The New York Herald Newspaper, June 14, 1873, Page 3

— “THE "MAMBI.” (The Herald's Secret Commis- sioner in Cuba Libre. {Triumph Over Spanish News : Repressers. \A Long Hunt for the Trail to the Patriot Camp. « ‘HOW THE TRACK WAS FOLLOWED Toilsome March to the Outposts— A Primitive Prefecture. “"~ i ig o~ ” LIFE IN THE FREE FORESTS. Meetings with the Leaders Gomez, Garcia, Maseo and Calvar. INTERESTING NTERVIEWS, How They Fight and Fare in the Woods of Cuba Libre. A SPANISH ATTACK. ‘The Actions of Dos Bocas and Pedregalon. Bh A ane RETREAT OF THE CUBANS. The Victors Breaking Patriotic Pots and Kettles. Passat DE A Wasting, Heart-breaking War to Spain. DESERTIONS OF VOLUNTEERS. ‘fablime Endurance of the Tnsurgents--- Gastronomic Ingenuity. —_—-—-———_ "Wood Rats and Sweet Potatoes. Breaking Vp Camp and Starting for Ces- pedes’ Headquarters. MR. F. F. MILLEN’S STORY. Baving received a commission from the proprie ter of the HERALD to inquire into the-stase af she Fevolation in Cuba, on the 14th of last December I embarked for Havana. Since that time I have ‘travelied over three thousand miles by sea, neariy x hundred miles on foot, about one hundred and w#ixty miles on horseback and over two hundred mules by rail, SOME WORK DONE. During my stay in Cuba it has been my fortune to mix a good deal with Spaniaras, particularly ‘military men. I have passed two months and two days in the camps of the Cubans who are in arms @gainet the Spanish government. In that perioa I made the acquaintance of President Carlos Manuel @e Cespedes, General Calixto Garcia y Inignez, General Maximo Gomez, Genera) Modesto Diaz and @ther prominent Cuban leaders, LOOKING POR CUBA LIBRE. Op arriving at Havana I made very brief delay in pushing into the interior, being determined to feel for the insurgents at the nearest possibie point, The story of my diMicultics in this would be ‘teresting to a great many, but the recital would occupy @ great deal of space that fm these eventful times should be devoted to actualities, Let it suffice now to say that J trav- elled to Las Cruces, and thence to Cienfuegos, ‘Whence I passed by steamer to Las Tunas, the port of entry to Santi Espiritu. On reaching the jatter town I made every effort to obtain a guide and horses with the intention of striking across the ‘wand toward Puerto Principe. My hope ip this ‘Was that I might be able ‘30 OFEN COMMUNICATION WITH GENBRAL 4GRa- MONTE, then commanding the patriote in the Camaguay istrict. The fates seemed against me and I was obligea to return to Las Tunas, where | embarked for Manzanillo. Afver a few days’ stay in this town and fnding the espionage perpetue! and the au- ‘thorities suspicious, | succeeded in obtaining per- maiesion to proceed on 8 government despatch boat Sdvut to ascend the Canto River with war material for the troops. We landed at Guano, and after a few Gaye’ stay there | was permitted to accompany Spanieh column to Ojo de Agua. [ continued the column os far as Las Tonas. | now found opportunity to proceed with an army courier to Hoiguin. The same espionage followed me through- Vt, simply Vecause it Was known that 1 Was a” amenican, I now compicted the journey across ihe island, erriving ot the port of Givara. There! received a clew from @ Cuven ip the volunteer service which Induced me to take the eteamer Barceious for Sau- de Cuba, Barcelona Made a #tay Of ODiy two hours in Baraces, and, Weighing anchor before tweive ov the 4 of Pebruary, we dogbied Cape Mayel in emooth water before AZ o'clock [9 jhe evening, the port of Santiago the next Dorking ‘although I might have a good deal to say of Wwlerert in connection with my Bearly x weeks’ way in Santiago, I feel the necessity of greatiy abureviating this part of my siory in order to get away to the Gelds and forests of Cubs Libre, to fad which I have undergone rome apa Peo not stew personal risks, In Santiago | made Wowher of highiy esteem o friends amoog them ‘eur energetic and vealous Consul, Mr. A. N. Young. the residents of the place, to, and come of the Spanish ofcrr# | found cultivaued and Bot my business in ‘Santiago wee to Gud the friends of Carios Manuel New York, therefore, without letters from any of the Cuban leaders here, and appearing on whe scene ih Mantiago With Do iniroduction Ww any of the friends of the Cubans there, the diMeuity of NEW YORK HERALD, SATURD when it is remembered that it is the worth of a Cuban’s life to be even suspected for having sym- pathy with bis country’s cause. That being the case, it ie evident that he would be very careful to whom he would reveal himself, When this is re- membered, and also thet J was just as cautious not to ran across the wrong party, it will not be won- dered at that nearly six weeks were occupied in making combinations for my being taken to the Cuban camp. ] arrived ip Santiago on the 3€ of February, and LEFT FOR CUBA LIBRE on the 13th of March. At this date I find a piece of aleafin my notebook torn away. The piece that is wanting late and swallowed upon a certain occasion, On the evening of the 13th March I went from Santiago to take a ride. A fresh horse was wait- ing forme along the road where | expected to Mect some friends on a spot well remembered by me. I had no particular permission from any body to ride out of the town—such a paper, it appears, was necessary; but the diferent Spanish sentinels past whom I rode did not interfere with me. I was far too respectable in their eyes tobe a Mambi, so, with one exception, they all let me pass. ‘The exception was that of a littig Cata- lan, platited’ along the roadside near one of the posts. He asked me the hour, which I told him, and finuing by my accent that I waga foreigner, immediately wanted to know WHAT WAS IN MY SADDLE BAGS and demanded my papers, I was thunderstrack @t this sudden