" In response he was told that he was a pirate,
his flag was lowered and trampled upon, and the Spanish flag was
hoisted in its place.
During the chase after the Virginius, the passengers and crew of
the fated vessel were in a state of panic. The cargo, which was
made up of war material, was thrown overboard, and all persons on
the vessel emptied their trunks of whatever might be considered
suspicious. Almost from the instant of the capture the fate of the
unfortunate men was assured, and they soon realized the extent of
the danger that threatened them.
VERDICT OF THE SPANISH COURT-MARTIAL.
When the Tornado and the Virginius reached Santiago de Cuba the
next day the 155 men captured were placed in close confinement and
a court-martial was convened at once. The various courts-martial
condemned most if not all of the prisoners to death, this summary
proceeding being, as was alleged, in accordance with Spanish laws,
so far at least as the character of the court and the nature of
the judicial forms were concerned.
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