«¦«: *,v Willsm ¦1 Mexico p%87s 'Igbi e : theft, B^aks- § fox-tag fiipidnigtif a College, itvthis- Colony'* 0 •YAIUE-^MVEiaSinnr' - iuiiBiKj&mr • Gift of Frontispiece, ARCHDUKE MAXIMILIAN OF AUSTRIA. THE FALL MAXIMILIAN'S EMPIRE AS SEEN FROM A UNITED STATES GUN-BOAT SEATON SCHROEDER LIEUTENANT U. S. N. NEW YORK & LONDON P. PUTNAM'S SONS i% fmiehcrbochtz !g«s» 1887 COPYRIGHT BY SEATON SCHROEDER Press of Q. P. Putnam's Sons New York CONTENTS. CHAPTER I. Introductory and Retrospective. PAGB In 1865 the Mexican Empire an accomplished fact — Sympathy in the United States — Proposed loan — Confidential instructions of Napo leon to General Forey — Decree of the Assembly of Notables — Crown offered to Prince Maximilian— France requests acknowledg ment of proposed Empire by the United States — Reply of Mr. Seward — Joint resolutions in Congress — Maximilian lands in Mexico — Liberal party resists — President Johnson reiterates the Monroe doctrine — Proposed withdrawal of French forces — Mission of General Schofield to Paris — The United States steamer " Ta- cony" — Sails for Vera Cruz ... .1 CHAPTER II. " Tacony " arrives at Vera Cruz — English sloop-of-war "Jason" — French corvette " Phlege'ton "—Spanish gun-boat " Uloa " — Aus trian Imperial yacht " Elizabeth " — Her mission — Marshal Bazaine — His message to President Johnson — His insults to Maximilian — Maximilian refuses to abdicate — Retires to Queretaro — De parture of French troops — Investment of Vera Cruz by Liberals — General Barranda visits the "Tacony" — Roe communicates with Camp Casa Mata — Helps American refugees — -Fresh pro visions — Relations with other men-of-war— Imperialist steamer " Tabasco " — Attempts to stop communication with shore — General Joe Shelby . . . ... 13 CHAPTER III. Fears for safety of Maximilian — Austria requests good offices of United States— Action of Mr. Seward — Letter from Commander Roe to President Juarez — Preliminaries for surrender of Vera Cruz — Bad faith of Imperial governor — Condition of affairs in IV CONTENTS. Vera Cruz — War tax contemplated — Action of Commander Roe — Tax not levied — Maximilian taken prisoner — Proposition of Captain Groller — Governor Bureau a. traitor — Offers to parley — Arrival of General Santa Ana — His turbulent career — His projects of revolution — Claims promises of assistance from United States — Commander Roe takes him on board the "Tacony" — Sends him out of the country — He lands at Sisal — Is arrested — Tried for treason — " Tacony " goes to Pensacola for provisions — Discussion of Commander Roe's action — Memorandum of Mr. Seward . 45 CHAPTER IV. Queen Victoria and Emperor Napoleon request intercession of United States to save Maximilian's life — Offer of Emperor of Austria — Opinions of Mr. Romero— Causes of Maximilian's execution — Mexican press jealous of the United States — " Tacony " returns to her station — Vera Cruz still holding out — The Foreign Legion — News of Maximilian's execution — Commander Roe requests the Prince's body for Austrian captain — Negotiations for surrender of Vera Cruz — "Tacony" and "Jason" move t6 inner harbor — Ordered to leave — Guns brought to bear on them from Castle of San Juan — Flight of Bureau — General Gomez surrenders the castle to Commander Roe — Consuls form provisional government — "Tabasco" disarmed — Foreign Legion embark — Liberal forces take possession of city — Salutes — Captain Aynesley — Commander Pritzbuer — Captain Groller — Mrs. Juarez arrives in U. S. revenue steamer "Wilderness" — "Tacony" returns to the United States — Commander Roe detached — Commended by Navy Department — Thanked by the President — Concluding remarks . . 91 " I have gathered a, posy of other men's flowers, and nothing but the thread that binds them is mine own." A letter-book and a log-book are the foundation upon which the fabric of this narrative rests. By- reading between the lines, and with kind aid, in the way of correspondence and conversations, from some of the officers that were present, it has been possible to unfold the creditable drama of the " Tacony 's " short cruise. Furthermore, a scrutiny of various executive documents, departmental files, and volumes of diplomatic correspondence, has elicited from those musty sources certain interesting matter, not presented in any history, connected with the closing scenes of Prince Maximilian's short reign in Mexico. THE FALL OF MAXIMILIAN'S EMPIRE. CHAPTER I. INTRODUCTORY AND RETROSPECTIVE. When, with the spring of the year 1865, the United States emerged from the winter of their domestic strife, the foreign Empire founded just beyond their southern border was apparently an accomplished fact. An Austrian held the sceptre of Montezuma,, and forty thousand French bay onets bristled around his throne. It is possible that- during the long civil war the mass of the American people had not fully realized the impor tance of that remarkable usurpation ; but the eyes of their statesmen in the capital had been fixed with ceaseless watchfulness on the menace implied by the intervention of a European power in the affairs of that neighboring Republic. For a number of years, in Mexico, revolution had succeeded revolution with such dazzling swift- 2 THE FALL OF MAXIMILIAN'S EMPIRE. ness, that American interest in that country had become slight ; but when that interest was quick ened by transatlantic officiousness, there was aroused a latent feeling of sympathy, possibly the outcome of traditionary policy as much as from per sonal regard. As early as 1862 the complication of affairs had become a cause of serious concern to the American government, and, in the spring of that year, Mr. Corwin, United States Minister to Mexico, negotiated a treaty in which was stipulated a loan of eleven million dollars to that country, upon the security of her public lands. Looking upon it in the light of subsequent events, then im possible to foresee, it is evident that a ratification and carrying out of at ¦ least that clause in the treaty would have spared the world a sad spectacle of prolonged strife and bloodshed, and would have saved many an anxious hour in diplomatic circles. But the instrument was reported upon adversely by the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, and the fatal Jecker bonds, issued by Miramon, while temporarily invested Tsith the executive power, still remained as a firebrand between Mexico and England, France, and Spain. The panorama of events glided swiftly along : — the signing of the convention of London ; the land ing of the French, English, and Spanish expedi tions ; the preliminary convention of La Soledad ; the withdrawal of tne English and Spanish forces ; THE FALL OF MAXIMILIAN'S EMPIRE. 3 the advance of the French on Puebla. Every step was closely watched by the far-seeing members of Mr. Lincoln's Cabinet, and the skillful diplomacy evoked was a faithful expression of the people's instinctive distrust of foreign complications and interventions, coupled with an hereditary, pro nounced desire that the affairs of the western conti nent should be settled by the western continent. The tenor of Emperor Napoleon's confidential letter of instructions to General Forey did not become generally known until long after. Some significant passages in it would have perhaps opened wide the eyes of popular jealousy in the United States, and given a more determined color ing to what was dimly suspected. Among the para graphs may be quoted the following : " There will not be wanting some who will ask you why we have provided men and money to establish a regular government in Mexico. In the present state of civilization of the world the pros perity of America is not indifferent to Europe, for she it is who feeds our manufactures and keeps our commerce alive. It is to our interest that the Republic of the United States may be powerful and prosperous, but by no means that she should take all the Gulf of Mexico and hence command the West Indies as well as South America, and be the sole dispenser of the products of the New World. . . . Now, therefore, our military honor 4 THE FALL OF MAXIMILIAN'S EMPIRE. pledged, the exigencies of our politics and the inter est of our industry and our commerce make it our duty to march on Mexico, to plant there boldly our standard, to establish there — a monarchy if it is not incompatible with the national sentiment of the country — but at all events a government which possesses some stability." This was dated July 3, 1862. A righteous determination to err on the side of strict neutrality, if at all, was prominent in the considerations that induced Mr. Lincoln to avoid taking part in the speculative debates bearing on the situation ; and he must have been rudely startled by the propositions made on July 10, 1863, by the Assembly of Notables in the city of Mexico, summoned by General Almonte's triple- headed regency. It was with a painful sentiment, unfavorable to a good understanding between France and the United States, that the people of the latter country heard of the adoption of a deci sion previously arrived at in Paris. The proposi tions submitted to that Assembly were these : "First. The Mexican nation adopts a monarchi cal, temperate, and hereditary form of government, under a Catholic Prince. "Second. The sovereign shall take the title of Emperor of Mexico. " Third. The imperial crown of Mexico shall be offered to his Imperial and Royal Highness the THE FALL OF MAXIMILIAN'S EMPIRE. 5 i Prince Ferdinand Maximilian of Austria, for him and his descendants. "Fourth. In case, from circumstances which cannot be foreseen, the Archduke Ferdinand Maxi milian should not take possession of the throne which is offered to him, the Mexican nation shall place it under the consideration of His Majesty Napoleon III., Emperor of the French, that he may indicate another Catholic Prince to whom the crown shall be offered." These propositions were accepted and published in the form of a decree. The nobleness of the ambitious young Arch duke, in refusing to accept the proffered crown unless the votes of the entire country should ratify the wishes of the capital city,' was only clouded by his lamentable blindness to the mockery of a ple biscite taken in a country whose patriot army had been almost destroyed, and which was overrun by the amalgamated forces of the regency and of France. Referring to this proposed election, M. Drouyn de l'Huys, the French Minister of Foreign Affairs, intimated to the United States Minister in Paris that " an early, acknowledgment of the proposed Empire by the United States would be convenient to France, by relieving her, sooner than might be possible under other circumstances, from her trou blesome complications in Mexico." To this Mr. 6 THE FALL OF MAXIMILIAN'S EMPIRE. Seward's reply, to Mr. Dayton, was : . . . " Hap pily, the French government has not been left un informed that, in the opinion of the United States, the permanent establishment of a foreign and monarchical' government in Mexico. will be found neither easy nor desirable. You will inform Mr. Drouyn de I'Huys that this opinion remains un changed. ... It is proper also that Mr. Drouyn de I'Huys shouki be informed that the United States continue to regard Mexico as the theatre of a war which has not yet ended in the subversion of the government long existing there, with which the United States remain in the relation of peace and sincere friendship ; and that for this reason the United States are not now at liberty to consider the question of recognizing a government which, in the further chances of war, may come into its place." Nor were the halls of Congress silent. Various joint resolutions introduced at different times in both branches of the national legislature showed that, amid all our domestic troubles, a restless eye was kept on those engrossing outside matters ; and, while not one of those resolutions acquired the character of a legislative act, through failure to receive the concurrence of the other house, they were accepted as truly interpreting the unanimous sentiment of the people of the United States. " Do you bring us peace or bring us war ? " were the first * THE FALL OF MAXIMILIAN'S EMPIRE. 7 -words addressed to Mr. Dayton, as he entered the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Paris one day in April, 1864. The question referred to the passage, by the House of Representatives, of a resolution condemning the invasion of Mexico and the estab lishment of Maximilian upon the throne. Vain protests. They indicated a current, but one powerless just then to stem the counter tor rent of aggression. As had been pointed out by Mr. Sumner, in combating Mr. McDougal's fiery resolution in the Senate, we were not in a position to invite war with a foreign power ; and a keen -appreciation of that fact was in itself ample ex planation for the invasion of the New World by the Old. The doomed Prince, accompanied by his faithful, loving consort, left the fair palace of Miramar, and landed in Mexico greeted by ovations as brilliant as those that had characterized their departure from Austria. The clerical party and the authorities of the Intervention had reached the summit of their desires, and festivities and decorations were lav ished with a free hand. Even a large part of the Indian population hailed their new emperor with manifestations of joy, for the legend of Quetzal- coatl still lived in their traditions, and they saw in him the fair white man who was to come from over the eastern sea to raise them from their oppressed condition. 8 THE FALL OF MAXIMILIAN'S EMPIRE. ¦ Under the leadership of the indomitable Benito Juarez, however, Mexico did not respond as Prince Maximilian had been led to believe it would. The patriot forces, dispersed, atomized, but not crushed, displayed powers of self-sacrifice and determination of purpose undreamed of by Napoleon. By force of arms alone, and foreign arms at that, could the Empire be' upheld ; and when, contrary to the ex pectations of many European powers, the United States brought their civil war to a successful close, it was shrewdly foreseen by many that the days were numbered of that ephemeral Empire designed by Napoleon to be the " most brilliant page in the history of his reign." The President and the Cabi net could then certainly feel less restraint invoicing the American sentiment in that and all kindred matters; and Mr. Johnson's first annual message to Congress, containing a clear and firm, though moderately expressed, declaration of the will of the government to maintain its traditional policy — in other words to sustain the Monroe doctrine, — was telegraphed to every part of Europe, and due significance was attached to every word therein expressed. Much has been said and written of the stormy period of Mr. Johnson's administration, but it must be considered that his. hand was most firm and most wise in the guidance of the republic through this most dangerous crisis, and that, with the- help of THE FALL OF MAXIMILIAN'S EMPIRE. 9 his matchless Secretary of State, he steered the country through dangers that darkly clouded the horizon of its future. The establishment of a European monarchy in Mexico, supported by a European army, could not have failed to be a perpetual menace to the peace of the North American continent, and would have compelled, in the United States, a continued armament and state of military preparation most distasteful to a nation specially averse to war and devoted to the peaceful development of the western hemisphere. The one great fundamental idea, underlying all diplomatic expressions, had been well given in a letter from Mr. Seward to Mr. Dayton in April, 1864. "I remain now firm as heretofore in the opinion that the destinies of the American conti nent are not to be permanently controlled by any political arrangement that can be made in the capi tals of Europe." In the autumn of 1865 the Emperor of France was led to suggest a willingness to retire from Mexico, but that it would be inconvenient to do so without first receiving from the United States an assurance of a friendly or a tolerant disposition to the power which had assumed to itself an imperial form in the capital city. But the only answer that could be made to this overture was that, while friendship with France had always been deemed important and peculiarly agreeable by the Ameri- IO THE FALL OF MAXIMILIAN'S EMPIRE. can people, the condition suggested by the emperor seemed quite impracticable. It is not necessary to quote farther from the correspondence between Washington and Paris. One resolute step taken by Mr. Johnson solved this Gordian riddle, the keen edge of the sword not coming in actual contact with the knot, but severing it none the less effectually. The mission of General Schofield.as a special personal envoy to the Emperor Napoleon was an event the impor tance of which can scarcely be overestimated. "The selection of that tried soldier to bear to Europe the unvarnished statement that the United States de sired that French troops should leave Mexico, was an expression of the high -confidence reposed in his firmness and tact. The mission was confidential in its character, and when the time shall have come when its records may properly be made public, a most interesting chapter will undoubtedly be added to the diplomatic history of our country. Suffice it to say that, as an immediate result, a promise was given that the evacuation should take place forthwith, and that promise was on the eve of fulfilment at the time of the opening of this little history. At daylight of the 20th of February, 1867, the U. S. S. " Tacony," Commander F. A. Roe, passed out to sea between the capes of Virginia.' Her destination was the waters of Mexico • her THE FALL OF MAXIMILIAN'S EMPIRE. ¦ II mission, " to protect American interests." This term, often used by those who comprehend the necessity of a great country having an adequate naval force to represent it abroad, may at times include a wider range of duty than is apt to be thought. As distances have come to be shortened by the railway and the steamer, and annihilated by the telegraph, it has seemed as though authority and discretion could be more and more centralized, and that an officer would but need to watch events carefully and keep his ship in good fighting trim. A commander's first duty is indeed to keep his ship in good condition for effective service ; and it is the duty and the ambition of his officers to do their important share in bringing about that result ; without it the assertion of a principle would lack force. But far more weighty and re sponsible work may fall to the lot of a small vessel, perchance isolated in every way from the law givers of the home country. The amount of power displayed by a double-ender, for instance, is not great, per se ; an ignorant rabble, a body of bit terly prejudiced partisans, a band of irresponsible soldiery, may not comprehend, or may despise, the power merely represented by that vessel. With him who shows the flag of his country abroad and watches over her interests, it lies, under such circumstances, to display certain qualities besides pluck and technical professional acumen. Upon 12 THE FALL OF MAXIMILIAN'S EMPIRE. him rests, first of all, the onus of a correct inter pretation of his orders in their widest bearing ; and then must he, by tact and forbearance, asso ciated with a bold front, do his utmost to execute the duty with which he is charged. The " Tacony " was a wooden double-ender of 934 tons, a sister ship to the much-abused " Talla poosa," which vessel, somewhat altered afterwards, has of late years been so familiar to the casual reader of the American newspapers. The double- enders were a type of vessel, the conception of which was due to the exigencies of the civil war; of light draft in proportion to their displacement, they could carry heavy batteries and large crews in shallow water. Being designed for river work, and not for the high seas, it is not to be wondered at if these vessels were regarded with distrust when detailed for the latter service. Being side-wheelers, with the machinery high above water, their efficiency in a strictly naval fight was limited ; and their ma noeuvring qualities, or rather the lack of them, became a by-word in the navy. The " Tacony's " battery consisted of two sixty- pounder rifles in pivot, and four eight-inch smooth bores in broadside, besides four small howitzers ; and she had a complement of 144 officers and men. Such was the little vessel that was destined to take a not unimportant part in the events con nected with the re-bccupation of a part of Mexico by the Liberal or patriot forces. CHAPTER II. At daylight of the 28th of March the "Tacony" appeared off the city of Vera Cruz, and quite a fleet was sighted moored under Sacrificios Islands. This anchorage, four miles southeastward of the harbor, is usually chosen by foreign men-of-war for sanitary reasons, although in those days, when steam launches were almost unknown, except to a few especially favored vessels, the long pull (or sail) to town was a serious matter. Among the vessels present was the U. S. S. "Tahoma," Lieutenant-Commander Gherardi, who, on making out the distinguishing signal of the approaching steamer, came out to meet his coun tryman, and thus make a tangible offer of services, pilot knowledge, advice, etc. Commander Roe quickly decided to follow the custom, at least for the present, and the "Tacony" was soon snugly moored in nine and one fourth fathoms of water, a short distance inshore of Sacrificios Island. Good ground tackle is a necessity in this roadstead, as northers are frequent, and there is no shelter except from the immediate islands. The "Tahoma" had been there for some time, 13 14 THE FALL OF MAXIMILIAN'S EMPIRE. and the United States consul had not failed to ex press his appreciation of her services and of the beneficial restraining effect of the presence of an American gun-boat on the motley crowd that made and exercised the laws for that isolated community. Being now relieved, Captain Gherardi went to sea, as soon as he had put his successor au courant of affairs international, national, and municipal. The other vessels lying at Sacrificios proved to be all men-of-war, flying English, French, Spanish, and Austrian colors. The usual civilities were soon exchanged, offers of assistance being sent immediately by the commanding officers, and promptly returned in person by Captain Roe. The Austrian was a single, and consequently no ticeable, exception ; but as his vessel was lying the other side of the reefs, well out, separated from the others, it was taken for granted that that distance and isolation had something to do with the apparent discourtesy. The English vessel was the "Jason," a fine sloop-of-war, commanded by Captain C. Murray Aynesley, who proved to be a pleasant companion as well as efficient officer. Like many other mem bers of that service, he had commanded a blockade runner during our civil war, and he thought at first that that might prove-something of a bar to friendly relations with the American officers. On alluding to it, however, before many days passed, his mind ^a,-- [i^sw. ^s^ 1 '&¦' .