The news of the tragedy had been carried to the United States, and the American and English consuls interested themselves to protect the remaining prisoners; but the sham trials went on in spite of their protests. Here in the face of death came out all the manliness, the tenderness, the unselfishness, and the simple piety of the brave Fry. For himself he expected no mercy and asked for none. He made his formal protest against the seizure of his ship on the high seas and the unfair trial by which he and his men had been condemned; but it was for them alone that he besought mercy. To General Buriel, the Spanish Governor, he wrote, saying:
"Running the blockade is considered a risky business among sailors, for which good pay is received. It is notorious that a great number of vessels were employed in it during the American war, and, although captures were numerous, not a single life was lost; the greater part of the prisoners were set at liberty after a short imprisonment. I never heard a word before the night of my sentence, of Cuban law and the proclamation relative to an attempt to introduce arms into Cuba. If, with superior opportunities, I was ignorant that the case could be decided by another law than the international, how complete may have been the ignorance of these poor people! I was continually in the company of people who ought to have known it, and not one alluded to the fact. In a word, I believe it is not known, and that the world will be painfully surprised on learning the sacrifice of these lives.
"The Consul knows well that I am not pleading for my own life. I have not prayed to God for it, nor even to the Blessed Mother. I have neither home nor country—a victim of war and persecution, the avenues to the securing of property being closed to me to such a point that I have not been able to provide bread for my wife and seven children, who know what it is to suffer for the necessaries of life. My life is one of suffering, and I look upon what has happened to me as a benefit of God, and it is not for me, therefore, to ask favors of anyone.
"The engineer, Knight, I know, came contrary to his will. He was bitterly opposed to it, as I learn from the person who obtained him to come.
"Spaniards, the world is not so full of people who prefer honor to life. Save poor Santa Rosa! Poor gentleman, with heart as tender and as compassionate as that of a woman, of irreproachable honor, his business was that of charity. He was devoted to others, and though he was aboard the vessel for the benefit of their health, I believe he will not use this advantage for himself….
"The greater portion of the crew were entrapped by their lodging house keepers, who gained possession of them, and watched the opportunity to put them on board on receiving advances on their wages.
"Spaniards, I believe I am the only one who dies in the entire Christian faith of our holy religion. Consider the souls of these poor people; give them an opportunity to ask mercy of God. I know that you must fulfil your duty, but my blood ought to be sufficient, because innocent and defenceless people will suffer with my fall.
"May these considerations have influence with the authorities to whom I beg to appeal! These poor people had no knowledge of what you think their crime. Pardon me if I say that I don't believe their deaths would have on the fate of Cuba the good effect the law foresees—our civilization is so opposed to such proceeding. I don't say this in tone of complaint, but we are accustomed to at least identify victims when we are going to sacrifice.
"According to my view, there should have been some intervention. Our Government, by its influence, should have been pronounced, and perhaps in that way their lives might have been saved without compromising the dignity of Spain.
"Señores, farewell. I know that the members of the council who condemn me accomplish a painful duty. Let them remember us in their prayers to God, and ask their wives and children to do the same for us. Respectfully,