Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1873-11-15

taken. Three or four others followed, and
the capture was complete, being effected
within very short distance Of the Jamaica
coast. The commander of the Tornado gives
it at twenty miles.
Not the slightest resistance was offered by
those on board the Virginius; all were made
prisoners, and brought on board the Tornado
The Spaniards say that when Bernabe Varona
came on board he expressed desire to speak
with the Spanish commander, and his request
having been granted, spoke as follows: 81
you on the capture which you
have just made, and the importance of which
you cannot well appreciate in this moment.
You are not aware of the materials which we
were bringing, nor do you know the effect
which they would have produced had they
been spread through the island. The capture
of the steamer Virginius may quite well put
an end to the Instruction.
During the chase the Virginius was engaged
in throwing overheard everything that could
help to tighten the vessel, and hams, tallow,
and petroleum were used for the furnaces IN
the vain endeayor to escape. This has re-
duced the value of the prize to the steamer
and prisoners. The Tornado, with her prize
in tow, arrived at Santiago de Cuba about
Z. M. on the LIST, and the excitement when the
capture became known may be imagined.
People scarcely knew what to do, perhaps
from the absolute want Of practice in receiv-
ing such trophies. Steamers with steam up
blew their whistles, all rung bells, and sew.
eral crews cheered At intervals, the Spanish
vessels in the harbor hoisted more flags, as
fast as they could hunt them up. The chief
demonstration was made by the Don de Aus
tria. a sort of cross between a gun-bOat and a
bathing machine, and only remarkable for its
extreme antiquity. This vessel fired hve
guns: no doubt to celebrate the capture and
its own retirement into private life until the
next expedition. The Virginius was brought
in with the Spanish flag flying, the American
flag, whic., had been hoisted during the chase,
being twisted about the taffrail. On the re-
,urn to Santiago, it was found that she was
making so much water that it was necessary
TO run her on shore.
The prisoners trial as pirates was COM
menced in court-martial on the morning of
the 3D. and by the time the news of the cap
ture reaehe1 us in Havana. the fate of four
was decided. The following telegram, which
contains all the particulars we have aSyet was
received on the evening of the 9th, at the mo-
ment when the Captain General was receiving
the volunteer officers who had gone to con-
graduate his Excellency on the capture:
Cuba, Nov. 4, 1873
To the Captain General and all Authorities
of the Island and Presidents of Clubs:
At 6 o'clock this morning the So called in
surgent Generals Of the rebel army-Don
Bernabe Varona, alias Bembeta, General of
Division; Don Pedro Cespedes, Commander
General of Cienfuegos; Don Jesus Del Sol,
and General of Brigade, Mr.. Washington A.
Ryan--haye been executed (pasados por las
ormas) in this city, on the charges of being
traitors to their country and insurgent chiefs,
and in the presence of an immense crowd,
who witnessed the act in perfect order and
compOsure.
| Although we have no particulars, | pre-.
sumo the American Consul was not allowed to
interfere in any way. The more so. as hear
that telegram to his colleague in Jamaica,
asking about the nationality of the Virginius,
was not allowed to pass by the Government.
The four executed are the only members of
the i'll fated expedition who have been ident-
fed so far. Ninety are said to be Cubans,
and twelve foreigners-the rest of the 100
being supposed to compose the crew. The
crew, it is reported, will be brought round to
Havana, and it appears probable, as two
Spanish men of-war have been dispatched to
Santiago -one from here, and the other from
Batabario.
From the afternoon of the day on which the
news of the capture arrived in Havana, sere
nades to the Captain General, the General of
Marine, and other digh.taries have been the
order of the day, and even up till now when
l write, the palace and principal streets are
profusely decorated with flags. 1t is not
known yet whether Santa Rosa formed one of
the expedition, for, although his name does
not appear in the list which has been publish
ed, it is possible that lie may have been. but
under an assumed name.
The appearance Of the prisoners as they
came on shore is described as follows: Forces
from the men of-war guarded them to the
shore, and, aided by volunteers, conducted
them to the prison. The prisoners walked
four in row and with their arms tied, most
ly all in their shirt sleeves, and had'generally
dirty appearance. Nearly all walked firmly,
with their heads up, and with a reckless look
on their faces. Many were smiling: none
appeared much affected by their situation.
Bembeta was landed by himself about half an
hour after. He also had his arms tied, and
was escorted by four marines, corporal, and
an officer lie marched firmly up the street
to the Jail. The wharf and neighborhood
were crowded by curious throng, notcea-
bic feature being large eomparsa of ne
groes, with their flags flying and drums beat
ing.