The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-05-04
AN IMPORTANT CAPTURE
GENERAL WEYLER's BROTHER-IN-
LAw A PRISONER OF WAR.
One of the Twenty Spanish Army OtFi-
GERS Found on the steamer Argo-
nauta and Taken to Key west.

KEY WEST, Fla. May 3.-The Spanish
mail steamer Argonauta. Captain L.age. the
news of the capture of which was teIe-
graphed yesterday, was convoyed into Kew
West harbor by the United States cruiser
MarbIehead this afternoon. II annears that
Colonel Vicente de Cortijo, of the Third
Spanish Cavalry, who, with nineteen other
army officers, was taken on the prize. is a
brother-in-law of Lieutenant General VAL
erino Weyler. Colonel De Cortiio denies
this, but it is learned from good sources
that he sustains this relationship to the
former governor general of Cuba. His cap
tors are measurably elated. Colonel De
Cortijo and the other officers were trans
ferred to the Guido and the privates to the
Ambrosio Bolivar. two other trophies of
the first week of the war that are still living
in the harbor. The Argonauta herself is no
mean prize, being Of 1000 tons burden. but
the value of the capture lies mainly in the
prisoners of war and the mail matter going
TO General Blanco. Her cargo is general
merchandise, with a large quantity of arms
and ammunition intended for the Spanish
troops in Cuba.
@he only other incoming prize to-day was
the little fishing schooner Antonio V Pace,
taken by the gunboat Newport off Mariel
yesterday, and towed in by the gunboat
Castine. The Castine has proved her
prowess as we'll as the more redoubtable
ships of the squadron. AT s o'clock Sunday
morning she went into Cabanas and an
chored only about a mile from the fortifca-
tions, which are a sort of composite of fort
and blockhouse. Then she sent her steam
cutter in about half a mile until it was
within a thousand yards of the fort. There
the cutter made soundings and observations
for half an hour or more. after which she
returned to the ship unmolested. A num-
Der of persons were clearly observed about
the fort. They watched the operations with
apparent interest, but offered no. hostile
sign.
Two unfortunate accidents, though of a
minor character, nave occurred on the ships
during the last few days. While the flag
ship New York was lying at Matanzas, a
sergeant of marines dropped his pistol,
which exploded, the bullet striking William
Taylor, first-class apprentice, and passing
through his stomach and lungs. Taylor's
condition is serious. but he has a chance for
recovery. This morning while the crew of
the cruiser Cincinnati were drilling in the
harbor a ball got mixed with dummy cart
ridges and ]. Scomex, %gunner's mate, was
shot through the jaw.
the $50 marines who arrived on the Pan
Their a few days ago will be transferred TO
the Resolute which is shortly expected from
New York. The Panther will then be made
into an auxiliary cruiser.
In the party of Cubans which left here
last night fer Tampa to join the regulars
and move with them to Cuba was one Amer
lean who will take a prominent part in the
islands struggle for freedom. He is Louis
w. Mohun, of Washington, a brother of
Paymaster Philip V. Mohun, of the navy,
now stationed at Key West. He will act
as first lieutenant on the staff of General
Nunez. He recently returned from Central
America, where he was a member of the
Nicaragua Canal Commission surveying and
exploring party.
The torpedo boat Ericsson reports that
while accommodating near the shore about
three miles west of Havana she was fired
on by a body of soldiers, both cavalry. and
infantry. She reported to the ships of the
fleet and was promptly signalled to get out
Of the line Of fire. The gunboat Whining
ton then opened fire and sent in several
shots, with what effect is, of course, UNI
known.