audacity, but as there was no help for it—because he was too near the fort to risk the noise of a struggle in attempting to dispose of him—1 had to allow him to go through the bags and read the cedula, which latter ought to have been renewed two months ago, The fellow could not understand what I wanted with such a miscella- neous assortment Of knick-knacks ag he saw in the bags. Falling back, asa last resort, on my dignity and assuming an air of injured loftiness, J told him it was none of his business. This I saw shook his resdluteness, and he began to doubt if he had done well to stop me. I promptiy took advantage ot tuat doubt, and putting a bold face on the matter, gave my horse a hint and marched past him without fur- ther let or hindrance. I felt that he looked alter me, but I dared not cast a glance behind, AFTER MEETING SOME FRIENDS and conversing with them for a few minutes I con- tinued on my way. It was now getting dark, when near a corner of the road a number of stout fel- lows—gay five—well armed, not badly clothed, and having capacious sacks slung at their backs by way of knapsacks, said 1 should go with them, My horse they would not think of allowing me to take, 80, giving him to a party who went off in another Girection, they carried me along with them. It was now dark, but a glorious moon was shedding her silvery beams on the lair scene. My heart thumped loudly within my breast as, springing over the in- equalities of the ground, jogging along with my new acquaintance, I found myself at lastin Cuba Libre, at a distance of three leagues from Santiago. The brave fellows who marched there were the soldiers of liberty, and I was at last on my way to Carlos M. de Cespedes, All that night, under the light of the favoring moon, WE PRESSED STEADILY FORWARD. Steep mountains were breasted, deep ravines were crossed and forest pathe threaded. New and varied scenes near at hand, that looked lovely in the bright moonlight, came and went like the images in the dissolving views that have conjured up to our imaginations the magic phases of a fairy tale. AS we passed a crossing of the road 1 could not help admiring the military precision with waich the operation was performed. Before ap- proaching the pass two soldiers would Tun out m advance, and, reaching it, would turn to the right and left respectively, then advancing a few steps each to his new front, would promptly drop on the left knee, and bringing down the rifle to the right side in the position of ready, would in that attitude wait until the rest of us had paseed some dis- tance, would rise up, come to attention, front, carry their arms, right shoulder shift them, and break the line of march with all the exactness of veterans on parade, At last, after midnight, we came to “ A LITTLE HUT IN AN OPBN SPACE, near a sugar cane field. Here we halted while one of the men went and soon brought an armful of Juicy gane. In an instant our machetes were out hacking sDe dressing the cane. Oh, it was deli- cious, heavauly nMctar to the taste! It seemed as if nothing before had ever seemed at once so de- sirable. 1t was food, drink and refreshment to at least one wearied soul. Here we rested ourselves and then resumed the march. About two o'clock in the morning we reached @ labyrinth of slightly marked trails in the forest. These were followed in a way only known to an expert, when, after a short time, we reached first one and then several rayches. The male inmates were on the lookout for our arrival, and had acheerful fire, but little or nothing to eat, waiting for us. I had committed the stupidity of leaving Santiago without a ham- mock, the thing of all things most indispensable for the health and comfort of the Mambi. One of the men insisted that I should take his, but it was a long time before I could lie comfortably in this, to me, strange sleeping place. The next morning, upon opening my eyes, I saw that the surrounding huts were inhabited by NEGRORS, MEN AND WOMEN. The poor souls were wonderfully kind to me. They moved round me in the most unsophisticated manner, evidently anxious to please and nearly ashamed of their own blackness, 1 responded heartily to their considerate kindness, and at once became a great favorite. The women brought me agua mona, which 1 drank with @ relish that was really delightful. Agua mona, dear reader, ts gin- ger bruised in hot water, sweetened to please, and I assure youit seems to me not only a good substitute but preferable as a beverage to either tea or coffee. As afair store of provisions was brought for my especial benefit I was enabled to indulge in THE LUXURY OF RREAD AND CHEESE, with a slice of German sausage, for breakfast, tak- ing a hearty drink of good water, with a little brandy, afterwards, As we had to pass at a certain hour a place near @ Spanish post it was fixed that we should start out at three o'clock in the afternoon, which was done. A man, his wife, two small boys and their dogs came with us to have the benefit of our escort a partof the way they were going. We now travelled over a more level country than yesterday; the ascents and descents were more gentle than last night. Sométimes our line of march lay through scarcely -discernible trails in the heart of the forest, where the sun’s rays cel- dom penetrate; sometimes along a piece of well- trodden road, and tnen by the side of waving, em- erald colored cane fields, We marched till about eight o'clock at night, when the men suddenly scattered through the wood in different directions, like the spreading of the rays of @ fan from a com- mon centre, and alter going in this way about two hundred yards fgon reunited again, This opera- thom ts called “MARING THR FAX.'