* .J.-.. *.-,. ',, '¦&$f*i. VERA CRUZ VICINITY 15 l6 THE FALL OF MAXIMILIAN'S EMPIRE. was quickly put to rest on that score, it being simply pointed out to him that in such matters the two services differed, as, in the United States Navy, leave of absence would not be given to officers to carry on such operations against a nation with which .their country was on friendly terms. Capitaine de fregate Leopold Eberhard Ludovic de Pritzbuer, of the French corvette " Phlegeton," was a man of more sedentary habits than is usually found among seamen, and had the great resource of familiarity with many languages to help while away with books the tedious hours of his long stay in uninteresting ports. It was no rare matter, in an unexpected visit, to find him revelling in the beauties of Homer's imperishable works. Being the representative of the European empire that had intervened in the affairs of a Republic in the western continent, and caused the ambitious Maxi milian to embark on his fatal enterprise, he was perhaps not apt to feel any excess of friendliness towards the vessel bearing a flag the flaunting of which in the face of his emperor had led so directly to the withdrawal of the French troops. Be that as it may, he showed the proverbial politeness of his gallant race, and Captain Roe had occasion to make special mention of his courtesy, in his report to Commodore Winslow, commanding the Gulf squadron. The officer in charge of the Spanish corvette THE FALL OF MAXIMILIAN'S EMPIRE. \J " Uloa " was an enigma, principally so from the remarkable fact he could apparently speak no known language. Born and educated in one of the rural provinces of Spain, he had never learned to talk except in the dialect of that province, and persons visiting him, fairly conversant with the Spanish tongue, could still not communicate with him. This of itself was enough to paralyze any attempt at friendly social intercourse, although he seemed a pleasant man, well aware of his peculiar position, but evidently more amused than mortified by it. Captain Count Gustave Knight Von Groller of the Austrian frigate and imperial yacht " Eliza beth " had not proved very sociable toward the other commanding officers, and was said to invoke the aid of cards quite extensively in passing away the time. When Roe would remark to the English or French captain that the usual ceremony of send ing a boarding officer had been omitted by him, the answer was to the effect that Groller certainly meant nothing by it, that he had perhaps been having a run of bad luck, and, as likely as not, might poke on board in person before very long, instead of first sending an aide. And that is just what occurred. About a week after the " Tacony's " arrival, the " Elizabeth's " gig was reported coming alongside with a pennant in the bows, and a tall man, taller than Roe, glittering in the full-dress uniform of a 1 8 THE FALL OF MAXIMILIAN'S EMPIRE. captain in the Austrian Navy, appeared at the top of the gangway. Standing there a moment, tower ing above every thing, he glanced up and down the deck of the craft so novel to him, then bowed to Captain Roe, and said : " I am the Austrian." The bow was returned with precisely the same degree of politeness, and the answer made: "I am the American." In a short time he was chat ting away most pleasantly in the cabin, having per fect command of the English language. The "Elizabeth" had been sent to Vera Cruz for the express purpose of conveying Maximilian back to Europe, it having been accepted as a mat ter of course that General Castelnau's mission would be successful, and that the young monarch would be induced to give up the miserable struggle when deprived of the support of French arms. Such seems indeed to have been his intention ; with a few intimate friends he had reached Orizaba on his way to the port, but he was destined to go no farther, and the immediate cause was the con duct toward him of the French commander-in-chief. When Marshal Bazaine received the order from the French emperor to withdraw his army from Mexico, it is easy for one familiar with his charac ter and reputed ambitions to conceive the anger and bitterness that filled his heart. Entering the army as a private soldier, he had' worked his way up to the highest rank, and his baton bore the THE FALL OF MAXIMILIAN'S EMPIRE. 19 inscription : " Simple soldat en 18 31. Marechal de France en 1864." The command of the army of the Intervention in Mexico was one of great trust and authority. At such a distance from France, unusual power and large discretion were necessarily given to an officer commanding the armies and exe: cuting the purpose of the French emperor in the New World. As slowly, but apparently surely, he tightened his grasp on Mexico, driving to remote fastnesses the patriots who refused to sell their birth right, the Marshal's proud and. haughty nature as serted itself strongly. There was neither cause for restraint nor reason for modest bearing. The very fates seemed to conspire to make of the promoted soldier a military autocrat moving on the full flood- tide of success, and the whispered suspicions of his ambition to possibly succeed- or replace in person the Prince whom it was his duty to establish and support on the Mexican throne, were perhaps not ill founded. In the minds of many the matri monial alliance that he contracted in that country pointed likewise to such a denouement. Hence it may be .discerned that when the word came to evacuate the land he had so proudly occupied, it became a revelation to him that his career of mili tary glory and power was swiftly drawing to an end. At first he cursed the fickleness and sense lessness of the Mexican people who so stubbornly resisted the foreign arms whose aid their Notables 20 THE FALL OF MAXIMILIAN'S EMPIRE. had invoked, making the cost of the Interven tion, in money and blood, greater than France could apparently afford to bear. But afterwards Prince Maximilian, to whose service were pledged his devotion and support, became the object of his bitter reproaches. He was evidently far from di vining how directly the change in the French em peror's course was due to the decided action of the President of the United States. His igno rance of the true state of affairs was betrayed in a yerbal message with which he charged General Magruder, of the late Confederate service, as that gentleman was about to leave Mexico for the United States. On learning that he expected to see Mr. Johnson, the Marshal said to him : " If you do, deliver this verbal message for me : " The moral influence wielded by the govern ment of the United States has destroyed this Empire. Upon it therefore rests the obligation to see that some government be established and sus tained here that shall secure the protection of life and property and the tranquillity of this people. This, in my opinion, can only be accomplished by furnishing physical aid. The interests of foreigners in this country cannot be left without some protec tion. Of non-combatants engaged in peaceful pur suits, the larger proportion of whom are French subjects, there are at least thirty thousand ; there should be aa armed force properly distributed in THE FALL OF MAXIMILIAN'S EMPIRE. 21 the country, temporarily at least, to assist the government that may be established in preserving order and enforcing its decrees. Ten or fifteen thousand United States troops properly distributed in the northern states and a similar number of French troops in the southern states, co-operating with each other, could accomplish this." ' General Magruder did not reach the United States as soon as he had expected, but while de layed in Havana was presented to Mr. Campbell, recently appointed Minister to the Mexican Repub lic, and then on his way to Vera Cruz, in the frigate " Susquehanna," accompanied by General Sherman. To him he repeated the message, and Mr. Campbell forwarded it in a despatch to Wash ington, where it probably provoked a smile among the statesmen who had exacted from all European powers " a policy of non-intervention, of which the United States would themselves be the guardians in future."Day by day Marshal Bazaine's Intercourse with Maximilian became more and more one of quarrel, if quarrel it could be called ; his temper burst all bounds and he accused the Prince of being the cause of the degradation of the French army and the humiliation of himself and his officers before the European world. Finally, in an outburst of passion, he said to him that he was no emperor but only a puppet set up by Napoleon and the army 22 THE FALL OF MAXIMILIAN'S EMPIRE. of France, and that as a " puppet emperor " he had caused the disgrace of his supporters. The calm, well-bred Prince replied that then and there such scenes must find an end ; he had been called by the Notables to be their Emperor, and he then de cided to cast his lot with theirs, to govern the country with their aid, or fall with them. Such was the immediate cause of Prince Maxi milian's desperate resolve, as described by the con suls in Vera Cruz, and other persons who seemed in a position to know the circumstances. In the interests of exactness it may be stated that other accounts differ somewhat in the details. A person in Vera Cruz, in a letter to Mr. Romero, the Minister of Juarez in Washington, by whom he was considered as trustworthy, stated that the departure of Maximilian, planned without the knowledge of General Bazaine, was frustrated by an indiscretion on the part of the commander of the Austrian vessel waiting for him at Vera Cruz. The Prince had sent a despatch (at midnight of October 30, 1866) to this officer, telling him to be ready to sail by five on the following afternoon, at which time he would be there ready to embark. At early daylight the Austrian captain went to the French commander, M. Peyron, told him in confi dence of the message he had received, and took his leave with the usual courteous request for com mands for Trieste. M. Peyron immediately tele- THE FALL OF MAXIMILIAN'S EMPIRE. 23 graphed the fact to Bazaine, who forthwith cut off all telegraphic communication from the public, ordered the baggage to be stopped, and then, ad dressing Maximilian himself, informed him that he was aware of his plans of flight, and that he would not be allowed to depart without previously abdi cating in form. Again, Mr. Chynoweth * states that it was the Imperial Commissary in Vera Cruz who, hearing of the arrival of the baggage, informed General s Bazaine, then in the city of Mexico, of so signifi cant a fact, and that the latter telegraphed to the officer in command at Orizaba to arrest the Em peror. It was certainly desirable from the French standpoint that the abdication should precede the evacuation, as it could then be made to appear that, Maximilian having renounced his enterprise, there was no longer need of a French army to sup port him on his throne, and it could return to Europe with untarnished laurels ; whereas, if the forces were to withdraw first, there would be no disguising the humiliating fact that from one cause or another the whole venture had proved a diplo matic and military failure, and that Maximilian's subsequent sure abdication, ejection, or capture would be the natural result of the inability of Na poleon to fulfil his promises. * " Fall of Maximilian," by W. Harris Chynoweth. 24 THE FALL OF MAXIMILIAN'S EMPIRE. • ^ The Prince's baggage did reach Vera Cruz ; Lieutenant H , of the Austrian Army, who was in command at Paso del Macho, the terminus of the railway from that port, has personally assured the author, that some 200 colis were forwarded under his special charge, and, with the exception of one particular lot that caught fire and was destroyed, all reached their destination. Furthermore, whether or not an order was received at Vera Cruz to stop this baggage, it nevertheless found its way finally on board the " Elizabeth," where it was seen by some of the officers of the "Tacony." Whichever of the accounts be correct, there was an open rupture between the Prince and the Mar shal. The former, rejecting the advice of sterling friends to abdicate, and led away by his anger, by sympathy for his supporters, and by the false rep resentations of the Clerical party, who promised him an army and twenty million dollars to support it, returned westward, and paved the way to his tragic end by shutting himself up in Queretaro. The latter, after a final traitorous overture rejected by General Diaz* returned to France and to the * In a letter from Guadalupe Hidalgo, dated May 3, 1867, to Mr. Romero, in Washington, General Diaz said : " General Bazaine, through a third party, offered to surrender to me the cities which they occupied, and also deliver Maximilian, Marquez, Miramon, etc., into my hands, provided I would accede to a proposal which he made me, and which I rejected, as I deemed it not very honorable. Another proposition was also made me, by THE FALL OF MAXIMILIAN'S EMPIRE. 25 destiny that awaited him at Metz, accomplished by a military blunder of the same nature, or by actions very much more unpardonable in the opinion of his brother officers. Both were tried by military courts, and both sentenced to be shot ; but only in the case of the well-meaning but misguided young Prince was the sentence carried out. The French army sailed, and many miles of ter ritory and many thousands of relentless enemies now separated Maximilian from the coast ; but the "Elizabeth" remained, watching events and wait ing orders. While probably sharing the indigna tion felt by most Austrians at the way in which the French emperor had deserted their Archduke, Captain Groller showed no signs of being aware that direct pressure had been brought by the United States government in the matter, and although he did not hold very frequent intercourse -with any of the naval officers present, his attitude toward the Americans was always friendly, and before parting company he had cause to hold their commander in high esteem. The existing status of Mexican affairs was soon learned by our friends in the " Tacony." The last of the French army, over thirty thousand strong, authority of Bazaine, for the purchase of six thousand muskets and four million percussion caps ; and if I had desired it he would have sold me both guns and powder." This is evidently the letter referred to in Le Nouveau Monde of October 9, 1886, extracts from which appeared in American papers. 26 THE FALL OF MAXIMILIAN'S EMPIRE. had sailed on the i ith of March. The Republican, or Liberal, forces had followed closely on their heels during their march to the sea, capturing town after town behind them. Mexico City still resisted, as well as Queretaro, but both were closely invested.. Vera Cruz, garrisoned by a Foreign Legion of some four hundred soldiers, and about two thousand Mexicans, still held out against the besiegers, who numbered about five thousand, under the command of General Barranda. On the' night after the " Tacony's " arrival, the booming of cannon and the rattle of musketry proclaimed vividly the existence of a state of war, while the fires kept burning by the Imperialists to illuminate the walls, lent addi tional interest to the scene. In point of fact, however, operations were being carried on in a rather desultory manner, the forces being so small on both sides. The Liberals had not yet succeeded in bringing much artillery to the front, and the Im perialists had also very little besides the heavy ordnance of the harbor batteries and the great castle of San Juan de Uloa, which guarded the ap proach from seaward.* While closely invested on the land side, the city was not in any way blockaded from the sea, and commercial operations had not suffered much check. Don Domingo Bureau, the Imperial Commissary, * The castle of San Juan stands on a reef half a mile out from the town, the harbor being formed between the two. THE FALL OF MAXIMILIAN'S EMPIRE. 2"] had supreme authority in the city, and the com mander of the military forces was General Antonio Taboada. The strictest vigilance was exercised, and imprisonment and exile swiftly followed any imprudent speech. The means for inflicting the latter punishment, however, were scanty and inef ficient ; on one occasion, during the month of March, eight offenders were embarked in a schooner, but on reaching the open sea they captured the ves sel, bound the captain, and put in to Alvarado. The aspect of affairs was dreary in the extreme to the people on board the foreign vessels anchored at Sacrificios (Sacrafish, in forecastle parlance), nor was the prospect very good of a change. N either fresh meat, bread, nor water was to be had. The lack of the first was a positive hardship, salt horse not being over palatable ; and ship's bread (hard tack), while wholesome, and pleasant to the taste of fair visitors who occasionally make a picnic visit to a man-of-war, possesses a less relish for those who eat it without change for months at a time. The most serious matter was really the lack of water, for the distillation of it on board occasioned an increased consumption of coal and a consequent shortening of the " Tacony's " possible stay on the scene. Not so bad, that, thought Jacky possibly ; but to responsible officers it was a grave matter. All were interested to a greater or less extent in the progress of affairs on shore, and as it appeared 28 THE FALL OF MAXIMILIAN'S EMPIRE. now to be a foregone conclusion that the Imperial ist cause would come to a speedy end, the capitu lation of Vera Cruz was but a question of time, and the interests of all concerned would evidently be best served by bringing that about as promptly as possible. While possibly not expressing himself exactly it the words of Macbeth, Captain Roe soon became actuated by the thought that "if it were done, when 't is done, then 't were well if it were done quickly." And he bent all his energies towards hastening the apparently inevitable. One of the first steps towards this would be to open communication with the Liberal forces, having already free intercourse with the Imperialist author ities. In this he was met more than half way by General Barranda, who was in immediate command of the investing army, under the department com mander, General Benavides, an officer of distinction who, during our civil war, served in the Army of the Potomac under General McClellan. A couple of days after the "Tacony's" arrival the former sent word off that he would like to communi cate, and was answered that Captain Roe would be glad to have him do so, and would accommo: date himself to any arrangement he might be pleased to make. So on the morning of the 3d of April the General came on board, bearing polite messages from Benavides. This introductory visit was one principally of compliment and courtesy to THE FALL OF MAXIMILIAN'S EMPIRE. 