The Opelousas journal. [volume] (Opelousas, La.) 1868-1878, 1869-09-11

OuNS EIt nOE iSeft tHe2T L2OeflkeS eiL
We copy as follows from the Cincin
natl Commercial:
New York, August 23-I had con
versation to-day with COL Quesada
brother of the Cuban General who ar
rived here yesterday, direct from the
camp of Cespedes. He brought i'm
portant papers from Cespedes, which
we,e forwarded to Washington. H.
says Cespedes and the members of the
Cuban Government have been at Sa
vanilla since June -. The place was
selected for its convenience of location
and because it is considered impregna.
Bile. A small army could defend il
against large force The Cuban Gov
ernment has foundry in the Sierras,
near by, which is now turning out first
class cannon, of six, ten, sixteen and
twenty four pound caibre. There is a
we'll appointed printing establishment
there, at which are printed the official
bulletins Of the Government, and po-
l'tical paper called the Cubano Libre.
There are from nine thousand to ten
thousand troops in town, and the imme-
diate neighhorllood. The men have
good arms and abundance of ammunition,
but are much in need of clothing and
shoes.
Col. Quesada says: There are camps
Of our brave troops which ladies cannot
visit, because the men are so scantily dres-
sed and, also, there are near Savanil,,,
full twenty-five hundred Cuban ladies,
who are as naked as some of our men.
They are there with their children, pre-
feri"g to share every privation in the
field to remaining iu their elegant town
houses, away from their husbands, fa-
theirs, sons and brothers, and be SUBJ
jee,ed to the insults and oppression Of
the officers and men of The army of
Spain. They have plenty to eat, and
MONEY also, but there is a great want of
clothing, since our u'en as well as their
families. have in most instances, had
TO flee their hmnes with the single suit
on their backs. r2H
"There are from 10000 to $4,000
men who are regularly supplied with
modern arms, mostly from the United
States. These belong to our regular
army. Then there are about 500 men
in the separate commands. Of various
sizes who are but indiferently armed
with shot-guns, revolvers and machetas-
a sort Of knife, between butchers
meat-axe and huge bowie knife.
Two schoouers made Landing near
Tuna RIVER Ola or about the 18th u't.
They brought the arms now in the
hands of General Cavada's force, near
Villa Clara. They also brought twelve
pieces of artillery. A vessel was daily
when | left, with dozen s+ige
pieces, which were more needed than
any other arms.
AT the rate deserters come into our
camps and lay down their arms. We shall
be able to drive Spanish authority from
the Island within six months. They
come singly. by squads, and by coh,pa,'-
les. Two colouels and several captains
and lieutenants come over to us while
at SavaniIla. | refer to Spanish officers.
There is not day but what We receive
desertprs from the volunteer forces at
Nuevi'as, Puerto Principe and Trinidad.
The same report is made by all our
comm, ,nders. regu .... ,... H. ..........
"Cespedes has finally determined to
retaIiate tor the Spanish execution OF
pri,oners.' .-.4 -. T.. ,-s o 1a.
Col. Quesada said that Cubans were
buying their rightfol inheritance by the
precious blood Of her children, and who
sver alleged that Cespedes or his gov
ministers, generals Or soldiers.
are willing to rid the Island If Spanish
authority by purchase, did SO through
ignorance or ma'iciousness., ,F--' -
Gen, Po>tly, Of the National Guard, is
again in trouble. He is acdused Of rent
ing the public cavalry school as a pri-
vate riding school. 1t is said that be
clears six thousand dollars a Year by
he operation, - '-.t- .#-. .tf 4
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