? The object is to prevent the leaving of a trail by which an enemy might find his way to the camp. Tp & few minutes a sentinel hd abies my ham- mock up aud @ Mug fire blazing. machete soon did the work of clearing a space round the fire. The men took from their sacks a few boniatos (sweet potatoes), roasted them in the embers and ate contentedly. Awhile cheerful conversation in @ jow tone was indulged in, and shortly, each rolling himself up in his blanket, or whatever cover- ing he had, addressed himself to sicep. The scene was wew to me, and as much for that reason as be- cause I was footsore and weary ! felt unable to procure sleep for several hours after the others bad sunk into that delicious slumber only known to the hardy, healthy sons of toil, The glorious moonlight struggling through the trees, the crack- Ung and Mickering of the decreasing fire, the silence of the scene undisturbed save by the hum or chirrup of the various insects that on wanton wing djsported in the fresh night air, made me waketul. Finally gentie slumber stole gradually upon my senses and the luxury of @ profound sicep was wine, The next morning we were READY VOR THE ROAD AT FIVE O'CLOCK. I did not eee the men eat anything, but the one Who appeared to be the leader had big store oven A for me. 1 took @ ptece of bard biscut, @ nip of cheese and a drink of water and we took up the tine of march. I was furnished with acrude wax candle to enable me to overcome the thousand and one obstacles of the forest path. The men were similarly provided, It was a singular and impres- sive sight to see the picturesque forms of these s0n3 of freedom, now illuminated by the full glare of the lights they carried, which threw around a flood of light amd shade on the neighboring trees, then in an instant plunged into that dubious shade which is neither light nor darkness, and finally for an in- stant disappearing into impenetrabie gloom, to emerge as suddenly into the full glare of the artifi- cial Nght by wach we marched, As the day dawned we heard the SHOUTS AND CURSES OP THE SPANISH MULETEERS, who were loudly hallooing at the animals they were driving. It was a small convoy going along the high road about half a mile from where we were. It looked like tempting fortune to be so near the Spaniards, bat I was assured there was not the slightest reason for apprehension had they known that we were so near. Our march Jay over comparatively level ground, through a thick wood, where now and then we passed open spaces Dearing the blackened ruins of former habita- tion, At noon the map, his wife, the two small boys and their dogs left usin the midst of the forest, at a point where the beds of two dried streams intersected each other, We continued our march and passed the River Cauto, near a place called Cauto Abajo, at one o'clock P. M. Remem- bering the majestic proportions of the Lower Cauto 1 was preparing in my own mind to do the heroic and swim it with my clothes on my back ; but, think of my disappointment, when approaching the stream I found it to be a shabby, shallow one of @ dozen or two yards wide, its clear waters, run- ning over a rocky bed, being hardly deep enough to reach the knecs. One of the men, casting off bis sack, picked me up on his back and lightly carried me over the stream, #0 that I had not to take off my boots or wet my feet, At six o’clock we reached the halting place, a rancho in the woods, that was us dificult for a stranger to find as the first one we had reached. I was very tired and foot- sore, but sa.d pothing of it to the men, who, in consequence, gave me the credit of being a tremen- dous traveller, I was soon served with some ex- cellent coffee in the shell of a small calabash in, stead of a cup, and saw, with infinite pleasure, that @ comfortable bed was being prepared for me, The hammock is the universal way of siceping in Cuba Libre, but it sometimes happens tnat a Jellow either isnot rich enough to own one or may have lost it, when a bed is used, A BED IN CUBA LIBRE The bed ia formed of four forked stakes, at con- venient distances, driven into the ground. Across the shorter sides of the parallelogram a stout stick is laid on either end, resting across the forks, A sufficient number of young saplings 1s then pro- vided and Jaid Jengthways over the frame. These saplings form the bottom of the bed. The sticks are bound together with withes of the demajagua, the bark of the majagua tree, which furnishes a fibrous material that 18 manufactured into excel- lent ropes. Over the bottom of my bed was placed @ large piece of yagua, a fibrous substance shed with the monthly branches of the royal palm. It is often six or seven feet long by two or three feet wide, nearly a8 tough as leather, and in Cuba Libré serves quite a4 many purposes. Over the yagua Was spread my bammock and my saddie bags formed a very good pillow. ‘The people in this rancheria—about fifteen or eighteen men and more women and children— did everything that their minds could sug- gest or their means permit to make me comfort- able, I was nota little amused at one littie fellow, @ negro child, about three or jour yearsold, As s00n a8 he saw me he got awfully irightened and commenced yelling and crying at a terrible rate. He had NEVER BEFORE SEEN A MAN OF MY COLOR, and he evidently thought that I must be some dreadful sort of wild animal, specially made to scare little boys. Between every fit of crying he would look at me with frightened, wondering looks, as much as to say, “What a hideous-looking man! How did he come to lose ms natural color and become that airty white?” Islept as well on my new kind of bed as the cold would permit, for in the night there sprang up afresh northern breeze that carried the sNarp chilliness of ice in its breath. To-day our march lay through a level country, with good hard traljs to travel on. We again passed the Cauto, and at half-past five o'clock reached