29 the United States flag, as representing the only friend among nations to the Republic of Mexico. He brought the latest news from the interior, and told of the capture of Puebla by General Esco- bedo after a severe fight ; every one was confident that peace would soon be restored. In regard to the operations in the immediate vicinity of Vera Cruz, their plan was to harass the Imperialist forces as much as possible in the hopes of inducing a surrender, but it was not General Benavides' inten tion to bombard pr even assault the city ; to capture it, without obtaining possession of the castle of San Juan, would be useless, as the guns of the latter would make it untenable and might destroy it. The main feature of General Barranda's visit, so far as ward-room interest was concerned, was the expression of a desire on his part that the " Ta cony " should send an occasional boat to Boca del Rio, the mouth of a small stream about five miles below, so that he could communicate with them ; and, as all resources were cut off from Vera Cruz, he would be glad to avail himself of such oppor tunity to send off fresh provisions for the officers and crew. It is perhaps needless to say that his request was acceded to. Just before that, on the occasion of a steamer arriving in the harbor, the ship's log bore the entry " Sent boat to steamer for Potatoes." What volumes were spoken by that capital P ! 30 THE FALL OF MAXIMILIAN'S EMPIRE. The offer was duly substantiated, and an occa sional boat-load of fresh food was hailed with joy by the ship's company. Through the kindness of the Liberal officers the unexpected luxury of having some washing done also added to the ward-room happiness. It was soon arranged that the boat should go in on this errand regularly on Tuesdays and Fridays if the weather permitted ; if not, on the succeeding day. It was also settled that all communications from Commander Roe should be forwarded at once by special courier to the city of Mexico, or to the head-quarters of President Juarez. As the ship was in plain sight from Camp Casa Mata, the United States ensign hoisted at the main truck was agreed upon as a signal that a boat was about to leave with the desire of com municating ; whereupon an escort, with led horses, would be sent down to the beach to meet the boat and accompany the officers to head-quarters. Act ing-Master John McGowan. the navigating officer, was deputed for this duty, with Midshipman Rich usually in charge of the boat. They were also accompanied, as a rule, by Mr. Melville, the chief engineer of the ship, who, having accepted the thankless office of caterer of the ward-room mess, did his best in this way to discharge his trust. This officer was the same that has since achieved such renown as an Arctic explorer. Soil dit en passant there was another future Arctic hero in THE FALL OF MAXIMILIAN'S EMPIRE. 3 1 the little fleet anchored off Vera Cruz, in the per son of Lieutenant Weyprecht of the Austrian Navy. He was the navigator ofthe " Elizabeth," and used often to meet Mr. McGowan on Sacrificios Island, where, with sextants and artificial mercurial hori zons, they would take observations to establish the rates of their chronometers. The visits of the sailing launch to Boca del Rio were a pleasant break in the monotony of life in that barren place. The first thing on reaching head-quarters was to sit down to a generous break fast (comparatively speaking), which was most ac ceptable, as the party would have to leave the ship at six in the morning, so as to try to get back before the sea breeze set in, and would generally reach1 the camp at about ten. General Benavides would always insist that breakfast came first and business afterwards, and it was under the genial influence of subsequent cigars that the mail would be read and matters be discussed. Pleasant as were those trips, they were not unat tended with risk, however, as the bar of the river was a shifting one, and there was always more or less surf on it. On one occasion the launch struck heavily and half filled with water, and it looked for a time as though the occupants would have to swim for it and take their chances with the sharks ; forunately they succeeded in keeping her pointed straight, and crossed the bar with no further damage 32 THE FALL OF MAXIMILIAN'S EMPIRE. than a good wetting. Another danger lay in the capriciousness of the weather, northers springing up frequently without the usual warning, and mak ing it extremely difficult to come out of the river mouth ; this done, there remained hours of heavy pulling dead to windward to reach the ship. Once they were able to afford assistance to others more helpless than themselves. It was blowing fresh, with the wind increasing, and they saw a sail-boat inshore of them making signals of distress. Run ning down there, they found it to be a native boat that had left the Boca an hour before them to take Colonel McLean and his wife (who was a daughter of General Sumner of the U. S. Army), and Major Howell, of Richmond, Va., off to the "Tacony." These gentlemen, who had fought on the losing side in the civil war, had gone to Mexico after the collapse of the Confederacy, and, becoming dis gusted, were now trying to reach the United States again. They were taken into the launch, which, after a hard pull, succeeded in reaching the duke domum gun-boat at half-past eleven that evening. There is no doubt that their little- boat would soon have swamped had not the launch taken them off. They were afterwards sent up to the city, and, through the exertions of Mr. Saulnier, the U. S. Consul, were permitted to take passage in a Spanish steamer which sailed shortly after wards for Havana. THE FALL OF MAXIMILIAN'S EMPIRE. 33 Having succeeded in establishing intercourse and pleasant relations with the Liberal officers, Commander Roe appreciated that a next desirable move would be to gain the entire confidence of the commanders of the other men-of-war present. They were all courteous in their manner, but seeing this frequent communication with the be sieging army, coupled with the known and greatly exaggerated sympathy of the United States gov ernment for the Mexican Republic, they were naturally inclined to let the Yankee act on his own initiative, distrusting his orders somewhat, and cer tainly feeling no desire to become entangled in the complications he might bring about. Complications were the last things that the American desired ; while, on the other hand, there was no telling when concerted action by all might be needed to preserve life and property of foreign residents in Vera Cruz. This could not be without perfect accord, and to favor this he hit upon a step that was singular but successful. Pulling alongside the " Jason " one fine morning, he asked Captain Aynesley if he would allow him the use of his cabin the next day, and invite all the other captains to meet him there. "Why, yes, certainly, my dear fellow," was the Englishman's hearty answer, although he certainly could have had no idea of the object of the request. The invitation was sent out, and the next morning at the appointed hour the various gigs of the little 34 THE FALL OF MAXIMILIAN'S EMPIRE. fleet could be seen pulling to the "Jason," — all but the Austrian. Last of all came' the " Tacony's." Entering the cabin, Captain Roe addressed the assembled officers, saying that they had been called together at • his request, as he wished to read his orders to them. And he read them. Their pith was in the following paragraph : " The duty you are charged with is to exercise a general supervision over American interests, and you are referred, to the President's proclamation in response to the decree of Maximilian declaring a blockade of Mexican ports, for your guidance."* * President Johnson's proclamation was as follows ; BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, A PROCLAMATION. Whereas, A war is existing in the Republic of Mexico, aggravated by foreign military intervention ; and Whereas, The United States, in accordance with their settled habits and policy, are a neutral power in regard to the war which thus afflicts the Republic of Mexico ; and Whereas, It has been known that one of the belligerents in the said war, — namely, the Prince Maximilian, who asserts himself to be Emperor of Mexico, — has issued a decree in regard to the port of Matamoras and other Mexican ports, which are now in the occupation and possession of another of the said belligerents — rnamely, the United States of Mexico, — which decree is in the following words : "The port of Matamoras and all those of the northern frontier which have withdrawn from their obedience to the government, are closed to foreign and coasting traffic during such time as the empire of the law shall not be therein reinstated. "Article II. — Merchandise proceeding from said ports, on arriving at any other where the excise of the Empire is collected, shall pay the duties on importation, introduction, and consumption, and on satisfactory proof of contravention, shall be irremissibly confiscated. Our Minister of the Treasury is charged with the punctual execution of this decree. . THE FALL OF MAXIMILIAN'S EMPIRE. 35 " Now, gentlemen," said Captain Roe, " those are my written orders, and I give you my word that I have none unwritteq." Captain Aynesley immediately jumped up, ex claiming that his were practically the same, and he produced them. The French officer made a simi lar reply, regretting that he had not brought his with him. They were all there on the same mis sion ; the fact that the governments of all but the American had acknowledged the Empire in Mexico in place of the Republic did not materially influ ence the main object of their presence, which was to simply watch over the interests of their individ- " Given at Mexico, the gth day of July; 1866." And whereas, The decree thus recited, by declaring a belligerent block ade, unsupported by competent military or naval force, is a violation of the neutral rights of the United States as defined by the law of nations, as well as of the treaties existing between the United States of America and the aforesaid United States of Mexico. Now, therefore, I, Andrew John son, President of the United States, do hereby proclaim and declare that the aforesaid decree is held and will be held by the United States to be absolutely null and void as against the government and citizens of the United States, and that any attempt which shall be made to enforce the same against the government and citizens of the United States will be disallowed. In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the United States to be affixed. Done at the city of Washington, the 17th day of August, in the year of our Lord 1866, and of the independence of the United States of America the ninety-first. Andrew Johnson. By the President. l Wm. H. Seward, Secretary of State. This proclamation defined to Captain Roe the position taken by the United States in regard to the war in Mexico. 36 THE FALL OF MAXIMILIAN'S EMPIRE. • ual countrymen. Captain Groller' s orders, of the " Elizabeth," were generally known to be of a more personal nature in regard to the Archduke Maxi milian, and it was regretted that he had not ac cepted the invitation to be present, as he, more than others, might have dubious feelings toward the American man-of-war. There was some little amusement during this meeting, at the expense of the Spanish captain, who apparently could not be made to understand what it was all about. " Try him in Greek, Pritz- buer," they cried, when he had exhausted the resources of almost all European languages ; but it was all in vain, and that gallant officer probably does not know to this day what he was called on board the " Jason " for. By this rather unconventional proceeding, Cap tain Roe gained the point of allaying any sus picions that might exist as to the " Tacony's " true mission, and it was felt that if the emergency arose they would all be in perfect accord in whatever action might be deemed necessary. The customary routine of a man-of-war was soon established, — regular drills, with occasional target practice, boats periodically called away " armed and equipped," and preparations made for sending off a small expeditionary force. Bathing parties also went frequently to one of the islands to enjoy the luxury that the sharks forbade at the anchor- THE FALL OF . MAXIMILIAN' S EMPIRE. 37 age. Thanks also to the fresh meat and vegetables so courteously provided, the health of the " Ta cony's" crew remained perfect. In this respect they were far better off than their colleagues, though Roe did not at all detract from his popularity with the other captains by sending to each an occasional savory beefsteak. The frequent trips of the " Tacony's " launch to the shore did not fail to cause distrust among the Imperialist authorities, who had been surprised at the outset by General Barranda's visit to the ship ; and they soon began to manifest some curiosity re garding the strictness of the American's neutrality. When the subject was broached to the consul, he replied that an American vessel-of-war was free to receive visits from all nations, from the officers of the Juarist government, or from the gentlemen in power in Vera Cruz, if they desired to hold any intercourse. At the same time he notified the commander of the " Tacony," who returned assur ances that he would maintain the most honorable neutrality, but that he held the right to communi cate with Vera Cruz, Boca del Rio, Tampico, or any other part of the coast. At the same time American residents in the city were cautioned to be particularly guarded in expressions of opinion, and to do nothing that could give umbrage to the ruling authorities. This did not seem to satisfy Senor Bureau, 38 THE FALL OF MAXIMILIAN'S EMPIRE. however, for a steamer called the " Tabasco " was fitted out and armed, and on the 9th came down to Sacrificios and anchored near the " Tacony." Roe immediately wrote to Mr. Saulnier that it would be well to let the Imperial Commissary understand thoroughly his intention to maintain his rights. "If the ' Tabasco ' attempts to inter fere with our boats, there will be trouble." He added that he proposed sending the boat in at seven the next morning. This was done and the boat was not interfered with, but the captain of the " Tabasco " sent a pronunciamento on board forbidding any further communication with the Liberal camp. A similar document was deliv ered to each of the other vessels, although up to that time the American was the only one that had so offended. " C est grandiose, riest-ce pas?" remarked the Frenchman, with a good-natured shrug. Roe's reply was as follows : U. S. S. Tacony, Sacrificios, Mexico, April 10, 1867. SIR : I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of your communication of the gth inst. Ships of war of the United States will observe the neutrality of nations between belligerents. Boats from this ship will occasionally visit Boca del Rio for the purpose of procuring supplies of which we may have need. But in all cases 'the flag of the United States will be carried. THE FALL OF MAXIMILIAN'S EMPIRE. 39 I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully your obedient servant, [Signed,] F. A. Roe, Commander U. S. N., Commanding U. S. Naval Forces, Mexico. Commander Andre Satelo, Commanding Imperial Corve.tte " Tabasco," off Sacrificios Island. The fact that the "Tacony's" battery was in an evident state of preparation when the launch left, probably accounted for no attempt being made to stop her, and there seemed to be no- reason to fear any trouble from the " Tabasco " after that. The trips were made as usual, and the supply of provi sions was kept up ; and furthermore, at nearly every trip the launch brought off a number of Americans, mostly Southerners, who were trying to get home, and could find no way out of the country excepting with the " Tacony's " aid. Only on one occasion did the Mexican gun-boat make any overt act. Captain Aynesley had be come very anxious to send his boat in also, to bring off English refugees as well as to get some fresh provisions, and at his request Roe had sent to ask permission of General Benavides for him to do so. The request was granted, with the stipulation that an American officer should accompany each boat. So one day the "Jason's" twelve-oared cutter went to the usual meeting-place in charge of Lieutenant Moore, R.N., and Acting-Master McGowan, who was familiar with the ground, accompanied him, in 40 THE FALL OF MAXIMILIAN'S EMPIRE. compliance with General Benavides' stipulation. Lieutenant Moore was furthermore instructed by his commanding officer to consult with the Ameri can officer, and profit by his advice in the matter of bringing off refugees. There were as usual quite a number of applicants for assistance on the beach, and soon after hauling the boat up a gentle man introduced himself as General Joe Shelby, stat ing that he and five others — colonels — whom he presented, were anxious to get to Vera Cruz, so as to return to the United States. Lieutenant Moore cheerfully acquiesced in McGowan's proposal to take them off. Later in the day, an Englishman, with his wife, child, and maid, appeared and asked to be taken off too. The cutter could not hold all, and yet it would have been rather hard to say no, particularly as six Americans had been told that they could go. So after a consultation, it was decided that the passengers should charter a large sail-boat, that McGowan should hoist the United States ensign over her, and that he, with General Shelby and friends, should go in her, while the English officer would take his party in the cutter. They got across the bar all right, and started for the ships, but soon saw the " Tabasco " steaming towards them. The cutter was about a mile ahead, and to windward of the sail-boat, and the Mexicans in the latter, seeing the actions of the steamer, crawled under the tarpaulins, and could not be in- THE FALL OF MAXIMILIAN'S EMPIRE. 41 -educed to come out. General Shelby asked what was the matter, and on being told, replied : " Well, Lieutenant, if there is going to be a row, just count us in." His offer was thankfully accepted, and re volvers were prepared for use. The English cut ter, however, pluckily ran down for them before the wind, the blue-jackets having their carbines in hand, and the gun-boat, seeing that offensive action would, bring both the "Jason" and "Tacony" down upon her, sheered off, and our friends went on their way rejoicing. This General Shelby was the celebrated cavalry leader in the Confederate army, of whom it has been said, that had he remained loyal to his coun try, he would have been Sheridan's stoutest rival. Like so many others of that service, on hearing of Lee's and Johnston's surrenders, he had retired to Mexico. Crossing the Rio Grande at. the head of a well-appointed troop of five hundred men, he had marched southward, selling the arms and gradually disbanding the force, and had finally settled in Princess Carlotta's colony at Cordova. It seemed indeed a caprice of fate that it should be under the protection of the United States flag that he was finally able to leave the unhappy country that he had tried to adopt in place of his own. The shore boat was sent back to the beach with a prize crew, accompanied by the sailing launch with a twelve-pounder howitzer in the bows. The 42 THE FALL OF MAXIMILIAN'S EMPIRE. " Tabasco " made no attempt to molest them, and after that day she did not interfere in any way with the English or American boats, which were the only ones that were permitted to approach the shore. Captain Roe had in vain interceded with General Benavides to allow Captain Pritzbuer to send in for French subjects who were in distress and wished to leave the country. The Frenchman naturally felt that in View of the recent relations that had existed between his country and the Mexican Republic, he was hardly in position to ask any favors of the Liberals. France had not concluded a peace with Juarez (in point of fact war had never actually been declared), but had only withdrawn her national forces from the sup port of the foreign prince whom she had tried to establish upon the ruins of an independent govern ment. The relations were practically the same, and therefore Pritzbuer had even more cause than Aynesley to let Roe take the initiative, so far as his action might not conflict with his sense of duty. There were citizens of France, however, as of almost all nations, that managed to reach the coast and needed help to get away, and his feeling for his fellow-countryman prompted him to apply to Roe in an extremely courteous manner to help him. Captain Roe immediately wrote a letter, representing that in view of the nature of the request and the deferential manner in which it was THE FALL OF MAXIMILIAN'S EMPIRE. 