The New York herald., 1873-11-19
THE RETURN OF MIR. OKELLY.
GIBRALTAR. Sept. 81, 1873.

| HERALD, and the uniform interest that you have
shown my adventures and efforts TO obey the task
| set down when went to CUBA justify me in giving
| you report or the conclusion OF my mission.
arrived at Santander, little Spanish town on the
Bay OF Biscay, the 10th OF july and was confined
| In the carcel nactOnaL My health has not been
very good and can conceive OF nothing gioomier
than my life In the vast dreary rooms OF the car
| Gel, the bell tower OF san Pedro in prospect, the
bay and the distant mountains bounding the hori-
| zon.
had not long been confined in Santander when
| the order came for removal TO Madrid. i was
taken from the prison by an oflicer Of the civil
| guard, accompanied by sergeant, and my COM
| panion was an officer who had been sent from
! Cuba under arrest. As no adventure took place
on the trip we came 10 Madrid in good time, and
were driven to the Office OF the Minister or War,
the splendid palace OF Godoy, now one OF the
attractions OF Madrid The Minister OF War simply
acknowledged my arrival and sent me to the
Minister OF State, who Occupies apartments in
the magnificent palace OF the kings Of Spain re-
Gently abandoned by Amadeus. From here l was
sent to the American Legation, and was in
formed that, while l would not be released at
once, / might remain at liberty in Madrid
by giving my parole to the American Minister. l
was received cOurteously by General Sickles, who
shook hands warmly, and said to the official who
accom- panied me that he would accept RESPONSE
bility for my appearance. The General then
further informed me that until the government
gave me final liberty would be expected to report
daily to the Secretary OF Legation at the Embassy.
Upon returning to the State Department and giving
the Minister the letter of General Sckles, was at
liberty for the first time Tor Notwithstanding
without a guard. Here had the pleasure OF meet
ing Mr.. Stanley, your celebrated correspondent at
that time staying at Madrid, from whom received
many attentions.
My long Imprisonment has left me in a state of
nervous instability which made 1t impossible for
me to visit The museums l had an intimaton also,
which served to increase the horrible menCtony OF
Madrid, that 1t would be well Tor not to visit
the Cortes, least the opposition papers should make
my release point OF attack upon the government.
/ expected to have had final release in q few
days. Weeks rolled around. My life OF quasi liberty
tied, as 1t were, to q chain which gave me only
certain limit was almost as distressing as
my life IN prison. SO, after delays be-
came unbearabe, l went to General Sickes.
/ was informed that he had taken cogniZance OF
1t in the absence of Mr.. Layard the British Minis
|, ter, who requested him to do so. had made no
application to my own government-that OF Great
Britain-as after the very kind interest which had
been taken in my case in Washington, was anx-
ious that the credit OF my release should rest
with the American Minister. General Sickes
formed me thai he had been instructed by the
authorities IN Washington to use his influence with
the Spanish government and had spoken twice
to the Minister about my case but that, now that
my life was no longer in DANGER he could not give
it undue prominence over other matters
OF American interest. statement had
been made by mistake in the columns
of the HERALD that my release on parole
was due to the British Minister. 1t was due only
to the American Minister. acting in behalf OF
the journal 1 served. l wrote to Lord Granville
about the neglect Of his government in my case,
and from his reply inferred that the British gov.
ernment would do nothing more about it. sub
ject of Great Britain owe all the consideration
received in Spain to the American government.
Diplomacy seemed to have failed, so, in company
withsMr- Stanley, called on the great Spaniard,
Senor Castelar, He received me with courtesy
and benevolence calling my case to his mind,
mentioning the fact that he had ordered me
from Cuba and promising his assistance in OBJ
tanning my liberty. This was the 2Sd OF
August, six weeks after my arrival IN Santander.
Political troubles interviewed; the Sameron Cabinet
went to pieces. This l welcomed, because the
Salmeron Minister of the Colonies insisted that
was dangerous man and an enemy to Spain, and
that might be sent back to Cuba for trial. 1t is
worthy of note that the extreme radical republi-
can government would not release the imprisoned
HERALD correspondent, against might crime
was alleged, because it would offend Cuban
Shareholders So strong was this feeling that even
when CASTELAR, came into power and proposed my
release he was assailed by his colleagues, who
accused him of abuse OF power and of having over
stepped his authority in rescuing me from the vol
uneers Cuba. For the correctness of this state
ment have the words OF Mr. CASTELAR, himself.
He never ceased for moment his resolution to
h.~r
consideration and kindness. He permitted me to
correspond for the HERALD, thus removing re-
striction imposed by General Sickles when giving
the guarantee OF the United States Legation. in
formed General Sickes of this fact wien he sum-
moned me to the Legation. and he said that, as
the Spanish government had undertaken to
treat directly with me, he had written
letter to the Minister OF State with
drawing the guarantee Of the American legation
and desiring me to proceed with the Secretary to
the Minister OF State Although I felt that the
sudden withdrawal Of the protection OF the Ameri-
can government at the most critical moment
would expose me to the danger OF being sent back
to prison and consequent annoyances and humllia-
tions simply acquiesced in the action or the Min
lister. saying that it was perhaps well to bring
matters to point This phrase was taken up and
repeated almost menacingly oy General Sickles as,
after standing in that gentlemans presence Tor
about 20 minutes, bowed and retired with the
Secretary
My walk to the Minister of State with the Secre-
tary was not very gay. 1t was necessary to con-
ceal my feelings OF contempt and indignation and
listen and pretend to be interested BY the elegant
twadde OF my companion. man marching to
the scafIod can support the trials OF the moment,
because they have a term and one inevitable;
there can be no violent alternatives of hope and
ca 10 n nSra
but with me all uncertain and vague. The
day was hot, but did not feel the heat and as
crossed the burning plaza the drops OF cold sweat
were rolling over my lace, and the nervons jump
ing OF my heart increased until every stroke sent
q thrill OF pain through the whole system.
The Minister of State received me kindly. read
the letter of the American Minister cancelllng my