Thinking that this was perhaps a little too severe, they were removed to the House of Refuge. This proved to be a wretched, unclean place, far worse than the jail.
The correspondents for the United States papers happened to hear of the arrival of these unfortunates, and went at once to the House of Refuge to see them.
Imagine their horror when they found that one of these ladies was a countrywoman of their own, an American citizen.
Word was sent at once to Consul-General Fitzhugh Lee, and then the correspondents clubbed together, and bought some beds and small comforts, and sent them to the ladies.
General Lee at once tried to help the American lady, Mrs. Rodriguez, and finally got permission for her release.
The other ladies said they wished they were Americans, that they might also be helped out of their miserable position.
These ladies do not as yet know why they have been arrested. They all have relatives in the insurgent army, and suppose that is the reason for their punishment.
The Three Friends, the filibustering steamer that has been in so much trouble, will soon know her fate.
She is to be proceeded against for piracy.