The Mambi-Land, or Adventures of a Herald Correspondent in Cuba

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1874. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER XIX. RETURN TO THE SPANISH LINES. Adieu to the Mambi-Land--Capturing Wild Cattle--Night March in the Woods--Levying Contributions--Camped near the Spanish Outposts--An Unpleasant Rencontre--Arrival in Manzanillo--Presentation to Consul--Scene in Caballo Blanco--Visit the Governor of the Town--My Arrest--Sent to Fort Geron; --My Quarters--The Military Inquisition -- Brought before Court-martial at Night-- Alarmed--Four Hundred Thousand Dollars for Cespedes, Dead or Alive--Guarded at Sight--The Reign of Terror in Prison--Sentinel placed in my Cell--Government offers to bribe me--Arrival of British Gunboat--Spanish Authorities change Tactics--Bound with Ropes and shipped to Manzanillo. The moment at last arrived for taking leave of the Cuban patriots, who overwhelmed me with protestations of friendship and regard. It is wonderful in what a short time strong, hearty friendships grow up in the wild Mambi-Land, where the hollow conventionalities of civilized life are laid aside, and men abandon themselves to their natural impulses of love and hate with a fervor unknown to the dull, plodding life of civilization. It was not without sincere regret I parted from men whom I had learned to respect and admire. In my short stay among the Cuban patriots I formed many warm and lasting friendships. A guard of twenty men were selected to accompany me to a point close to the Spanish outposts. This dangerous service was intrusted to Captain Rodriguez, a young and dashing officer belonging to the staff of Modesto Diaz, and a great favorite with the general. General Diaz and his son, Fornaris y Cespedes, Tomas Estrada, and a number of Cuban officers rode with me for some miles from the camp, where we bade a final adieu to each other in a stirrup-cup which the general had pro...