THE “PREFECTURE.” The Prefect is a civil oMicer, whose duty is that of sheriff and justice of the peace combined. Here, for the first time, I met three officials of the Cuban Republic—the Prefect, who was a smart little fel- low, white, of the usual Cuban type; a commis- sioner of General Garciu, whose duty it was to re- ceive correspondence from Santiago, sort and forward it. He was quite a good-looking, Spanish- looking man, of rather low stature, stout form. black eyes and long, black hair. The other was a young, fair-skinned man, rather tall, features well cut, with blue eyes, fine teeth, a good mouth and well- rounded chin. He talked with remarkable fluency and well, proving nimself to be a person of good education and social standing, The Commissioner and the Prefect were also intelligent persone, and seemed to have moved in a pretty good sphere of life. The Pretecture was in a small clearing in the woods, where a number of ranctios were erected. A labyrinth of trails from many directions led to it; but only the initiated could have found the place. A person ignorant of the locailty might wander about all day through the perplexing paths around it and not get to the right spot, This was the case ‘with most of the other rancherias that I found at any distance from the camps, I INVITED THESE THREE GENTLEMEN TO DINE WITH MR, 1 had bread, cheese, sardines, German sausages, coffee and @ nipoi brandy. This, to them, was a sumptuous banquet, though at the time I did not realize the fact, The edibles vanished with a rapidity that was enchanting to behola, After the Meal the man who waited on me whispered sor- rowfully, a8 he gathered up the débris:— “Ah, Sefior, why did you place all your provisions before those gentiemen? They would have lasted yourself a long time; but now they are ull gone, and yon will feel the want of them."” T asked if there was not food in the camp. He mourniully answered :— “WHO KNOWS f!? We had travelled about twelve leagues (or thirty miles) that day. My feet were blistered and I was tired out and exhausted, so that it did not cost me Much trouble to sleep. Here we received news, on the 16th of March, of a threatened attack on Jiguani by the Cubans on the night of the 14th, On the morning Of vhe 17th of March we left the Prefecture early with the intention of reaching General Gar- cia’s camp, ten leagues distant. During the night an aide-de-camp of Garcia, Lieutenant Francisco Fouseca, came in from thecamp. He had been sent by the General to look for the men who were with me; and who had been delayed in returning because it had been impossible to meet them the day first appointed. Again we passed the Cauto and continued our march in @ western direction towards Holguin. At one o'clock we reached a rancheria where several families were living. Among other persons of lesser note I meta distin- guished Cuban pamed 4 LUCAS CASTILLO, Alawyer of note, he was formeriy possessed of wealth; but abandoned everything and took to the woods on the outbreak of the revolution, bringing with him to suffer hardships and privations of all kinds a family who, till that time, had never known what it was to experience an unsatisfied want. Castillo i8 @ man about fifty years old. He is tall and of commanding presence, regular features, fine black eyes and @ good mouth, short, grayish hair and @ small tuft of beard on the chin. He had been Secretary of State of the Cuban Republic. I had @ pleasant conversation with Mr. Castillo, who, in brief terms, expressed the views that since have been 80 often repeated to me, First—That it is impossibie for the Cubans to again submit to Spanish rule, and that the war must continue until the present rulers be expelled the island or the Cubans exterminated; there is no middie course, Second—That the war having already lasted four years and a half, under circumstances very untayor- able to the Cubans, there is no reason why, if neces. sary, it capnot he carried on much longer in the AY, JUNE 14, 1873.—TRIPJ.¥ SHEET, future, now that the condition of the Cubans’ is much better than formerly, and improving every Third—The Cubans have been disappointed by the attitude of the United States. The Cubans had the sympathies ef the American people, but the Washington government had treated them with much severity and injustice. ‘This, the Cubans deeply regretted, for they felt a sincere attachment to the great American republic and its free institu- tions; indeed, the requirements of Cuba and the interests of the United States calied for the an- nexation of the great Antilles at a not distant date. Mr. Castillo, whose family was one of tho first in the Island, was dressed in a coarse sult of dril!, not very new, and, although scrupulously clean, inno- centot starch or a smoothing iron; he had no shoes, but wore cufanas, or sandals made of yagua in- stead, The otier officials whom I had seen were attired, more or less, in the same degree of expen- sive extravagance as Mr, Castillo, He showed me A SON OF 118 ABOUT FOURTEEN YEARS OLD, This lad, a bright, intelligent boy, and good-look-- ing, Was, at the outbreak of the war, receiving the rudiments of education, in order to prepare hin self to enter some college in the United State: The war put an end, for the present, to his chances of an American education; but already the child had seen the smoke of battle and carried his rifle im more than one bloody bout with the enemies of his country. He bas even veen wounded, ‘TRACES OP THR NERALD, We had now but two leagues to travel to General Garcia's camp. There Thad expected to see Lex- pedes and to find Mr. O'Kelly, but was greatly dis- appointed to find that the former had some time since moyed his residence to Eastern Bayamo and the latter had left for the same place about tea days previously. The remaining