Abduction of Juan Francisco Rey: a narrative of events from his own lips, from the time he left Havana ... and his release and return to the United States, together with a compilation of the testimony in the preliminary investigation before Judge Bright and Commissioner Cohen, and a review of the same

Front matter

Dh 6 « RiifforoH

ABDUCTION

OF

Chapter I

Allow V ill tt rente and Fernandez to escape — Leave the Prison with,. them, — Sail far the United Stales — Arrival at Apalachicola — Villaverde embarks for Savannah, and Fernandez and myself for Neiu Orleans — Become acquainted with Ayala and Llorente — Leave "La Corrina" and move to Morantes — Intrigues and threats of Ayala, and Llorente — Visited by the Spanish Consul — Forced to go to his house and sign payers — Prepare to go to Vera Cruz — Llorente continues his intrigues.

I was under jailer or turnkey of the Real Cared, or Royal jail, in Havana, on the 31st March last, to which office I had been appointed by the Junta Municipal of Havana about five months before. There were two prisoners in the jail, Cirillo Villaverde and Vicente Fernandez, both confined in the same cell. Villaverde was charged with being implicated in the plan, then supposed to be maturing among the Creoles of the Island, to sever the connection with Spain, and either establish an independent govern merit or annex themselves to the United States of North America. The accusation against Fernandez was fraudulent bankruptcy. Having, in the discharge of my duties, occasion to visit their cell that day, Fernandez spoke to me of assisting them to escape, promising me protection and other advantages, should I do so ; and after some conversation on the subject I acceded to their proposition. We left the prison together that night at half-past 7 o'clock, and, Villaverde having separated from us in the streets, Fernandez and I went to a certain house, where we remained concealed three or four days ; Villaverde, as I understood, being secreted in another part of the city. Fernandez and

I sallied from our place of concealment on the night of the 4th April, and embarked on board an American vessel at the wharf of San Francisco. Villaverde came on board about the same time, and that night the vessel ' sailed for Apalachicola, where we arrived in seven days. The third day after our arrival Villaverde took passage on a steamer for Savannah, and Fernandez and myself, five days later, sailed for New Orleans, where we arrived safe after a short passage.

For about a month after our arrival here we boarded at the house of an American lady, whose name I do not recollect, on Canal Street. At the expiration of that time Fernandez removed to the boarding house of Callejas on Royal Street, and by his directions I went to live at "La Corrina" a segar shop on St. Charles Street, kept by his brother Jos6 Fernandez. There I remained until the 8th of June. In the mean time I had become acquainted with Jose Ramon de Ayala, who, some days before my leaving there, called me out of the shop and invited me to take a walk. He led me to a coffee house at the corner of St.

Peter and Levee Streets, and there questioned me as to whether I knew where Fernandez had gone 7 It was the first intimation I had heard of his having left the city, and of course I answered in the negative. " I know where he is gone," said Ayala, and immediately he set about asking me if I did not know some persons in Havana, who assisted in his escape, to whom he (Ayala) could write for money to assure my silence. I replied I wished no such letters written, and knew no person to whom an application of that character could be made. He insisted that I did know those persons, and importuning me to give him their names, I rid myself of him by saying I would reflect on the subject and give him an answer the next clay. We then left the coffee house, and separated at the door, he taking

7 the direction of the Place iV Amies, and I walking down St.

Peter Street. Turning' into Royal Street, I met Fulgencio Llorente, who had been introduced to me some time before by Ayala. He addressed me abruptly :

" You are in great danger "

"Why?" said I.

•• Did you see Ayala V

"Yes."

" Well, then it is all rig-ht."

And with this he passed on, terminating 1 the conversation as abruptly as he commenced it. Two days after I met Ayala on the streets. He at once introduced the subject upon which we had been last speaking-, and asked me if I had brought to my recollection any of those names 1 I told him I had not ; that I could not recollect any. "Well," he observed, " I know the names of those who aided the escape of Fernandez and Villaverde myself." I expressed my surprise. He told me he had written letters, such as he had spoken of, to two of those persons, and producing the letters requested me to sign them, which I refused.

Having repeatedly declined signing them, he at last told me in an ominous manner I had better do it. This brought to my mind the mysterious monition of Llorente, and I was reflecting upon it when Llorente himself stepped up.

Ayala informing him of my obstinate refusal, he joined him in his importunities, and both warned me " You had better sign those letters ; if you do not you will see a great deal of trouble." I asked for an explanation, but they refused it, and at last I entered a store with them and put my name to the letters.

