Our War with Spain for Cuba's FreedomWhite, Trumbull
History
Our War with Spain for Cuba's Freedom
White, Trumbull
Cuba -- History; Spain -- Foreign relations -- United States; Spanish-American War, 1898; United States -- Foreign relations -- Spain
Still in this disguise he boarded a train for Sagua la Grande.
Accompanying him were a large number of Spanish soldiers. His
being highly educated, a man of good presence and a "padre" were
sufficient to give him entrance into the best Spanish society of
Sagua la Grande. Lacret stopped at the finest hotel, and when in
the cafe sat at the alcalde's right hand.
After communicating with the insurgents the "padre" suddenly
disappeared from the hotel. He joined the insurgents, and,
throwing off his priestly disguise, has since performed valorous
service for the cause of Cuban freedom. He was transferred to the
province of Matanzas soon after his arrival, and his career there
will form an interesting chapter in the history of Cuba. From
Matanzas province he was sent to the eastward as a delegate to the
assembly held in Puerto Principe last February, at which the new
government was formed. From this assembly he was directed to come
to this country as a bearer of dispatches to the junta.
When the Florida, escorted by the Osceola, drew up close to the
shore at the place selected for the landing, she sent scouts to
see if all was clear. These scouts were greeted by Generals Feria
and Rojas, with about 1,500 armed insurgents. Therefore, far from
there being any hostile demonstration upon the part of the
Spaniards, the landing of the expedition was in the nature of a
triumphal invasion. The Cubans, who were in waiting for the party,
had a brass band and welcomed the newcomers with national airs.
The work of unloading the cargo of the Florida was promptly begun
and carried on by the 432 men composing the expedition. There was
nothing in the nature of interruption and the work was soon
finished.
HAD IT ALL THEIR OWN WAY.
While the cargo was being unloaded the Osceola, an auxiliary
gunboat, with her guns ready for action, scouted about the
vicinity looking for an enemy. But the Spaniards apparently had no
suspicion of what was taking place. So easily was the dangerous
mission accomplished that while some members of the party were
getting the supplies ashore others were providing themselves with
fruit, sugar and other products of the landing place, a large
stock of which was brought back for Key West friends.
The moment the work was concluded the Florida and the Osceola slipped
away, leaving the insurgents to convey their re-enforcements into the
interior, which was done without any casualty.
The returning members of the Florida party brought with them
several hundred private letters, which give a complete insight
into the conditions prevailing in the blockaded island.
CHAPTER XIX.
ANOTHER STROKE FOR FREEDOM.
The Beginning of the Revolt--Martial Law Declared in Santiago and
Matanzas--Arrival of Campos--The Blacks as Soldiers--No Caste
Prejudices--General Santocildes Killed--A Story of Maceo--Campos'
Campaign Fails--He Returns to Spain.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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