two leagues lay through patches Of savannah and Guinea grass, separated here and there by strips of wood, along near the northern bank of the Cauto, Going through the Guinea grass the heat was intolerable. A little less than a league from camp we heard the report of a gun. Lieutenant Fouseca explained that lt was probably GENERAL MAXIMO GOMEZ, who was out huuting, of which heis fond, It turned out to be so, and, after the regular chal- jenge had been responded to and pass words given, we approached the General, who was accompanied dy several officers and men. Maximo Gomez is a native of St. Domingo, where he participated in the late war there with the Spaniards, At that time he was only an obscure subaltern, He is about thirty-eight or forty years old, of slight but very wiry and active build, nearly approaching to medium height, spare of flesh, regular features, good black eyes, He wears a mustache and chin beard of rather moderate length, and not bushy; the beard, originally black, is now pretty weil tinged with gray hairs, He is a person of quick but agreeable manner, a sharp observer and of an in- telligent, appreciative turn of mind, He is but moderately well educated, Before arriving at camp our party were + REPEATEDLY HALTED BY OUTPOST SENTINELS rising out of the guinea grass, or peering through the trees on either side and in front, in a way that put one in mind of Clan Alpine’s response to the whistle of Roderick Dhu. One of these senti- nels, pointing down the bank of the river to a built; smooth face, very cleanly shaved, with side whiskers, a good eye and fine teeth, He is an officer of great promise and has already on many occasions distinguished himself. The brigade of | sable warriors whom he commands are greatly at- tached to their leader, Maséo was glad to see a representative of the HERALD, and expressed bis regrets that I could not go over the Guantanamo district with him. His command was at once sent of on the main road west of Palma Sormno to de- Stroy the telegraph tine, and I did not see him again for ten days. GENERAL MANURL CALVAR came in from the main camp at Dos Bocas on the loth, He is asmart ttle man of about forty-eight years, Of plain exterior, rather long biack hair and black eyes, with a wart under the lefteye, Before the war he was a rich planter near Manzanillo, but now has hardly a second suirt to his back, He has lent good service to the Cuban cause, General Garcia paid me a visit, and we had a long conversation, on the evening of the 20th of March. The next day General Calvar told me that Garela thought it would be better for me to accom- pany the former to the main camp at Dos Bocas— there was much life in it, and f would be more amused than in a little detached camp where there | were only a few families, tn the afternoon I STARTED FOR DOS BOCAS, and reached the camp with @ servant, a guide and two oMicers, before sundown. The camp was con- structed of a single street of huts on both sides of the pathway ruaning along the northern bank of the Canto, in Holguin, No attempts, even, were made at temporary fortification—not a tree felled nor a sod raised to protect the entrance to either front or rear of the camp. True, it was well watched by vigilant guards and sharp eyes, for every man present has a personal interest in the security of the whole; but at the same time that did not excuse apparent neglect or ignorance in acopting proper defensive measures, Between this camp aud that of Dos Rios, on the south, or Cuban (¢ ct of Santiago de Cuba ig meant) side of the Canto, over eight hundred ps were concentrated wbout eight days before my arrival, Since then they had been sent off on expeditions in ¢ rent directions, leaving but a handfal ef men with Cal | var, Colonel Limbano Sometiez, with his command, been sent in the direction of Mayari; Lice tenant Colonel Silverio Prado was out in the diree: tion of Guantanamo; Maso was there, and 100 men had gone to Jiguant TO ESCORT MR, O'RELLY on his way to the residence of the Pxrecutive. Besides, the escort of General Garcia were with their chief at the little camp of the families where Shad left him, The'troops whom I found in camp were those of Jiguani, under Lieutenant Colonel Saladriguiz, of Holguin, commanded by Lica. tenant Colonel Herero, and about a company con- posing Calvar’s escort. Then, only a portion of these troops were present, the rest being oecupied in escort and detached day, thus reducing the number in camp to apout one hunnred and twenty combatants, and nearly a8 many—wiat shall we call them—military servants would perhaps be the best name for the convoyeros, The same night of my arrival at Dos Bocas some foragers brought in word from the toniatales of tne yaya that their escort had exchanged shots gravelly space left bare by the receding waters, said the General was down there, scended the sloping bank, and in another minute we were along with GENERAL GARCIA and those-who accompanied him. ‘There were some four or five oficers and six or eight orderlies and servants. Some were lounging about on the river's bank, some were pursuing the finny tribe, with a laudable desire of uniting profit and sport, while a couple of the soldiers were engaged in Washing, without soap, which is an article of rare luxury, the residue of whatever rags of clothing the fortunes of war had left them, The General received me cordially as an American citizen, and with much warmth as a representative of the New York HERALD. When I first saw General Garcia he was just re- covering from a severe attack of fever that had prostrated him for a week or more, this being the first time he had ventured out. Calixto Garcia y Miguez is thirty-fowr years of age. Heis rather tall and quite spare of fesh. There is # slight stoop in his shoulders, His features