Lanterna Rally

Author: Robert Granville Caldwell

Publisher: Theclassics.Us

Published: 2013-09

Total Pages: 54

ISBN-13: 9781230373850

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1915 edition. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER VIII Results The news of the execution of Crittenden's men reached New Orleans by the Crescent City, August 21, 1851. From the point of view of the Captain General the policy of severity seemed justified, for the city was full of men eager to go to Cuba on the first news of success. Steamers were in readiness, and arms abundant.1 The news of the execution was received with rage by the Americans, and with corresponding glee by Spaniards. The Union, the Spanish organ, published an account of the execution with approving comments. Placards were immediately put up threatening destruction to the office of the paper. In the afternoon a mob was organized, and proceeded to carry out the threat against the Union, and also similar measures against Spanish coffee houses. The office of the Spanish consul was attacked early in the evening, but the mob was persuaded to desist. Later the mob returned, broke open the doors, defaced the portraits of the Queen of Spain and of the Captain General of Cuba. The Spanish Consul Laborde, either in fear for his life, or for effect, took refuge at first in the house of a friend and later fled to Havana. Similar destruction of Spanish property took place on a smaller scale at Key West where the people were especially favorable to the filibusters.2 Excitement was increased by the news that the Falcon, an American steamer on her way from Chagres, had been fired upon by the Spanish authorities.3 When the news arrived at Mobile an incident occurred which might have brought disgrace upon the American name and which could easily have led to the war which the radicals desired. By an unlucky chance a Spanish brigantine named the Fernando VII had been shipwrecked on its passage from 1 Freret, Correspondence with...