Year: 1869

pOndent writes:-


The Secretary Of the Navy has called the at
tention of Admiral Hoff, commanding the North
Atlantic Squadron, now in Cuban waters, to the
fact that armed Spanish vessels are in the habit
of searching American merchantmen, not only
in Spanish waters but in the neutral waters of
the Gulf of Mexico, for the purpose of ascer-
tanning If any deserters are concealed in those
vessels, or that they contain arms and other con-
traband material for the insurgent Cubans The
Department directs that the Admiral keep vigi.
liant watch hereafter, and prevent any such in
fraction of international law, aud advises him
that his duties are TO protect not only American
citizens, but American commerce as well. He
is also ordered to prevent American war vessels
from searching merchant vessels, it being their
duty to protect American trade, and not to mo-
lest it.


The Cause in Philadelphia.


writer in this city for the same journal
says:-Probably in no other city in the United
States are there so many Americans identified
with the efforts of the Cubans to free them
selves in this city. large number of the
leading men of the city have come out very
strong, and not only do they aid the patriots
with money and advice, but they permit the in
Huence of their names to be used and in every
way possible give strength TO the movement in
this country.


Outside of this city it is not generally known
that the originators of the great Cuban mass
meeting that was held here week before last were
without exception American gentlemen. Not
only were Americans the originators but every
dollar of expense Incurred in getting up the
meetlng was uetrayeu Dy tnem. lne meeting
an immense success; many of the good brothers
of the city declare il to have been. with the ex-
ception of some that took place during the war,
the most spontaneous and enthusiastic gathering
of people that ever assembled in the CITY, The
committee of thirteen Call Americans) who
were appointed at that meeting to confer with
the Cuban Junta at New York city. are in direct
communication with that Board, and much
assistance has been given thereby to the Cuban
cause Subscriptions OF money, clothing, medi-
cal stores. etc., to a considerable extent have
been forwarded from this city, through various
channels to the relief of the patriots But
valuable assistance than that which
is mentioned above has been given by
many of the citizens of the city. A
few weeks ago several very wealthy
met ut the residence of one OF their number
for the purpose of determining the course of
action that would be the most beneficial to the
Cuban cause A correspondence with the Off
cals at New York disclosed the fact that what
the Cubans were most in need Of was arms and
ammunition. After considerable discussion a
plan of action was adopted. committee was
appointed to raise funds TO purchase u thousand
stand of arms and equipments; they succeeded
far beyond their anticipation. and the result
of this meeting that instead of thou
sand stand of arms being purchased, five thou
sand stand of arms and complete equip
ments were purchased; four sailing vessels
were chartered: the arms were cautiously
loaded, and at favorable opportunities all of
them sailed for a destination near Cuba. Three
have been heard from as arriving safe the fourth
il is thought has met with some difficulty as
nothing has been heard from her. But the fact
that three out of four of the vessels arrived
safely has been very encouraging to those who
sent them out, and other expeditions of a similar
nature are under way, and it Is thought that one
will be ready for departure in few days. From
Il source that your correspondent believes
trustworthy comes the information that
one of the large Government iron-clads which
was purchased by private parties not long since,
is being put in trim for privateerng She will
be heavily armed, and manned almost cXclu-
Giyaly hU A nrn nap al
officer of the late war will command her. and
English officer of rank will be her executive
officer. Of course nothing definite at present
can be said in regard TO the iron-clad, ii is
considered to be one of the most, II not the most
important movement yet undertaken in the
United States. Those directly interested in the
matter are very cautious in conversing about IL.
The vague outline given above disclosed
during long and guarded conversation.


Reported Expedition from philadelphia.


In the same letter the correspondent says;-


Last Wednesday night a schooner OF about
200 tons left point not far distant from Phila-
delphia with nearly 220 Cuban volunteers
aboard, all of whom were completely armed aud
equipped. She also carried considerable guam
tity of ammunition, medical and commssary
stores. Among the men on board OF her were
several officers and priyates OF the late war
The schooner in question has already made two
expeditions in the interest OF the Cubans. She
has splendid race-golng qualities and is con-
sidered very fast Her commander is an eX-
officer of the Confederate navy, who is used
to resorting to innumerable devices for the
safety of his vessel. A certain establishment in
this city is engaged in the manufacture of u
novel form of cannon for the Cuban army.
Wooden guns we have heard much about.
Mcclellan had some experience with them at
Centreville and other places too numerous to
mention; but the wooden guns that he had to
encounter, as every one knows, were harmless
Ort of affairs. Not so with the wooden guns
bove alluded to. Probably the Spaniards before
his time do not consider them harmless; but 10
he mOdlts Operdnd by which cannon made OF
wood can be made means of warfare. Logs OF
the wood known 8s iron-wood are first pro-
cured, then shaped 10 correspond with a regular
nodded iron piece. the bore and grooves are
then made and lined with heavy copper. several
strong iron bands arc riyeted around the wood.
and when finished casual observer would not
notice any difference between them and the
usual form of artillery armament These guns
have been tested, and are said to do good wor,
, Tor a short time. OF course. they soon become
worthless, but they are much better than
nothing. Here, as in New York, large numbers
of volunteers are Offering their services A pro.
minent member OF the American Committee
and also of the Union League. states that he i.
confident that 5000 volunteers for Cuba might bC
raised in this city in week But the Cubani
say they have men enough and more too az
they cannot arm and equip those they alread,
have Money is what they want. and from TN,
looks of things here they will get a good roun,
sum from this city.


What Cubans Resident in the Quaker City arr


In another part of the same correspondence
we find the following


And now something as to what the Cuban
themselves are dong In this city Compared b
New York and New Orleans this city has bu
few Cuban residents But without exception