Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1873-12-04

In view of possible war with Spain and
the natural result involving the fate of the
island of Cuba, the city of Havana takes pre-
ce,lence as an objective point in the hostlltles
that would be directed against the island.
Of all the Spanish dominions in America,
Cuba has remained intact with the exception
of an interval of year when Havana fell into
the hands of the British after a vigorous siege
on land and sea of forty-f,ur days. This
event occurred in 1863. The British subse
qucntly exchanged their hold upon Havana
and a large domain around it which they held,
for Florida, and Florida was reconquered by
Spain at later date. Havana has always
been a naval headquarters, and was used Tor
fitting out expeditions against the enemies OF
Spain 1t is considered almost impregnable,
and, being the key to the entire island, the
possession of the island without Havana
would be of comparative little value. The
present strength Of Havana is matter OF
great interest. Its general plan OF dctenccs
has been constructed on the old style but
profuson of treasure has Of late years been
expended to render the city and harbor as far
as possible proof against all assaults And
it is highly probable, from the Notifications
that have been erected, the precautions that
have been taken, the difficulties that have been
thrown in the way, and the ease with which
the defences can be used against attack, that
the capture of Havana would be difficult
enterprise to accomplish. The walls Of the
city, running from the mouth of the harbor
across the peninsula to the shore, lnclose an
elipse of two thousand yards by one thousand
one hundred yards; but at the present time
more than twice that space outside of them is
completely covered by buildings. There are
six forts, numerous land and water batteries,
forming continuous line running along both
shores, besides the walls and citadel The
forts are named the Moro, La Guiana, Prln-
cipe, La Punta, Atares and Numero 4, or San
Diego.
Moro Castle is deemed impregnable, but it
is believed competent naval force could pass
it. Even if successful, one thousand guns
could be brought to bear on the ships after
entering the harbor. For this, among other
reasons, military authorities agree that if the
place be taken it must be taken by operations
conducted on land. La Cubana is as strong,
if not a stronger work, than the Moro. In
1862 the latter was battered an entire day
within short range by three English line of
battle ships. They had to retire without
making any impression, after being badly dis.
abled. But for the vigorous attack on land
by which breach was made, and the stormlng
of the fort, the British could never have taken
the city. Raynal, competent authority,
says, "The Moro is raised so high above the
level of the sea that frst-rate vessel Of war
could not batter it." But La Punta has not
the same advantage. 1t is, nevertheless, so
situated that it can only be attacked by a
very narrow channel, in which the assailants
must be exposed to such tremendous fire as
few would be able to withstand
Havana can only be attacked on the land
side with any hope ofsuccess, and even should
such an attempt be made, the difficulties to
which besieging army would be exposed arc
almost insurmountable. One of these is the
great scarcity of good water. 1t could only
be found nine miles from the city, and the peo-
pie, aware of its absolute necessity, would use
every cxerton to cut off the supply. 1t would,
therefore, be necessary, in case of the city
being invested, that the besiegers should have
strong detachmcnts in entertainments to pro-
tcct the watcring-places and prevent commu-
nication with the camp being interrupted.
But this difficulty, with all others, would be
certainly overcome by an cntcrprising and de-
termned commander, having adequate re-
sources at his disposal The number of land
forces necessary, it is estimated, would not ex-
coed $4,000 men. 1t is clear, however, that
large army would be required to invest
Havana, and powerful fleet to act in coupe
ration. All the insurgents require is arms,
and these could be very easily landed on
either the northern or southern coast OF the
district in which they operate The patriot
forces would be able to take care Of all the
Spanish troops outside Of Havana, where the
garrison is reported to be 10000, not includ-
ing the numerous ships. ol:war, with their sail
ors and marines.