The Daily state journal. [volume] (Alexandria, Va.) 1868-1874, 1873-12-08
ON BOARD THE SPANISH MAN
oF-wAR LA TORNADO, ST.
JAGO DE CUBA, Nov. 6.

I
oF-wAR LA TORNADO, ST.
JAGo DE CUBA, Nov. 6.
Dear, Dear Dita-When l left you |
had no idea that we should never meet
again in this world, but it seems strange to
me that | should tonight, and on Annie
birthday, be calmly seated, on beautiful
moonlight night, in most beautiful bay in
Cuba, to take my last leave of you, my
own dear, sweet wife, and with the thought
of your bitter anguish my only regret at
leaving,
have been tried to-day and the presi-
dent of the court-marshal asked the favor
of embracing me at parting, and clasped
me to his heart. have shaken hands with
each of my judges; and the secretary of
the court and interpreter have promised
me as special favor to attend my execu-
ton, which will, am told, be in q very
few hours after my sentence is pronounced
| am told my death will be painless liz
short, ] have had very cheerful and pleas
ant chat about my funeral, to which shall
go in few hours from now. How soon |
cannot yet say. 1t is curious to see how
make friends. Poor Rambeita promo unccl
me gentleman, and he was the brightest
and bravest creature / ever saw.
The priest who gave me communion on
board this morning put double scapular
about my neck and a medal which he in
tends to wear himself. A young Spanish
officer brought me bright new silk badge
with the Blessed Virgin stamped upon it
10 wear to my execution, for him, and a
handsome cross in some fair lady's handi-
work. These are to be kept as relics of
me. He embraced me affectionately in
my room with tears in his eyes.
Dear sweetheart, you will be able to
bear it for my sake, for will be with you
if God permits it. Although / know my
hours are short and few, | am not sad. /
feel shall always be with you right soon,
dear Dita, and you will not be afraid of me.
Pray for me, and I will pray with you.
There is to be fearful sacrifice of
life from the Virginius, and, as think, a
needless one, as thepoor people are uncon-
scious Of crime. and even OF their fate up to
now. hope God will forgive if / am to
blame for it.
If You write to President Grant he will
probably order my pay due, when /
resigned, paid to you after my DEATH =
People will be kind to you now, dear Dita,
at least | hope so. Do not dread death
when it comes to you; it will be as Gods
angel kof rest-remember this. = =
hope my children will forget their
fathers harshness and remember his love
and anxiety for them. May they practice
regularly ,sI Their religion. and pray for him
the last act of my life will be a public
profession of my faith and hope in Him,
Of whom we need not be ashamed, and
it is not honest to withhold that public
acknowledgment from any false modesty
or timidity. May God bless and save us
all, ~ =
Sweet, dear, dear Dta, we will soon
meet again. Till then adieu, for the last
time. Your devoted husband,
JOSEPH FRY.
An eyewitness to the butchery of the
thrty-seven states that Captain Fry was
the only one killed at the first volley,
and that the others were dispatched, after
being wounded, by the marines placing
the muzzles of their muskets in their
eyes, mouths, ears. and literally blowing
their heads off.
QUERY.-Can Colonel r. e. Withers
run for acknowledgement from the
southwest and for United States senator
from the east That he is a cosmopolitan
Danyille, Lynchburg, Russell, Richmond
and Wythe can testify. For the versatile
ity Of his genius he has been decorated
with the distinction of M. D.. colonel.
acknowledgement. editor, and now his
friends ask that east Virginia shall add U.
s, S. These be wondrous times for.
with Richmond as pivotal point, it seems
a man can swing round the circle Of
Virginia and from various points of Its
periphery mount every che of her pedestals
Of honor. tits good thing to live in the
white West and vote in the black East. -
Bristol Ne7rs. .N.I,ii.el n