Thenceforth wherever I met them, together or separately, they advised me to leave Fernandez's store (La Corrind)] they said I was running a great risk in stopping there, and that before Vicente Fernandez left the city he had been heard to say it would be necessary to make away with me. They alarmed my fears, and, on their suggestion, I left u La Corrina" and went to the house of Mr. Jose Morante, in the Third Municipality, to live. Shortly after moving to Mr. Morante's they endeavored to persuade me to change my residence again, and on one occasion Ayala. showing me a key, said he had rented* a room for me, and I would be safer by going to lodge in it. I did not think their reasons sufficient for moving and declined their offer.

They likewise urged upon me to make a demand upon Mr. Jose Fernandez, for five or six hundred dollars, which they sought to make me believe he would be obliged to pay in the absence of his brother, and this proposition I also rejected, telling them that I had no claim whatever upon Jose Fernandez.*

Dangers were constantly boded to me now in the conversations of Ayala and Llorente, which left me in a state of perpetual alarm. My spirits gone, and a prey to melancholy, I was visited with sickness. While suffering severely from my ailment, Ayala and Llorente entered my room together, one day. I was pleased to see them, hoping they might lighten my afflictions by their sympathy, but my feelings were soon changed, for scarcely had they passed the threshold when they ordered me to rise and dress myself, and threatened punishment for disobedience. I told them I was too sick to leave the bed, and craved them to spare me. Thereupon Ayala commenced walking up and down the room, drawing his coat, on the left, aside and slapping his hand significantly on a dagger, he wore in the waistband of his pantaloons, every time he passed me.

* It is difficult to imagine what their motive was for this suggestion, unless it was to effect a complete estrangement between Hey and Jose' Fernandez, by presenting to the latter an insolent demand for money from the former. The subsequent course of those worthies favors the hypothesis.

9 Presently both left the room tog-ether, and in a few minutes Llorente returned alone. Seating- himself on a chair at the head of my bed he buried his face in his hands, and apparently sobbing, he observed, "Do not be astonished that I give way to my feelings." A quarter, perhaps half, an hour elapsed, Llorente still venting his apparent grief, when a coach stopped in front of the house. Llorente instantly rushed out, and returning told me a friend was waiting to see me outside. I requested him to invite my friend in. A stranger then entered in company with Ayala, who, together with Llorente, introduced him as a Doctor, and sat down, one at the foot of my bed and the other at the head. The stranger saluted me, and looking me full in the face said " I am not a Doctor, Sir — I am the Spanish Consul." I replied that I had not the honor of knowing him. "I do not come here," he added, "as Consul, but as a good friend of yours." He then took a seat, and, as he unbuttoned his frockcoat, I perceived a pistol stuck in his waistband. On seating himself he again addressed me, and besought me to go with him, assuring me that his mission was a friendly one. I refused so long as I was only requested, but at last Ayala rose, drew his dagger from the sheath, and slapping it on the table said I should go. u Come with us, if you will," joined in the Consul and Llorente, " but if you do not we will make you." The tone and manner in which these threats were uttered, were unmistakeable, and I submitted. I dressed myself, and the three led me to the coach at the door, into which they followed.

We were driven to a house entirely unknown to me, and whore it is situated I do not now know.* On driving

* This was the Consul's house, as testified to in the examination before Mm committing magistrates by Ayala and Mr Duquesne, the Con il < IhanCeilor.

B

10 up to the door I was told to get out, and was conducted by them into the house. Without stopping- I was hurried through a corridor, up one flight of stairs, and into a room on that floor. As we passed through the corridor, Ayala took a paper from his pocket and handed it to the Consul.

The moment we entered the room the Consul held this paper towards me and told me I should sign it. I urged that I did not know what it was. " That is of no consequence to you," he answered, " sign it, Sir." I reluctantly obeyed his mandate and, having- done so, was about to peruse the paper, when he grasped it from my hand.

Ayala and Llorente then warned me never to make known that I had seen the Spanish Consul ; that I should always know and speak of him as a physician who had visited me, and the Consul himself cautioned me never to reveal to mortal aught in relation to my interview with him, or that I had been at his office. I made no reply, and there was a pause of some minutes. The Consul again addressing me, and now in a very impressive manner, said, " You may say what you please, but remember, Sir, the police have their eyes on you, and wherever you may utter a word in relation to this matter, it will come to my ears, and I tell you again beware, Sir." He next told me he wished me to return to Havana, and pledged himself that nothingshould happen me there, but this I refused in the most positive manner.