43 made, through him, he would venture to suggest the eminent propriety of complying with it. " This French commander," he added, " is very friendly with us, and more friendly to you than you ¦ possibly know." The answer received was such as might be expected from an officer whose country had re ceived such desperate injury from the nation rep"- resented by the commander of the " Phlegeton " ; but it was such as could only have been dictated by a kind-hearted man who could not wish to see innocent people suffer from the fault of their em peror. While refusing to permit the French flag to approach the shore, he was willing that the "Tacony's" boats should come for the French refugees and deliver them to 'the care of their con sul in Vera Cruz. This, Roe did not feel called upon to do. In his position there, under orders to protect United States citizens, he might perhaps have been willing to enter thus largely into a matter purely of philanthropy, but for the very presence of a war vessel belonging to the nation interested ; that modified the situation. Moreover, the great labor that would have been imposed upon his officers and men by acceding to the proposition was more than he felt justified in assuming. Inci dentally, however, many subjects of the hated country were befriended and helped away by both Americans and English, inquiries into nationality being, perhaps purposely, none too rigid. 44 THE FALL OF MAXIMILIAN'S EMPIRE. Captain Roe had to end that little batch of cor respondence by an official request of a rather unusual character. He had been enjoying some of the luxuries of life with uninterrupted regularity since a few days after their arrival. Those con tributions to bodily welfare had been sent so far as a gift, and, as he expressed it to General Ben avides, it was just possible that the Navy Depart ment might embarrass him by asking. why those things had not been paid for. " And so, may I beg of you, dear General Benavides, to order your people to receive remuneration in money for the beef we receive in return." CHAPTER III. By the end of April affairs in Mexico appeared to be approaching a final solution, so far as news from the interior could be relied upon. The outer defences of the city of Mexico had fallen, and rumors of a definite shape, although not official, affirmed the flight of Maximilian to Texas. Of course, this was not the case. That unfortunate Prince was closely beleaguered in Queretaro, and great fears were entertained for his safety. The Austrian Minister in Washington, in obedience to instructions from his court, had already begun to communicate with Mr. Seward, asking his friendly intervention to secure, if possible, respect for the person of the Prince in the not improbable event of his falling into the hands of Juarez. There seemed indeed cause for fears that in case of capture he might not escape with the treatment usually accorded to prisoners of war. To those on the scene this appeared a very much more dubious matter than was even apprehended by the shrewd and anxious statesmen and' monarchs of the new and old worlds. In Camp Casa Mata, the head-quarters of General Benavides, there was displayed a small 45 46 THE FALL OF MAXIMILIAN'S EMPIRE. white cord which was said to contain a golden thread ; a similar cord was to be found in every camp of the Mexican national army ; and it was held up with- a half-savage ferocity that indicated a long-sworn purpose should the destroyer of their country's peace fall into their hands. Those des perate soldiers might hold small counsel with laws of war or rights of prisoners, and the power of the Juarist government to resist a popular outburst of fury' could hardly be relied on to guarantee a fair trial or humane treatment. Mr. Seward, after the interview with Count Wydenbruck, had telegraphed to Mr. Campbell, the Minister to Mexico, and at that time in New Orleans, to communicate promptly and by effectual means to President Juarez the desire of the United States government " that, in case of capture, the Prince and his supporters may receive the humane treatment accorded by civilized nations to prisoners of war." News of this having been done did not reach Vera Cruz until the 2d of May, when the usual mail steamer came in, and Captain Roe, who had occasion on the following day to visit ^Camp Casa Mata (for no less a purpose than to arrange terms of capitulation on the part of Senor Bureau), learned that no knowledge of such correspondence had reached the army. " It was hardly to be sup posed that it would be made public, but still, in the fear that some disaster Or accident might illlll 48 THE FALL OF MAXIMILIAN'S EMPIRE. have prevented the courier from reaching Presi dent Juarez, he decided to make sure that the views of the government should become known to him, and then and there, in the tent of the Mexican general, he wrote the following letter, which was immediately forwarded by special courier : Camp Casa Mata, Mexico, May 3, 1867. His Excellency President Juarez, Republic of Mexico. Sir: — I have the honor to inform you that by. the. last mail received from the United States I have intelligence that the Minister of Foreign Affairs of my government has directed a courier to be sent to you to beg, upon the part of my government, that in the event of the capture, as a prisoner of war, of the Prince Maximilian of Austria, His Excellency the President of Mexico may be pleased, through a spirit of clemency and also of friendship for the United States, that the Prince Maximilian may be spared his life should it be in danger. I thus address you be cause it is my duty to my government, knowing that its courier may not reach you on account of the uncertainties of the condition of a state of war. With profound respect, I have the honor to be, Sir, Your obedient servant, [Signed] F. A. Roe, Commander U. S. Navy. Conflicting as were the various rumors — " galley yarns," to use a ship phrase — regarding the where abouts of Maximilian, it seemed very certain that a crisis was at hand, and Captain Roe reported to THE FALL OF MAXIMILIAN'S EMPIRE. 49 Commodore Winslow that he hoped soon to ¦ an nounce the final settlement of the affairs of the Empire, and the re-establishment of the Republic, not only in Vera Cruz, but in all Mexico. As _ regarded Vera Cruz, there was immediate tangible reason for the hope, for he and Mr. Saulnier and the British consul had been hammer ing away at Sefior Bureau to make him realize the situation. On the 29th of April the Imperial Gov ernor signified to them verbally his desire to accept the mediation of England and the United States, and to meet on board the "Jason" or the "Ta cony " with the Liberal general to arrange the preliminaries for a surrender of the city and for tifications. It was then agreed that the meeting should take place on board the " Tacony,'.' and her commander was requested to exert his' influence (known to be so great) as mediator with Benavides. This was gratifying and delightful in every way, and the proper overtures were made. But then Bureau hesitated, put them off, and in a moment of ill-humor refused to do what he had himself asked. His better sense soon returned, however, and he repeated- the offer. So, on May 3d, Roe went on shore to Camp Casa Mata to propose the meeting again, and to ascertain what would be the general basis of terms granted. General Benavides ex pressed himself as willing to hold the conference at any time. The consuls then addressed them- SO THE FALL OF MAXIMILIAN'S EMPIRE. selves to Bureau, who replied in writing, fixing the 6th as the day for the parley, which was communi cated to the Liberal general, who acquiesced and promised to hold himself in readiness. A white flag at the " Tacony's " foremast-head was to be the signal to cease firing on both sides, the hostilities to be suspended so long as that emblem of a truce should remain flying. Unfortunately, on the day appointed one of those heavy northers, that are the terror of visitors to Vera Cruz, had sprung up and prevented any communication with the shore. By the 8th the wind and sea had gone down, and the English and American captains went up to town, and the two consuls selected the 9th as the most convenient day for the meeting ; but on applying to the Commissary for his opinion and wishes in the matter, he peremptorily refused to hold any meeting whatever, except upon the basis of the removal of the Liberal forces three days' march from Vera Cruz, and, of course, the consequent abandonment of their batteries and investing lines. This was tantamount to another refusal to carry out his own propositions, and it only remained for Roe and Aynesley to express their disgust and retire. In view of the fact that this was the second time that Bureau had behaved in this way, having each time himself requested the parley that would cause THE ^F ALL OF MAXIMILIAN'S EMPIRE. 51 a temporary cessation of operations, some sort of explanation seemed due to General Benavides, and Captain Roe addressed him a letter, giving a plain statement of facts and enclosing a copy of the Im perial Commissary's letter requesting the meeting. In making the offers of mediation, they had acted upon the supposition that the request had been made in good faith, which proved not to be the case, and the desire of the British and United States representatives to save loss and prevent bloodshed was therefore fruitless. They were therefore compelled to leave matters to their natural solution and to the course of war. " There is nothing more to expect in the way of a pacific solution to the question by way of media tion or friendly offers of service." Benavides appreciated the situation thoroughly, and simply answered that in a few days he would have his batteries ready and heavy guns in position, and that within eight days the city would be bom barded. This is an extreme measure to take under any circumstances, and one that the General had not entertained at first. It is possible that he re ceived orders from superior authority to mince matters no longer, or else he had come to the con clusion that the circumstances warranted a decisive course of action. The circumstances were indeed peculiar. The English Minister accredited to Prince Maximilian had stated in a despatch to his 52 THE FALL OF MAXIMILIAN'S EMPIRE. consul that the Imperial government was practically at an end ; Bureau admitted to both English and American consuls that that was the case, but said that to prevent anarchy, riot, and bloodshed he would not relinquish his position " until some one can come to relieve me of my command." There was no Imperial, Austrian, or French officer that could do this, and the one person left was the Liberal commander, who was certain to relieve him by force before very long ; with him he refused to treat. Warnings were sent to him that serious operations were to commence, and a passionate appeal was made to him to let all women and children leave the city. He refused to let them go, but offered as a refuge the castle of San Juan de Uloa, where people were already dying like sheep, of fever. The secret of all this seemed to be. that the revenues of the city and custom-house were passing into his pocket, and that, having a vessel ready in the harbor to take him and his officers away, he proposed to hold on to his lucrative position until driven out. There was no nationality predominant in the city; the Imperial flag of Maximilian's government was flown, but Imperial orders for customhouse money and revenues were dishonored by the Im perial Governor; who disavowed and ignored the Imperial sovereign and his orders. As put by Commander Roe, in a despatch to Commodore THE FALL OF MAXIMILIAN'S EMPIRE. 53 Winslow, it seemed clear " that there never was a position or a case where forcible action by all nationalities could and should more properly inter fere in behalf of duty and right." But so long as Englishmen and Americans remained individually unharmed there was no reasonable excuse for inter ference. A single authoritative demand, coupled with offensive measures, might possibly have com pelled that man, who acknowledged himself to be without a master, to surrender his command. Roe was in good accord with the English and French captains, but there was no authority for them to do what humanity daily and hourly appealed to them to do. To engage, without orders, in open hostil ities with a nation (as Maximilian's Empire was acknowledged to be by most powers), was a more serious step than would be sanctioned by the broad est interpretation of instructions. Most especially were Aynesley's and Pritzbuer's hands tied, as Maxi milian's was still acknowledged by their country to be the de facto government. One other thing was beginning to worry the American commander ; his stay in port was ap proaching an end, from the fact that the provisions in the ship were beginning to be used up. Fresh beef and vegetables twice a week were a great boon, but had no very material effect in putting off the evil day. The bread, it was seen, would not last beyond the end of the month, and although by 54 THE FALL OF MAXIMILIAN'S EMPIRE. buying enough for ten days, which he could do, it would hold out with the rest of the rations, yet it had to be reported to the commander-in-chief that, if not relieved or provisioned by the first of June, the "Tacony" would have to leave her station. Commander Roe was, therefore, doubly anxious to put an early end to the chaotic state of affairs on shore ; and the pleasant relations that he enjoyed with the Liberals, coupled with the re spect lie had won from the Imperialists, made his continued presence seem very desirable to all parties. Although the port was not blockaded, trade was seriously interfered with by petty acts of tyranny on the part of the city authorities, and complaints were constantly being made of such acts. But grievous as it all was, it was beyond the " Tacony's " sphere of action. Captain Roe recommended that the mer chants suspend trade for the remaining short time that it could last ; if local revenues were cut off ; by such temporary suspension of business the whole question of the occupation of the city might quick ly be settled. This, however, was a matter in which the merchants would have to act by and for themselves, as it was not a case for armed interfer ence. On May 15th, however, word was received from Mr. Saulnier that the authorities contemplated levying a heavy war tax by armed force upon the THE FALL OF MAXIMILIAN'S EMPIRE. 55 inhabitants, including citizens of the United States. This demanded prompt action. Only a few days before that, Captain Aynesley had received a des patch from the British Minister in Mexico, saying that all diplomatic relations had ceased between the Imperial authorities and the representatives of for eign powers. So disquieting had been the tenor of that communication that Captain Groller of the " Elizabeth," in his anxiety to obtain authentic news of his Prince, had gone the length of begging Captain Roe to ask permission for him to send a courier to the capital, which was accorded him. In the face of this expose of the situation, Bureau's action seemed perfectly indefensible. Communicating hastily with the English and French commanders, Roe induced them to accompany him to the city, where they called the three consuls together, and then requested Senor Bureau to attend, which he did. When they were all assembled, Captain Roe addressed the Commissary and informed him that it had come to his knowledge that certain extraordi nary and high-handed proceedings were threatening Americans. Bureau decidedly and emphatically de nied all and every design to annOy citizens of the United States or any other friendly nation, and .pledged his word that they should be respected in all their rights and liberties ; he furthermore begged to be informed if at any time in the future there should seem to be cause for complaint. This. 56 THE FALL OF MAXIMILIAN'S EMPIRE. sounded, if any thing, too plausible and courteous,, and knowing the craftiness of the speaker, and knowing also the universal distrust among Imperi alists regarding the attitude of the United States,, Roe thought best to make capital of it, and there fore replied that serious affairs would certainly grieve him very much ; that while there were within reach at Tampico, Brazos, and New Orleans an army and a fleet, it would be a matter of deep re gret to him to be forced to call upon them for as sistance. This little piece of bluster had its effect, and the war tax was not levied. In the city of Mexico and other places a like protecting arm would have been gladly welcomed to avert a similar blow. At this juncture the fleet was increased by the arrival of another English man-of-war, the " Barra- couta." As her commander was junior in rank to the commander of the " Jason," his arrival did not in any way nullify the good effect of the entente cordi- ale existing between Aynesley and the other cap tains ; on the contrary, he now had an increased force at his command. In the meanwhile, matters of serious import were occurring in the interior. The treachery of Colonel Lopez had borne its immediate fruit, and, towards, midnight of the 16th of May, a note was received on board the " Tacony," from General Benavides, announcing that Queretaro had fallen, and that . THE FALL OF MAXIMILIAN'S EMPIRE. 57 Maximilian and his officers were the prisoners of President Juarez.* When the Prince cast his lot for good or ill with those that had offered him a crown and a throne, he fully appreciated the dangers of his situation, but with his characteristic gallantry braved all perils. The end had now come, and he was a prisoner in the hands of fierce and angry men. The intelli gence caused no surprise to Commander Roe, who had long expected it, and had matured his plans. Knowing, as he and others did, the difference in the temperaments of the people of Mexico and of the United States ; knowing also to what desperate * It is not generally known that the officer to whom the Prince delivered up his sword was an American, Colonel Geo. M. Green. This gentleman went to Mexico in the darkest days of her desperate struggle, at the head of a body of fellow countrymen, mostly veterans ofthe Union armies, but reinforced afterwards by many gallant ex-wearers of the gray. At the Rio Grande, the extreme limit of Mexican territory, they met President Juarez, pursued and harassed by the Imperial forces, but still un daunted. Drawing fresh inspiration from the appearance of this staunch- little band, he formally enrolled it in his army as the " Legion of Honor," and issued a fresh appeal to his despairing countrymen, in which he but thinly veiled the hope of armed assistance from the United States Govern ment. The patriots rallied ; from that hour the tide of battle turned. From Chihuahua to Queretaro victory followed victory, unchecked save in one instance : surprised by a superior force at Zacatecas, the Liberal army was completely routed, and so impetuous was the charge of the enemy that Juarez and all his Cabinet would probably have been captured, and the Liberal government extinguished, but for the Legion of Honor, who threw themselves into the narrow defile of the Bufa and checked the onslaught long enough for them to escape. When the remains of the devoted Carlotta regiment surrendered to the Legion of Honor at Queretaro, Colonel Green allowed Prince Maximilian to retain his sword, and took him, in custody, to General Corona. 