Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1868-1875, 1873-11-16

fident of success. The writer says the
boat was in debt; that much money had to
be collected, and Gen. Verona collected it.
The writer of theletter is Maj. J. c. HaT-
ris, of Louisa county, Va. He had spent
several years on the Western plains and
in the mining regions of the Pacific slope
and was ever actuated by a restless spirit
of adventure.
Characteristic letter from Gen. Ryan,
The following letter was received in this
city, yesterday, by Gen. Geo. w. Cook, an
intimate friend of Gen. Ryan's:
BilgdeU Hall, Kingston, Jamaica, Oct
%, 1S73.-To my dear George: In one
hour we leave for Cuba. This is quite un-
expected, as we didn't expect to go until
tomorrow, and L have just returned from
the country. We arrived on the 18th inst;
had storm on the 18th; all provisions
washed overheard, and deck swept fore
and aft.
Captain Harris and the Purser were badly
injured. The Captain pronounced it the
most severe hurricane he ever saw. For a
few hours thought we would all enjoy the
novelty of bath in mid-Ocean. Since
our arrival we have had splendid time,
feast after feast, ball after ball. The first
ball was given by the Peruvian Minister in
honor of Gen. Verona and mySel; fall the
fashion and wealth Of the place were pres
ent. The Governor, General Condova and
Judge Tichburn gave others, and gay ones
they were. The place is filled with beau
tiful women and gay and splendid fellows,
generous to a fault and liberal as princes.
| must say that never received such at
tention. | regret that want of time will
prevent me giving you detailed account
of my adventures. / am as fat as bull
and gay as lark, and leave this place with
many regrets. Very truly &c,
w. A. C. RYAN.
Urgent Work.
Boston, Nov. 15.-To-day, orders were
received from Washington to fit up the
steamer Franklin for sea, at the earliest
moment, and work upon her has begun.
Employees of the Engineers Department
will work upon her all day tomorrow.
The work upon the Brooklyn is being
pushed forward.
A Plan TO Seize the Spanish War
steamer.
Special to the Chicago Times
NEW YORK. Nov. 13.-A startling rUI-
NOR is current this afternoon. 1t is to the
effect that an organized plan has been COM
pleted for the seizure of the Spanish war
steamer Arapelis, now on dry dock in the
navy yard. The steamer is one of the best
in the Spanish navy and thoroughly equip
ped. She carries a large supply Of am
munition and stores. Her smaller guns are
of French manufacture, but "Long Tom,
an immense black, long-range piece, is a
Spanish gun, very heavy and very effective.
The difficulty of obtaining possession OF
the Arapelis, lying as she does under the
eyes of the navy yard guards, is said to
have been fully canvasSed, and preparations
made for an emergency. The plan for
seizure is said to be to slip the Arapelis
from the dock during the night, tow her
down the bay beyond the fort, by which
time her boilers will be full of steam, and
at once set sail for Cuba. Those who are
to join the expedition, viii be taken on
board from tug boats near Sandy Hook.
Should they be interrupted on the passage
down the river, they will fight their way
out. This, it is said, is the result of the
numerous secret conclayes of the past few
days, and accounts for the arrival here Of
prominent personages connected with the
cause Of Cuba.