Year: 1873

wednesday afternoon came the announcement
that on the following morning, the 18th INST. at
six A. NJ, the surviving prisoners would be sur
rendered rom tho Moro CASTLE and. to facilitate
matters Commander Braine was requested to an
chor the Juniata In the vicinity oil the FORT De-
spite all this seeming acqulescence we were pre-
pared for every surprise. From all our dealings
18th the et,c.s!s We ssa learned g e q
s..on 90 snat uOw, case any ruse were inIehuou'
we would not have been taken aback. Al iour
O'Clock on the afternoon or the 18th the Juniata
weighed anchor and steamed slowly to the place
designated, all the necessary preparations having
been made for the reception Of the prisoners. Tue
utmost vigilance was kept mp the entire night for
the city iull OF rumors to the effect that the
volunteers intended to storm the Moro Castle on
their own account, seize the victims and slaughter
them In cold blood HowDelt, we patiently awaited
dawn.


The quarter deck OF the Juniata usually remark
able for its trim ppearance-remarkable too, at
all times for the absence OF everything that does
not by rule and regulation belong TO represented
on this occasion spectacle which might well pro-
woke the ire Of naval disciplinarian, were he un-
familiar with the cause. Not on the brightest mar
ket day OF the brightest t0wnln Christendom could
more wonderful assortment OF things in general





rustic passerby. Here on the very place where the
agile mariners not IL hours before had practised all
the arts OF naval wariare-here displayed In tempt
ing FORM most OF the elements that go to make
life happy, and II not costly, or shaped to please
the frolics OF q tickle dame called Fashion, they
were none the less suggestive Of comfort and con-
tentment. In other words the stores OF the Juniata
had been thrown open at daylight, and when the
sun threw his genial rays on the port side OF the
hospitable craft there oomed up in bold array huge
piles Of clothing, rows OF glistening pans and
spoons henceforth destined to do signal service in
the work OF recuperation; bundles OF hosiery,
baskets OF shoes, handkercnieis whose colors
Wed with the rainbow in point of va
riety, stacks OF towels, scores OF the whitest
hammocks. the handwork OF the Juniata's
men the day BEFORE Ranged In the Vicinity OF
the port gangway was q friendly battalion OF
dumpy little water buckets each mounted with
stalwart block OF soap, the peaceful preserver OF
rich ana poor. AL these things and great many
more, which neither time nor recollection will
allow me to describe, appeared in view somewhere
about the time our visitors were expected.


TIKI FIRST SIGHT.


Now, 1t should be borne In mind that our conf
dence in the statements Of the Santiago Oflcials
was just about as great as the pleasure expressed
by the veteran sportsman who preferred first the
hare before he gave his opinion of the soup; so
that the non.appearanee OF the prisoners on that
memorable morning would not have created much
surprise. Like so many Thomases we
crowded on the poop deck, and were
soon convinced by ocular demonstration. There
could be no mistaking the huge launch that now
for the first time appeared IN view-httherto hid
den by curve facing the fort. ''They are coming"
passed fore and aft like wildfre, and over mile





in its wake an indescribable mass. 1t might have
been o coal barge laden to the water's edge, but
rather like, on nearer approach. heavily
freighted scow consigned to q ragpicker. look
through the telescope, however, and all apprehen-
sons were removed-we knew the prisoners were
at hand. Never did oarsmen seem so tedious
How long must IL have seemed to the poor fellows
in the launch, who, packed so tightly together,
had little trouble in embracing each other with
Joy, providing they felt so disposed. Leaving them
to make the best OF their way to the Ship we will
take final looK at the Moro Castle, to which thai
morning they bade goodby forever


THE GROWING ACT OF CRUELTY.


1t is o quaint old structure tthe Morro) and has
many canny nook and corner, many dark dun
geon and many stony-hearted knave to guard
its portals OF It's oathsome horrors the survivors
speak in unmeasured terms, and they have reason
to know what terrible punishments can be dis
pensed within its walls. At all events their last
night there was an eventful one. Far from antici-
patlng any relief the poor fellows had long since
resigned themselves to fate, come what might
But OF all the crueties practised the hapless lot
none appears heartless and revolving as the last
and final effort OF their skilful prosecutors. While
most OF the prisoners were asleep in their filthy
den-all were huddled together In one
room that reeked with abomination-their rest
less slumbers were disturbed and through the iron
grating Of the door were heard in harsh and mock
ing tones the words, '.Prepare, for tomorrow you
die ~ Alas this was no news. Many and many
q time had they been similarly warned OF approach
ing death, so that this fresh announcement failed
OF its terrors and doubtless not q few wished for
relief in eternal repose. No cheering word Of
comfort was impaired to them; in its stead a cold
and malicious taunt, most wicked in its design.
At ave O'Clock on the morning Of the 18th they
were again aroused and ordered 10 depart-to
what place they knew not. What must have been
their SURPRISE however, when their shackes were
removed and some one more considerate than the
rest informed them OF their freedom Tney then
marched down to the water's edge (many Of them
were only able to crawl. and stepping on board
the numbering launch were taken in tow by the
rowboat.


THE RECEPTION.


And now, as { he launch approached tne Junlata,
the forms and features ofits Joyous occupants be-
gan to be distinguishable Clad in the vilest rags
and niggardly supply Of these was apparent
the people looked towards the vessel with wonder.
ment and delight and when within so yards OF the
Uangway gave three cheers as best they could, for
hunger and privation are not apt to improve the
lungs Once alongside their Joy was almost uncon-
trollabe. Stepping briskiy out OF the rowboat
sour visaged man, with hooked nose, appeared
at the gangway and saluting Commander Brainc,
said he was the Deputy chief OF Police, and, handing
him list OF prisoners eilnned with compaisance.
1t seems that the Chief OF Police ead been
ordered to deliver the prisoner ID Ders0n;
put strongly participating in the gen.
eral feeling OF Indignation, that elegant
functionary had deputized his subordinate TO
perform the humillating task. But he did not fare
as well ss yhthave been expected for his patriotic
rgaI vhn io oil via 20