The New York herald., 1870-02-10

Full Particulars Of the Shooting Of G0nznlo
CastanOn-Hs Departure from Cuba-Deter-
mination Fight a Duel-Backins Out-The
Shooting in the Hotel-Grcnt Excitement in
Key West.
KEY WEST, Fla, Feb 3, 1870.
The following are the full particulars Of the bloody
affair which took place here on the 3lst OF last
month, in which Se1or Castanon was killed and two
OF those who figured conspicu0usy in the transac-
ton were wounded--
Gonzalo Castanon, late editor or the Spanish
paper La Voz de Cabd. published in Havana, landed
here with four more SDanlards from Havana, on the
morning OF the Goth ult. Castanon was expected
that day, for he had previously published chal-
lenge in his paper, addressed to the editor OF the
Republican "a Cuban paper published In this city, and
an answer sent by the cable accepting the duel.
AS soon as the steamer came along side the wharf
two Cuban gentlemen Of good appearance went on
board and inquired for Senor Castanon, who re.
ceived them very politely. These two Cubans
presented themselves as the seconds Of the man
tnaI was going to fight duel with him. Castanon
was asked by the Cubans If he was the author or
such and such articles published in his paper and If
he had come to Key West to dght duel like gen.
teman, ana he answered In the affirmative. cas-
tanon and party tnen came on shore and LOOK l0dg-
lngs In the Russell House.
sehor Castanon soon found out that the editor Of
the Republican, VINO had accepted the duel
was poor fellow, unfit TO fight a cnild
ten years Old. He IS a man about fity years old
quite small IN SIZE half bind, and his name Is Juan
Mary Reyes. Two hours after they had been In the
Russell House Castanon and party sent for Juan
Mary Reyes, who, although knowing that he had
nothing 10 do with them, was foolish enough to have
started Immediately TO the Russell House. When the
little Old Cuban appeared before Castanon the latter
attacked him IKE coward and began TO beat the
poor OLD man. some parties interfered and he was
soon parted from HIM.
short time alter this occurrence Casanon re-
celved call from another Cuban, and duel TO
death W as agreed upon. Great excitement was ere.
ated all over the place. and Castanon was taken be-
fore he court, where he was released on $500
bail. The Iubans, naturally were furious All
knew th at the organ OF the volunteers Of Havana
mad com over TO American soil TO 1gnt, and 1t
resolved that Castanon should tight. That same day
Saturday The duel was prepared and 1t was an
nounced to lake place on the following day. Casia-
non and party, however, showed signs OF fear.
Many excuses were given, and the Cubans who had
the affair In nand resortcd TO every possible scheme
from Havana, and had come to Key West with the
sole purpose. Next day, very early, the steamer
Gastanon ana his four friends prepared 10 take their
departure by her. About hafpast twelve P. M. two
CUBAN gentlemen, who had never fought duel be-
the Spanish gentleman stopping there. few
minutes alter Castanon and two more Spaniards-
big, stout fellows one his doctor ana the other
q COMMANDER OF Spanish vounteers-came
down stairs. one Of the two Cubans
them had revolver; the other had no weapon ar
all. Once down stairs In the front parlor the un.
armed Cuban told Castanon he wanted to arrange
matters tor the duel. Castanon answered he was
not gong to fight duel; he had slapped the face OF
Cuban and felt satisfied TIE Cuban then called
him ID coward. Castanon raised his hand
and hit the Cuban. His friend drew the revolver he
had IN his hand and the unarmed Cuban snatched
1t from MS hand While this was gong on Castanon
took two steps backward. drew his revolver and
fired NJ the Cuban, without effect. The Cuban then
nred his first shot, and Castanon, who was standing
by an iron SAFE, fe on his knees, and In that
position fired the second time. The Cuban then
hred again and brought Castanon fiat on the ground,
where he received two more shots. AS soon as the
nrlng commenced Casianon's two friends abandoned
MN and fed TO the stairs, firing as they retired
one OF them IN his haste fell and hurt his shin |
think the other Is badly wounded.
The Cuban who had killed Castanon In the contest
came TO the street, with firm countenance and,
brandshing his revolver, said Cubans, you are re.
venged. Yea cuba, hbfei The instigator for the
murder OF all Cubans Is deai.n
The following Cubans were soon after the tragedy
arrested:-J. Boteia and brother, V. Morelra, +.
Acetuno, J. Barces, 7. OsUrcs ana A. Aguero. The
three last named have been released Several
houses nave been searched. A coored man has also
been arrested