Since my return to this city I have been asked so many questions and have heard so many reports about Cuban affairs, that I believe it due to truth, to the memory of the martyrs in the Cuban cause, and to the Cuban people in general, to raise my voice, however humble and unknown, to state such facts as circumstances have given me special knowledge of.

I solemnly state that Gen. Lopez never deceived any one about the revolutionary feeling in Cuba, and the cooperation he hoped to meet from the Cubans. My position near him during the last eighteen months of his life, enables me to state knowingly that letters from all parts of the island have often called him and his friends, whatever might be their number. No letters or news have ever been forged in this city, and I am astonished that such an accusation could ever have been made against the few devoted friends, who, sincerely convinced of the goodness of the cause, have spared no effort, no sacrifice to serve it, and have engaged in it their time, their name and their fortune, with no guarantee than the word and honor of one man. These letters have never been written with the intention of deceiving: their only fault is exaggeration, not as regards the feelings and wishes of the Cuban people, but as to the possibility of immediate action. Circumstances have been against the expedition; the revolution had broken out on the 4^th of July in Puerto Principe; from many points Patriots had started and concentrated in the Coscoro mountains, who were and are still defending themselves against the royal troops. The Government, of course, immediately expected the arrival of some expedition from the States, and took all necessary measures; arrests were made; the army of spies reinforced, and all suspicious men marked and closely watched. The General arrived. But few Cubans joined him, it is true, but how many tried to join? The jailers of Havana may answer that question by stating how many arrests were made on the roads since the 12^th of August; they can answer it by telling what is the crime committed by over two thousand wretches now in Spanish dungeons or transported to Spain. The soldiers also will answer by saying how many have been executed behind the bushes of the Aguacate and the Pena Blanca!

Say that the Cubans are paralyzed by the system of terror under which they live; say that they are crushed by tyranny; that they lack resolute leaders, capable of forming a plan and of leading a people without arms, and surrounded by the most ingenious system of spies; accuse them of cowardly weakness, but do not cast infamy on their name by representing them fighting the Patriots, tracking with dogs the man who has been their only hope for two years.

I was in Cuba when Gen. Lopez arrived, and I will only say that had it been possible to join him, I would not now be in New Orleans; those who know me will not doubt my words. Now, while I am convinced, for having myself seen and heard what I say, and having been amongst the Cubans and exposed to the same dangers, I oblige nobody to share my convictions, but I will tell the incredulous, go to the island of Cuba, do not seek information in newspapers published under the most vigilant censorship, not amongst men who are interested in showing that the island is quiet, but mix with the Cubans, become their friend-let you observations be personal, and then try a little conspiracy. Only assemble and arm fifty men, I warrant you will find both men and money; but after that, if you are able, withdraw your hear from the noose in which you had already seen it, if you have resisted the trials of a conspirator's life, if you can escape, you will soon be back and will say with me, it must be seen to be believed or understood; this people has the will but not the power of moving.

It has not been my intention to get into a long discussion; I am no public writer, and it is with regret that I put my name before the public; but returning to New Orleans, I have been painfully affected by the revulsion which has taken place since the news of the defeat of theat heroic little party whose deeds will be long spoken of by the Spanish soldier, who, more generous than his Government, gives due credit to an enemy that only gave way to a force ten times stronger. I have heard accusations murmured against Gen. Lopez and his noble and generous friends, who feel less the loss of their fortunes, their name exposed to the attacks of vulgar enemies, than for the loss of a man who never had an unworthy thought, whose motives were pure and generous. Gen Lopes had honored me by his friendship and confidence. I grieve his loss as that of a father; and I think that raising my weak voice to justify him, his friends, of the cause for which he died, is to me a duty-is rendering a homage to his memory. Those who insult his ashes by calumnies are guilty of an act of cowardice, and I would be as guilty if I remained silent. I confidently hope that time will justify him in the eyes of the world, and that if I have not been able to save him, I may yet one day aid in avenging him. I have no personal interest engaged in the Cuban cause; my life is all I could give to it; and if I regret being obscure and unknown, it is only because a more elevated position would have given more weight to my words-words which are dictated by a sincere and well-convinced heart.

                                                                                                                                                                P.F. de Gournay
New Orleans, August [Sept.] 9, 1851