I was then dismissed. Ayala left the house with me, and accompanied me to Mr. Morante's house. There we parted. I entered my room, and throwing myself on my bed, was lost for hours in reflections upon the strange events of that day and its antecedents. In vain I endeavored to penetrate the mystery surrounding me. I suppose from the excitement, and the trials to which I had been subjected that day, my malady became worse at u

might, and it was several days before I was able to leave the house again. The next morning Mr. Morante asked me who the stranger was that had visited me in his absence. I told him it was a Doctor. He asked me several questions in relation to the object of the visit, which, as I supposed he might be in league with the men I had reason to believe were my enemies, I answered evasively. He at last insisted upon knowing who the Doctor was, and, having no excuse for denying him a direct answer, I told him the Doctor was the Spanish Consul. That same day, after Morante had left, Llorente again visited me. The man's presence was now abhorrent to me, and, I presume, perceiving this, he endeavored to regain my confidence. He visited me every day after, while I was confined to the house. He made anxious inquiries after my health, and entertained me with conversation by relating such news as interested me. Occasionally referring to the affair of the Consul, he assured me the Consul's motives, his own and Ayala's, though apparently acting with harshness, were friendly ; and the act I had been compelled to execute would ultimately enure to my benefit. Although thus reassured, and at times believing he was sincere, there was yet a lurking suspicion I was the object of some dark conspiracy. Perceiving this, probably either in my manner or expression, he would tell me the Consul still kept his eye on me ; that the plans he had in view for my good rendered it necessary that I should remain in New Orleans, and should I endeavor to follow Fernandez, who, I had been informed, had gone to Vera Cruz, I would find it impossible to obtain a passport, as the Consul had cautioned the Mexican Consul not to give me one.

As soon as I recovered sufficiently to Avalk out I bethought me of all that had transpired, and, satisfied that evil was brooding over me, I determined upon leaving

12 New Orleans, and escaping the toils of my enemies* Where should I fly, was the next question. Should I go to any other part of the United States I would be a stranger and utterly friendless among- a people whose language I neither spoke nor understood. Were I in Mexico I would be in a country, the people of which were inimical to Spain, and whose language was my own. I therefore determined upon going there, and fixed upon Vera Cruz as the most desirable place, being an important seaport, and supposing, if, as had been reported to me, Fernandez was there, he might assist me. This was about the 26th or 27th of June.

I at once communicated my design to Jose Fernandez, who informed me that whenever I wished to go to Vera Cruz, Mr. Louis Villerte, the agent of his brother, Vicente Fernandez, would advance me a sum sufficient for my expenses. Two or three days after, I went alone to the Mexican Consul's office, and, bearing in mind the information of Llorente that the Spanish Consul had taken precautions to close this avenue against me, I asked for a passport in the name of Francisco Jimenez, which was promptly furnished, and I paid two dollars for it, out of the little stock of money I had. It was my wish to go to Vera Cruz in the British steamer, but not knowing what day she would arrive at Mobile I thought it preferable to go direct in a sailing vessel from this port. I communicated my intention to Mr. Yeoward, the clerk of Jose Fernandez, and he undertook to negotiate for my passage. The next day Mr. Yeoward informed me the brig Titi was up for Vera Cruz, and he would secure a berth on her. Matters thus stood until the 5th July, Mr. Yeoward stating to me, in the intermediate time, that he was endeavoring to cheapen the price of passage : forty dollars being asked, and he believing he could get it for thirty.

Pending this negotiation my desire to leave was stimu-

13 lated by a conversation I bad with Llorente. Standing- at the door of Mr. Morante's chocolate shop, Llorente approached me and signified that he wished to speak with me. I told him to go on. " Not here," said he, " come to the corner.''' I did so, and we entered the Cosmopolitan coffee house at the corner of Conde and St. Ann Streets, a few doors from the chocolate shop. Leading- me away from the people in the coffee house, he told me there was a writ of arrest out against me.

"What for V I asked.

" I believe they are going to send you to Havana."

" Who is o-oino- to send me there V

" I believe the Spanish Consul."

" For what reason ?"

"Because if he can get you back to Havana he, no doubt, will obtain a Cross of Honor. Now, you accompany me whenever you go abroad. I have the writ" — and he took a paper from his pocket, which he exhibited to me, but I did not understand the language — " I have the writ," he continued ; " as long as it is in my possesion you are safe, and, as I know all the authorities in the city, no harm shall come to you."

