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ANECDOTAL LITERATURE.
Contributed to the Independent
By w. G.
THE CUBAN POET.


10 the month of July, ls44, twen-
IS persons we're executed together
at Havana, 10 Cuba, for having been
concerned in conspiracy for giving
liberty to the black population-the
slaves of the Spaniards.
One Of these, the leader of the re-
volt. was Gabriel dc Ia Conception
yaldes, more commonly known by
the name of Placido, the Cuban
poet.
The Heraldo, Madrid newspaper
10 giving an account OF the execu-
ton, spoke of him as "the celebrat-
ed poe. Placido,n and said, This
man was born with great natural
genius, and was beloved and APP
preciated in Havana. He was the
author of number OF poems.
Himself a slave, he sympathized
with all others, and eager for their
liberation. he placed himself at the
head Of a conspiracy in ls45. The
conspiracy, however, failed, and
Placido, with number of others,
was seized by the Spanish authori.
ties.
The following account of the exc
cution appeared in the Morning
Herald, July 16, ls44.
"W'hat dreadful scenes have we
not witnessed here these last few
monthsl What arrests and fright
full Developments What condem-
nations and horrid deathsI But the
bloody drama seems approaching
its close. The curtain has just fall
en- on the execution OF the chief
conspirator, Placido, who met his
fate with q heroic cslmness that pro-
duced universal impression Of re-
greet.
"Nothing was positively known
of the decision of the council re-
spectiDg him, till it was rumored
that he would proceed along with
others to the Chapel for the con-
demned. On the appointed day,
great crowd was assembled, and
Placido was seen walking along,
with singular composure, under cir
cumstances so gloomy, smoking a
cigar, and saluting with graceful
ease, his numerous acquainances.
"Are you aware what the punish
ment of the Chapel means2 1t is
worse thousand than the death of
which it is the precursor. The un-
fortunate criminals are conducted
into q chapel hung with black, and
dimly lighted. Priests are there to
chant, 10 sepulchral voice, the ser
vice of the dead; and the collins of
the trembling victims are arrayed In
cruel relief before their eyes. Here
they are kept for twenty-four hours,
and arc then led out 10 execution.
Can anything be more awful
"Placido emerged from the chapel
cool and undlsmsyed, whilst the
others were nearly overcome with
the agonies they had already under
gone. The chief conspirator held
crucifx in bis hand, and recited in
loud voice beautiful prayer in
verse of his own composition, which
thrilled upon the hearts OF the at
tentive masses which lined the road.
On arriving at the fatal spot, he
sat down on a bench, with his back
turned, as ordered, to the military,
and rapid preparations, were made
for his death. And now the dread
hour had arrived. At the last he
rose and said: "Adieu, 0 world;
here is no pity for me. Soldiers
freP' Five balls entered his body.
Amid the murmurs of the horror
struck spectators, he got up and
turned his head upon the shrinking
soldiers, bis face wearing an express
sion of superhuman courage, ex-
claimed. will no one have pity on
me2 Here!--pointiDg TO bis heart
fire herel' At that instant two
balls pierced bis breast, and he fell
dead whilst his words still echoed
in the cars OF the spectators. Thus
persisted the great leader OF the at
tempted revolt.