time. July was
fixed upon the time for the contemplated rising,
ard declaration of independence was to be read
at some time between the st and 4th Of that month
On the Sd Of July the first movement was made
near the town of Puerto Principe, by Joaquin de
Aguero y Sanchez, at the head of small force
OF creoles, and a cry raised Of Liberty
death to the Spaniard.' Out of four hundred
who were expected to join him, not more
than fifteen did so. and being attacked by
superior force of the Spanish troops, before they
could retreat they were routed and their leader
taken prisoner. A small body Of creoos continued
an organized opposition to the Spanish government
in the hills about Las Tunas, in o night attack upon
= anh
other and fought in the dark. After few weeks
they were entirely dispersed and many Of them cap
tured and executed. similar movement was at
tempted in the vicinity of Trinidad, but it resulted
in nothing more than publishing pronunciamienfo
and their dispersion. Three of the leaders here were
also executed.
In the meantime Lopez, who had been informed of
these rsings and their reported successes, made i'm
mediate preparations to join them. The Pampero,
which was employed by him for the transportation Of
the busters, started for Cuba with Lopez and four
hundred and eighty men, the utmost she could carry
with safety. At Key West Lopez received a letter
from supposed friend in Havana, but who was real
~ in the pay Of the Spanish government. His cor
respondent stated that Pinas del Rio was the hes.
point to land at as nearly the whole Of the Nuclta
De Abajo had risen. Not snspecting the treacbery
Of his pretended friend Lopez altered his course,
which he had previously intended TO direct to Puerto
Principe, and in doing committed most fatal err
ror-terrby fatal to himself and those who were as
ISOLATED with him. Landing at Moro at night, he
sent Captain Lewis, the COMMANDER Of the Pampero,
10 Florida for renforcements, and having detached
Col Crittenden with fifty men to take charge of some
provisions and arms, he set out for Las Posas The
town he found had been abandoned, and the day
after his arrival he had an engagement with six hun
dred OF the Spanish troops, who were defeated.
After the battle Of Las Posas although the Spanish
orces were entirely demoralized, doubt and dssen
zion seemed To take possession OF the hhbusters
Criterion bad not come up from the coast with
the baggage, and they had no information Of the
number of troops in their vicinity. Lopez ordered
an advance upon the town of Bahia Honda. two
leagues distant under Colonel Blumentha but the
advanced guard after proceeding about half mile
refused 10 go and returned TO the village. Then
il was that Lopez determined TO take TO the noun
tains and wait the arrival Of renforcements. Colo
mel Pragay, who had been badly wounded in the
battle, is said 10 have shot himself with his own
pistol he lay in the verandah OF one OF the houses
Troops continued to pour into that section OF the
country from Havana ill the locality where Lopez
was had been surrounded by three separate divisions,
numbering between three and four thousand men.
His retreat soon became fight, without baggage
and without ammunition, except what they carried
Gu their backs The men very soon became dsheart-
ened, and many Of them threw away their muskets.
Crossing the billy country that here divides the
island they descended upon the plain OF the south
coast nj coffee estate that formerly belonged
To the wife Of General Lopez. and situated about
two lea CUES from Candalara. Here n bullock was
killed, and while the men were proceeding to pre-
pare their breakfast, they were attacked by column
of Spanish troops under General Emma, who had
teen sent down 20 guard that side Of the island.
The flibusters formed behind a stone wall and the
buildings Of the estate, and the Spanish troops
exhibited great reluctance 10 making the attack,
General Emma eudeavored to hasten them on by bis
example and words. Finding his exertions Of no
avail he called to n small body guard Of seventeen
tyagoons, TO follow him, and with this body he
charged up the straight road leading 70 the wall
where the flibusters were posted. As he advanced
upon the gate he received with yolleyin which
every man, except the General and his aid. wss
brought TO the ground The wounded horses turning,
fell upon the infantry and threw them into disorder
and the troops panic stricken, retreated and con
tinucd their retreat to Candalaria. General Emma
was wounded in the abdomen and died on his way
to Havana. On the retreat Of the Spanish troops,
the ibusters themselves took up the line Of retreat
into the mountains where they continued wandering
Tor some days, the Gordon Of Spanish troops being
drawn closer and closer around the locality One
two slight encounters took place, but the band
gradually melted away, till finally they were entirely