58' THE FALL OF MAXIMILIAN'S EMPIRE:. . straits the patriots of the former country had heeM driven, little hope could be derived from the remem brance of the clemency shown to the leader of the gigantic rebellion so recently subdued in the power ful republic north of the Rio Grande. The differ ence in the positions of the two governments was one of degree rather than fact. Mr. Jefferson Davis was not an invader, but had organized and prosecuted a colossal movement against the integ rity of his own country. Prince Maximilian was a foreigner, and had been seated on the Mexican throne by foreign arms. Both were finally defeated, and both became prisoners of war. To the mind of the American commander at Vera Cruz, com pelled to think and act without diplomatic inspira tion, the possible contrast between the course of the two republics,^ in these not altogether dissimilar circumstances, was as striking as it was full of food for reflection. The weight of a republican govern ment had been lightly felt in Mexico, and its obli gations had hung loosely upon the people. For many years of their history, pronunciamentos, insur rections, revolutions had been of such frequent occurrence that government and people alike had become familiarized with them. Political capacity had not in past years attained to much develop ment, and the nation was passing through the hard school of experience on its way to a better and more stable administration. Parties of opposition in that THE FALL OF MAXIMILIAN'S EMPIRE. 59 country almost always assumed a belligerent atti tude, and a resort to arms was frequent. Insurrec tion and rebellion in the outlying provinces were not so serious things as they were in the United States ; familiarity made the offence a light one. But when the fact was presented of a foreign power establishing in Mexico a monarchical form of gov ernment, with an alien prince at its head, the country had blazed forth in passion and defiance ; and the anger against the Notables, the domestic traitors who had offered the throne to the alien, was only eclipsed by the hatred of that alien. The question now was, Might not. the popular passion be bent aad swayed, and the dictates of humanity as well as policy score a triumph in Mexico as in the United States ? Immediately upon the receipt of the brief but pregnant despatch, Captain Roe had the gig manned, and, at that late hour, pulled alongside the " Jason." Calling the captain from his bed, he frankly gave him the despatch to read, saying that he now desired the co-operation of himself and the Austrian captain. There was no time to lose ; every effort must be made to save the Prince's life. He wrote a note to the count, announcing the fact of the capture of Maximilian at Queretaro, and stating that Captain Aynesley would explain in full the proposition now agreed upon between them. The English captain consented to go out to the " Elizabeth," anchored at the outer reefs, and urge 60 THE FALL OF MAXIMILIAN'S EMPIRE. immediate action. The proposition was that Cap tain Groller, as naval aide-de-camp ' to Maximilian, should go up to the city that night and demand the written authority of Governor Bureau to offer the immediate surrender of Vera Cruz and the castle of San Juan to General Benavides, on the single con dition that the person of the Prince, alive and unharmed, should be delivered on the deck of the gun-boat " Tacony." It was long past midnight when the English cap tain reached the gangway of the " Elizabeth." A short. but impressive interview took place between him and the Austrian officer, and the plan of the American commander was received eagerly and with gratitude. Then while the tedious hours of the midwatch were slowly passing, another boat was low ered from the davit-heads and another captain might be seen threading his way through the reefs in the still, star-lit night, towards the invested city. This was a busy and a sleepless night for those three naval captains working to save the life of a Prince hundreds of miles away. As the." Jason's " gig pulled alongside of her own ship, the " Tacony's " boat was lying manned at the same gangway, her commander anxiously awaiting the return from the Austrian frigate. A few words were exchanged and these two officers once more separated and retired to their own beds, though not to sleep, until the return of the Austrian from Vera Cruz. THE FALL OF MAXIMILIAN'S EMPIRE. 6 1 It was seven o'clock in the morning when the " Elizabeth's " barge was seen coming back towards the anchorage. Rounding-to alongside the " Taco ny," the tall, athletic form of the Austrian aide- de-camp stepped over the gangway, and raising his cap received in silence the greeting of the American commander. " The Imperial Governor is a traitor," he finally exclaimed. "He is a traitor, and my Prince put him there." The two captains retired to the little cabin to breakfast, and it was there the story was told. It had been a violent and stormy night at the palace. Count von Groller had made his propositions, had argued for their acceptance, had pleaded with pas sion as the only hope of saving the Prince's life. The Governor remaining inflexible and deaf to all entreaties, he had finally demanded the surrender of the city and defences on the .one simple condition offered. Hot and high words ensued, and swords were drawn, peace only being restored through the interference of the attendants in the palace. But the effort failed. The name of the fallen emperor was now insufficient to arouse the loyalty of his own officer. The attempt had been gallantly made, but was unsuccessful. In the light of subsequent revelations it seems more than probable that the proposition, if it had been made by Bureau, would have been rejected by President Juarez, as Vera Cruz, as well as the city 62 THE FALL OF MAXIMILIAN'S EMPIRE. of Mexico, was closely invested without possibility of aid from any quarter, and could not long hold out against the increased forces that would soon be brought to 'bear. Nourishing a persistent hope, however, that the Imperial Commissary would return to a sense of duty and loyalty, and make a final effort to save his Emperor, Captain Roe. and Mr. McGow an went on shore to confer with General- Benavides and ask his opinion as to the possibility of any such terms being accepted, and whether or not he would forward a proposition of that or similar nature. It was represented that Mexico did not possess within her own borders sufficient resources to make her in dependent of the rest of the world, and that it would be better for her to renew friendly relations with foreign powers, and far best to have Austria for a friend in the future. On the subject being first broached the General drew himself up and exclaimed: "We want nothing from" any country except the United States. Maximilian has been a robber and' a murderer, and as such let him die." Subduing his passion, however, he read over the propositions and afterwards said that while it was very doubtful the President would accept the terms,, he still might possibly entertain them ; for it was true, as pointed out, that Vera Cruz was the key to the hopes of the city of Mexico, and its surrender would instantly be followed by the fall of the capital. The posses sion by Juarez of Vera Cruz, the one port of import- general benavides. 63 64 THE FALL OF MAXIMILIAN'S EMPIRE. ance, with its custom-house receipts, had now be come of vital interest to him for financial reasons, as was the capture of the capital for political reasons. But it all came to nought. The offer was never made. As had been said by Count Groller, Bureau was a traitor. Appreciating the fact now that his Prince had friends among the other men-of-war more active than he had any right to hope, the Aus trian captain moved his ship in from the outer an chorage where he had remained isolated so long, and took up a berth near the other vessels. In reporting all this to the Secretary of the Navy, by a steamer opportunely leaving for Havana, Cap tain Roe weighed upon the great desirability of Min ister Campbell's presence at his post. Unfortu nately, and for reasons not connected with the thread of this story, that diplomatic officer failed to reach the seat of the Juarist government, and the United States remained unrepresented in Mexico, except by the staunch body of consuls, who reflected such credit on their cloth and their country. The steamer taking this report had hardly. gone, however, before Senor Bureau, repenting . his many vacillations, expressed a desire to parley again, and submitted to the United States and British consuls certain general terms for the surrender of the city. These terms he requested them to propose person ally to General Benavides, asking that the naval commanders should accompany them. A note from THE FALL OF MAXIMILIAN'S EMPIRE. 65 the "Tacony" secured the necessary escort with led horses, and on the morning of the 20th of May this little cavalcade appeared in Camp Casa Mata, and the almost threadbare subject was again broached to the Mexican commander-in-chief. With perfect courtesy that officer listened to the proposals, and accepted them in substance, stating in writing the basis of a negotiation into which he was willing to enter. Up went the peaceful emblem of a truce to the " Tacony's " mast-head, and for three.days hostili ties were suspended, — only to be renewed again, in consequence of Bureau's failing to meet his adver sary as agreed. Rumors of various kinds, probably shaped to meet the occasion, had reached him, and he alleged that he was not satisfied as to the truth of the report of Maximilian's capture, and would need further con firmation of the fact. Such confirmation probably did not fail tb reach him, but with the stubbornness that had characterized his whole line of conduct he clung to the city and to the custom-house, until it dawned upon him somewhat suddenly that he had delayed capitulation too long ; that the Foreign Legion of mercenaries had reached such a stage of discontent as to be hardly controllable. He there fore addressed repeated and urgent solicitations to the two consuls to visit him once more. They fi nally acceded to his request, and he declared his will ingness now to accept the terms that had been 66 THE FALL OF MAXIMILIAN' S EMPIRE. offered, and begged them, to convey the announce ment of it to General Benavides. He still retained sufficient authority, he said, to make a peaceful sur render possible, and it was his desire now to be re lieved of the charge of the city and fortifications. The consuls were getting rather tired of being humbugged so often, and felt rather dubious as to the success of their mission ; but spurred on by the fear of a general insurrection in the city, and anxious to render such good offices as the interests of suffer ing humanity demanded, they once more went down to the fleet, and were set on shore abreast of the camp. General Benavides, preserving his equa nimity, ratified completely the terms that he had pro posed, and which were now so eagerly asked by the Imperialist, and ceased firing from his batteries. The city forts, strange to say, opened again with more than usual activity for a short while at sunset. This may have been through some mistake or mis understanding ; or it may have been intentional, for effect, to show that their powers of resistance were not at an end ; or, lastly, it may very possibly have been due to the inability of the officers to enforce their orders. Bureau expressed himself as much pleased, but said he would require a little time to win the officers over to his wishes. This was appar ently true, and no objection was made ; but most unfortunate was that enforced delay, for, during the interim, on the 3d of June, an entirely new coloring THE FALL OF MAXIMILIAN'S EMPIRE. 6j was put on affairs by the arrival of the American mail steamer " Virginia," with no less a person on board than General Antonio Lopez de Santa Ana, with a staff of five officers, The wholly unexpected arrival of this man caused consternation in the minds of all who were familiar with his history and revolutionary proclivities, and above all at this critical juncture,, when he might undo all that had been accomplished, not only in Vera Cruz, but throughout all Mexico. A subaltern in the Spanish army in 182 1, during the first war for Mexican independence, he was quickly induced to espouse the cause of his native land, and in 1824 first came into prominence as the governor of the Yucatan peninsula, at the age of twenty- six ; nine years later, elected President by the Liberal party, the first organization of the kind in the country, but, after a short voluntary retirement, heading a successful revolution against his own Vice-President, and then governing as a virtual dictator in the interests of the church and the army; exiled in 1837 for trying, while prisoner to the Texans, to negotiate a treaty recognizing the independence of that State, — the beginning of Santa Ana's political career was eloquent as an exponent of his turbulent character. Amnestied, he relapsed into obscurity until the French attack on the castle of San Juan de Uloa gave him, an opportunity, when, in December, 1838, he once 68 THE FALL OF MAXIMILIAN'S EMPIRE. more came into prominence as the heroic defender of Vera Cruz, the loss of a leg in that fight adding to his prestige.. Provisional President and then Dictator until deposed in 1844, tried for treason and banished for ten years ; President again by popular movement when the war broke out with the United States, but compelled to fly for his life in 1848 in consequence of the unfortunate termination of that war; recalled again in 1853 by another revolution and made Dictator, — his name was indeed most inti mately and painfully associated with the recent history of his distracted country, and the versatility of his political faith seemed almost without a parallel in modern history. The twenty years that had then elapsed since his first inauguration (by Liberal votes) had sufficed to enable him to become as des potic as he had once sworn to be constitutional. He arrogated to himself the title of Serene High ness for life, with power to name his successor. But that glory was short-lived. The standard of revolt was soon raised, and a serious insurrection broke out. Then did he perpetrate the crime that proved to be the death-blow to his own ambitions, — in giv ing (July, 1854) to Don Jose Gutierrez de Estrada* full powers to " negotiate with the courts of Lon don, Paris, Madrid, and Vienna, and to make due * The same ambassador who ten years later headed the deputation that waited on the Archduke Maximilian to offer him the Imperial throne of Mexico. THE FALL OF MAXIMILIAN'S EMPIRE. 69 efforts to obtain from those governments, or any one of them, the establishment of a monarchy derived from one of the dynastic houses of those powers." This step precipitated his ruin ; driven out of the country, he was tried once more for high treason, and, being absent, was sentenced to confis cation of all his landed property. Eight years of exile seemed to kill the patriotism once his glory, and in February, 1864, landing in Vera Cruz, he wrote to the Imperial Under Secretary of War stating that he returned to Mexico " to co-operate in the consolidation of the government created by the Intervention." But the Imperialist party de clined his offers and refused to permit him to remain in the country. Retiring then to the United States he kept badgering President Juarez with entreaties to be allowed to help defend his native land against the invaders. His country could ill afford, however, to accept such help, as was quite plainly expressed by Senor Lerdo de Tejada, the Mexican Minister of Foreign Affairs. In the closing part of a despatch from this gentleman to Mr. Romero, after touching upon the General's many vacillations, he used the following language : " Although the government might wish to place in him [Santa Ana] some confidence, it does not believe it possible that it would also be felt by the defenders of the national cause. " In order not to believe in his new protests of 70 THE FALL OF MAXIMILIAN'S EMPIRE. patriotism, they would repeat that he has violated before all his oaths, and that he has broken before his most solemn engagements. " In order not to believe his new protests of loyalty to the Republic, they would repeat the charges that have been made, that as an officer he has been disloyal to all the governments that have employed him ; that as the head of the govern ment he has been disloyal to all the parties who have aided him to power ; and that as a Mexican he has lately been disloyal to the cause of his country. " For these considerations the President of the Republic does not believe it compatible with his duty to admit the offer which Mr. Santa Ana has now sought to make of his services. Nor does he believe that his manifestations and protests of patriotism can be in any manner considered as suffi cient to relieve him from the very grave charges which exist against him. " Senor Santa Ana having asked you to transmit to the government his communication, you will be pleased to transmit to him this reply." Still unabashed, this political mountebank then, in August, 1866, addressed himself to the United States government, saying that the crisis in Mexico had arrived at a climax, and that he could no longer remain inactive, and not endeavor to contribute towards the salvation of his country. In a letter to THE FALL OF MAXIMILIAN'S EMPIRE. J\ Mr. Seward, he stated that he relied upon his assist ance in this undertaking, where the interests of a sister Republic were at stake, and when the time had come to strike the decisive blow for the expulsion of foreign intruders and the tyrannical domination of France. One paragraph in this letter perhaps showed the not wholly disinterested purpose which swayed him. " Should we now succeed in our en deavors, and once more, see Mexico free, and my countrymen reinstate me in the highest position within their gift, it would afford me the greatest pleasure to reciprocate all your kindness, and show my gratitude to your government with a liberal hand." Mr. Seward's frigid reply speaks for itself. Department of State, Washington, August 16, 1866. The Secretary of State has had the honor to receive from General de Santa Ana, formerly President of Mexico, a communication, in which he states that he wishes to visit Washington, and that he would be pleased to know if he will be received as a private gentleman by the Secretary of State. The distinguished gentleman is hereby informed that,. insomuch as his attitude towards the Republican govern ment of Mexico, with which the United States maintain diplomatic intercourse, is pronounced by the President of Mexico to be unfriendly towards the government of the Republic, a reception of the General, in any character, at the present time, by the Secretary of State, would be. 72 THE FALL OF MAXIMILIAN'S EMPIRE. incompatible with the settled practice and habits of the executive department of the United States. [Signed,] William H. Seward. Don Antonio Lopez de Santa Ana, New York. Such was the self-established character and conse quent political status of this celebrated man. De nied on all sides, his every overture sternly rejected, he now appeared suddenly upon the scene of con flict between two parties, to both of whom he had offered his sword, and by both of whom • he had been spurned. His frequent and unblushing apos tasy certainly made his ultimate intentions am biguous, and his popular reputation as a soldier ' made his presence all the more dangerous. The " Virginia " went to the inner harbor and an chored, and that same evening General Perez Gomez, a friend and adherent of his, who was in command of the castle of San Juan de Uloa, invited him to come there to remain until proper arrangements could be made for a grand reception in the city. Santa Ana accepted the invitation and repaired to the castle, where the regimental band played a march of welcome, and the garrison shduted, " Viva el general Santa Ana." Before going, however, he had invited Senor Bureau to a conference on. board the " Virginia," which was accepted ; and to him and to the general-in- chief, Don Antonio Taboada, who was also present, he put forth the idea of setting up a Republic in place THE FALL OF MAXIMILIAN'S EMPIRE. 