are clean-cut and regular; forchead high and well shaped; eyes large, brown and rather soft than penetrating, though in moments of ex- citement they assume a threatening and sinister aspect. Has rather long, smooth black hair; is prematurely tinged with gray; so also is his mius- tache, which is trained in a downward direction by the sides of the mouth. Three upper front teoth are gone, thus imparting a rather harsh expres- sion when talking rapidly. He 18a man of good address and pleasing manners, possessing a fair though not classical education. Before the war he was in a store in the, town of Bayamo, of which place he 1s a native. Having read a letter or two, handed to him by my escort, the General led the way up the steep river’s bank, in a direction opposite to where we entered, and, followed closely by the others, we passed through several clearings with huts in them, through interminable labyrinths of beaten foot-paths, that apparently led to nowhere. Those huts, or ranchos, were occupied by the chosen soldiers of the General's escort, mostly composed ofcolored men, Reaching the General's rancho, E found it pot mach superior to those by which the hut was surrounded, Two horses picketed near by and a couple of cows were the first animals of their spectes that I had seen in Cuba Libre. Ina number of smal! clearings near each other, but separated by intervening unielled trees, some FAMILIES WHO HAD FOLLOWED THE FORTUNES OF THE CAUSR were living in such rude style as this sort of campaign life would admit of. The General seated himself in his hammock under @ little branch- covered awning just at the door of his hat, con- versing freely with his two principal medical officers, Drs. Figueredo and Biancarosa, while his secretary sorted the correspondence just received from Santiago. I could not heip noticing 4 GOODLY SIZED PACKAGE OF HERALDS, which I subsequently saw carefully and eagerly perused by the General and such other oMicers in camp as could read English. [ say carefully, be- cause these copies of the HERALD, that had been brought through the Spavish lines with so much trouble and risk, were on their way to Cespedes, who by this means regularly received the paper, Garcia could read English a little, and whén camp he was studying hard to acquire knowledge of the During the half hour or # passed in conversa- tion with the General a compictely new habitation had been built, without my knowledge, jor me | especially. The General's secretary conducted’ me to my new abode, and he came to live with me. so that I mignt not feel lonely, TBR RANCHO is an institution peculiarly useful in Cuba Lipre, it | isahat, with @ sloping palm branch or guinea- | grass covered roof, supported ou stakes and posts driven into the ground, near to which the roof | descends, It is generally open ali round; but sometimes the sides are closed in the same way as the roof, The two centre poste at the ends are especially designed to bave the inevitable hammock siuug from them, Itis high enough fora man to stand com- fortably upright, and large enough for two persons. My companion and I received our meals from the | General's table, They consisted of dried beef, boiled or stewed, with sweet potatoes, It tre. quently happened that there was no meat, when we fell back on the great staple food of the Repub- lic—jutia y boniatos, PATRIOTIC PROVENDER, } ‘The jutia is an immense wood rat, Weighing from H six to twelve pounds, living in the cleits of trees and eating only vegetable food, I think. I have | seen specimens of this animal in the Central lark } collection, This little animal, cooked with bomatos, } or sweet potatoes, makes a very good subetituie for ordinary butcher meat, These two staple arti- cles, when all others failed, kept together the souls | and bodies of the hangry patriots and infused ine | into the revolation, On the following dey COLONEL MASEO and a portion Of hie command reached camp trom Guantanamo, Masco ina mulatto of perbaus Uiir AN ADVANCING SPANISH COLUMN, The guards were doubled and all requisite prepas rations made for the expected attack in the morn- ing. Upon awaking on the morning of the 22d « March I found everybody at his post, momenta- rily expecting the approach of the Spaniards, Women, children, peopi¢ on the sick isi and olher non-combatants, forming @ mournfui spectacie as Our party de- ts: the outposts of they passed, were conducted by @ smail guard to | @ place of safety in the woods, It was a melan- choly yet amusing sight to see those poor cr tures, laden with pois, kettles, d p8 and bundles of clothes, wend slowly their weary way towards ‘the the inmost fastnesse,s of the friendly forest, HERALD man being a non-combatant they to send him to the rear with these reserve forces; but he did not see the matter in that light, aud told the officer who brought the message ti would be vastly preferable to remain where was, Things continued in this condition ant Jour o'clock in the afternoon, when a scout | roliable news that THE ‘EMY HAD RETIRED the way they came, and that everything was quiet. I had nothiag to eat until abont two o'clock P. M., when some of the ofcers kindly gave me roasted boniatos, Afterwards ! uined with General Caivar on dried beef and beniatos, enjoying, by Way of dessert, the Inxury of chocolate sweeteneu with wild honey. Aft nine o'clock at might iresh news was brought in that the Spaniards continued to advance. Orders were renewed for the troops to hold themselves ready tor action in the morning or to evacuate the camp, as the case might be. MaRrcn 23.