The New York herald., 1873-06-16

on the road, one would naturally expect that some
preparations would be made for taking food along
with the party; but the Cubans seldom think Of
such land on the present occasion,
II the commissary department. was not altogether
lost sight OF and forgotten, IL was at least sadly
neglected. Our route lay for short distance along
the nsrth bank OF the Cauto We passed, intact,
CaIvar's camp, which was abandoned on the 23d
OF March. The little huts were undisturbed as
when we left them; but the silence and loneliness
that reigned around in that calm, quiet evening
struck sad and melancholy feeling to the pensiye
heart as though We were traversing the deserted
streets Of
CITY OF THE DEAD.
About an hours travel east OF the Dos Bocas, and
OF the junction OF the Cauto and Contramastra
Rivers, We passed the former stream for the last
time. Ny servant carried me across on his back.
We were now on the borders OF Jiguani and San
tago, but soon took leave Of the latter district and
entered definitely the territory OF the former.
Night soon overlook us, but as there was glori-
ous moon, whose silvery light sometimes pene-
trated the depths OF the forest we determined to
continue the march by the additional light OF crude
wax Candles OF which there were q few among us.
This determination became all the more I'M
perative from the fact on that day
THE. PRESENCE OF THE sPANIARDS,
was reported near the abandoned camp OF Dos
Rios through which we mast pass. This place we
entered after having reconnoitred it, after ten
O'Clock at night. 1t had been q large. square
camp, evidently constructed with care We found
1t burned 70 the ground deserted and desolate
mass OF cinders and ashes. few weeks ago 1t
Afforded quarters to 500 Cubans, but was aban-
doned by them and burned during the late opera
tions by the Spantards. We intended reaching
FL Salado about twenty i've miles south OF the La
Yaya. but, having to make q long march on the
morrow, deemed it best to
CAMP IN TIE WOODS.
Striking, therefore, on the trail, we cut away
about two hundred yards into the mazes Of the
forest, and, clearing space, hammocks were
slung and q nre lighted. General Garcia had sent
to my servant before starting several strings OF
dried beef ana some sweet potatoes, present to
himself from Colonel Sanchez. This enabled the
officers and myself to have q splendid meal, after
which we slept as soundly as tops, forgetting the
probable proximity OF the Spaniards and the con-
sequent dangers that surrounded u.s. The ensuing
we were on the road at halEpast fve
O'Clock, and reached Ell Salado near nine. At one
time there had been families and homes in the
Salado, but they were things OF the past they had
been swept into nothingness by the tide OF war
and now the name merely signlfed locality. But
tucIc WAS . OuuIIClCCtu1C cbtdUuShCu al bHc
woods near here, that only our guide could find.
THE GUIDE
js parsonage OF the utmost Importance in Cuba.
Without him nothing can be done; the setting out
on a march, the changing OF q camp, the move
ment and route OF the tro0ps-all must depend on
the guide. Without him, not knowing the miracu-
lously intricate wndngs OF the paths and trails Of
cuba Lt0re one might as well sit down In despair
on the road. From point to point he is chanyed,
and the guide OF to-day delivers the party he has
charge Of into the hands Of another tomorrow, and
returns to his post. Our guide here, after some
beating about In the woods found the Sub-Prefect,
who was to guide us in the afternoon.
We had long march to make, in order to reach
the .'Camino Real de Ia Isa"-the high road Of the
island-and leave 1t behind as far as possible. 1t
was one OF the most dangerous crossings on the
march and had to be approached with silence and
caution; for it was constantly patrolled by the
Spaniards, who had o series Of detachments
planted along 1t
TO GUARD THE LINE OF TELEGRAPH
constantly threatened and frequently cut by the
Cubans. One O'Clock p M. saw US upon the road,
through an open savannah among the tall guinea
grass that rejected with terrible force the vertical
rays OF tropical sun.
Passing along again under the cool arcade OF the
at an angle in the trail, suddenly the soldier we
had in advance shouted
"HALT WHO CONES THEREY'
and brought his piece to the ready His movement
was quickly initiated by the others, who quickly
put themselves in q posture Of Defence thinking
that the enemy were upon us. The party challenged
also prepared for fight, and responded with the
glad words,
"cUBA LIBREr.
The parties remained in this attitude while their
respective corporals advanced towards each other
to satisfy themselves that all was right, and IN q
few minutes were mixing with each other in the
most fraternal way. The new c0mers were q small
detachment escorting q courier with correspond
ence from Cespedes and from Modesto Diaz to
Calixto Garcia They were under command Of q
negro lieutenant, and had been eleven days on the
road from the seat Of government, near Zarral.
They confirmed the truth Of the report that the
volunteers OF forts Calisito and Congo had passed
over to the Cubans with their arms and ammuni-
tion &C.. bringing with them as prisoner their
commander, Spanish major.
CROSSING THE HIGH ROAD.
Approaching the high road, the guide and two
men were sent forward to reconnoitre. The road
just then clear, as it happened, and we passed
without any adventure. 1t was picturesque, doubt
less, the manner Of our crossing. The road ran
broad and grass-grown. between forests far ex-
tending on either side; our trail crossing 1t eb-
liquely was family marked, 30 as hardly to be per-
ceived. We crossed rapidly, following each other
in single file, each man with his arms prepared for
instant action. On the roadside opposite to our
entrance separated by the trail, the Corporal and
soldier were in kneeling position, one behind
little bush and the other in the clear space, still
as statues OF stone, with rifles prepared, in
the attitude OF breathess watchfulness, scan-
ming the road in different directions, while
we fled through between them, they closing up
the rear when we had passed. We plunged into
the forest with speed that threatened danger
can only impart, and rapidly put leagues between
us and the "Camino Rea de la Isla," or high road.
After nightfall
OUR GUIDE LOST HIS WAY,
and we wandered about in the woods until near
midnight when, perspiring with toll, weary,
thirsty, hungry, we came to halt near the cross
1rgaI eta sv.a