The morning star and Catholic messenger. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1868-1881, 1873-11-30
Appeal Of Captain Joseph Fry, Of the virginius,
for his Crew.

for his Crew.
q few words in favor of the crew of the Yir-
giuius and the mitigation of their punshment +.
The pilot had just escaped from shipwrecks
and needed an advance Of salary to buy clothes
in regard to the blockade running, but, on the
contrary, as had the authorization of the
owners. l prepared the papers Of the YES
occupied in trade with the islands, with pas
sengers for Puerto Simones, in Costa Rica, or
in taking cattle to Cuba, az believed that the
vessel might do so.
From the time when arms arrived on board
thought there would be occasion for Q portion
Of the men to see the Consul. The Consul in
Puerto Principe sent for me, but did not re-
ceive his message until was on board, having
been compelled to leave port by order of the
authorities. There was . guard on board to
prevent desertion by the passengers. I know
that some of them protested, but Varona let
them know that no would anawor propositions
of this kind with the pistol.
Running the blockade 10 considered o risky
business among sailors, for which good pay is
received. 1t is notorious that o great number
American war, and, although captures were
numerous, not single life was lost; the greater
part of the prisoners were set at liberty after
e short imprisonment. never heard . word
and the proclamation relative to an attempt to
introduce arms into Cuba. II, with superior
opportunities, was ignorant that the case
could be decided by another law than the in
transitional, how complete must have been the
ignorance OF these poor people. was conttn-
nally in the company Of people who ought TO
have known 1t, and not one alluded to the fact.
In word, believe that it 10 not known, and
that the world will be painfully surprised ct
learning the sacrifice of these lives.
The Consul knows well that am not plead
for it, not even to the Blessed Mother. have
neither homo nor country-a victim of war and
persecution, the avenues to the securing OF
property being closed on me to such point
that have not been able to provide bread for
my wife and seven children, who know what
it is to suffer for the necessaries of life. My
life is one of suffering. and look upon what
has happened to me as benefit OF God, and
it 10 not for me, therefore, to ask fnvors Of any
The engineer, Knight, know, came contrary
to his will. He was bitterly opposed to 1t, as
l learned from the person who obtained him to
come.
Spauiards, the world is not 30 foil of people
who prefer honor to life. Save him, poor
:" Rosaw Poor gentleman, with heart as tender
and as compassionate as that of . women, OF
irreproacbable honor, hia business was that Of
charity. He was devoted 70 others, and though
he was aboard the vessel for the beneft oftheir
health, believe he will not use this sdvan-
tngs for himself.
The man Bribon was my servant, hired by
the day, whom we were in port, and not in
scribed on the roll. He wanted to DO set on
enore At Jelnalce- ZIG WINS oibemuaLAoo ~
Paimitor, and lost the opportunity. He Is al,
most an idiot. They call him Cubauello, and
be is q Venezuelan. He was q favorite on board
and ought not to suffer. Another follow was
taken on board to keep him from dying Of
sickr ess and hunger, was sent to the hospital
from the boat, and permitted to como on board
through charity.
The greater portion of the crew were en-
trapped by their lodging who
gained possession of them and watched the
opportunity TO put them on board, on receiving
advances on their wages.
Spaniards, believe am the only one who
dies in the entire Christian faith of our holy
religion. Consider the souls Of these poor
people; give them an opportunity to ask
mercy of God. l know that you must
fulfill your duty, but my blood ought to be
sufficient, because innocent and defenceless
people will suffer with my fall.
May these considerations have influence with
the authorities to whom beg to appeal. These
poor people had no knowledge of what you
think their crime. Pardon me If say that
fate of Cuba the good effect the law foFesees-
our civilization 10 SO opposed to such proceed
ing. / don't say this In tone of complaint, bat
We are accustomed to at least identify victims
when We are going to sacrifice.
According 10 my view, there should have
been some Intervention. Our Government, by
its influence, should have been pronounced,
and perhaps in that way their lives might have
been saved without compromising the dignity
Of Spain.
senores, farewell. know that the members
Of the council who condemn mo accomplished
painful duty. Let them remember us in their
prayers to God, and AK their wives and chill
dren to do the same for rs. Respectfully,
JOSEPH Fry.
Written on board the Tornado, NoU. z. 1873.
Hermitage, the painter, gets up signs OF all
I'D