The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1869-08-04

Prisoners in the Hands OF the Cubaus-Iu,-
portant Successes OF the RevoIutiouists-
Great Losses Of the spaulards-Activitv Of
General Jordan.
wAsHINGroN, August g. 1860.
Letters have been received in this city from the
leaders OF the Cubans, dated the 26rh ult. These
letters give the following items OF news from the
ipsurrectionary districts-
The recent engagements have placed m the hands
OF the republican leaders large number OF prison.
ers, and they are now IN position to prevent the
wholesale massacre OF Cubans and their friends
which have taken place through the power OF
the volunteer organization, as 1t is understood
that the prisoners In the hands OF the
rev0utt0nists would be held as hostages for the
proper treatment of the Cubans who might be cap
tured In battle. This fact has caused cessation Of
the instant execution OF prisoners which has hitherto
been the policy Of the Spanish commanders.
General Quesada has completely destroyed all
communication between Puerto Principe and the
coast apd t1e Geographic communication with Ha-
vana and were 1t not for the unhealthy condition OF
the city, he would have occupied 1t some tl9s 2ge'
Every effort OF General Letola to open coiimdnlca.
ton has been defeated, and in these attempts the
Spanish loss has been treble that OF the Cubans The
loss Of the Spaniards in these encounters is so
great that 1t is reported the defective force Of
General Letona ct Nuevitas and the entire district
does not exceed 1000 men, while that OF General
Quesada is near 5000 men, In good discipline and
well armed and fully prepared for q forward move
ment when the healthy condition Of the country
adjacent to the coast will permit
There have been number OF minor contests In
General Jordans district. In each case the Span
ards have been the aggressors but in every instance
they have been repulsed with great loss, while the
Cubans have suffered but little. At villa
Clara the loss Of the Spanish was over
200, together with their arms, ammunition
wagons, ordnance and provision trains. In
another engagement near Trinidad the regular
ana volunteer troops who had been sent out to take
possession Of certain marked" plantations were
driven back and the forces almost destroyed. The
number Of killed and wounded is reported ut eigh-
Spanish troops engaged In this fight was near 1900
while that Of the Cubans. who were guarding the
plantations, numbered only 100 men.
General Jordan reports himself and troops In ex.
ceent condition, and asserts that his command Is
equal to three times the same number Of those who
oppose him. They are well organized, well drilled
and fight like demons. His force Is daily lncreas.
ing bv recruits from the former slaves and the Span
ish regular troops. He expresses entire confidence
In success.
C0ntraband Trade With the Patriots-Skir.
niish With a Party Of Insurgents.
HAVANA, August 8, 1850.
The journals are discussing the increase OF the
contraband trade between Havana and the rebel
forces. and urge strong measures for its suppress.
sion.
The steamer Washington, Of the Transatlantic
Company's line, arrived this morning from St.
Nazaire and ssied at two p. M. for Vera Cruz.
detachment Of Spanish troops while engaged in
q reconnaissance near Cnco villas met a party OF
insurgents. fight followed, in which thirty Of the
rebels were killed.
Exchange on London, 14h lax per cent pre-
MUM; on United States, sixty days. sight, III gold
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