The New York herald., 1873-12-29

along WIN the doctor and Mr.. chamberlain, ana
we were asked II we had anything to say-al-
though no charge had been preferred against us.
Chamberlain said he had nothing to state. Nei-
ther did the doctor say anything, and simply OBJ
served tnat had nothing TO add to what l had
already said. We were then removed. AS an in
stance OF the cruelty practised on the prisoners
while in jail I may mention that one night as the
roll was calleu young lad, Edward Scott, was
not standing straight in line. The sentinel called
to him in Spanish, but not understanding the lam
guage, he was struck severe blow In the pit OF
the stomach. could relate other instances OF ter
ribe treatment while in prison and at the MORO
Castle. We were repeatedly informed that We
were TO be shot.
RAN AWAY FROM HOME
survey OF the prisoners on board here would
hardly inspire that pride and confidence infused
into the breast or commander after Q satisfactory
review or mis- troops. Many OF them are mere boys
and very delicate looking az that. Among them is
Edward Scott young lad not over 10 years old,
whose narrative is not devoid OF interest in con-
necton with this dramatic story. Scott Is hand
some youth sp,I told his story with much boyish
candor and .sodesty. He lived. ne said, with his
parents al Salem, n. j., his father being the
superintendent OF the gas works in that locality.
Some time in September last he, with three other
lads, made up their minds to go forth and see the
world, doubtless on the proverbial plan Of all the
other youths they had read OF, and for that
purpose conspired TO run away Two or them
"backed down" at the last moment and SO he,
with his companion, set forth for the great city OF
New York, where they arrived on the 25th OF Sep
temDer last. After seeing little of the ups and
downs OF metropolitan life Scott joined the
steamer Atlas as lamp trimmer, which vessel, un-
fortunately for him, sailed on the 4th OF october
for Kingston, Jamaica Like all other runaway boys
he became very sick on the passage, and, on ar
irving at jamaica was permitted to leave the yes
sci. While drifting about Kingston he found that
the vIrginius was the "talk Of the town." He saw
the first mate. William Baynard, ashore, and asked
him for employment. He was taken on board. and
on being introduced to the steward, was employed
In the pantry. He had now learned enough to
know that the virginius was in bad condition,
and his description OF
THE CHASE
IS something to the following efect:-I was lying
in my bunk asleep when was aroused by the firing
OF bombshells and the sound OF many persons run.
ming to and FRO overhead. jumped up, and, hur-
rying on deck saw vessel chasing us, and all the
time firing at US. At last the virginius hove to
and the Spaniards came on board The first thing
they did was to haul down the American flag and
run up the Spanish fag can hardly remember
anything more, for we were all tied up tightly and
hurried Off to the Spanish man-of.war. We could
not move our arms, and heard many
GRoANING WITH PAIN.
We remained there in the same way all the next
day, and after the Tornado arrived at Santiago we
were taken to the Spanish gunboat Alarma-I think
in all about 80 persons. Mr.. Knight went round
and took the names Of the crew on the forecaste.
The passengers were taken ashore while the crew
vrar orr RI ha n
harbor. After we were taken to the Alarma we
were all put in shackles. Mr.. Harris was among
the number, but he was taken away and shot, The
gunboat was lying near the slaughter house."
and l could sec the procession, with band OF
music at the head. One day was taken ashore
and kept at the office OF the commandant OF the
port from eight O'Clock in the morning until dark
did not get any breakfast that morning. l was
kept well guarded, and then they began to ques.
ton me as to whether there were any arms, am
munition and horses on board the Virginius. l
said had not seen any arms, and that there were
no horses. l told them that there were four pigs
and cow on the steamer. "Ah," said the onicer,
..you have been well taught, but 1t win not work.
You will see how this will end" / was then
taken back to the gunboat and was told that
was 70 be shot. After being two days on the
Aarma was taken to the Francesca de Borgia
and in the afternoon was asked II ! had anything
say in my defence, and replied that had nothing
at all In company with five others was brought
back to the Alarma Three OF them-Price, Hazel
and Reid-were shot the next day. All the re.
naming prisoners were then taken to the jail,
which swarmed with vermin. We we're not al.
lowed to wash ourselves and we could hardly eat
the food. Scott, having briefly described his sub
sequent privations both in the Moro Castle and
on the mail steamer Cienfuegcs, concluded by ex-
pressing his gratitude for his dellverance.
HOW THE vIRGINIUs WAS PLUNDERED.
Altogether. apart from the charges Of atrocious
cruelty preferred against the Spanish officials
and throughout their inhuman barbartty boldly
proclaims itself-cOmes the PLAIN, unvarnished ac-
cusation OF robbery, or, as the offence was
committed on the sea-piracy, for which, as
Is generally known, many rufIian has suffered
death. II would seem that the heinous and dis
graceful crimes laid at the door Of the Spanish
naval officers and marines were pretty well sub
stantiated and such being the case it is presumed
that upon the facts being proved they will not only
be dismissed the service they have dishonored but
receive the full penalty which the law imposes on
robbers on the high sea. From the evidence OF Ar
thur Rivera, passenger on the vlrgnius, % years
old, and born In Porto Rico, 1t appears that the
first thing done on board that steamer by the cap
curse, after which it was stamped and spat upon.
They also designated IT as 'drty rag, because It
covered pirates.n Rivera was one OF the few left
behind on the virginlus, there being no
more room on the Tornado, and describes the
scene that followed thus:-"There were about 10
OF Us left behind all securely bound. After we got
under weight must have been near eleven
o'clock-the Spanish officers and soldiers COM
menced to ransack the Ship or course you know
that nobody was allowed to take anything from
the ship when leaving for the Tornado, so that
they left all behind. Well the officers and marines
first OF all burst open all the trunks, boxes and
bags, and rifled them Of their contents including
money and jewelry. One OF them then broke
the lock of the pursers stateroom, and, having
robbed 1t,
COMMENCED TO DRINK.
The soldiers or marines robbed one trunk con-
tanning f3Oo sterling. / saw them do It, They
also took shirts, coats, pantaloons and other