Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1869-08-17
An Adventurcr GONE 10 Cuba.

DR.. Contra, or, as be is better known
to many in this city. Colonel Contra, says
the Boston Traveller, of the 9th, met q
friend yesterday in the street, and took a
parting grasp OF his hand, while he in
formed him that he was bound to Cuba,
to join the revolutionists. The doctor,
though not more than thirty five years of
age, has had considerable experience,
and has played many parts. The son of
a Swiss farmer, he left home at an early
age, and sought bis fortune in Italy.
Here he was educated for the ministry
by q prieat, who was very kind, and
treated him with much more care than
he had ever experienced from his parents.
When the war between Russia and Tur-
key broke out he ran away from his ben
efsctor, and joined the French army in
the Crimea, and for meritorious conduct
was made a lieutenant. AT peace he re.
turned to Italy, was again received by
his friend the priest, who paid for his in
struction as a medical student. Again
be Joined the French army. and while
with his regiment in Paris fell in love
with the daughter of the famous George
N. Saunders, and found his affections
reciprocsted.
At the commencement of the'war Mr..
Saunders and his family left Europe for
Richmond. Young Contra, full of love.
left all aud followed the lady. Without
any knowledge of English when he
landed in Boston, he experienced many
strange adventures Hearing of Colonel
Maggi, be went to New Bedford. and
was advised by him to join the Union
army, which he did, but remained only
long enough in it to fud the means Of
reaching Richmond. Miss Saunders and
her family received him with open arms,
and in few days he was united to her in
marriage. After a brief honeymoon he
joined the Confederates and soon was
raised to the rank of Colonel, which he
maintained to the close of the war. His
wife died in ohildbed, but he still was
cherished by Mr.. Saunders and his wife
as their son, and aided Mrs. Saunders to
find her wav into Canada through the
lines of the Union army.
With the surrender of Lee, Contra was
reduced to abject poverty. 60 obtained
employment Ia this city IN the store of
druggist, until he made enough money to
clothe himself, and then, through the aid
of friendly priest, who knew him in
Italy, he opened an apothecary store in
Charlestown and was quite successful.
But the Fenian excitement interested
him and be took part in the operations
along the frontier, which ended in failure.
Again without means he returned to
Massachusetts, and this time settled in
East Boston, where be again became
time as physician.
Apparently tired of wandering, he mar
ried widow lady of some property, and
opened an spothccary s,oga ip Cam
bridge, and was, as usual, quite lucky in |
biz business. But being of "a rowing dis
poqition, fond OF adventure, he Is now on
bis way to Cuba. to serve as soldier or
physician In the army of the insurgents.
be is a fne-looking man, is great
favorite with the ladies, has been carefully |
educated, and is in every way we'll quail. |
led to make favorable Impression on
hose with whoa he associates. His
friend, at parting, observed: swell,
DOCTOR, so you are going to leave your
bones in Cuba D. To witch he replied:
No matter, I'm on so good-by."