New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1873-12-29
THE VIRGINIUS PRISONERS
Continued from First Page.

though their experience here was short The
orders from Madrid demanded that they should be
delivered on the 10th of December. Many have con-
demnied Burrcl for his delay in surrendoring the
prisoners but the officers of the Junata declare that
nc seems to have done as well as he was able. lie
was in readiness on the 18th inst to treat with the
United States officers concerning their delivery ii
was not till the 18th. however that all the arrange
ments were completed. and that was the day fixed
for their transfer to the Junlata.
1t was at sunrise on the morning OF Thursday
Dec. IL, that the remaining prisoners OF the VT
ginius were led forth from their dungeon, as they
expected, to meet tho fate of their companions
Their inhuman captors were still deceiylng them III
every possible occasion and torturing them both OIL
body and mind. They had been told that morning
to prepare for death; the priests had entered the
prison, and had administered the solemn duties
of thoir office, and they were then led forth
in the same manner rs Ryan sod Fry had been few
weeks before Some of the number were still sker-
teal. however as to 50 speedy doom, for the ire
auency of Spanish threats had rather deprived them
of their terror Even on the march to the waters
edge tho Spaniards continued their threats
and devised new means OF torture. Iney
were at longth all placed on board scow or
large raft and slowly lowed out into the stream.
The Juniata was lying short distance away, with
the Stars and Stripes floating above her. Her
officers were crowding tho decks, and with
powerful glasses were straining their eyes 70
catch the changes OIL the countenances Oh the
prisoners. They the steamer, but for long
time seemed not to realize that they were destined
80 speedily to stand upon her deck. Slowly the
Spanish tug dragged itself along, and as she APP
preached nearer and the faces Of the prisoners
were seen to change, Still. however, 1t seemed
rather the inspiration OF the Stars and Stripes than
the hope of speedy freedom that moved them
moment later. and the ponderous scow swung
around under the stern of the United States steamer
and tho prisoners were no longer masters OF their
own emotions As of their number stood ont
prominently among his comrades, and as the truth
flashed upon him, he gave one triumphant shout,
and swung his hat wildly in the air. 1t was the
single spark needed to fire a magazine, and his
shout had not died the air when 1T was taken up
aud echoed and reechoed by his companions, aud
the shores and the harbor of Santiago rang with
cheers for the flag of the United States.
The Spanish officers looked on in moody 81
lence but made no other demonstration OF their
disapproval. Like madmen. the liberated captives
rushed upon the decks of the Juniata Like children,
they cried when they found themselves free from
their D9rD3flaD pcTScCulOT5 lucy Woio huhBiJ,
and many of them nearly naked. They were
clothed only with the thin, tattered gar
monts which had formed their prison garb
There on the deck were ranged the abundant
stores which the foresight of the officers of the
Juniata had provided, and the needs Of all were
abundantly supplied. Many of them chung to their
ragged prison garments most tenacousy and
looked on with almost mournful eyes when
ham thrown Said
officer of tho Juniata: 1T was one of tho saddest
and gladdest sights over saw. when we gave them
clothing. which they hardly knew what to do with,
and they clung TO their rags as if they were old
friends"
Upon their reception they were provided with quar-
ters as comfortable as possible board the Junata,
and were furnished means OF bathing and clothing
themselves in decent garments. Of course, the
accommodate s on board the Juniata were none of
the ampes but they had been accustomed to 80 much
dense packing that they considered their quarters
regal. On the evening of the day on which they
woro taken board tho Juniata weighed
anchor and quietly dropped out of the harbor
of Santiago. The appreciation of the
Yirgnus prisoners of the comfortable
quarters and kind treatment on board the Juniata
was manifested on the voyage, when testimonial
was drawn up and signed by all the prisoners,
thanking the commander and other officers for their
kind and careful treatment.
The prisoners will remain on board the Juniata
until the investigation shall be completed. Every
effort will be made to release them soon rs pos
sible from their present confinement.
All are 80 overjoved. however, at again reaching
the United States that any inconvenience here can
be endured with patience, and even with satisfac-
ton.
STORIES OF vIRGINIUS SURVIVORS.
THE NARROW ESCAPE OF PRISONERS FROM SANTIAGO
WHAT THEY SAY OF THE CAPrURE-THEIR
TREATMENT BY THE sPANIARDs-rHEIR IGNo-
RANCE OF THE OBJECT OF THE EXPEDITION.
Many of the circumstances Of the capture of the
virginius and the Imprisonment of those taken on
board which the prisoners brought by the Juniata
have related are of considerable interest. Samuel
Gray, carpenter, of Harrisburg. Penn, is one of
the most intelligent of the prisoners. He barely
escaped the fate of his more unfortunate friends.
He was sent to the chapel" twice. each time being
told that he was to be shot, but was afterwards re-
manded to the place Imprisonment much to his own
surprise and to the amazement of all the prisoners
who had twice hidden him what they supposed to be
q last farewell At Santiago he was in
the hospital for . considerable time before
the departure of the Juniata, when
he was taken on board. The treatment Of himself
and the other in the hospital to have
been more considerable than would be expected from
people who had shown themselves 80 bitter
and cruel. They received = proper medi.
cal attendance, good nursing. such nutri-
ment as their condition required, together
with comfortable quarters. It is doubtful
if the Spauiards themselves in the hospitals receive
better attention. 1t is said that Grays real name is
Gratz, but during his connection with Cuban affairs
he has uniformly been known by the former name,
and is called Gray in tho list Of prisoners. Mr.. Gray
L;paaalf attributea his safety To tina GOOD will