The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1873-06-07
INTERVIEW WITH MIR. PRICE
Arrested at the Instance Of Mr.
O'Kelly's Prosecutors.
IS THERE A SECRET HERALD CIPHER /?
The Captain Generals Sarcasm on the
British Consul.
An Expose Of Spanish Cruelty and 1lalad-
miniStratiOn in Cuba.

HAVANA, MAY 26, 1873
Having arrived In this city after my recent re-
lease from imprisonment by the Spanish military
authorities, first proceed TO give the HERALD an
account OF that part of the mission conhded to me
occurring between the date Of my departure from
the Cuban lines and the present time, touching
also the days passed in confinement, my journey
with Nj. oKely from Santiago de Cuba and the
Interview had with Mr.. Price in Fort Cabanas.
Judging these points OF more immediate interest
than the recital OF my successful journey through
the Cuban lines write them here. My reasons, in
addition TO the above, for not writing at length my
experiences before and after entering cuba htre
obvious. do net feel that l could render JUS
tice to my subject while under the shadow Of the
Spanish dag. therefore commence my story with
my return to the Spanish lines.
OUT CUBA LIBRE.
On the memorable morning Of my unexpected
advent in 1Ianzanillo jumped out of my hammock
at daybreak, made surprisingly hasty toilet,
grasped stout stan, and, throwing overcoat
across one arm, declared myself ready to march.
MY GUIDES
OF the two volunteers who had faithfully watched
my repose during the night one mounted his nag
70 show me the way to the town, while the other
took my hand his, pressed II with the ervor OF
true man and bade me an earnest adieu.
Manzanilio was about league and half dis
tant. Iexpected to reach the town and get into
the United States Consulate before many people
were astir. Could ! only get under the roof from
whose summit waved the starry flag my life would
be in no immediate danger, but should be caught
by any OF the patrols, apprehended at an ad-
vanced post immediate death at the hands OF the
soldiery awaited me. 1t was thing of everyday
occurrence, that OF persons from the nsurgent lines
being
HEwED TO PIECES
by boodthirsty rutfians in uniform, and reporting
what they liked to superiors, who rarely took the
trouble even to inquire who the unfortunate dead
might be. II caught in the Spanish lines before
presenting myself would be Immediately shot as
spy. There was no alternative, then, but to
the desperate chances The success otherwise
OF the next hours march to a matter Of
life and death Importance.
THE TRAMP TO .MANzASILLo.
The birds twittered cheerily many dew
spanged spray, the trees, flowers and plants had
On their brightest hues and boomed with more
than wonted verdure; each gentle ACTIVITY, bathed
in freshening light assumed its airest guise; the
gentle Zephyrs OF the opening day stole calmly
over the scene, attuning the sSul to a delicious
sense OF nature harmony and loneliness. In this
glad morning, as the advancing light was lifting
the veil from natures charms l wended my way
along the road in the direction OF Manzano. I
determined not to be taken cheapy.
MY VOLUNTEER GUIDE
kept in sight OF me, and from time to time stopped
ut some turn in the road, waiting to assure him
self that was in the right path. He was young
man OF ingenious countenance, but appearances
are deceptive. never saw him until last night.
He knew the peril OF my position. What II he had
Valloped of and denounced me to the nearest
troops He could do it with impunity and receive
the applause OF his officers. My life was In his
hands. But no; he was creole, Cuban, a
patriot, disguised with the uniform OF Spain, and ]
was secure III his Feeping.
= NEARING THE TOWN.
I At distance OF mile or SO from town / began
10 meetoccasionally traveller early on the road
Bometimes two or three together. IL was only then
Shat realized the fact OF being far from the mo st
pdvanced Cuban outposts and was again COM
pletely within the Spanish lines, which had left
near Santiago de Cuba just two months and two
days ago. / confess to having felt a little
nervous; but, putting on the sembance of careless.
meas and nonchalance, closely eyed each approach
Ing passenger lest treachery or mischance might
betray the secret Of my coming Yet, although my
appearance must have been singular at that time
snd place, It seemed to escape the notice Of the
few passers-by encountered on this eventful morn.
Ing. gained the outskirts OF the town, and pres.
enty came within sight OF
BLocKHoUsE POST,
situated on an emnence TO the left OF the road.
was within short rine range OF the place. The
movements Of the soldiers within and about it were
plainly visible. They did not perceive my ap
proach. slipped by unnoticed, and this danger
Gus point in the road was left behind.
BY one OF che stores at the entrance to the towr
were number of persons talking together. They
must be passed either TO the right OF left and the
question was now
WHICH ROAD 10 TAKE,
N& to not aaaK igpozsace q local topog1sphy