The Lopez Expedition of 1851 was not an event I had ever heard of until I came across it referenced in Ann Veazey Davis’ family history. Thomas Brockus Veazey, my 4th cousin, 5x removed, was a member of this ill-fated expedition. Unsanctioned by the America government, the expedition was lead by General Narciso Lopez who was determined to free Cuba from Spanish rule.

Lopez, a native of Venezuela, needed an “army” to accomplish his life’s mission but he found no support from the U.S. government. Undeterred, he set out to raise a military force on his own. Promising glory on the battlefield, he successfully recruited 500 thrill-seeking “sons of the South” from wealthy families. Thomas Brockus Veazey was one of them. Lopez gave his recruits, who apparently funded the expedition, officer’s ranks which were meaningless.

Disaster and death awaited these young men in Cuba. Outnumbered by the Spanish military forces, the Americans were overrun. Most were killed on the battlefield. Some were forced into slavery while others, like Lopez and Thomas, were executed after the battle. Before he was shot, Thomas was allowed to write a letter to his family back in the United States. It was, I suspect, meant to send a warning to future thrill-seekers like Thomas to stay away from Cuba. Thomas’ nephew, Duncan Veazey, thankfully came into possession of the letter and preserved it for posterity.

Kenfolk: Tranthams
Relation: 4th cousin, 5x removed
Common ancestors: John and Martha (Broccus) Veazey, my 8th great grandparents, are Thomas’ 3rd great grandparents

References:
Davis, A. V. (1995). Descendants of John Veazey. Zebulon, North Carolina: Veazey Family Association
The True History of Lopez’s Expedition. (1900 January 21). The Brooklyn Daily Eagle. p. 28.

Note: the complete title of Ann’s book, as it appears on the title page, is: Descendants of John Veazey of “Cherry Grove” Cecil County, Maryland