Norwich bulletin., 1921-07-01
oDB INCIDENTS IN AMERICAN
 HISTORY
THE LOPEZ EXPEDITION

During 8 considerable part of the past century there were repeated efforts eith- CT fer the purchasing of Cuba or for the freedom of the country from the Spanish yoke. One of the most notable of the latter was the effort of Lopez, a Cuban adVentufer, in 1851, to free his country During MT. Folks administration an at tempt was made to purchase the island and the sum of s1D0, ,OOO, ,eo0 was offered therefore. But the effer was promptly declined. What, however, could not be bought it was determined to steal, and flibustefing expeditions, and movements became the order of the day.
 No sooner was President Taylor in- aukurated than he found movements on foot in that direction and and in August ls4s, he issued a proclamation affirming his belief that "an armed expedition was being fitted out against Cuba or | some of the provinces of Mexico,'' and calling upon all good citizens "to dis continue and prevent any such enter prise"
 But in spite of this warning Lopez succeeded in getting 500 men together, who sailed from New Orleans. He was backed tsy clique of sI H'ulators who cherished wild dreams of magnifeenee and wealth which the expected easy | l Cuban bonds were issued signed by Gen. Narisco Lopez. Everybody knew that the payment of the bonds was based on the success of the revolution, and as the conspirators had deluded themselves it was easy for them to delude others. A man of ability and influence was desir- ed as the leader of the expedition and Lopez offered the position to Jefferson Davis, then a United States senator, who declined it. but at the same time recom- mended Robert E. Lee. Lee also de- l clined.
 Lopez, therefore, was left in sole con- mand He believed that the creoles were anxious to rebel against Spain that the Spanish army with fraternize with the 1 invaders, and that the Spanish navy was favera-ble to the patriotic cause.
 The invaders first proposed to start from Savannah. but this was prevented by the energetic action of the govern ment. They finally got away from New Orleans, on August 5, 1851, on the steamer Pampero the majority of Lopez. followers being American citizens Wher the steamer arrived of the coast of Cuba she was badly piloted and ran aground so that the invader were forced to lant at place not of their choosing The, went ashore on the night of the 12th O August at spot about sixty miles iron Havana.
 The force divided. one part. being com naaRded by Lopez. and the other by Col CFittsnden. Crittendens party was at tackled by superior force and retreated many of them taking to boats and wer making for the United States when the, were captured by Spanish ship-of-wa1 which was cruising along the coast.
 They were taken to Havana, trie
 and sentenced by a military court an
 were publicly shot. The men of Lone
 were also suddenly attacked, many C them being killed or wounded, an sought refuge in the mountains, but the , were pursued by the troops and, after tw
 skirmishes, were dispersed on the 24th C
 August. Those who had net been kille,
 or who had not died of hunger or ia tigue. were made prisoners. Some day afterwards Lopez was taken and garrot ed iF the public square opposite the prit on fR Havana
 Some of Lopez's followers were p&l
 deAed, and the rest, 1e2 in number. mos of them American citizens, were sent {