Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1873-11-21
Details OF the Capture Of the Vir-
ginius.

New York, November Is.
A letter from Havana gives an account
of the capture of the steamer Virginius,
from which it appears that on the Both OF
October the Spanish Consul at Kingston,
Jamaica, advised the Governor at Santa
go de Cuba that the Virginius was in the
vicinity of Morrant Bay. The Spanish
war steamer Tornado had that morning
arrived at Santiago de Cuba, and four
hours after the Governor had received in.
formation of the Firginius, went in search
of her. On the following day the lorna
do, under full sail and but little steam, as
some slight repairs were being made to
her machinery, came in sight of the Vir-
ginius, which probably supposed the Tor
nado to be a sailing vessel, as her course
was not changed. On the Tornado every
effort was made to hasten the repairs
which they were engaged in, and at two
O'Clock the chief engineer pronounced
them completed. All possible steam was
Immediately got up and the vessel headed
for the Virginius, soon reaching speed
of fourteen knots and slowly gaining upon
her. The Virginius had, in the mean
time, kept on her course, but divining the
hostile intentions of the Tornado, changed
it toward Jamaica, and, being out of coal,
commenced to burn petroleum, grease,
fat, and other combustibles from
the provisions on board, such as
hams, etc. Night closed in,
and the vessels were in the same
relative positions, the Tornado, however,
gaining. AS soon as they got within gun
shot the Tornado fired gun, followed by
three other shots and a shell. This
brought to the Virginius, and two armed
boats from the Tornad came alongside,
took possession of the vessel, and made
prisoners of all on board.
At the time of the capture the Virginius
was flying the American flag, but this was
pulled down by Spanish officer, and
Spanish ensign was hoisted in its place,
although the papers of the vessel, duly
dispatched for Colon, were handed to
him. After the capture, the next two
hours were employed in transferring some
of the prisoners to the Tornado and put
ting a prize crew on the Virginius.
AT midnight the two vessels started for
Santiago de Cuba, and arrived there on
the following afternoon at five O'Clock,
having been Joined by the Spanish steam
er Cantabro. Upon their arrival in port
the intelligence spread like lightning,
and attracted an immense crowd of peo-
pie. The Government Palace and other
public buildings were Illuminated, and
all the authorities, civil and military, went
to felicitate Governor Burriel upon the
news, who, in the evening, gave brilliant
reception. The vessels were surrounded
in the bay by number of boats filled
with bands of music, and cheering volun-
teers: The festivities were kept up late in
the night
On the following day (the 2d) a court
martial was held on board the Tornado,
which commenced at nine O'Clock and
terminated at four. All the prisoners
were tried as pirates, and the findings of
the court and the sentences were sent TO
the Captain. General and the Admiral in
sealed packets. After the Court had con.
cluded its task, all the prisoners, with the
exception of Bembetta, Jesus Del Sol,
General Ryan and Pedro Cespedes were
transferred to the jail OF the city, escorted
by force Of one hundred volunteers and