73 oft the tottering Empire, stating that he came under American protection. No immediate answer was given, but a council of war was called, which met at ten that evening in the City Hall, and it was there decided not to allow the general to land. He had overreached himself in asserting that the American government sustained him. The opinions emitted were practically unanimous, even those who favored his claims personally rejecting the idea of fighting with American soldiers against the cause they were then upholding. General Taboada, commanding all the military forces in the city, said that the arri val of Santa Ana, under American protection, had aggravated the situation ; his duty as a soldier was to defend the Imperial government even to the shedding of the last drop of his blood, and if the decision should be to accept the new proposals, he would resign his command and go abroad. Don Ed- uardo Soudriet, Lieut-Colonel of the City Guards, said that so soon as Santa Ana should land at the head of American soldiers, his command was at an end. Lieutenant-Colonel Jorge Murcia said that General Santa Ana held the hearts of the garrison as a leader in the War of Independence, but that he (Murcia) could not agree to his bringing American soldiers there. Don Eduardo Figuerero, Colonel of the Vera Cruz cavalry, stated that he highly es teemed General Santa Ana, but he rejected the idea of fighting against the Empire with soldiers brought 74 THE FALL OF MAXIMILIAN'S EMPIRE. from the United States. Don Tomas Marin, ,i{i>. command of the naval division of Vera Cruz, Tux- pan, and Tehuantepec, said: "I am totally dis gusted with General Santa Ana, on account of his abandoning the country in 1855 ; but I would rather fall into his hands than into those of demagogues, although I distrust his good faith on account of the protection given him by the American government." General Santiago Cuevas, of the artillery, maintained that the general should not be allowed to land since he was backed by American soldiers ; said he : " Our country has already felt one foreign interven tion and should be spared any more." And so on. A norther was blowing .on the 4th, which pre vented communication with the shipping or the port ; but on the 5th, the commander of the castle and a part of the garrison were temporarily removed, General Santa Ana was sent back on board the " Virginia," and the consuls notified that he would be sent back out of the country in her. Santa Ana then sought and obtained a visit from Mr. Saulnier, whom he entertained with a long dis course on his plans, saying that after interviews with President Johnson and Mr. Seward, at their solici tation he had come to Vera Cruz, Prince Maximil ian having offered to deliver the government of the country to him. All of this Mr. Saulnier declined to accept, but informed Captain Roe of it, adding that he could not believe that the government was THE FALL OF MAXIMILIAN'S EMPIRE. 75 disposed at such a late day to disavow Juarez, or that it would give countenance to such filibusterism. In this, the commander cordially agreed with him. It is not probable that either of them knew of the application to Mr. Seward for material and moral assistance, or of his declining to listen to such over tures ; but they were well aware of the general's ¦turbulent character, and the subversive effect of his partisanship on any cause that he espoused ; and they certainly knew that such an extraordinary step would never have been taken by the United States government without notification of it having reached them. So not for an instant did they put any faith in such assertions. The " Tacony " had now stayed several days longer than prudence dictated, in view of the short ness of her rations and the passage to Pensacola. But all the consuls, as well as General Benavides, begged Roe to hold on a little longer ; even the Im perial governor earnestly requested him to wait a few days, urging that in case of opposition by the Foreign Legion to his effecting a surrender, he would have to call upon the American and English ships to come up and support the movement mutu ally agreed upon by him and the Liberal general. Although Santa Ana was kept on board the " Vir ginia," the members of his staff frequently went on shore and great popular excitement ensued. Those officers played their cards so well that it was finally ¦^6 THE FALL OF MAXIMILIAN'S EMPIRE. arranged that the general should be escorted to the city on the 7th ; one hundred and one guns were to be fired from the castle, and workmen actually be gan to build triumphal arches preparatory to deco rating the city. All this was surmised rather than known at the time, but so many stories were bruited about that on the morning of the 7th Captain Pritz buer of the " Phlegeton " started up to town in his fast gig, and as usual stopped alongside of the " Tacony " to offer a passage to Captain Roe in case he thought of going. Such courtesies had been constantly exchanged between the three ships, and in this case the offer was gladly accepted, as Roe, feeling uneasy about the condition of affairs, was preparing to go up in the sailing launch. So they went up and joined Mr. Saulnier at the English Consulate, with several persons, including Captain Aynesley. They found the city in a condi tion of great excitement ; the presence of Santa Ana was being forced upon the people by his parti sans, and they were angrily opposing him. While affairs were being discussed at the British Consulate, a note was received announcing that a revolution was on the eve of breaking out in favor of this new (or rather old) interloper, and a serious effort would be made to land him that night. This threatened to produce disastrous results and cause terrible scenes to be enacted in Vera Cruz. Bureau when informed declared his intention not to permit the THE FALL OF MAXIMILIAN'S EMPIRE. 77 landing, and claimed to be still master of the situa tion. But as this was very doubtful, and as the slightest weakness, feigned or real, on his part would have been fraught with evil consequences, Captain Roe determined to take the law in his own hands and resort to prompt and vigorous measures. He had no boat at hand, and as the day was well advanced and one could not be had from the " Ta cony " for some hours, he asked Captain Aynesley to grant him the use of his cutter, which was cheer fully done. The English ensign, of course, could not be lowered from an English boat, and Roe could not do what he wanted under any but the American colors. The problem was solved by bor rowing the consular flag, and lashing it to the boat's flagstaff alongside of the English. In this way, with both colors flying, with the English midship man in charge of the boat but the American com mander directing her movements, they pulled alongside of the " Virginia," and asked to see Gen eral Santa Ana, who was seated on the quarter deck. Roe, on being presented, asked him politely if he would not like to go and pass a quiet night on board the " Tacony " at Sacrificios. The general was naturally surprised at so sudden and cordial an invitation, and asked for an explanation. This led to a dispute, only ended by Roe finally saying, in a tone perhaps more forcible than polite, that he had no further explanations to make ; it was intended 78 THE FALL OF MAXIMILIAN'S EMPIRE. for an order, which, if not obeyed voluntarily, would be enforced. At the same time two of the English seamen advanced in a threatening manner. One Of the general's aides then came up to him and said in a low tone that it would be most prudent for him to take his arm and get into the boat rather than let the men lay hands upon him. So, without active violence, but under certain compulsion, the old firebrand was induced to go into the " JasOn's" cutter, accompanied by his interpreter and body- servant, and was taken on board the " Tacony." There every civility was shown him, and the cabin placed at his disposal. This was not appreci ated very highly, however, and the state of his mind was shown by the following conversation with his unexpected host.* Commander. — General, here you have my. room, where you will be comfortable, and you can ask for what you want. General. — Thank you, Commander ; but I wish to know first why you took me forcibly from the " Virginia " and prevented me from going ashore as I intended? Without being at war, why have you taken me prisoner? Commander. — No, General, you are not a pris oner. I wished to spare the shedding of blood in Vera Cruz, when enough has been shed in the country already. * Dialogue certified to by Edward Gottlieb, interpreter. THE FALL OF MAXIMILIAN'S EMPIRE. 79 GenerajL. — But by what authority and right do you thus proceed against my person, when I am a Mexican returning to my country after a long ab sence, with the intention of serving it, as I have always done, and now as a mediator for the restora tion of peace ? Commander. — It has been said in the city that the General was sent by my government, and it is my duty to prove the contrary, having an under standing with General Benavides. General. — It is not true that I said I was sent, for the government at Washington could not em ploy me, nor would I obey the commands of a gov ernment not my own. I heard that the American consul prevaricated for the purpose of preventing me from landing, and I thought proper to satisfy him and dispose him to a neutrality that he ought to observe ; for that purpose I said to him, sub stantially, that my mission was one of entire peace, and that his President was not ignorant of my journey, nor of my intentions. Commander. — Well, but your presence prevented the surrender of the city to General Benavides, who was besieging it, after Commissioner Bureau had agreed to it. General. — And what is it to you whether the city is held by this or that Mexican, when you have no right to interfere in Mexican affairs ? I doubt if your government will approve of your conduct ; 80 THE FALL OF MAXIMILIAN'S EMPIRE. and, besides, what is the reason of your insult to my person this evening ? As long as I am compelled to remain in this ship I will consider myself a prisoner. Commander. — (Angrily, and rising) I have acted as I thought proper. I have no more explanations to make. General. — Will you use force against me ? I have no rifled cannons, and consequently you have me completely in your power. Commander. — Good-night, General ; you have my room to rest in, and you can call for what you want. (And taking off his cap he bowed politely.) The general passed a sleepless night, not stirring from the chair he had taken on first entering the cabin. He had indeed food for bitter reflection, over the complete frustration of all his plans, and the dashing of all his hopes of once more occupying the presidential chair. A gaudy, decorated- uniform, displayed through the awkwardness (?) of the cabin steward, showed how complete had been all his preparations, even in such matters of detail. His reception at the castle, and the demonstrations that his officers had succeeded in eliciting from the tur bulent part of the community on shore, had seemed to augur favorably for the success of this new attempt to seize the reins of government. But, at the eleventh hour, forcible intervention by the rep resentative of a neutral power had put an end to it all, and his bright dreams were rudely dispelled. THE FALL OF MAXIMILIAN'S EMPIRE. 8 1 His secretary, Colonel Luis de Vidal y Rivas, who was on shore at the time of his leaving the " Virginia," did all in his power to have him released. Immediately upon hearing of the occurrence, he called upon the Imperial Commissary and celated to him what had been done, dwelling with emphasis on the great disrespect shown to the authorities in plain sight of the town and in presence of Mexican officials. Senor Bureau was probably not very much grieved over the turn affairs had taken, and replied that he could do nothing -lest the two steamers should bombard the city. The colonel then went to the United States Consulate to make a formal protest ; but Mr. Saulnier contented him self with replying that what had taken place had been done without his knowledge, but that he had just been assured that the general would be released the next day. The detention of the general was indeed to be only temporary ; but when released he was not to be put on shore, but sent out of the country. Gen eral Benavides sought to have this intention given up, and to have him guarded until affairs could be arranged. In his letter urging this upon Captain Roe, he represented that the general was a fugitive from justice. " You know he has fled from debts, and that he is at liberty under a bond of thirty thou sand dollars, which he laughs at. This conduct is not strange in Santa Ana. He is a man who does 2,2 THE FALL OF MAXIMILIAN'S EMPIRE. not know modesty, and he is a trickster. Well, then, I believe you would do right to secure his per son, since he is a fugitive, and hold him pending the action of the tribunals of the United States. You will permit my friendship to give you this indication and advice. Besides, it is in the interests of human ity that we secure this fatal- man, who has caused so many evils iii the world." These representations, however, did not influence Captain Roe. Whether or not Santa Ana was a fugi tive from justice was of no interest to him in his line of duty. But he deemed it necessary to dis tinctly prove to Mexico, and to the world, that the government of the United States had not in a day changed its entire line of policy, as had been asserted by the general, and lent the moral support of its countenance to such schemes. To do this effectu ally, he had decided to simply send him out of the country, and had ordered the " Virginia" to stop at Sacrificios on her way to sea the next morning, and anchor off the " Tacony's " port bow. This was done, and Mr. Saulnier came down in her to announce that her papers were settled and that she was ready for sea. General Santa Ana was transferred to her, and Captain Deaken was directed to proceed on his way to New York. Permission was given him to touch at Sisal and Havana, his ports of call, but he was positively ordered not to land Santa Ana any where in Mexico. THE FALL OF MAXIMILIAN'S EMPIRE. 83 At about noon the " Virginia " started out, fol lowed by the "Tacony." Every precaution was taken to prevent any communication being had with the shore, an officer, Acting-Ensign Bell, being put on board with a boat's crew as a guard. The pilot, on leaving, was thoroughly searched, even to his boots, to make sure that no papers were concealed about his person. When twenty miles had been made, and Vera Cruz had sunk below the horizon, this officer returned on board the " Tacony," and the two vessels parted company, the man-of-war heading up to the northward, the merchantman steering away for Sisal. Bad luck seemed to follow the latter and her illus trious passenger. They reached Sisal- on the nth of June, and Santa Ana's presence on board at tracted the attention of the authorities of the port, and naturally caused some alarm. His constant passion to provoke disturbances, seize on command, and use it to his profit, were recollections too alarm ing not to arouse suspicion. These suspicions were fully verified by his despatching a letter by Colonel Hilario Mendez, one of his staff, to General Martin Cepeda Peraza, governor of the state of Yucatan. With this letter was a copy of a revolutionary ad dress to the people of the state, which, on his way to Vera Cruz, he had sent on shore to be circulated there, and to which he now invited the governor to give publicity. Colonel Medina, the captain of the 84 THE FALL OF MAXIMILIAN'S EMPIRE. port, stationed three armed schooners around the "Virginia" to watch her, until he could communi cate with General Peraza. The next day, in obedi ence to instructions, General Santa Ana was invited to land. Captain Deaken of the " Virginia " pro tested against this, stating that he was a passenger in transit, and a prisoner to the United States, and was to be delivered at the city of New York. The three schooners had their guns trained on the steamer, however, and a file of soldiers came on board, which settled matters, and Santa Ana suc ceeded in landing on Mexican soil. He immediately despatched a letter to the gov ernor relating the circumstances, and adding : " Now I am at your disposal, and I hope I shall sOon see you. . . . An old veteran places himself under your orders to be sent where you think he can be of the greatest service to the' nation. . . ." The result of this, however, was even more disappoint ing than the outcome of his appearance at Vera Cruz, for General Peraza's opinion of his services was such as to prompt him to place the old veteran . under arrest with a view to the safety of the Repub lic ; and for greater security he was sent off to the neighboring state of Campeche in custody, to await the action of President Juarez. This unexpected finale caused reclamations to be made by various parties in the United States, and as it was uncertain whether or not the "Virginia" THE FALL OF MAXIMILIAN'S EMPIRE. 85 was within the marine league from the shore at the time of the seizure (as some termed it), many Ameri can journals denounced the affair and called upon the government to take proceedings against the gov ernment of Mexico to cause the restoration of Santa Ana and his secretary within the jurisdiction of the United States. Other appeals were made also, one being on the distinct ground that the creditors of the general in the United States had large pecuni ary interests in the safety of his person. His finan cial status certainly seemed in a complicated condi tion, and many different stories were rife regarding him. Some journals suggested that he was the vic tim of a well-arranged conspiracy by which large sums of money were fraudulently obtained from him ostensibly to fit out an expedition to reinstate him in power in Mexico, but really for division among the conspirators. Regarding the legitimacy of the " Virginia's " pro ceedings it is certainly strange that she neither took in nor discharged cargo at. Sisal, although that was presumably the object of her touching there, and this with other things seemed to point to the possibility of her having been chartered specially by Santa Ana for a filibustering expedition, and that she was not on one of her customary, peaceable, com mercial trips. A discussion of that question, how ever, would lead into deeper water than this story was intended to navigate. 86 THE FALL OF MAXIMILIAN'S EMPIRE. To wind up Santa Ana's history in a few words, he was tried for the fourth time for treason and sen tenced to be hanged ; but the extreme penalty was commuted by President Juarez to banishment for eight years. Taking advantage of the general am nesty in 1 87 1 he returned to Mexico, and passed the remaining five years of his life in obscurity and neglect. On leaving her consort on the 8th of June, the "Tacony" shaped the course for Pensacola. She had lingered on in Mexican waters longer than was convenient or prudent. Her hold contained now but few provisions for the crew. Amid all the anxieties and distractions connected with the situation and the progress of events, her commander had been counting the weeks, then the days, finally the hours which remained to him. The possibility of a mis hap to the machinery, or of delay caused by a. north erly gale, or by the many accidents liable to happen on the sea, rendered it imperative to allow some slight margin of time for the passage across the gulf. On the other hand, what momentous events might not supervene during his absence and nullify all his endeavors. With the deepest regret had he seen at last that further delay was inadmis sible. The old double-ender started northward un der full steam, and arrived before daybreak of the 13th, with two days' bread on board. One can imagine the vexation felt on board on THE FALL OF MAXIMILIAN'S EMPIRE. 87 learning that on the same day that they had been compelled to leave their station, the tug " Yucca " had left Pensacola, to call at Vera Cruz, with pro visions for them. The delay in sending that supply- vessel seemed strange and was most unfortunate ; but there was no help for it then, and all that could be done was to coal and provision ship and execute a few repairs with all possible despatch, so as to re turn and take further part in the interesting scenes of the last days of the Empire. The part that the " Tacony " had already taken in the stirring events just related became the subject of much criticism, both adverse and favorable, and Captain Roe had to run the gauntlet of much censure from various quarters. It seemed, indeed, to be a high-handed proceeding to remove by force a pretender to the throne of a country, ho.wever much embroiled at home and abroad. That coun try, after a disheartening and desperately protracted struggle, had at last begun to triumph over all its enemies, including that most intolerable of all political evils, foreign armed intervention, and to have reached a crisis when, if left alone, it might be expected to restore tranquillity and reorganize itself upon permanent foundations. A notorious agitator, backed by adventurers who would ruthlessly sacri fice country to party, and perhaps both to money or gain, was about to undo in a day what had been accomplished by years of bloodshed and suffering.. 