New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1869-07-19
PRICE FOUR CENTS.
THE CUBAN LIBERAToRs
GARDENERS ISLAND.

AARCH-lNTERYIEW WITH RYAN AND CUR
RIER.
GARDENERS ISLAND, July 15.-After a long
and tedious journey description of which would make
an interesting letter Of ITSELF reached this now cee
DRAFTED spot last night at about IL o'clock Leaving Hun
ters Point at 81 to Greenport the eastern teri
| minus OF the Long Island Railroad, at D. NJ, and
| there took passage in the mail.boat n oatrjgRed
soop, for Sag HarbOr, thinking that I should
make the whole Of that part Of nv trip
by water. In this disappointed as the soop ran
only to the northern end OF Shelter Island Here
jumped into dilapdated light wagon drawn by tho
framework Of dapple gray horse years old, and
slowly dragged to the southern end Of the island where
found rowboat waiting TO take the mail to the main
land On reaching the shore secured seat In another
wagon whose propelng power was another framework
in color pace and bone ike the 2year old that natl
uray thought the two steeds twins and sur
prsed to learn that they knshp to each other
At 81 o'clock made Sag Harbor, where took hurried
lunch, my first meal during the day, the Amagansett
stage driver very kindly waiting for although he
already an hour behind time. Next to Easthampton q
beautiful Summer resort built single street
more than mile In length and about 80
yards wide both sides ued with large and thrifty shade
trees. Here saw large number Of NEWCOMERS who
had out to enjoy the ocean breeze the delight
full bathing, pleasant society, and good Odfashored
country fare. Then wheeled 70 Amagansett after
goodnatured Jerry Baker had executed his many commits
sions at nghtfan reached the little town. Charter
ing pair good trotters and light wagon hurried to
point GARDENERS Bay known the Fireplace. This
is just opposite Gardeners Island and about I'VE miles
distant 1t is named from the fact that from time i'm
memorial, when any Of the Gardiner family
were on shore on the mainland at night
and desired TO reach home, fire was built
on the beach as signal for the boatmen on the Island
who at manned the yacht and sailed across to take
the passengers of. At the Fireplace my good friend
Jerry made me acquainted with Farmer Miller, ana
pleaded hard With him. to give me passage over to the
Island in his little saiboat The farmer had been 40
work all day in the field and was tired Beside the
nj ght was and the dew falling, and careful Mrs.
Miller did wish to have her ege lord risk his health
and comfort. But at last he yielded. and Mrs. MS
scruples were overcome. I taken into the farm
house to rest till boat should be bailed out and
rgged and in the comfortable little parlor OF the
house soon made friends With the children The boat
was soon ready and about leaving the good
lady Of the brought Of her husbands heavy
oyercoats which, the air had become disagree
ably cool and damp very valuable addition to my
Summer outfit.
After a pleasant sail Of about an hour we ran
ashore upon the beach Of Gardeners Island, and
landed In front Of the squre house Just as jumped
ashore we we're confronted by three men whom knew
at once to be Cuban sentries hnelooking, bare
headed man. who seemed to be their sergeant
came up TO me, after salutng Mr.. hlller,
with whom he appeared to be acquainted, anu
asked me sharply, "who you, sirp HIS
question was soon answered, and my reply seemed TO
satisfy HIM. 1 told him that had hurried from New
York. hoping reach Gardeners Island before the arrl'
val Of the three revenue cutters In order 10 witness
everything occurred, but afraid that was TOO
late ooh no. said he; zone % the cutters Is lying on
| the island now Tie commander and the Deputy Mar
shas have but they offered no violence ano
we arc living here just quietly as II no Government
troops or vessels within thousand miles OF u.s.
While we were talking pleasantly together noticed that
one OF Che three who had advanced to the beach 70
meet me had disappeared, and at suspected that
he had gone TO the camp 10 give warning. made no
remark, however and gave no intimaton that missed
him. The bare.headed Cuban volunteered to lead me TO
house. and in few moments We we're &C the sdo en-
trance TO garden The lights we're sun burning IN
the parors showing that the family had not retired. A
dozen men or more moving about the groundsin
close proximity to the mansion and each In turn came
up enough 10 TO get good look at my face In
tending the house by the front turned toward
the garden gate which found bockaded by tall heavy
man, dressed in lnsey woosey. He was reclining upon
top STEP with his head against post and his hees
against the other his heavy SLOUGH hat pulled so
well down his face that could not distinguish It,
thought he Of Squire Gardeners laborers, and
asked him whether that gentleman had yet gone to bed
| mo, sir" said he; - you, go back to the kitchen
there and you'll find the Squire. He went through here
only minute ago." Passing through crowd OF servants
in the kitchen made way into the main hall OF the
mansion, where frightened chambermaid told me that
the Squire would me in moment In the study.
Hero tho Squire. tall pleasant gentleman Of about
SO years OF age, gave kindly greeting aho
leading into the paror introduced me 70 hi~
Gardiner and the youngest son OF the family VINO
soon made feel perfectly az home. denghtu
supper was prepared for me, after which came
conversation concerning the Island, the Cubans,
and number of minor subjects Herewith connected.
1t was quite late when tho little party broke up for the
night, and my first evening on Gardeners Island VIII
always be remembered Of the pleasantest OF my
life Notwithstanding the dangers which surrounded me
from tho time Of my arrival until the rising OF tho next
mornings sun. must not omit 20 mention here thai
while seated near one the front windows Of the paror
and engaged in satisfying Mrs Gardiner that was not
Spanish spy Squire frequently left the room, seem
ingly anxious about something, and that invariably
after his disappearance heard his footsteps on the
pazza and the murmur Of rapid conversation WITHIN
few feet OF where sat- In the morning learned 1no
cause OF this and will duly set 1t forth at the proper
time In my next letter viii tell You, too, soDeinnR
about the history of Gardeners Island ana wiz a
make mention Of the family relics, some Of "n0A "o'
shown 10 me last night. 1,.,,u A..
This morning. while at breakfast. Mrs' 1"ruiher IN
formed me that of the Cuban officers hau Iequo'
an introduction to me, and that he hau Foun'eeIeu "
escort ma TO the camp OF the LIberators, ABOUT S
from the house. To Capt. Brocarue' tnereiore' Soo"
maid nv respects saw ut once thaI DC suspce'eu me-
and therefore, lost no time IN STRIVING quieuy
m make him feel that had no opJect
!, y,aw other than the simple collection Oh
material for letter to THE TRIBUNE Mrs. Gardiner
looked little troubled took my leave, and so dd
many of the hired help who had collected about tie
door: but with certainty that no foul play wouu 10
nv portion, placed myself in charge OF the Captain
and away we went for the camp IL was ABOUT VOo0A
when we started. We had one mile to co. but IL Was,
without exception, the longest mile ever trampeo
IN NV life Not a wagOn-road the island
that wa did not follow to its end; not ioo'-
nath that we did not tread; not line OF do"iauon
grass bent 10 earth by weight Of sragging fees
did not add It's quota of moisture 70 our go.