Messrs. Editors: In the Commercial of yesterday I notice sundry statements by one Henry Stevens, a "Contoy Prisoner"--that he "enlisted with Capt. HARDY upon express conditions that he should be taken to California, and so soon as he found out the destination was Cuba, determined to come back the first opportunity." Now, I know Mr. Henry Stevens; he is just the man whom I would expect to set up such a miserable plea in excuse for his extreme timidity and peculiar irresolution, and he is the last man who should leave his shoe making bench to engage in affairs of greater hazard and enterprise. The terror under which he has labored during his imprisonment on board the Goberano, has certainly caused him in a great degree to lose all memory of things past, otherwise he would scarcely have the face to make such statements. He seems to have forgotten, that several days before we left Cincinnati, he called upon me two or three different evenings, at the Nonpareil office, to inquire about the expedition; how he then and there repeatedly averred that if it was for Cuba he "was in," but if for California, he would not go.

When he spoke thus, I invariably made this reply, "At present Mr. Stevens I can tell you nothing more definite about it, but if such is your wish, I think you will not be disappointed at N. Orleans." He seems to have forgotten, after our arrival in New Orleans, how confidentially he asked me for more particulars, and that I then told him in plain words we were bound for Cuba; and then how earnestly he solicited me to have him appointed a Lieutenancy. I told him we must have Lieutenants who understood military tactics and guard duty. Do they generally have such Lieutenants in California companies, Mr. S?

Stand up Henry Stevens, "prisoner of Contoy," and answer: Did you not, after Col. O'HARA had read to the Kentucky Battalion, while the Georgiana was anchored off Contoy, his compact with General Lopez--setting forth all the particulars, and after a number of eloquent and patriotic speeches had been made in favor of Cuban Independence, which elicited most enthusiastic huzzas from our brave adventures even on that desolate coast--I ask, did you not after this, join Captain Robinson's company, accept the appointment of third Sergeant, and exercise the "powers and authority" thereof for a few days?

Was you not provoked somewhat because you did not receive a Lieutenant's commission--you who so pompously declared you were "born to command," though at first you did not even know the facings. Again, how did your heart fail you, when, after the Creole arrived, we douned the Red Shirt of revolution, and you saw her decks gleaming with bayonets soon to be bathed in Spanish blood, or rust beneath the Gulf's blue wave! Then it was you determined to go home; then you thought remorsefully of your lovely wife and unprotected children, and made such pitious moan that the whole Battalion was affected, and Col. O'Hara gave you ten dollars, plenty of provisions, and a free passage back to New Orleans! Oh! conscientious Mr. Henry Stevens! You would not be a private [pirate]! No! unless you could wield a sword, wear an epaulette, AND "screw your courage to the sticking place!"

Captain Hardy informed the men, before the bark left the Balize--where she remained at anchor a whole day--that we were ultimately going to Cuba, and such as did not wish to go were requested to get aboard the tow-boat, before she left us, and go back to New Orleans.

It was intended by Capt. H. to lay the whole plan and object of the expedition before his men, previous to leaving New Orleans, and send back to their homes such as were [un]willing to embark, but the wretched mismanagement of affairs at headquarters prevented it. It was not the intention, for it was by no means necessary so far as getting men was concerned, to deceive any one; though it could not safely be said to all in so many words--"we are going to Cuba on a fighting Expedition." But what could not any man have inferred, when he saw ten boxes of muskets and a large quantity of cartridges on board? Such articles make a stronger impression than words! That a single man was deceived, I do not believe. No man of the most ordinary penetration could have been, especially after staying nearly three weeks in New Orleans. The whole Battalion of those who went to Cardenas, many of whom are now in this city and vicinity, well know that the "Contoy prisoner" who made the loudest complaint about being deceived, &c., stood upon the deck of the Martha Washington, as she left Covington, shouting "Hurrah for Cuba!"

We failed, Messrs. Editors, in a grand and momentous undertaking and must be content to bear the blame as legitimately attaches to failure. That is, perhaps, enough, without being held accountable for the sufferings or losses of men who lack not only the judgement and prudence to keep aloof from such dare-devil enterprises, but also, that spirit and resolution necessary to deport themselves firmly and creditably when engaged in them.

I was myself, as I have before stated, "deceived and misinformed" by letters from those at the head of the Expedition--and they in turn may have been greatly disappointed--as to the resources, strength and outfit of the Army, which I felt convinced was altogether too small and insufficient to give anything but the most desperate chance for success; still as General Lopez--the hero of a hundred battles--was willing to lead on, I resolved to accompany him, and see what could be done, at all hazards.

                                                                                                        Truly yours,

                                                                                                        RICHARDSON HARDY.

                                                                                                       August 18th, 1850.

P.S. I hope a sense of justice will induce the editors of the Commercial and New Orleans Picayune, to insert this reply to Henry Stevens, and his fellow "Contoites."