The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1869-02-19
INsURGENT ACCOUNTS.

Position Of General Quesnda's Rorce-Num-
beers and Resources Of the Men-AAairs In
Puerto Prlncipe-Prospect and Hopes.
HAVANA Feb. Is, 1869.
gentleman from the Eastern Department, who
has been for considerable time with the insurgents
furnishes me with the following
General Quesada, OF Puerto Principe, sailed rom
Nassau with three scho0ners laden with arms and
munitions Of war. including eight cannon. and ar
rived ae Guanajay last month. He was there vel
coined by 1900 insurgents who were supplied by
him with Spencer rifles. He continued his march to
Puerto Principe beseged since December last but
not attacked FOR want OF arms and in order to give
the families time to leave, and because the Governor
held the womeo and children there to prevent an as
sanlt, did Colonel Loiio at Tunas. General Quesada
marched toward the place with 5000 men, well
armed, leaving 1000 on the railroad to impede the
approach OF the troops from Euevtas. All attempts
the part OF the troops the latter city to advance
have been ruitess and they have been compelled to
fall back with great loss
The Canaguayans now number 10000 men, well
armed ami equipped defending every inch OF ground
and determined to achieve independence or die in
the attempt There are youths in their ranks only
nine years old, with arms In their hands, and deli
cate young ladies are caring for the wounded and
encouraging brothers, sons and fathers to the
struggle. Whenever Spanish soldier passes he is
looked upon with contempt and pity. The very
atmosphere inspires hatred and adherence.
On the 9th ult the town Of San Miguel was
attacked by Colonel Edward Agramonte, at the head
OF 500 men. The troops were defeated and lied,
leaving many arms and two cannon III the hands OF
the patriots who made 200 prisoners. The taking OF
this town, twelve miles from Nuevitas is OF great
Importance 10 tile patriots, being on the road by
which the troops have to come on their return from
BayamO.
General Augusta Arrange. who commanded the
forces OF Las Mnas, went ut the request Of the Com
missi0ners to confer with the Governor OF Nue.
vitas- but not beng sufficiently authorized by the
to pass to Principe and see Governor Mena.
On reaching the city he presented himself. papers
In hand, TO the Police CommlsSary, Don Miguel
Ibargarai, who already had orders from Mena 10 kill
him, and when the Commissary and mis- men told
him 20 proceed they thrust HIM through the body as
they entered tine town CRYING, "Yird Espdnd! The
Chief OF The Freeboters Ii dead" Such are the acts
or the ssdeienders OF order.v
On the 18th more than 6,000 patriots appeared be-
fore VILLA Clara, raising the nag OF independence. At
this moment the number has increased TO 5000 ex-
tending over me jurisdiction as far as Sagua. The
patriots overrun the country; one is found behind
every tree Colone Schmidt, an American citizen,
Is at the head OF one Of rne columns OF Trinidad.
His brother rs rhe United States Wee Consul. We
Whatever the number may be tney cannot occupy
the territory OF Cuba; they will dIe "a they did in
ST. Domingo; those mat do not fail by the macheto
Will be carried or by the yomit0 dysentery and
cholera. unaccustomed as they are TO the climate
Cuba needs very little 10 attain its independence.
1t Is rcn country In ITSELF and IL able 10 pay III
very snort line FOR all IL may receive. WITH only
two or three good ships aud some arms Cuba can be
free and indc pendent, and ITS sons Will be ever
grateful TO their American brothers.