On this date in 1873, not five days after capturing the Virginius — a U.S. blockade runner illegally supplying separatist rebels in Cuba — Spanish General Juan Burriel had four of the rebel brass found aboard shot under martial law.

Santiago de Cuba, November 4, 1873

To his Excellency the Captain-General

At six o’clock this morning were shot in this city, for being traitors to their country, and for being insurgent chiefs, the following persons, styling themselves ‘patriot generals:’ Bernabe Varona, alias Bembeta, general of division; Pedro Céspedes, commanding general of Cienfuegos; General Jesus del Sol, and Brigadier-General Washington Ryan. The executions took place in the presence of the entire corps of volunteers, the force of regular infantry, and the sailors from the fleet. An immense concourse of people also witnessed the act.

The best of the order prevailed. The prisoners met their death with composure.

Juan B. Burriel

Part of Corpses Strewn: The Virginius Affair.

On this day..

• 1912: Alexander Kompovic, "nurderer"
• 1913: Frederick Seekings, the last hanged in Cambridgeshire
• 1807: Henry Niles
• Corpses Strewn: The Virginius Affair
• 1895: Emma Williams, Frank Tinyana, and Jackey
• 1949: Arthur Bruce Perkins, "I knew I could never face her again"
• 1881: A day in the death penalty around the U.S.
• 2005: Hastings Arthur Wise, workplace shooter
• 2005: Brian Steckel, the Driftwood Killer
• 1818: Matthew Clydesdale, galvanic subject
• 1778: Abraham Carlisle and John Roberts, triggering Benedict Arnold's betrayal?
• 1793: The smitten Adam Lux
• 1841: Hermano Pule and his surviving followers
• 1936: Edgar André