The New York herald., 1873-11-21
DEFENCES OF HAVANA.
FOrtificatiOns and Garrison of the
Cuban Capital.
How the British Captured It 100 Years Ago
The Morro, Cabana and La Punta.
How Havana Can Be Reduced
To-Day.


Cuba, considering its great value as producing
country and its highly important geographical posi-
tion, has been notably exempt from foreign attack
since its discovery and settlement by the Span
iards or all her possessions In America, Castillan
dominion, with the exception Of period less than
year, has remained intact on the island, which Is
perhaps the richest colony possessed by any Euro
pean Power in any part OF the globe At an early
day the occasional eruptions OF buccaneers gave
rise to the necessity OF fortying its harbors. The
seat OF government having been transferred from
Santiago de Cuba (Which Is now identified with one
OF the most barbarous massacres OF recent timesl
to Havana, defensive works were erected at the
latter place, which have been continued and ex-
tended until the city has become one OF the strong
est In this part Of the world. For many years Span
ish galleons and lotillas assembled at Hayana be-
fore finally crossing the Atlantic But while hostil-
tiles ragged in nearly every part Of the West indies
the mother country being an active participant,
Cuba with its 400 miles of seacoast and its num-
erous harbors. remained free from the sound Of hos
tile cannon, except on the two occasions to be
mentioned hereafter.
Havana has always been naval headquarters
was used for fitting out expeditions to operate
against the enemies OF Spain; but as the city was
considered almost impregnable, though it is actu-
ally the Key to the entire island, 1t was deemed
prudent to avoid attacking the place. With Hav-
in the possession OF hostile force the rest OF
Cuba would be OF little or no value.
PRESENT STRENGTH OF HAVANA.
The present strength OF Havana is a matter OF
the greatest interest It's general plan of delences
has been constructed in the old style; put pro-
fusion of treasure has Of late years been expended
to render the city and harbor as far as possible
proof against all assaults. And 1t is highly proba-
BILE, from the fortifcatons that have been erected,
the precautions that have been taken, the diff
cultes that have been thrown in the way and the
ease with which the defences themselves can be
used against attack, that the capture OF
Havana would be difficult enterprise to
accomplish. The walls of the city, run
ming from the mouth of the harbor across the
peninsula to the inner shore, enclose an ellipse Of
1000 yards by 1100 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
a continuous line running along both shores, be-
sides the walls and citadel. The forts are named
the Morro La Caba1a. Principe, La Punta Atares
and Numero 4, or San Diego
MoRRO CASTLE
Is deemed impregnaDle, but 1t is believed o COM
petent naval force could pass it, Even II success
fuI, however, 1000 guns could be brought to bear
on the ships after entering the harbor. For this,
among other reasons, military authorities agree
that II the place be taken 1T must be taken by
operations conducted on land. La Cabafia is as
strong, If not stronger work, than the Morro In
1852 the latter was battered an entire day within
short range by three English line Of battle ships.
They had to retire without making any i'm
preston. after being badly disabled. Raynal a
competent authority says, "The Moro is raised so
high above the level Of the that even first
rate vessel Of war could not batter it, But La
Punta has not the same advantage. |. Is, never
theless, so situated that can only be attacked BY
q very narrow channel. in which the assailants
must be exposed to such a tremendous fire as few
would be able to Withstand.
HAVANA CAN ONLY BE ATTACKED ON THE LAND SIDE
with any hope of success, and even should such
an attempt be made, the difficulties to which a be-
sieging army would be exposed almost insur-
mountable." One Of these Is the great scarcity OF
good water. 1t could only be found nine miles
from the city, and the people, aware OF its absolute
necessity, would use every exertion to cut of the
supply 1t would, therefore, be necessary in case
OF the city being invested, that the besegers
should have strong detachments in intrench-
ments to protect the watering places and
prevent communication with the camp being inter-
rupted. But this difficulty, with all Others would be
certainly overcome by an enterprising and deter
mined commander having adequate resources at
his disposal. 1t is clear, however, that o large
army would be required to invest Havana and
powerful feet to act in cooperation. All the in
surgents 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 Havana, where the garri-
60 tod tn ha IN m MT incl Ind
numerous ships-of.war, with their sailors and
marines.
IRoN-CLADs AND FORTS.
naval officer OF very high rank is reported to
have recently SAID that our navy could easily enter
Havana; that a fleet can pass anything. He
seemed to be under the impression that the forts
and batteries have nothing heavier than 80
Founders, and that the Spanish authorities were
without torpedoes--the only things that can
close channel. 1t is beyond question that
the Spanish men-of-war carry as heavy
metal as vessels OF other nations and It
does not seem probable they would neglect
using them IN their land deiences The Spanish
naval officers are conceded TO be very competent
IN their profession, and the naval attache OF their
Legation at Washington cannot have overlooked
the special attention given III this country TO the
matter OF torpedoes But IT, according to Raynal
and others, Havana can only be taken by land. the
work in the event Of war would become a compare.
lively easy one to the United States. And at this
point 1t has TO be mentioned that such was the
opinion OF the English when the city was attacked
and captured by them, after four days siege, in
1762 The large fleet OF 10 ships OF the line and IS
frgates that accompanied the expedition were un-
able TO make any impression on the sea defence.
The work was all on land. The strength Of Havana
In 1862, In comparison with the British naval and
military force that appeared before 1t at that time,
was as great as it Is today, taking into account
the advances made since tnen In the science OF
war, when iron-clads, 600p0und guns, repeating
ri1es and torpedoes are brought into operation.
THE ONLY POWER THAT EVER ATTACKED CUBA
was Great Britain. On the first occasion the inva-
Havana fell into ner hands, The particulars OF the
siege appended Is at this moment instructive read
ing.
vERNoN's DISASTROUS EXPEDITION.
In 171 Admiral Vernon, with a large fleet and
~ 900 troops under Lord Cathcart, was despatched
to the West Indies for the purpose OF attacking the
co Of Snain nd car turin hnr