He then advised me to go to the Consul's house, and see him in regard to the matter. I became angry at such a proposition, after his telling me the course the Consul was pursuing towards me, and expressed my indignation freely. "I make the sugestion," said he, " because I know the Consul has received a letter, favorable to your interests, from the Captain General, and I am sure if you call on him he will convince you of your error in refusing to return." I replied that I had no favors to ask either of the Consul or the Captain General, and had not the remotest idea of going back to Cuba. Stepping into the street, as we approached the chocolate shop, he enjoined upon me

14 to place no confidence in any one but himself, "for yoil know I am your friend, and do not mention a word of what we have been speaking- about to Morante, because he is a man of evil disposition and may do us harm." With this he left me and I returned to the chocolate shop. This was early on the morning- of the 3d July. The next day he called on me again, and taking- me out of the shop he renewed the conversation on the subject of visiting- the Consul. Finding- me much displeased with his pertinacity we separated, not however, without a renewal on his part of friendly assurances, and again claiming- for the Consul the best motives in all his actions concerning- me. As we were about to part he laid his hand on his heart and pledged his word of honor that if I returned to Havana nothingwould be done to me. Firmly refusing- to be guided by him in this matter, he dropped the subject and asked me where I intended going 1 I said I did -not know. " Look well to it," he then advised me ; " the Consul has learned you intend going to Vera Cruz, and he is enraged." I declared I had no such intention, although I had my passport in my pocket at the time, and added that if I left New Orleans I should g-o to Lima.

Chapter II

The eventful 5th of July — Dine with Llorente, and a stranger — Llorcnte insists upon accompanying me home — Walk along the Levee — The Trap — Seized by several men and carried on board the Mary Ellen — The schooner sails — The abduction consummated — Attempts to escape — The voyage to Havana.

On the evening of the 5th July, about 5 or half-past 5 o'clock, Llorente came to the chocolate shop of Mr. Morante, where I had been since morning, and asked m'e to take a walk. I pleaded fatigue as an apology for declining. "Well," said he, "at all events you can dine with me."

15 1 begged to be excused also from this; as I invariably ate at Mr. Morante's house, and was indisposed to eat elsewhere. Urging- me with much apparent warmth of friendship I consented, and accompanied him to a sumptuously furnished restaurant on St. Peter Street, fronting- the Place (V Armcs. * On entering- the establishment we seated ourselves at a table, and as we took our seats a gentleman with moustaches approached us and saluted Llorente. A few words having- passed between them in French, he asked me in the same tong-ue if I spoke the language (Parlcz vous Francais?) I answered him in the neg-ative.

He took his seat at the table and dined with us. The dinner was a capital one and Llorente seemed bent on his utmost to please me. His conversation was principally directed to the stranger, to whom he spoke in French, which I neither spoke nor understood. He frequently pressed me to drink wine, but fearful of becoming intoxicated I always objected, and limited my indulgence to a glass of claret and water. Dinner over, the stranger left us, as I thought, very discourteously, without the usual kind expression at the parting of friends. After he left I asked Llorente who he was. "Without telling me his name, he cautioned me to be prudent in speaking to him. This I observed was unnecessary as I spoke no French, and I supposed he did not speak Spanish. Llorente answering that was very true, added that we would have to await the return of our late companion, as he was gone in search of intelligence interesting to us both, and would be back at 7 o'clock. We waited until the Cathedral clock struck that hour, and no one appearing we remained half an hour later.

I now told Llorente I could wait no longer and would go home. We started, and, on reaching Royal Street, Llorente

* Victor's Restaurant, as was proved by witnesses, who had seen Morante and Ayala together there, on the evening of the 5th July.

16 invited me into a house opposite the garden, in the rear of the Cathedral to pay a visit, and, after some conversation with the lady of the house, who spoke Spanish, and a gentleman named Mimoz, we made our adieus. Passingout through the hall, we met Madam Llorente, whom I had seen before at Calleja's. We exchanged some pleasantries on my wearing spectacles, which I had done since my illness, in consequence of my eyes having become weak, and after a few minutes conversation Llorente bade her good bye, telling her he was going to accompany me in a walk. As we reached the street, I intimated to him that I was going directly home and it was unnecessary for him to walk so far. He politely offered to accompany me, complimenting me upon the pleasure my society afforded him, and suggesting at the same time that the evening was delightful and the most agreeable road to Mr. Morante's house would be along the Levee. Directing our steps to the Levee, we strolled down the river side until we came to a coffee-house, in front of which we met our dinner companion, who, speaking now in imperfect Spanish expressed himself delighted at meeting us, and invited us to take a drink with him. We entered the coffee-house, and being asked what I would take I called for lemonade. Llorente asked me what I' would have in it? I answered whatever he thought best. He spoke then to the bar-keeper who produced a bottle, and Llorente taking it and pouring a quantity of it into my lemonade said " This is the bottle from which I usually take my drink." While we were drinking, a conversation was kept up in English between our moustached friend and another man who stood in the door, with a beard under his chin, who wore a white hat, during which the latter frequently pointed to the interior of the coffee-house. Having all left the coffee-house, when about eight or ten steps from the door, in the direction of the

