On arriving at Havana, they were first thrust into jail with the men.

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.

* * * * *