Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1873-12-12

The following is the letter written by Capt.
Fry, ofthe Virginius, to his wife few hours
before he was shot. The illusions to family
affairs are, ofcourse, not reproduced;
On Board Of Tie Man-ef- Var la Tornado,
st. Jago de Cuba Nov G, 1873
Dear, Dear Dda When left you fhad no
idea that we should never meet again in this
world, hut il seems strange to me that should
tonight, and on Annie's birthday, be calmly
seated, on a beautiful moonlight night in a
most beautiful bay in Cuba, 10 take my last
leave of yon, my own dear, sweet wife, and
with the thought of your bitter anguish my
only regret at leaving.
have been tried to-day, and the president
of the court-marshal asked the flvor of en-
bracing me at parting, and claspcd me to his
heart have shaken hands with each Of my
Judges, and The secretary of the court and in
trrpreier have promised me rs special favor
20 attend my execution, which viii am told
be in very few hours after my sentence is
pronounced | am told my death will be
painless, in short, have had a very cheerful
and pleasant chat about my funeral to which
shall 20 in n few hours FROM now. How
soon cannot yet say. 1t is curious 10 see
how make friends. Poor Bembetta pronounc-
ell me a gentleman, and he was the brightest
aud bravest creature Lever saw.
The priest who gave me communion on
board this morning pat a double senpular
about my neck aud a medal which he intends
to wear himself A young Spanish officer
brought me bright new silk badge, with the
Blessed Virgin stamped rpon il, 10 wear to
my execution for him, aud handsome cross
in some fair lady's handiwork. These are 10
be kept as relics OF me. He embraced me az
teciouateiy in my room with tears in his eyes.
Dear sweetheart, you will be able 10 bear il
for my sake, for will be with you if God per-
mits it. Although know my hours are
Shorthand few am not sad feel shall al
ways be with you right soon, dear Dita, and
You will not be afraid of me. Pray for me
and will pray With yon.
There is to be fearful sacrifice of life from
the Virginias, and as / think, needless one,
as The poor people are unconscious Of crime,
and even Of their fate up to now hope God
will forgive if am to blame for it.
IT you write to President Grant he will pro-
badly order my pay due when resigned paid
10 YOU after my death People will be kinder
to you now, dear Dita-at least hope So
Do not dread death when it comes 10 you; il
will beas Gods angel Of rest Remember
this
hope my children will forget their fathers
harshness and remember his love aud anxiety
for them May they practice regularly their
religion, and pray for bin always. Teil -
thai the last act Of my life Will he a public
profession Of my faith and hope in Him Of
whom weneed not be ashamed aud It's moi
honest to withhold that public acknowelde-
ment from any false modesty or tmidily. MAJ
God bless and save us all.
Sweet, dear, dear Dila, We will soon meet
again. Till then, adieu for the last time.
Your devoted husband,
JOSEPH FRY.
It may be well 10 state that the leternecos-
sarily omits all reflections on the Spanish gov
eminent. but before his death Fry gave utter
ance very forciby to his opinions on that
subject, his silence ony coming with his death.
-Ne,c orleans Times