The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1870-06-21
CUBAN EXPEDITIONS,
successful i.ar, ding of Men
and Arms.
A Seaport for tho Gem Of the Antllles-The Geo.
B. Upton Lands Nearly Two Hundred
Tons Of War Material-The Cuban
in Good Spirits = The Way
Landing is Effected.

UnlteO STATES ana his Aus pTlValecrS
are continually slipping through the meshes OF the
ofcial net and finding their way to the scene OF the
CONFLICT on American soil between monarchy and re.
publcanism For instance, the expedition or the
George B. Upton is case in point. This daring little
craft, which arrived here on Sunday. with Its crew
OF resolute, fearless men, started from Poillon's
dock, Brooklyn, on the 14th OF last May, amid the
congratulations and enthusiasm Of large number
OF Cuban ladies, who had come to bid a bon uoyage
to the patriots whom they had little hopes OF again
seeing, well knowing the fate that awaited
the gallant band captured by their sanguinary-
minded opponents The leave.takngs were very
afIecting and tender, loving women on the dock
bore with heroic fortude the separation from those
whom they had most cherished Here could be seen
venerable mother, whose refined appearance was
an evidence that she in her own country had been
"a lady in the land.n Now as an exile she was
bidding o tender farewell TO an only son, who had,
almost as soon as manhood was reached, volun-
teered In defence OF his
SUFFERING AND D0wNTRoDDEN COUNTRY.
Indeed there were partings such as press the life
from out young hearts, for on so hazardous an ex
petition how remote were the probabilities OF ever
again meeting In this world As far as the bend of
the river did affectlonate, fearful eyes watch the
dimly receding form of the vessel, and when she
disappeared many an unfortunate strangers heart
felt sense Of desoate loneliness, On board, how
ever, there was all the inclination to give way to
feelings OF sentiment but action and danger made
men oblivious to the past and enforced activity
and alertness which spoke much more Of living in
the present and looking keeny to the future. There
was no waste Of time on board the Upton
That night in fact to be even seasick was entirely
out OF place when such exciting business was going
on. At ten O'Clock, when about fifteen miles OF
Barnegat light, she met schooner called the Quick
step and took on her
CARGO OF ARMS.
Every man of the $50 composing the expedition
worked with Will and tolled all through that long
night, transferring about one hundred tons of war
material from the schooner to the steamer. At nine
O'Clock the transfer was completed, and the George
B. Upton took direct Southern course
THE CRUISE
was one OF little interest, as no Spanish vessel
seemed to be on hand Indeed, there was but little
chance OF any sort Of stringent blockade being
Kept when the difficulties OF guarding such an ex-
tensve coast line that Of Cuba be taken into con-
sheraton On the ninth day after leaving New
York, or about the 22d OF May, the vessel hove in
sight OF land and the dim outline of the coast OF
Cuba was discernable On account, however, of a
heavy northwest gale, 1t was found to
be practically impossible to effect sue
cessful landing that night, and 1t was
determined to put Off and wait patiently for the
following evening, when more could be accom-
pllshed, as arrangements or O more satisfactory
nature for dscharging the cargo could be made with
confederates on the shore. Just, however, as the
upton was moving OFF vessel discovered on the
starboard side, Which bore down with great speed
until within gunshot distance, when she slackened
much apparent interest. All was now excitement
on board the UPTON fight was imminent. ana the
reception. The decks we're Cleared for action and
the revolvers and rifles were carefully loaded and
put IN readiness
however thought it best to the stranger alone
and after sailing around her for an hour without
opening fire or even demanding surrender, sailed
of and gradually disappeared beneath the horizon.
The Cubans felt considerably relieved at the unex-
pected turn matters had taken, but much to their
surprise the early Of the sd OF May showed them
another hostile steamer which, through ignorance
or Discrimination to meddle with an unknown craft,
changed her course steering towards the coast She
was evidently one OF the gunboats and supposed the
Upton was mail steamer coasting there on govern
OFF THE COAST
On that night the expedition put again to sea as
soon as the last vessel mad disappeared, but finally
anchored about quarter ola mile Off the coast and
commenced unloading. The weather was balmy
and delicious, as mild ana pleasant as could possibly
varying alternate lights of shade and sunshine
towards evening, was Of peculiarly grand and ro-
mantle character. Inland stretched the lofty
range Of the Copper Mountains, and from
their verdant sides, forming natural watershed,
o number OF streams meandered down to the beach
Of the island and discharged into the sea. The low
tract intervening between the central elevations and
the shore seemed to be fertile and in OF the
streams o small Spanish gunboat could be seen; but
that craft, with Lind Of lofty dlsdain took notice
Of the Upton, and seemed TO be enjoying perpetual
SeStG. The aluvial mould made the water very
black. During the operation OF unloading little
accident happened which might have been at
tended with fatal consequences II 1t had occurred in
deep water This was the capsizing OF boat
with twenty-five men. This delayed work for some
time although when it was ascertaned that no one
was drowned, much merriment despite the danger
OF the position, INDUCED
THE RATS
used on the occasion were pontoons made OF long
India rubber tubes, which were inflated by bellows
They could be packed when not filed, in box Of
four feet square, but when inflated formed SER
viceabe raft OF twenty feet by six and capable OF
carrying from ten to twelve tons. These iowcd
by a little steam launch OF about five tons, which
tnued without interruption until seven
O'Clock next morning, when seventy-fve tons
out Of the , hundred :. composing the cargo
work IN daylight ana also desiring TO throw
the Spanish authorities of guard as to the locality
where material was landed the captain steamed of
distance OF thirty miles and waited until the fol-
lowing night, and before three O'Clock on the morn
Ing Of the oath the balance OF the cargo consisting
Of some twenty-five tons, was safely landed The
connections throughout were admirably planned,
and this bulky cargo was removed almost in sight OF
the Spanish authorities and conveyed to a secure
depot. The Cubans worked with their accustomed
enthusiasm, but not being seafaring men, and
sional doucings in the surf were very laughable.
Here was distracted youngster making frantic en-
ueaVOrS 10 prevent his Crunk lrOn gong
and there was another brave equally determined on
saving carpet bag which had dropped into the
Away he plunges into the briny, gets caught on q
tidal wave and Is astonished by o marine toss on
the beach, which was Us good as circus. Up he
gets like haf-drowned rat and the American sail
and his own companions rend the air with shouts
OF laughter. The raft soon returned from the shore
bringing Colonel Betancourt, OF the patriot army,
who came on board to notify the captain that the
landing place was very good and could not be sur
passed. In addition to its harbor qualities, the expe
dtlon placed themselves under his command and
very soon the $50 recruits constructed capital
INFRINGEMENT
OF timber and sand, and on each angle monster
field piece, brought over in the Upton. was placed
ready for work. The Colonel was in the best posi-
BILE spirits and felt confident that he could repuse
the Spanards II they should make an attack, even
Though they exceeded his forces three to one. The
scene at the fort brought back many "reminiscences
OF the late war. Here were the same daring reck.
lessness and intense patriotism that would brave all
for the sake OF accomplishing the high purpose for
which the struggle was commenced. Swarthy,
determined looking men on this evening were
reclining the intrenchments and with that peculiar
yiyacty which partOok more Of the French than
the Spanish CHARACTERISTICS were discussing matters
In an undertone. The cargo had been safely de.
OOslte1 in shed. well protected aud even then