88 THE FALL OF MAXIMILIAN'S EMPIRE. On general principles an officer of a foreign govern ment could have nothing to do with either side of the question. The mere judgment of right or wrong, or the desire to help a friendly nation, should not even for one moment influence the action of a naval commander compelled to decide and act for himself. But the circumstances in this case made such action seem imperative, and the more closely the matter is studied, the more proper does it appear. As the United States had never ceased to acknowl edge the Republican government of Mexico, and Benito Juarez as its President, it was fair to suppose that Santa Ana's assertion of being backed by President Johnson was false. Furthermore, the rela tions of the two countries were really very delicate, in spite of the fact of the United States having caused the departure of the French army. Many Mexi cans were inclined to still regard their powerful northern neighbor with great distrust. Therefore, to allow the idea (which he knew to be false) to gain ground, that material aid and assistance was to be afforded by his government to influence their internal affairs, would have brought about complica tions, and, however vigorously refuted afterwards, would probably have reacted on the party that had been recognized since the beginning of the troubles. It would also have placed the United States in a false light before the world. By acting as he did THE FALL OF MAXIMILIAN'S EMPIRE. 89 Captain Roe was certain not to thwart the desire nor run counter to the policy of the State Depart ment, however much it might disapprove his taking positive action. In the history of many a diplomatic tilt it has been found necessary to disapprove publicly a cer tain line of action taken by an individual officer, however much such action may have been secretly applauded. In this particular case the United States was certainly interested in having Santa Ana's incipient revolution nipped in the bud ; should international complications demand it, the officer guilty of over-zeal could afterwards be reprimanded or, if necessary, temporarily disgraced, but the object would have been gained. No single-minded officer would ever hesitate before such an alterna tive ; the only difficulty would be in accurately divining the wish of the government. The press were somewhat divided on the subject, and, as usual, did not fail to express their various opinions with greater or less warmth. But what was of most importance to Captain Roe was the following paragraph in a memorandum published by the Secretary of State : " In the opinion of the President, Commander Roe has truly stated the character of the transaction which occurred in Vera Cruz, in these words : ' The attitude then of Santa Ana was this : He was on board of an American ship, under the flag of the United States, in a city 90 THE FALL OF MAXIMILIAN'S EMPIRE. besieged by the government of Mexico, declaring and fomenting the civil war against that government, with which the United States are in friendly rela tions, under an assumed authority from the United States ; and while he claimed to be under the pro tection and shield of their flag, he prevented the act of surrender of Vera Cruz, after the terms of that surrender had been agreed to and accepted by both parties ; and this under the declaration that he was acting under the authority of the United States.' In this view of the subject, this department not only does not disallow nor censure, but it approves the proceedings of the United States consul and of Commander Roe, at Vera Cruz." A copy of this memorandum was sent to Captain Roe, personally, by Mr. Seward, thus becoming a direct message of approval. CHAPTER IV. During the few days that were needed for the "Tacony" to fly to Pensacola, take in coal and provisions, and return to her station, the great drama of Mexican affairs was swiftly drawing to a close. As the curtain was about to fall on the tragic finale, the telegraph and the mail were busy in conveying requests, petitions, and answers between the various high parties, so deeply interested both in the personal welfare of the young ex-Archduke of Austria, and the standing among nations of the strug gling, bleeding Republic south of the Rio Grande. We have seen that as early as April 6th, Count Wydenbruck had requested the good offices of the American Department of State to secure respect for the person of his emperor's brother. These had been rendered ; a special and able courier being found in Mr. Frederick Hotze, late a lieutenant-colonel in the Mexican corps of Austrian volunteers, who, in refusing to accept the post of chief of staff to the sanguinary General Marquez (the " Tiger "), had drawn upon himself the displeasure of Maximilian, and had retired to the United States. Well ac quainted with Mexico and with Mexicans, and 91 92 THE FALL OF MAXIMILIAN'S EMPIRE. anxious to save the imperial family in Vienna a terrible grief, this gentleman had offered his services to take a despatch by the shortest route to President Juarez, guaranteeing the secrecy of its contents. Later, on June ist, Mr. Campbell, then in New Orleans, was ordered to proceed in person imme diately to San Luis Potosi, the temporary seat of the Juarist government, in the hope that his presence might not only prevent any act of violence toward the captive prince, but would also ensure his release! Any good effects that might have resulted from such a step were lost by Mr. Campbell's declining to proceed to Mexico, and resigning his post when it was too late to appoint his successor. Couriers were despatched at different times, bearing to President Juarez messages from Wash ington of requests for clemency, based upon appeals from various courts of Europe for the assistance of the American government. Queen Victoria and Emperor Napoleon both asked that intercessions should be made, and the substance of their requests was immediately communicated to the Mexican gov ernment through Mr. Romero. While the delibera tions of the council of war, consisting of six cap tains and a lieutenant-colonel, sitting in the Teatro Iturbide at Queretaro, were not generally known, it was felt by an instinct common to all that their il lustrious prisoner would receive but short thrift. The extraordinary activity of that drum-head court fffjllil i\i i i,i,lil}i!?"!,m,|ij ¦ — -j . ______ , _ ______ 94 THE FALL OF MAXIMILIAN'S EMPIRE. and the rapidity of their counsels were, however, not sufficiently well known, and it was not until June 20th that the Austrian Minister in Washing ton received from Count Beust the telegram in structing him to " request Mr. Seward to let Juarez know, and, if possible, Prince Maximilian, that the Emperor of Austria is ready to re-establish Maxi milian in all his rights of succession as Archduke of Austria, after his release and his renunciation of all his projects in Mexico." * Senor Romero was in stantly told of this, and presumably lost no time in informing Juarez. But it was then too late. Such an overture made sooner would at least have refuted some of the arguments made against the release of the Prince. These arguments are perhaps best set forth in a letter from Mr. Romero to Hon. Hiram Barney, of New York, under date of May 31, 1867, in answer to personal letters from him in connection with that all-absorbing topic. The following ex tract will serve to illustrate : " I have perused with interest your remarks about the way in which we ought to treat the enemies of Mexico. I do not know what disposition President Juarez will make of Maximilian, but I am afraid that if he is allowed to go back to Europe with im punity, he will be a constant menace to the peace of Mexico. He will keep on styling himself to our * Before accepting the Mexican throne the Archduke had to abdicate his eventual right to that of Austria. THE FALL OF MAXIMILIAN'S EMPIRE. 95 shame, — Emperor of Mexico ; all dissatisfied Mex icans will keep up an active correspondence with him about his supposed popularity there, and even may induce him to return at some future time, as they did with Iturbide ; such of them as can afford it will go over to Austria and form a Mexican court for Maximilian at Miramar, and he will have enough of them to organize a legitimate Mexican government there, as the ex-king of the Two Sicilies did at Rome, after he was expelled from Naples ; some European powers will keep recognizing him as the Emperor of Mexico, as Spain did with the ex-king of the Two Sicilies ; whenever we may be likely to have complications with any European nation, the first step taken by the interested party will be to intrigue with Maximilian, and to threaten us with giving aid to our lawful sovereign to recover his au thority from the hands of the usurpers, if we decline to accept their terms. " Besides, if Maximilian is pardoned and allowed to go home, nobody in Europe, I am sure, will give Us credit for magnanimity, as weak nations are not supposed to be magnanimous ; but, on the contrary, it will be said that we did so through fear of public opinion in Europe, and because we would not dare to treat harshly our sovereign. " I do not mean by this to say that Maximilian must necessarily be shot ; what I mean is that his power to do any further mischief in Mexico must be utterly destroyed before he is allowed to depart." 96 THE FALL OF MAXIMILIAN'S EMPIRE. It does not come strictly within the province of the historian to criticise or express opinions, but rather to present facts in all lights so that individ ual inferences may be drawn. The execution of the Austrian ex-Archduke by the nation he had so deeply, though perhaps at first unwittingly, wronged, was a subject of most mournful interest to Mexicans and to Americans. It has been said that he sacri ficed himself by his blindness in attempting to estab lish a monarchy in spite of timely warnings of the perils he would encounter in accepting a crown at the hands of an unauthorized faction which did not and could not truly represent the mind and will of the Mexican people at large. In general terms, this is undoubtedly true, but a more immediate and tangible cause of mercy not being shown him may perhaps be found in his terrible edict of October 3, 1865, by which Republican officers captured were executed as bandits. One of the first victims of this decree was General Don Jose Maria Arteaga, who had been twice governor of the state of Queretaro ; when captured he was in chief command of the Liberal army in Michoacan, but was shot as a robber, to gether with General Salazar and other officers of high rank. Colonel Don Ramon Mendez, who car ried out the decree in their case, was promoted to the rank of general and chief commander in the department of Michoacan. This was not war, and these facts could not be THE FALL OF MAXIMILIAN'S EMPIRE. 97 obliterated from the minds of the patriots whose fathers, brothers, sons, had been slain ; and the re lentless feelings engendered became a potent factor in deciding the Prince's fate. In the diary of the Princess Salm-Salm we read that that lady fell on her knees before Juarez and pleaded for Maximilian's life. He had tears in his eyes, but answered in a low, sad voice : " I am grieved, madam, to see you thus on your knees before me ; but if all the kings and queens of Europe were in your place I could not spare that life. It is not I who take it ; it is the people and the law ; and if I should not do its will, the people would take it and mine also." It seems more than probable that the infliction of the extreme penalty was a foregone conclusion on the part of President Juarez and his Cabinet, who were, of necessity, swayed by their views of the needs of Mexico, and who, according to their lights, looked farther into futurity than others upon whose shoulders rested a lighter responsibility. Prime- Minister Lerdo de Tejada, in answer to Mr. Camp bell's letter asking that humane treatment should be accorded the Prince, wrote at some length, and in his letter, dated April 2 2d, occurs the following re markable passage : " After the withdrawal of the French forces, the Archduke Maximilian persisted in his useless at tempt to shed more Mexican blood. With the ex ception of two or three cities which he holds by force, 98 THE FALL OF MAXIMILIAN'S EMPIRE. he has seen the whole Republic rise up against him. Notwithstanding this he wants to continue his work of ruin and desolation by an aimless war, surround ed by men well known for their robberies and assas sinations, and the deepest-dyed in crime of any in the Republic. When such persons are captured it is not reasonable to suppose they could be considered as simple prisoners of war, for they are responsible to the law of nations and amenable to the laws of the Republic. " The government, which has given numerous proofs of its humanitarian principles and of its sen timents of generosity, has also the obligation to consider, according to the circumstances of the case, what is required by the principles of justice and its duties to the Mexican people." There were still other reasons that must have swayed the officers of the Mexican Republic. The journals of that country seemed to dwell with great pleasure upon any incident or circumstance that could be perverted into a proof that the govern ment of the United States sought an undue influ ence over their administration. In this the papers but represented the feelings of a large class of Mexicans, and it may readily be apprehended that the danger of flying in the face of such apparently deep-rooted convictions was enough to turn the scale in the mind of even such a strong man as Benito Juarez. Such thoughts and expressions THE FALL OF MAXIMILIAN'S EMPIRE. 99 were certainly without color of reason, as can be seen by the simple perusal of the correspondence between the two governments. In the interview with Mr. Romero, in which Mr. Seward announced that the emperors of Austria and France and the queen of England had severally appealed to the United States to endeavor to avert the execution of Maximilian, he concluded in these words : " The United States have already expressed themselves on that subject with frankness and pro found respect to the government of President Jua rez. To reiterate its opinions and wishes in a formal manner in compliance with the wishes ex pressed by the sovereigns of France and Great Britain, would perhaps embarrass the government of President Juarez, and might tend to defeat the humane purposes entertained. At the same time Mr. Seward, assuming that the question may still remain an open one, is desirous that President Jua rez should be informed of the interest in the person of Prince Maximilian thus expressed by the last- named European powers. " Mr. Seward also thinks it proper to say that he apprehends no possible contingency in which any European power will attempt either invasion or intervention hereafter in Mexico, or in any other republican nation on the American continent. For this reason he does not think that Mexico has to apprehend any attempt at retaliation by European ICO THE FALL OF MAXIMILIAN'S EMPIRE. powers as a consequence of whatsoever extreme decision the Mexican government may make ; but at the same time Mr. Seward also thinks that a uni versal sentiment, favorable, conciliatory, and friendly towards the republic of Mexico and the other Amer ican republics, would be likely to follow from such an exercise of clemency and magnanimity as the United States have thought proper to recommend. " Mr. Seward requests Mr. Romero, if compatible with his convictions of duty, to make these senti ments known in a private and confidential manner to the republic of Mexico." Nothing could be more delicately and courteously put, and it would seem difficult to torture the cor respondence, of which that is a fair sample, into any such desire as was popularly attributed to the De partment of State. And yet that such was the case seemed very apparent, and by portions of the American as well as the Mexican press. The fol lowing extracts from La Centinela, published in Monterey, are of interest as an indication of the feelings of the Mexican people regarding the dispo sition of the Prince and the relations of the two- countries : " The interference of the government of the United States to save the life of Maximilian, and above all the terms used and the mode employed by Minister Seward in the negotiation, have imper illed the situation of Maximilian, and have made it THE FALL OF MAXIMILIAN'S EMPIRE. 101 almost impossible to exercise towards him an act of generosity which, although it would have thrown censure on our government, would have excited the admiration and provoked the eulogies of the world and of posterity. To-day the pardon of the Arch duke of Austria could not be granted without incur ring universal censure, there being very few who would believe that we were influenced solely by the noble sentiments of humanity and magnanimity. These same friends of Maximilian and enemies of the government of the republic would comment on this act in a manner most unfavorable to our dig nity. They have always endeavored to produce the belief that the Mexican people, and, to the nations of Europe, that the republican government is in a state of traitorous dependence upon the United States ; and with the known bad faith of those men try to throw in our face our obsequious docility, or worse — that we but obey (for certainly such was the order of Seward) the brusque commands of the American minister, Mr. Campbell. . . . . . . " At the beginning we were vacillating between the reign of justice and benignity and par don in regard to the Archduke ; but on reflecting on the matter, and in view of the impolitic (or impo lite) letter of Mr. Seward, and considering the proof of obstinacy given by the Archduke himself, in his strong desire that in no way the only govern ment which the nation has recognized should be 102 . THE FALL OF MAXIMILIAN'S EMPIRE. respected and obeyed, endeavoring in the document which we inserted in our last number,* that even after his death the strife between the Mexicans should continue, and this even after the genuine will of Mexico has evidently been made clear to him, we consider that the execution of this Prince has been made indispensable under every aspect, because it is very likely that, according to his tenacity and obstinacy, he might make another attempt and risk the peace of the Republic." It may be said, and with reason, that such utter ances were based upon prejudice and ignorance of the true character of documents referred to. The histories of the most enlightened nations do not fail to teem with instances of equally popular and erro neous convictions having for the time being the force of truth. It seems possible in this way that the magnanimous, single-minded, courteously ex pressed suggestions of clemency offered by the American Department of State may have been pro ductive of sufficient evil to undo the good. To return to our double-ender. A few days and nights of steady, unremitting work sufficed to prepare her for another cruise, and at daylight of the 17th of June she quietly left Pen- * Referring to Maximilian's last decree, dated June io, 1867, in view of his possible death, appointing _ regency of three persons, Don Theodosio Lares, Don Jose M. de Lacunza, and General Leonardo Marquez, to carry on the Empire. THE FALL OF MAXIMILIAN'S EMPIRE. 