Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1869-07-22
Account of the Death of Young
WyetB, the Cuban FiIIbuster-Let.
ter from the Victim to his Mother
and Frieu1s. nnrre .U.I

Account OF the Death OF Young
wyctB, the Cuban FiIIbuster-Let
ter from the Victim to his MOthe,
and Friends. gaEcg s I.
Particulars have just been received in
New York city concerning the tragic
death of Albert Wyeth, the young Amer.
ican who was summarily shot by Spanish
troops, at Santiago de Cuba, on the 2lst
of June. They were brought here by the
Captain of an American bark, who wit
messed the execution, and who has furn-
ished description of it to the friends OF
the victim. The vessel arrived from
Cuba on Saturday last, bringing letters
and messages which wers intrusted to
the Captain by young Wyeth for safe
delivery. Itappears that young Wyeth
left New York for Cuba in May last, on
board the schooner belonging to some
Cubans who boarded in the same house
with him, and with whom he was init
mately acquainted. Boo v
OF excitable temperament, adventur-
Gus and full of courage, he was easily
made to give bis support to the expedi-
ton which has had such disastrous end.
Previous to sailing, he took an affection
ate parting with his parents and imme-
date personal friends, telling them be
expected to obtain position on the staff
Of General Cespedes, the insurrectionary
leader, TO whom he carried letters Of in
PRODUCTION. After the seizure of the
Grapeshot he was removed to the mill
tsry prison at Santiago de Cuba, where
he was kept in confinement for several
81 -
bis trial, which resulted in bis conviction.
Subsequently the American Consul made
endeavors to save his life, but without
success. 10
I His sentence was received in his cell
at midnight on the 2lst of June, and he
was then told by his captors to get ready
for execution. He occupied the short
time which was allowed him for prepsra-
ton, in writing letters to his mother and
friend named Eagene Cashier, and also
in religious devotions in the presence Of
two clergymen who were permitted to at.
tend him. AT dsybreak he was led out
to be shot in company with three others,
two of whom were Americans, the third
being Mexican.
The spectacle occurred in an open
plaza, in sight of the populace of the
town, who manifested the most vindic-
tive feeling against the unfortunate pris-
oners. All four men were pinioned,
with their faces toward wall, aud we're
shot through the head from behind, the
firing party consisting oftwenty soldiers,
who stood few PAGES off from the con-
demned. There we're no blank cartridges
med by the soldiers, who discharged
their rifles at the same time, such hav-
ing been the command OF the Spanish
officers. A small party of Americans
witnessed the sad occurrence, but could
only vent their indignation, being power
less to avert the fate of their country
men. Wyeth was formerly connected
with the American Telegraph Company,
having served in the capacity of opera
tor in the Philadelphia and New York
offices. He was highly esteemed by
large circle Of acquaintanoes, who deeply
regret his untimely death. Just previ-
Gus to his death he addressed the follow
ing letter to one of his former associ-
ates in the telegraph business in this city:
SANTIAGO DE CuBA, June q, 1869,
Eugene Cashier, New York;
T. DEAR EUGENE; Good byei / will be
shot at o'clock this morning. 1t lis now
3 am. ] was sentenced about IL o'clock
last night. ! have just been baptized in
the Catholic chapel here, aud will pas.
the few hours of my life that yet remain
to me here with the good priests. Tell
George Diven and Newell and all my
other friends of my fate. All who came
on the vessel have been shot. There are
three others who were with me on the
vessel, who dip With me. There is no
hope whatever, and be assured you will
never see me again on earth My love to
Newell and George, and to all the rest.
Please ssad my trunk and contents to
my mother, Mrs E. ]. Wyeth, Cham
bersburg, Pa. Good bye. Be prepared
TO meet me in heaven, whittier, i trust,
am going.
Your fries5 lill the last, Al