Page:The Green Bag (1889–1914), Volume 05.pdf/291

Rey's friends, however, did not rest there. when agencies of a most nefarious character were put into operation to secure his person, Satisfied that Don Carlos de Espana was and in obedience to the mandates of the concerned in the plot, they appeared before Captain-General of Cuba, transport him to Recorder Genois, and attempted to persuade him to cause the former's arrest; but in this Havana, where certain death awaited him. Rey, during his illness, had been attended they were unsuccessful, Judge Genois declin by a physician; but one of the inmates of the ing to entertain so serious a charge, at once lodging-house persuaded him to discharge compromising the honor of a distinguished the latter, and he then introduced Don foreigner. Failing in this, on July 24, 1849, Carlos de Espana, the consul, as a physician Don Jose Morante appeared before the well known and skilful in the treatment of United States commissioners, and swore out disease. The poor victim, with much sim an affidavit charging Don Carlos de Espana, plicity, yielded to the guidance of the consul William Eagle, Henry Marie, and Captain in the latter's false character; and when all James McConnell with abduction. Warrants was ready for the consummation of the plot, he were immediately issued, the accused arrested was persuaded to leave the house, ostensibly and placed under $5000 bonds to appear for for an airing. Rey was accompanied down examination Friday, July 27. stairs by Don Carlos and two of the latter's Public interest was now aroused to its hirelings. There he found a carriage and; highest pitch. The stroke was a bold one, became alarmed. Making a motion to return but in such cases promptness was a necessity. to his room, a dagger gleamed before his On the day fixed the accused appeared eyes. Thus intimidated, he allowed himself for trial before Judges George Y. Bright and to be thrust into the vehicle, which was M. M. Cohen. Messrs. J. Foulhouze, R. driven to a restaurant near the Place Preux, T. W. Collens, and General Walker d'Armes, now Jackson Square. Here the of Nicaragua fame had been retained by party, minus the consul, who had disappeared, them as counsel; while Cyprien Dufour, Esq., dined; and wheedled into drinking more than assisted by Mr. P. S. Warfield, United States his weak constitution could well bear, Rey District Attorney Logan Hunton,and Parish became muddled, whereupon the party was District Attorney M. M. Reynolds, conducted driven to the levee, where was moored the the prosecution. As an illustration of the schooner Mary Ellen, Captain McConnell, interest displayed in the case, the following, ready to cast off and put to sea. Then it clipped from one of the papers of the time, is was that the truth dawned on the deluded presented : — victim. He struggled desperately for his "Every preparation for the convenience and liberty, but in vain. His companions, stout accommodation of the public had been made in fellows, seized and pinioned him with rapid the little court-room, and tables and seats were ity, and then conveyed him bodily aboard the provided for the reporters of the press. schooner, which was soon under way for "The excitement was intense, and the rooms Havana. and galleries were crowded to suffocation. Hun Little did the Spanish officials dream, dreds were unable to obtain admission; and a whilst concocting and carrying out the plot, large crowd assembled opposite, in front of Hew that the poor Cuban refugee had powerful lett's Exchange, awaiting the result." friends, who would yet make them suffer for The trial lasted fourteen days, the testi the outrage committed on American soil. The affair was instantly brought to the mony bearing out the theory of the prosecu attention of the press, and then there was a tion, that the Spanish officials were the prime hue and cry, and the national government movers in the plot. At the close of the argument a decision was called upon to act in the matter.