—The camp was early astir, and the non-combatants a second time despatched to the rear. The garrison waited patiently until about half-past nine o’clock A M., when A SHOT PROM THE CUSAN ADVANCED GUARD, Joliowed in quick suc¢essjon by a number of oth: told us that the fight was inevitable. There were a few minutes of exciiement, but not a trace of fear visible on any of the faces about me; every- body dropped silently Into his place, and the patri- | ots were ready, I attached myself to the per of Calvar, and expressed my intention of rema ing by him during the battle. I was asionisied to nL see that in a short time he left the | camp,” accompanied by a small — escort, in an opposite direction to that from which the firing preceeded. The reason for this move, I afterwards learned, was that the Spaniards, refusing the direct road to the Caban camp, had inctined to their left and taken a path to the right of it, which would have brought them out on the right fank and rear of Calvar's forces, | near the ford of the Cauto. General Caivar con- tinued hia retrograde movement for a aistance of about two miles, going east on the north bank of the river, where we crossed a shallow ford to the south side, not far irom the place where General Garcia and the families were camped. Upon r ing the level above the river's steep bank it was found that THE SPANIARDS HAD ALREADY TURNED THK CUBAN CAMP and were on their way to take possession of the fords, being at that moment in a place cailed Sabanilla, a ilttie more than good cannon range | from where we then were, the Cuban forces being im full retreat for the fords, having promptly evacuated the camp. Calvar gave orders for ihe retreating Cubans to take possession of the fords, and to hold them, advancing himseif in an easteriy direction along the path on the level of the southern bank, We had not been five minutes marching in tis direction when A FIBER OF MUSKETRY WAS SHARPLY OPENED AT SHORT RANGE in our front, The Spaniards were crossing tie ford nearest Sabanilla and engaging the Cubans who defended the passage of the river. The tire from the Spanish column came close, quick and sharp, while that from the Cubans was weak and scattered, like the falling of heavy rain drops be- fore a coming shower. The reason of this, beyond a doubt, the great numerical inferiority 0! the Cubans, who, however, ensconced behind the beighvoring trees, must have seen their enemics from head to foot, and, being any sort of marks. | men, they ought to have decimated the attacking columns. For @ good while the rattling voilies con- Unued to ring from either side, until finally THE SPANIARDS MOUNTED THE RIVER DANKS and began to deploy along the level, when the Cubans gave wi and, retreating from tree to tree, kept up adrepping fre on their advancing foes, Imust confess that 1 did not see a man fa!) the whole time, Meanwhile Calvar retreated from the ford where the action was being fought, and fell back to that we bad crossed awhite before, to find there the rear guard of the garrison ef our late camp. He gave some orders hastiiy, and, with bie esggrt and stad, plunged into the forest im @ direction south from the river's bank. | The Spanish troops, who had rapidly forced their way Weel along (he river, were close upon us at this panctere, bat the Cubans whom they were driving, Snding themreives reinforced by (he presence of (hel: fear gowrd, wade a new stand behind (he tees, Which offered time lor Caivar to Pel LY Lhe Woven, = ty-four years of age, rather low-sized, but stoutly A guide condwted the retreating Calvar a mild and a half into the woods, where, sending out scouts, we lay close for a couple of hours as com, fortably as men could who were dripping with per- splration, choking with thirst and hungry as wolves. While lying here we heard the battle re- newed with as much vigor as ever on both sides, excepting that now, the Spaniards, having brought up their artillery, COMMENCED 70 SHELL THE woons, 1 counted twenty-five cannon shots, which they discharged within an hour; and, so far as material damage or moral effect is concerned, they might ag well not lave wasted ammunition, The Cubans laughingly told me that during tne entire war none of them have ever known any one to be killed by the Spanish artillery excepting on two occasions, It was now two o'clock in the afternoon, when, the firing having ceased, we began to cautiously move aguin towards the river. The Spaniards, they said, having achieved what they came for, re- treated eastwards along the Cauto and there would be no more fighting that day—a prediction that turned out strictly true. We came to a deep ravine that, at an angle to our line of march, led down to the river. Here we expected to find the impedimenta—the non-combatants and the cook- ips things. They were not there, and after a air gent earch we found out from stragglers that unfor- tunately the Spanish troops had run across their place of concealment, dispersed, but not. captured, the old men, women and children, and had com- pletely captured and DESTROYED ALL THE POTS AND PANS around which so many fond hopes were centreds We proceeded on our Way and soon came across the d¢bris of the ruined plates and dishes. What our hungry feelings were at contemplating that dire sight I must excuse myself from describing. Had we only in our power some of the fell authors’ of this desolation what vengeance would not be wreaked on the miscreants. With wistful eyes we passed these dear remains of blasted hopes and soon found ourselves again on the banks of the tortuous Cauto. It was now alter four o’clock. We were them about two and a half miles from the Cuban troops, who were then resting after the fatigues.of the Oght, Continuing our march the Cubans were soom reached. Without the semblance of formation the men were ngrogater in different groups along the pathway. I learned that TUE LOSS OF THE OUBANS had been one corporal killed and two soldier@ wounded, These [saw and was present when the | corporal was buried, He was killed by a rife ball, which