Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1873-11-15
Kingston, Jamaica, Oct. y, 1873. !

one OF the EgiHtIs FlctlGlS3 hdS btcn receive Ell
by gentlemen in this city:
BLENDED HALL,
Kingston, Jamaica, Oct. p, 1871
w D,dr Col0Hci: After a lively trp-high
winds, fearful rains. and one hurricane we
landed here safely on the 18th inst. As one
gigantic wave swept over the bow another took
Us aft and cleaned the decks OF provisions
chickens, baggage, &c. Such a lively time /
have not had the pleasure of seeing before
Since our arrival times have been quite lively
Gems. Ryan and Verona are the heroes OF the
hour. We have had balls and receptions every
evening in their honor, and CAV time III
general. A grand reception was given last
IA ght on board the NiTginius. All the elitg were
present. Wine flowed freely and many happy
toAsts were given.
The expedition leaves TO might, and am con
fdent OF its success. The prospects are good.
and probably ere this reaches you we Will b.
lighting in Cuba. Much depends upon the sue
cess of this expedition, and the combinations
abroad. We take only 800 men from this port,
but we will be joined by two other parties, and
| am confident of success.
Gen. Ryan has appointed me chief of scouts,
with the rank Of lieutenant colonel. am sure
that Gen. Ryan has his heart in the cause OF
Cuba's freedom. The people seem to regard
him with great respect, and seem to regard his
going back as very important matter
Gen. Verona is working hard for Cuba. The
boat was in debt; much money had to be col
lected, and he collected il. The Cuban factions
here are now united, and are working in har
mony. j deeply regret that the same feeling
does not exist in the states. The unity here was
Truly your friend, JACK g. HARRIS.
=. S.-Ryan was made a mason last night.
The writer of the above letter was Major j. C.
Harris, of Louisa county, Va, and was well
known to many Washingtonjans He spent sew
eral years on the western plains and in the min
ing regions of the Pacific slope, and was ever
actuated by the restless spirit of adventure
few weeks since he found himself idle, and at
once turned his attention to Cuban emigration
with the hope of improving his fortunes. He
was man of great energy of character, and
was brave and generous.
Mr. Harris also forwards a printed slip GU
from Kingston paper, on which is printed the
following:
KINGSTON, JAMAICA, Oct. 16, 1873.
capt. Porter, Commanding Stcdacr Atlas
Dear Sir: II is with pleasure-nay, intense
gratitude-that We tender TO you our thanks for,
and hearty recognition OF, the able manner with
which you managed the steamer atlas durin :
the fearful hurricane OF the eth inst The be
haviOr of the vessel daring that crisis proved
her TO be an excellent and staunch sea-boat.
With many wishes for your success, aud feel
ing the highest respect for You as an officer and
a gentleman, we beg to subscribe ourselves
yours very truly.
Signed b. Verona. J. NJ. Pendleton, w. A
Q. Ryan, j. g. harris, Isaac PardO, WIN. &
Bates, Chas. +. Barrow, II. Barrow, Hermiuin
2uesada, Manuel Horrintiner, Francis Badell,
P. +. Alfaro.
THE ENGINEER OF THE TORNADO WASH
INGTOSIAN.
Among the many interesting incidents con
nected with the capture of the Nirginius by the
Spanish corveta Tornado, the flagship of the
Spanish squadron in South American waters,
is the fact that Senior ID. Santiago G. MOckabee,
better known in Washington as james G. Mock
abee, and as late as 1861 clerk here in the
office of the third auditor, (then Mr.. John Will
son. is the chief engineer of the Tornado. H.
resigned his office in the Treasury department,
and entered the service OF Spain in 1859, and his
talent as naval engineer soon lifted him into
his present position. 1t was owing to his skill!
as an engineer that the Tornado was enabled t.
capture the Nirginius, for the latter is really
much the faster vessel. Mrs Mockabee, hi,
wife, Is well remembered here by many friend
as superior pianist, and very often in former
years the press of this city has commended her
performances in public and private assemblies
She is now in Havana. Engineer Mockabee j.
a native of this city, and will probably return
here in June or July to settle permanently. a.
least he says SO in letter to gentleman in thi-
city. He may be detained on Cuban soil foI
reasons quite beyond his control.