The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1896-05-14
mlrTmO GoMEz WRITES.
The Rebel Chief Quotes From His Diary to
Describe His Military Operations.

Tomas Estrada Palma, the Cuban dele
gate. received yesterday the following
letter from General Maxine Gomez, the
oommander-in-chief Of the Cuban army.
The letter was written at the general
headquarters of the rebel army at Iquara,
being dated April -. General Gomez
without any letter from you to which
] may refer. / take advantage of an uneX-
pected rest to address you Few lines,
with the sole purpose 10 tell you about
the recent doings OF a big Spanish column.
made up Of the three arms, which has
undertaken the task 10 prev my march
10 the west as advised iu my last let
ter I'm order TO make this as short as
possible l will copy from my diary:
April lion approaching the River
Zaza. by the ford Naldiyia. narrow and
dangerous. both shores are occupied by a
strong Spanish column. composed Of in
fantry. cavalry, and artillery. l suspend
my march and explore the field.
April Isl detach some shooters so as
10 compel the enemy TO move, placing my
self at the right and trying TO have the
Spanish on the rear The Soaniards do
not stir. and the night prevents further
operations.
april 1e-I countermarch. always on
my plan. The enemy adv anced. constant
ly under my fire. and o. brought TO a
ly move. Not more than three miles could
we advance during the whole day. and
when night comes we are face to face.
april 20 continue advancing. with
nothing 10 spoil my plans. The enemy
move with the same caution as before.
Nieht again stops our m1uOeuyres. the
Spaulards seemingly not caring TO press
very mucn on US, and ], for my part,
having in mind the necessity OF sDaring
my men so as TO march with all our
strength preserved into other districts.
April 2l-The enemy hardly advances
half "a league toward me- and abandon
ing my steps, ! camped at lguara, one
OF their permanent intrenched forts In
our marcn we have described a semi
circle Of, at most. ten leagues in diameter
and that has taken gs more than three
days ] am told that the Spanish column
is under Colonel Martin. and nOtwith-
standing the many years OF campaign that
have made me familiar with the Spanish
cruelties ana atrocities I'm Cuba. I have
felt greater disgust and horror than ever
before for this columns work.
"Thcy nave sacrificed numberless head
of cattle. not even sparing the young.
To deprive Us of horses they kill all that
come within their reach, young and old.
good and bad. To complete the cruel
proclamation ordering the concentration
Of the peasants. thus forcing them 10
abandon their homes and take refuge in
the towns. whether provided for or not.
their houses have now been ordered to be
burned and their cattle 10 be killed. And
AN this with their customary hypocrisy,
they describe as having been accom-
plishcd hy us.
Il am fully confident OF the success Of
our summer campaign. and have no doubt
that we shall continue receiving your
valuable support, both materially and
morally. through your efforts near the
American Government.
1T is useless 20 say anything about
the operations I'm general. The reading
Of the Spanish press is enough 20 show
which of the two armies leads the cam
Daign and which is on the offensive. -
New York Herald.