entered the torehead above the roots of the hair, and, ploughing its way through skull and } brain, came out of a horrible hole behind the head. Passing over a portion of the ground occupied by he morning’s fight, and following in the tracks of the Spaniards the direction they had taken, @ llttle belore suuset we came to a halt in the footpath by the river’s brink, Pots and something to put in, them were Wanting; 80, taking A LONG DRAUGHT OF RIVER WATER, and gently caressing eur craving stomachs, we tried to sieep around the camp fires, while the Spaniards were encampeé about a league off, The following morning was lovely ; but, being thé second on which there had been nothing to eat, some of the people began to 100k a@ little blue. Servants now began to find their masters and masters to learn the extent of their irreparable losses. Horses were gone, clothing lost and family relies that had been carried for years miss- ing. | ATER THY BATILE, vpinions prevailed as to whether or not they would renew the attack, General Calvar, accompanicd by is staid, went in the direction of General Garcia's cam), piobably to consult with him, | Coione) Maséo, on the road back from his raiding | expedition, was expected to return to-day, | At thre jock the fatigued and hungry forces | took up the line of march and crossed to the north- | ern side of the river, over the ford, where J first met Geveral Garcia. We continued our march for a league over @ savanna and came to the woods, | running at right angles to the road, where the troops eneamped for the night. At haif-past five ck Generals Gomez and Garcia paid a visit to camp. 1 found that Garcia's whole personal following aud his escort were already encamped in the woods a league further east from where we we The Joragers and servants were despatched with. | Out delay, though now 80 late, to the yaya bon- fataies Wo get food, ~The men were how roaming about through woods, looking for wild fruits, edible roots, the eseuient part of the palm top, jutia, bat (here was none in the vicinity, At balfpast eight o'clock at nigit, after A FAST OF ABOUT FIFTY HOURS, Thad t | Mas¢o and Mr, Ignacio Mora a meal of jutia and | boniato, At tirst Limaginel the whole mess woud not suffice for one of us, but on this occasion yery litue suficed, THE PIGHT OPENS AGAIN, MARCH 25,—At seven and @ half o'clock im the | morning the Spaniards crossed to the north side of the Cauto, drove in the Cuban outposts, and, push- ing along the open savannain front of the camp we occupied, opened fire on the position. In a | moment wil was exeitement and hurry, The troops Ww formed up for action, Colonel Maséo com: manding in absence of General Calvar, reported sick, ‘The firmg continued for a short time only, the Cabans readily giving ground to the push of the numerous Spaniards, The position was abandoned without much resistance, and a retreat commenced along a bypath tn the woods in the ; direction of the Barajagna road. Colonel Maséd | told me to accompany the hospital convey for » league or so, where I would find General Garcia, who was looking for me. Such another sight of snffering and misery as those poor people in THK HOSPITAL CONVOY presented [ never witnessed, and never hope to | see another again like it. Yet amid their sufferings | they were cheerful and resigned, Isoon came up to where ia and Gomez were standing on tho roadside conversing while the ‘hospital filed past. Garcia told me to.accompany the hospital convoy, and gave me in charge of an Officer, telling him ta treal me weil. ‘This seemed @ most extraordinary proceeding. 1 atterwards learned that the Gen- eral, consulting my ease and comfort, wanted to send me to a piace of safety until the operations would be over, This was the very reverse of what 1 wanted, so, giving my hospital friend the slip on the road, f took that along which I saw some of the General's staff and the families go. Im the meantime A RUNNING FIGHT | was being carried on in the front; but it did not last long, and in @ short time all was quict, After wandering through the dreary woods ail | forenoon, about two in the afternoon my weary | leet had a rest in a new camping ground at a point | situated midway between the Barajague read and the Cauto River, There was nothing to eat all that day tll then, when an officer gave me a piece of raw sweet potatu. { thought it the sweetest mor- sel that ever crossed my lips, General Garcia reached the camp at four o'clock, He was eur- prised to find me there, saying that it would have been more comfortable for me to remain some time with the hospital, as the movements of the troops would entail much hardship. I said that it would be necessary to fil my mission by remaining | with the jorces, so that I might see any operations about to be executed. 1 was cheerfully allowed to | remain. 4 GETTING RID OF NON-COMBATANTS, The next day the families were sent in one direc. | tion, the hospital continued its march in anotner, | and the serviceanic troops, with Garcia now sum. | clentiy recovered to place itmself at the head of \ the whole, countermarched and went again in the direction of the Cauto, As we marched through in the woods I noticed a lin@ of posts very skilfully posted at intervals in such @ way that it woutd have been im, possivle for an enemy to = approach unfelt, A scout brought intelligence that the Span- rards, having united their columns which had left Jiguani, Holguiu and Santiago simultaneously with a view to surround the Cubans, were now passing cast along the north (Holguin side, om which we then were) of the Canto, at a distance of about a ieague and a half, Orders for silence were | given, and the Cubana lay on their arms for ag] the trails No news was heard of the Spaniards, and variona” inite pleasure of eating with Colonel