New-York tribune., 1876-02-15
ever present it of the earliest possible moment He re-
fused l., review or talk about the contents Of the letter.
An AMERICAN IN a SPANISH PRISON.

FREDERICK A. DOCKRAY'S STORY OF HIS ARREST
AND TRIAL IN CUBA, IMPRISONMENT IN sfAiN
AND ESCAPE.
The adventures of Frederick A. DOckray-
who arrived from Europe yesterday-ln Ills hnIisoh-
ment in Spanish strongholds, and final escape REMIND
one more OF an exciting chapter OF med9val romance
than recital events happening In thi. age OF realism
The story briefly told, Is as follows:
In Nav 1874 Mr. Dockray being in Cuba for business
fell under the suspicion of the Spanish auhori-
ties and was arrested and tried by courtmaral on sew
eral charges among which were those Of being spy
corresponden for some American paper and OF commun
eating with the insurgents. The latter charge was the
most important in the eyes of the spanards ana
after an imprisonment or three months IN Cuba,
Mr. Dockray was found guilty and SEN
fenced to death by the garrOte. The accident
that this instrument Of death did not work WELL or that
no one was found to employ it sllhy, caused the au-
horites 70 change tho sentence to that OF being sho'
In the meantime strenuous efforts were made by the
United States authorities and by Mr.. DocMays friends
which resulted in the cOmmutaton OF his sentence 10 the
gaieys in Africa In September, 1874, the prisoner
arrived at Santander. Spain. where lie remained
one month"; ami from thence was sent to Madrid: ana
thence to Valencia. where he was closely cOnncd III an
ancient convent for months He then was given The
freedom Of the city on consrnct,ye parole secured py
he indications OF hostes between this country ana
Spain. and thinking that IL war should actually DC 9e-
clarrd between them that his ease WoI De h9Pees, ne
resolved 10 surrender his parole which be did on Nov
I5 Nov. 19 he informed that The spanish al-
thoritics been informed of his action, ana had
remandcd him his old prIsOn the convent. Reporting
himself loo nj officials he told that rs yet they
had no Information on the subject.
Freed from his parole, and not yet imprisoned ne
thought that has opportunity to eScdlr
That night hc concealed himself, and by diyboak the
next morning on board an American brig then l'ng
in the har or. That night he carried TO french
steamer hound for Marseilcs, and attempted To secure
passage but informed tha' no passengers would be
taken on board. Fuilcd in this attempt on me foIo"
ing cytuing, q dark and rainy night. he cDkaNoI,d
to board British steamer. While rowing toward the
steamer sHddcny open boat shot close mp 10 hh'
and its occupants recognized his boat coming ir"l
the American brig, and OF the said ILat must
be the American who has escaped THIS pu epr lntO MS
rowing and making desperate effort, he cluded helr
pursuit Thr next night he got on board British steamer
rnd ont of the harhcr without detection His escape'
however was not vet assured for on arriving III Dthi,
small Sp ,rish port 80 miles south OF valencia me ca
tain becoming alarmed insisted ON landing nlm Inc
CAPTAIN of felucca board. and persuaded DV
present Of $40 ana bottle OF brandy, consented 10 take
Dockrly on board. The captain and the fuSitlN"
soon became fast friends. The tcucca sailed Tor
Gibraltar, and her encountered severe gaze
which blew for eight days Blown by tic storm over To
the African coast the icucca put in at Iangits III sght
OF the caeys at Ccna, The nearest approach he was
destined 10 mako TO his prison house From thence ne
went to Gihaltar. where he put himself under the pro
lection Of the British flag. From Gibraltar ho Went 10
London, and thence to this cltV.