Omaha daily bee., 1898-05-17
THEIR LIVES SAVED
Correspondents Thrall and Jones Are Rescued
from Cabanas.
WILL Be EXCHANGED FOR SPANlARDS
Two Officers Now in Confinement to Be
Their Ransom.
BLANCO AGREES TO THE PROPOSITION
Details Of the Affair Are Arranged Under
Flag Of Truce.
LANCO AGREES TO THE PROPOSITION
SPANISH OFFICIALS ARE PARTICULAR
Indulge in a Deal Of Red Tape and
Make Some Important Requests,
but Details Are Finally
Fixed Up.

copyright 1S9s by Press Publishing Coz
KEY WEST, May 16.--(New York World
Cablegram-Special Telegram.)-The first
Americans made prisoners by the Spaniards
during this war were Charles II. Thrall and
Hayden Jones, correspondent and artist for
a New York newspaper, who are now in
grim old Cabanas. These intrepid men,
Jealous In their patriotism, entered upon
their expedition on their personal RESPONSE
bility, thoroughly aware OF the risks they
were going to encounter. They were cap
tured on Cuban soil after they were seen
landing from the dispatch boat Triton.
Had they been hanged as spies the ethics
of war would have justified the Span'ards.
But the men were treated with Kindness,
consideration and courtesy. Within forty
eight hours they will be free men aboard
United States war vessel Captain General
Blanco has agreed to exchange them Tor
two Spanish officers.
When the news reached ME that Thrall
and Jones had been captured sent cable
message to q Spanish colonel who Is q mem
ber OF the Cortes and to Mendez. the gov
ernment censor in Havana, asking him for
full particulars. When l returned this
morning l found the reply awaiting me.
Here Is a translation:
HAVANA, May 15.--Scovel Key West:
The correspondents were yesterday cap
tured by our forces. They were attempting
to disembark, as is always impossible. Sal
vador Jones and Charles II. Thrall were
saved. They say they are your companions.
They have been treated with the generosity
which, you know, Is habitual with u.s. They
are in fortress, where they are treated
with distinction. DO you remember my ad-
vice? What mistake you have made and
how foolishly you acted 1t is said that you
have escaped by swimming. Is this the
truth? When will your real fighters come
Hurry up the campaign. Oh, let it come
quickly. Here we are very tranquil and as
sured of giving you disagreeable surprise.
VIII see what comes Of 1t. l take much
pleasure in giving you the facts you ask.
doing SO with the smile that is habitual
with me. (Signed) RAMON MENDEZ,
Censor"
Keep Out of Cuba.
The advice to which Mendez refers was q
friendly word to me not to return to Cuba.
It was just ninety-six hours ago that Thrall
and Jones were landed. The Triton had
taken a swing around westward, then stood
in toward Havana as If coming up the
.oast from Mariel Approaching Banes cove,
Hfteen miles west OF Havana, we saw the
ancient stone blockhouse swarming with
spanish soldiers. Three miles further east
projected small coral point, which ap-
peered to offer an admirable landing place
We searched the land with our glasses. We
could see no sign of soldiers in the stately
palm orchards. No one shot at us. The
TritoA's battered life boat was lowered fol
nd fttynv aT
Into the stern. l had a navy rifle.
On landing the two men started along tn
shore under cover OF dense vegetation. l
was Thrall's purpose to strike inland abou
y nstf mile from where he landed. We say
HE two disappear into the jungle as tn
boat was hoisted onto the Triton. Th
Spaniards no doubt saw the Triton draw
close to the shore. Possibly they saw tn
men leave the boat. A detachment OF cav
airy was after them. The troopers cam
upon the men about q mile from shore
There was no chance to escape. Thral
speaks Spanish as he does English and h
knows the Spanish character. He frankl
acknowledged that he and Jones were cor
respondents and threw himself upon tn
generosity Of the lieutenant in charge, re
lying upon tho vanity and weakness Of hi
captors.
Diplomacy Succeeds.
His diplomacy succeeded. He and Jone
were treated with courtesy and considera
tion. The next morning they were taken
Havana. They we're cross-examined at tn
palace, and then sent over to Cabanas fort
ress. The news was cabled to Madrid an
from there cabled to New York. The name
had been misspelled, but they did not cor
ceal their identity. When Commodor
hat thA haA haa
tured he cabled Secretary Long. sayin
that II arrangements for exchange wer
made Immediately their lives could b
saved. Within an hour and half the answs
was flashed back. 1t said in effect:
"Send war ship under flag OF truce In
mediately to Havana with Mr.. Knight o
board Have officer in command negotiat
with General Blanco for prisoners
Knight is the London Times correspond
ent He wished to 60 to Havana, having re
ceived permission from General Blanco I
remain there, and he was anxious to do h
utmost with Mr.. Gullan, the British cons,
general to save the prisoners. Lieutenar
Brainard was detailed to open the first n,
gotiations with the Spaniards since the We
began. He was to carry the first flag
truce and his mission was to save the liv,
Of two men.
Sealed Orders.
Tho armed Uncas was almost ready
steam to its station in the blockade whs
Lieutenant Brainard and his crew wei
aboard. Brainard had sealed orders for Il
senior officer Of the Havana station, CAPITA
Mckenzie Of the Mayaower. The Unc'
paused beside the yacht that had been col
verted into war ship about noon yesterda
The lieutenant went aboard and stay,
about five minutes. He returned with pow
TO treat with General Blanco for the e!
change OF any two Spanish officers now pri
pners OF war for Thrall and Jones. "Tul
yeur nose for Havana and rig up one Of n
sheets for flag" he commanded. The
was mutiny at once. Quartermaster Kel
was ordered to hoist the sheet.
"I'll not hoist q white nag. SIR" So
Kelly. with a deal Of respect and more d
termination.
"Hoist that flag Of truce" command
Brainard sternly. but there was a CLINT
his eye that belied his sharp command
TN not do 1t sir" said Kelly. with lrr