The Daily state journal. [volume] (Alexandria, Va.) 1868-1874, 1873-12-18
CUBA.
Release of the Virginius-OHicial Con.
firmatiOn of the Surrender.

CUBA.
Release of the virginius-Official Con.
firmation of the Surrender.
WASHINGTON, December 1.-THE
news of the surrender of the Virginius at
Bahia Honda Tuesday morning, was COM
municated to the government this after
noon by Admiral Polo, who was advised
thereof by Captain General Jovellar.
No information has been received to-
night concerning the survivors, but no
doubt exists that they were delivered up
to our authorities to-day.
DISPATCH FROM ADMIRAL SCOTT.
The following dispatch was received to-
night by Secretary Robeson:
"KEY WEST, December 17.--Hon.
George M. Robson, Secretary of the
Navy-The Virginius was promptly put
into our hands yesterday at the appointed
time. Your orders will be carried into
effect with all dispatch. Further informa-
ton will be telegraphed tomorrow.
[Signedl G. II. SCOTT,
Rear-Admiral Commanding"
CEREMONY OF THE DELIVERY o F THE
vIRGINIUs-FULL DETAILS OF THE
EvENT-ETC.
KEY WEST, December 1s.-The small
steamer Dispatch, Captain w. D. Whiting,
which had been assigned by the United
States government to the duty of receiving
the surrender, sailed from Key West
Sunday evening and arrived in the harbor
Of Bahia Honda the next morning, where
she found the Virginius in charge of
the Spanish sloop of war La Favorita
Senior De La Camara commanding.
Shortly after noon the latter came on board
of the Dispatch and made arrangements
with Captain Whiting for the surrender at
9 o'clock Tuesday morning. His visit was
returned later in the day by Captain Whit
ing. The interview was of the most cor
dial character.
On Tuesday the weather was bright and
clear
THEoNLY SPECTATORS TO THE SCENE
about to take place were the men on the Dis
patch and La Favorita and some ragged and
dirty Cubans in fishing smacks, apparently
intent on fishing alone.
At half past o'clock the gig came ov er
from La Favorita to the Virginius, con-
taining oarsmen and a single officer. AS
the latter stepped on deck petty officer
and half dozen men, who had stood
watch on the Virginius during the night,
went over the side and remained in the
dingy and waited orders.
THE AMERICAN FLAG ON THE VIRGIN.
IUS.
Punctually as the bells on the Dispatch
struck for nine O'Clock, and before the echo
had died away the American flag flew
to the flagstaff of the Virginius, and at the
same moment boat containing Captain
Whiting and Lieutenant Mark, put away
from the Dispatch. AS they ascended the
accommodation ladder of the Virginius,
single man on deck, who proved to be
Senior De La Camara, advanced and made
a courteous salute.
The officers then read their respective
instructions, and Captain De La CamaIa
remarked that in obedience to the require
ments of his government he had the honor
to turn over the steamer Virglnius to the
American authorities.
Captain Whiting accepted and, ascer-
tanning that receipt would be acceptable,
gave one.
The Spaniard stepped over the side, sig
nailed his oarsmen and in ten minutes was
again upon the deck of his own vessel,
having
DISCHARGED WITH BECOMING DIG.
NIFTY
the unpleasant duty imposed upon him by
his government.
The engines of the Virginius were found
to be in bad condition and she had to be
towed to sea by the Dispatch. Both ves-
sells left the harbor at 3 o'clock p. m, the
Spanish flag being displayed by the fort
as they passed.
At s O'Clock p. M, they were met by the
naval tug Fortune. Steam was subsequent.
ly got up on the Virginius, and she with
the Dispatch went to Tortugas, where they
met the Ossipee and a coal schooner.
Provisions will be transferred from the
Ossipee to the Virginius and whatever Goa
may be needed will be supplied by the
| schooner. fst
| DESTINATION OF THE vIRGINIUs.
When supplied with provisions and coal
the Virginius will probably be sent to |
Northern port-Washington and Norfoll
are mentioned among the prize officers
much to the disappointment of some of tn,
officers. The federal courts are now anx
iously looking out for her arrival. Sh
will not enter the harbor of Key West a
all, express orders to that effect havin
been received from Washington.
The Fortune proceeded to Key West
where she arrived at o'clock this after
noon, with dispatch to Admiral Scott
giving a full account of the surrender.
| The officers and crews of the Dispatcl
and La Favorita, the members of the priz
crew and the correspondent OF the Nev
Tribune (M. P. Handy were
THE ONLY WITNESSES OF THE SUR