Year: 1873

CARCEL NACIONAI,


SANTANDER, spain, June %, 1873.


II appears that my chances of 'breathing the air
of freedom" under the nag Of the Spanish Republic
are not much better than under the b1nderd OF
nigger-whipping Cuba. Probably 1t is due to a
cOnsiderate care for my nervous we'll being, that
am not suddenly and Unexpectedly let loose into
the rari1ed air OF the new Federal Republic. This
reflection has been forced on me by the position OF


MY PRESENT DOMIcILE


which consists OF suite OF apartments made up
OF small chdnabre a coucher, IN salon de lecture
and une gronde sale de promenade neighbor.
ing lanyard prevents the change OF atmosphere
from being too sudden, and prepares me gradually
for the time, which hope is not too far distant,
when the enjoyment OF untanted air shall no
longer be considered dangerous my constitution.
1t Will be long time before forget my


CUBAN QUARTERS.


The day was removed from the caaboose Of the
Cabaiia, Mr.. Springer, OF the American Consulate,
came to the door to see me, and as wished to have
evidence to the exact state OF that horrible den,
invited him to step in for minute. lie replied
that he had rather not, and told him thought it
contemplate in man to fear death from asphixa..
On this he became rreverent. He said ''he did not
care d--n what thought, the United States did
not pay him to buy perfume. and it would take at
least five dollars worth Of eau de cologne to make





Threshold" This, to my mind, was an unwarrant-
able prejudice in a republican, and told him so;
but he became irreverent again, for his
souls sake ] allowed him to depart in
peace. was especially anxious that
the British Vice Consul, should come and inspect
the calaboose where was confined: but that gen.
tleman, for reasons which, no doubt he Will be
able to explain at the proper moment, took care
not to visit me until the day before was embarked
for Spain, when was in the comparatively prncely
quarters OF Mr.. Price. The Vice Consul was on two
occasions in the Cabaha, but, under the pretence
that was incon,n,uaicado, he avoided coming to
see the calaboose. In all probability should have
been forced to make the voyage in company with
the sick soldiers and the ofYscouring Of the Spanish
population of cuba had it not been for the kind
ness OF General TorDert, the American Consul Gen
eral. Seeing myself abandoned by the representa-
tive OF my government, wrote to General Torbert,
asking him to interpose in my interest with
the Captain General and obtain permission for
me to travel first class at my own expense After
some difculty this request was acceded to, and
was spared many sufIerings mental and corporal.
1t is not my intention to give any extended de.
scripton OF my voyage, suce it TO say that IL was
monotonous and dreary in the extreme. Most OF
the cabin passengers were either officers or repre-
sentatives OF Havana merchants. stranger
would never have thought this. for, with the excep-
ton of about dozen decent people they were the
most vulgar and vulgar-looking collection of human
beings 1t has ever been my misfortune to fall
among They looked Tor all the world like
crowd of horse-jockeys, prize-fghters hangers-on,
with sprinkng OF tinkers and soldiers, and their
conduct did not much belle their looks. Scarcely
day passed without something impertnent or
irritating being addressed indirectly to me. and
on one occasion "a gentleman and an officer" said
at the table that the people who emigrated to the
United States were the offscourings and thieves
OF Europe. This was going little too far, and
felt myself called upon to tell him plainly that


CHE WAS LIAR


when he took it all back like prudent man. !
admit that 1t was very rude language but then
do not well see what other course left for me.
Besides, this little incident had the advantage OF
preventing any more inconvenient remarks ad.
dressed In my direction.


Telegrams have been received from General
Sickles and Mr. Layard, in which 1t is stated that
the government is


BENEvoLENTLY INCLINED


in nv regard This Is certainly very pleasant TO
know; but there is nothing to indicate when the
good VIII OF the government may decide in restor-
ing me TO liberty. II Is peculiarly annoying to be
cooped up when one can hear from his window re.
publican bands pouring forth the grand anthem,
sLtberte, LDcrte Cnerle, anu one leels hCHneu
to be somewhat cynical and question the value OF
popular government Still, admit that the mo-
ment Is an unpropitious one for the consideration
OF my case, as the new government is surrounded
by all kinds OF difriculties and dangers. II can,
therefore, scarcely be expected to occupy itself
with the griefs OF an individual. There are mo.
ments when reel serious alarm lest another fevo.
luton should take place before my case has been
settled It Is charitable to think that II Castelar,
were still in power my release would nave peen
decided upon long before now. and for this reason
feel very much inclined to quarrel with the new
order OF things.


Yesterday the of1cial


PROCLAMATION OF TEE FEDERAL REPUBLIC
took place In this town, and could hear the bands
playing the "Marseinaise,r to the accompaniment
OF some musket shots. By climbing up TO my window
was enabled also to catch glimpse OF the head
gear Of company OF iederaists who bore the new
tri-color Gag. 1t seems the federalists are re-
AQlyed TO 40 away WITH the Old "hem and bacon"