17 Levee, towards which Llorente was Leading me, I asked where he was taking- me to, and, receiving- no answer, I wheeled about to return to the side walk and find my way home. Just as I turned my back to the Levee, a man wearing- a light summer coat, cottonade pantaloons and a white hat, seized me with a powerful grasp by the arm.

Crying- out to the "traitors" (traidores) not to molest me, I suddenly wrenched my arm from the man's grasp, and as I made an effort to escape I heard a voice in Spanish speaking from the coffee-house door say: "Put the rascal on board; the Stars of the American Flag are of no use to him now."* On the instant five men took hold of me, by the legs, body and arms — one of whom, who held my right arm, gagged me, by clapping his hand on my mouth, when I cried for assistance. I was borne in this way across the Levee and along the wharf, and was pitched on board a vessel lying at the pier head. When I got up my first impulse was to jump ashore and I was about to make the leap, when I was seized by two men, who I subsequently found to be the Steward, called Domingo, and one of the crew, and forced by them down into the Cabin. As they pushed me down the booby hatch the vessel was cast off and floated into the stream.

In a moment I seized the whole truth. Every scheme and wile of my enemies was laid bare. I was the dupe of Ayala and Llorente. Through their instrumentality, under the direction of the Consul, I was a victim about to be offered to the vengeance of the Captain General of Cuba.

Were there yet no means of escape 1 Death was certain if I went on that vessel. I was an expert swimmer — I determined to try my powers in the element that separated me from life and liberty — I was stripping myself and had taken off my coat and waistcoat, when two men walked

■■"' This is a literal translation of the words as repeated by Rev. C

18 into the Cabin. " What" said one of them, whom I afterwards found to be Captain McConnell, the master of the vessel, " are you going to throw yourself overboard !" I said I was not, that I was very sick and wished to go on deck and cool myself. I went on deck, the two ascending the ladder after me. My thoughts bent on escape I surveyed the scene, and alas ! desperate as was my situation, I shrunk from the attempt. We were in the middle of the river, in the rear of a Steamer, which was towing two other vessels — one on each side — and ourselves some distance astern ; the night had become intensely dark ; nothing was to be seen of the shore, but the many lights of the receding city, now far behind us, and the hazard was more frightful as I knew full well the terrific force of the current I would brave. Thus I abandoned what I then deemed my last hope of returning to New Orleans. Soon I was attacked with vomiting and vertigo, and an unaccountable stupor came over me. Returning to the cabin, I was again followed by the Captain and his companion, the former of whom pointed out my berth and I undressed and laid down.

Finding the oppressive heat aggravated my sickness I rose in about ten minutes and found Captain McConnell and his companion seated opposite each other at the table, conversing in English. Addressing myself to the Captain I asked him if he was the master of the vessel. Receiving an answer in the affirmative I desired to know if the Spanish Consul had been on board. He said the Consul was on board about 7 o'clock that evening. I was now confirmed in all my suspicions. I was the victim of the Consul's wiles. He had superintended my abduction, up to the very last moment. It was the Consul who was in the back room of the coffee-house, when in the conversation with the individual who had dined with Llorente and myself the man standing at the street door pointed to the rear of the building- ; it. was the Consul, who, standing in the same door, a minute after ordered the ruffians to seize me, and proclaimed the American flag was no longer my protection.

I resumed my queries to the captain :

" Have you any documents for the Captain General 1"

" No, but I have letters for his Secretary."

" Have you received a passport for me ?"

u Where are we going to V

u To Havana."

"I will give you thirty doubloons if you will put me ashore and let me return to New Orleans."

" Have you any money V

" I have."

" It cannot be done."

"Why?"

"Well I can't tell you. If I do it I shall get into a scrape with them. [Porquc rucjoderan a rm*~\

" How will you get into a scrape V

He turned on his heel and walked off without answering this question. I returned to my berth and laid there until morning, when, being much better, I went on deck.