103 sacola bay, and steamed away under full power. It did not seem probable that the town of Vera Cruz could still be holding out after negotiations for sur render had reached the stage described previous to her departure ; but in view of Bureau's strange sense of duty or unblushing diversion of custom house receipts, it was deemed best for her to return. Great was the surprise on board, when, after sight ing the ships at Sacrificios anchorage, on the after noon of the 20th, the Imperial flag was made out still flying over the defences of the town. As the gun-boat rapidly approached, the old fa miliar objects became distinct. The same ships were there, — the "Jason," " Barracouta," "Phlegeton," " Elizabeth," and " Uloa." The U. S. S. " Yucca" was also present, but was despatched before long to Tampico, with peremptory orders to Lieutenant- Commander Maxwell, commanding the U. S. S. " Yantic," to bring that vessel immediately to Vera Cruz, as there was urgent need for an increased force there, while at Tampico all was quiet. The thrilling sounds of cannonading and musketry testi fied to the inability of the different parties to come to an agreement. There was evidently needed a main de fer sous gant de velours tO give an impetus to negotiations. It was soon learned that an arrangement had been reached on the 19th between the. Imperial Commis sary and General Benavides for the surrender of the 104 THE FALL OF MAXIMILIAN'S EMPIRE. city and castle within three days, beginning at noon of the 20th, and as an earnest of this the command ing general, Antonio Taboada, was allowed or in duced to resign, and take passage in the Spanish mail steamer " Ciudad Condal " to Havana. This officer was strenuously opposed to entering into any negotiations with the Liberals for the delivery of the city, with the defence of which he was entrusted, and it seems probable that his voice was potent in causing Bureau's many vacillations. As the officer upon whom the command would next devolve was less irreconcilable and quixotic, and foresaw the ne cessity of ending the conflict in one way or another, it was decided that General Taboada should depart. The only element of discord now remaining was the redoubtable Foreign Legion. This band of mercenaries, recruited from the scum of the military services of nearly all nations, had received its dis tinctive appellation almost from the very first, nei ther Spaniard, Frenchman, nor Austrian being will ing to own it. As in all such motley congregations, the excellence of the discipline was greatly depend ent upon circumstances. Being now subjected to great privations, and defrauded of their pay (the one thing for which they were hired to fight), the mem bers of that body were individually turbulent, and greatly inclined to be so collectively, and their pres ence was a standing menace to law and order. In their desire to conciliate or appease this dreadful THE FALL OF MAXIMILIAN'S EMPIRE. 105 band, by paying them what was indeed their legiti mate due, the merchants of the city had consented to withdraw their merchandise from the bonded stores and pay the duties on it. General Benavides had also given guarantees of safety to all concerned in the Imperial cause, provided the arrangement for the delivery of the city to him should be carried out within the said three days. The latest news from the interior was in a de spatch to General Benavides, that, on the 15th, General Marquez had made a second attempt to cut his way through the forces investing the city of Mexico, but had been driven back with severe loss. The terrible opening of the morning of the 19th of June at Queretaro was not yet known, and there were no extraneous causes to prevent the carrying out of this fourth agreement regarding Vera Cruz. But on the 20th, the day of the " Tacony's " arrival, Sefior Bureau had another of his remarkable, and one might almost say convenient, fits of illness, and was unable to treat personally with the Liberal general, so hostilities were resumed. This was the condition of affairs revealed to Commander Roe. The mere fact of the town not having capitulated during all this time, when every thing had seemed so propitious at the time of his leaving, seemed pregnant with dire possibilities, and it was in the anticipation of serious trouble that he sent the order for the " Yantic " to come there from 106 THE FALL OF MAXIMILIAN'S EMPIRE. Tampico. This was on the 2 2d, on the same day that the news came that the city of Mexico had sur rendered to General Porfirio Diaz.* Marquez had suddenly disappeared, the evening before, leaving General Tabera, with a demoralized garrison, to bear the odium of a defence protracted far beyond the rules or necessities of civilized warfare ; it was only curious that a man so plainly marked by a scar on his face, and so well known, should have suc ceeded in effecting his escape. The next day came the news of that sad event, over which history bends with moistened eyes, that plunged two reigning families of Europe into grief, and many others into mourning. The premature ending of the gallant young Prince's life was her alded through the columns of the Concordia of June 20th, published at Orizaba, in the following terms : " Ferdinand Maximilian, of Hapsburg, Archduke of Austria, in league with Napoleon III. to rob Mexico of its independence and institutions, usurper of its sovereignty, calling himself emperor, over thrown by the national will, and made prisoner by the republican forces in Queretaro, on the 15th of May, 1867, and judged by the law upon offences against the independence of the nation of the 25th of January, 1862, and sentenced by the respective council of war to the extreme penalty, was executed * Now President of Mexico. THE FALL OF MAXIMILIAN'S EMPIRE. 107 in Queretaro, on the 19th of June, 1867, at seven o'clock in the morning, together with his ex-Mexi can generals, Miramon and Mejia. Peace to his ashes." It was at an early hour of that Sabbath morning that a messenger from Camp Casa Mata brought to the " Tacony " a copy of the brief despatch that had been received. Pulling alongside of the " Eliza beth," the American commander roused the Austrian from his morning slumbers. The two officers met in the cabin, where the count, standing in his night dress, scanned eagerly his visitor's face, and ex claimed : " My friend, you have brought me evil news. They have killed the Emperor. They have murdered my prince." It was not necessary to answer in words. The despatch was handed him in silence. For a moment the Austrian, tall, athletic, and stalwart, stood speechless, stricken dumb by the tiny paper he held in his hand. " Yes ; they have murdered him ; it was murder ; for was he not a prisoner of war ? " And that strong man wept ; his passionate sense of loyalty, his affectionate de votion to the brother of his emperor, caused tears to stream down his manly face. It was a sad Sunday for the officers and crews of the ships at Sacrificios. The sympathies of Aus trians, French, English, and Americans, the hopes and fears of all, had run in a single channel of com mon accord, and the futility of all efforts cast a 108 THE FALL OF MAXIMILIAN'S EMPIRE. gloom over berth-deck and ward-room alike ; while the flags displayed at half-mast expressed the official sympathy of all countries represented, for the one that had just sustained so great a loss. Later in the day Captain Groller came on board the " Tacony " and asked as a last favor that Com mander Roe should appeal to President Juarez in his behalf and that of the Austrian court, to allow him the privilege of receiving the remains of the late Prince on board the "Elizabeth" for the pur pose of conveying them to Vienna. Only too glad to do all he could for his friend, Roe immediately addressed a letter to the Mexican President to that effect, adding : " As I conceive his prayer to be one of tender humanity and of affection for his unhappy and bereaved family, I have the honor to beg also that his request may be granted." This was immediately forwarded through the courtesy of General Benavides, and the remains did finally reach Austria, though not until Admiral Tegethoff, the hero of Lissa, came over not long afterwards to lend weight to the same request made through diplomatic channels. The news of the fall of the city of Mexico and the execution of Maximilian caused a profound stir among the troops in Vera Cruz. The officers met in an impromptu council and resolutions were de clared that the town should not be surrendered unless a heavy sum were paid each man. Bureau, THE FALL OF MAXIMILIAN'S EMPIRE. 1 09 although sick, opposed this vehemently and with commendable firmness, and, backed staunchly by one general officer, resolved that the surrender should take place. He arrested General Cuevas, the leader of the foreign contingent and an adherent of Santa Ana, and requested the United States Consul to visit the head-quarters of the Liberal army, and make final stipulations for the surrender, the French Consul guaranteeing to keep the Foreign Legion in subjection. So Mr. Saulnier, on the morning of the 23d, took advantage of the "Jason's" cutter being in the harbor, to go down to the fleet, accompanied by a parlementaire, and was then landed abreast the camp. In this interview General Benavides showed a spirit of humanity worthy of all praise. Orders had been received from General Diaz not to treat with the Imperial forces further, unless they laid down their arms and surrendered at discretion ; but knowing the temper of the besieged, and desirous of avoiding all unnecessary bloodshed, he took upon himself to remain bound by promises made before the receipt of the order. There was indeed no shadow of reason for any longer hesitation on the part of the Imperialists. Vera Cruz was the only place in Mexico now held by them; their Emperor was dead, and the regency that had been appointed was scattered and powerless. In point of fact the general disposition was at last to yield, but IIO THE FALL OF MAXIMILIAN'S EMPIRE. t there remained that Foreign Legion. Mercenaries are ever apt to be treacherous and turbulent, and the hirelings in Vera Cruz remained true to the traditions of their cloth. On the 24th Captain Roe received the following letter from the consul : Consulate of the U. S. A., Vera Cruz, June 24, 1867. COMMANDER F. A. ROE, U. S. S. " Tacony." Dear Sir :— At the request of Don Domingo Bureau I beg of you to come up with your ship immediately into the harbor; the difficulty is with the foreign troops. Bureau sends out a flag of truce at 1 1.30 o'clock, A.M. As this is secret I dare not ask a pilot. Yours truly, [Signed,] E. H. Saulnier, U. S. Consul. Come up immediately. Such a letter spoke volumes. Fires were immedi ately spread in the boilers, and the stream anchor was weighed ; the drum sounded to quarters, the battery wag cleared for action and the guns loaded. While these preparations were being made, Captain Roe recognizing the fact that the fighting power of the "Tacony" was none too great, and that more harm than good might be done by' their going up alone, went on board the "Jason" and represented to her captain that it was now a question of acting up to the spirit of their orders and taking steps to protect life and property. The delay in surrender- THE FALL QF MAXIMILIAN'S EMPIRE. Ill ing the city was contrary to the usages of war and the scenes that might be enacted by rioters were re pugnant to enlightened humanity. Furthermore, apart from the desirability of displaying the addi tional force vested in the " Jason," the fact of a ship taking such action flying the flag of a country which had recognized the Mexican Empire, and Prince Maximilian as its emperor, would be the more apt to cause reflection among any officers that might have a vestige of authority remaining. As the United States had never ceased to recognize and entertain and express friendly feelings for the Jua- rist government, the advance of the "Tacony" alone might be construed as simply one of national offence and might add to the probabilities of a con flict. It did not take long to persuade the gallant Aynes ley ; he consented to co-operate with the American gun-boat, aud at four the two vessels got under way together and stood up for the harbor, the stately "Jason " leading. Entering by the north passage, the Englishman came-to within easy range of the northwest bastion of the castle. The "Tacony," drawing much less water, being only of about half the tonnage of the "Jason," rounded the latter's stern and passed on southward into the inside chan nel and harbor, between the castle and the city land ing ; a hawser was run out from the starboard quar ter and secured to a heavy ringbolt in the castle wall 112 THE FALL OF MAXIMILIAN'S EMPIRE. for the purpose of keeping the ship broadside to the castle, and also to the cooling breezes from seaward. In this position the " Tacony's " battery bore on the north bastion, Vera Cruz, and on the city, cover ing the "Jason"; and the "Jason" flanked the castle. No guns then mounted in San Juan could command them, but the infected air from the castle, where "Yellow Jack" was holding high carnival, came direct to the "Tacony" and presented a dan ger well appreciated by her commander, but one that had to be faced: Both ships kept steam up all night, and their chains ready to slip, and every preparation was made to meet any emergency that might arise. The " Bar- racouta " also weighed anchor and took up a posi tion about a quarter of a mile outside the "Jason," but within range. The next morning peremptory orders were re ceived through the consuls from the officer in com mand of the castle, for both vessels to move from their positions and leave the harbor under penalty of being sunk at their moorings. The order was po litely but firmly rejected. The commanders claimed the rights of treaties which had not been abrogated by the late Imperial government, and alleged the dangerous attitude of the excited populace in the city towards all foreigners, in view of which they deemed their presence necessary ; and therefore they could not change their anchorage. THE FALL OF MAXIMILIAN'S EMPIRE. 1 13 No special preparation seemed to be made to carry out the threat. An armed schooner, flying the Imperial flag, changed her berth, and anchored off the " Tacony's " port quarter, but that was not very alarming. Every thing seemed placid, and as the evening came and wore on, the officers sat on deck with their pipes in the moonlight, enjoying the light airs coming in from the eastward, the last dy ing efforts of the sea breeze, which alone makes the summer heat of Vera Cruz tolerable. The watch were sleeping at their guns. Suddenly the quiet was broken by a low creaking sound coming from the castle, so faint that it might not have been heard had the breeze been stronger, but loud enough to be recognized by a seaman's ear as the straining of a heavy tackle. Night glasses were quickly brought into play, and the parapets swept, finally leading to the discovery of groups of men collected and apparently at work in the northwest angle which commanded the " Tacony." Not a voice was heard, not an order given, but the irregular, peculiar sounds of blocks creaking and ropes surging with heavy weights were unmistakable. No. 2 port gun was immediately transported over to the starboard side, and that whole battery, thus reinforced, trained on those groups of men. The gig was called away, and Mr. McGowan was sent to the " Jason " to notify her commander of what was transpiring. In his laconic note, Captain Roe 114 THE FALL OF MAXIMILIAN'S EMPIRE. said : " They are mounting heavy guns on the .in shore parapet. I shall be at my lock-strings at day break, not daylight." The answer came back, grand in its , simplicity : " A shot fired at one ship will be answered by both." It was a dangerous position, especially for a side- wheel steamer, with the machinery above water, ex posed to a plunging fire that might instantly sink her, or at least cripple her beyond repair. To a certain extent remaining there involved a cool cal culation of chances ; the experiences of a long war at home had led the officers of the American vessel to think that a first shot rarely takes effect, and the shower of grape and canister that their five heavy guns and as many howitzers were ready to belch forth at the flash of the enemy's pieces, would prob ably cause such havoc as to make the second shot, if ever fired, as harmless as the first. The chain was hove in, until the anchor was " up and down," so that a turn of the engines would drag it off into deep water until opportunity should offer to lift it. The steepness of the shore aided in this, as every fathom of movement deepened the water. A sharp axe was also laid near the bitt where the hawser was belayed, ready to sever it at a stroke. And so the night wore away, officers and men anxiously awaiting the approach of dawn, and keep ing the guns pointed at suspicious-looking promi nences on the uncertain silhouette of the northwest THE FALL OF MAXIMILIAN'S EMPIRE. 115 bastion. As the first gray streaks of daylight ap peared and grew in the east, these threatening ob jects began to loom out more distinctly from the dark edge of the castle wall ; and soon two guns were discerned pointing on the deck of the " Ta cony," and a heavy rifle at the " Jason." These were fully manned, the crews standing with lock- strings in hand and rammers and sponges ready. The gunners there certainly realized that a similar state of preparation existed on board the two ships ; and the minutes seemed to lengthen to hours as the adversaries looked at each other through the sight bars, occasionally touching an elevating quoin, or giving a slight heave with a handspike to keep perfect their aim. All seemed to depend upon the caprice or pride of General Gomez, the commander of the castle, who, now that the Imperial cause was at an end, had nothing to gain and nothing to lose by a conflict, and upon whose voice or gesture de pended the fate of probably one ship and the lives of many men. To his honor, be it said, vhis pride did not succeed in leading him to pursue the des perate course which it had prompted. His adver saries were not to be daunted, and he apparently accepted the situation. As by a common impulse, though probably in obedience to a silent order, the gunners of the castle finally broke from their pieces and dispersed, and the great tension was relieved. The battery was kept loaded and trained, but the Il6 THE FALL OF MAXIMILIAN'S EMPIRE. crews could " relieve their quarters," and proceed to the routine work of the morning watch. It was not long before messengers from the Eng lish and American consuls brought word off that Senor Bureau, finding that the control of affairs was slipping from his grasp, had deserted his post, and fled — no one knew how, nor when, nor where. It was thought that he had gone on board the " Eliza beth," and Mr. Saulnier, in his report to the De partment of State, said that such was the case. The only circumstance to throw any doubt upon that was that the Austrian vessel had gone to sea, to New Orleans, the evening before, at 6.30, and if he had sought refuge on board of her, it must have been in broad daylight, and the fact must have been known to some of his subordinates. It seemed possible that he might have gone on board the Phlegeton, and afterwards, when affairs had become more settled, Captain Roe- said, jokingly, to the French commander : " Come now, Pritzbuer, where have you got that fellow stowed ? and what are you going to do with him ? " But the only answer to be elicited was : " Ah, well, now, capitaine, nevair mind,. nevair mind." At all events the Imperial Commissary had not stood upon the order of his going, but had gone ; and the city was without a municipal government. The senior military commander was General Gomez, and there was much speculation as to the line of THE FALL OF MAXIMILIAN'S EMPIRE. WJ conduct he would pursue, as, under the circum stances, no civil officer would, at that juncture, have undertaken to set up authority against him. He did not leave the community long in doubt. Imme diately upon hearing of the flight of Bureau, he sent an officer to the American consul to request an interview. By this time the English, American, and French captains had gone on shore to see what could be done to arrange matters, and had met at the English consulate, where they found all the consuls, except that of Spain. The situation was rapidly but carefully discussed, the danger of the situation being fully realized. There was intense excitement throughout the city, and the lower classes of both parties were ready to break out at any moment. The members of the Foreign Legion, too, were wandering about the streets, armed and ready for any deed of rapine and violence. When General Gomez's request came, it was hailed with joy, as it seemed to foretell some solu tion to the problem. He was at once invited to the British Consulate, and soon appeared, with some twelve or fourteen officers. Marching up the long, wide hall at the head of his staff, he presented him self in ceremonious form to the civil and naval officers assembled. He was a stately soldier, and a gentleman by birth and education ; his hair and close-cut beard were plentifully sprinkled with gray, and to have seen his stern and massive features Il8 THE FALL OF MAXIMILIAN'S EMPIRE. one would have thought to behold a Spanish soldier of the time of Charles V. After the presentations, which were conducted with a formality that seemed strangely at variance with the surrounding scenes and circumstances, he announced that he had come to offer up the town to the body of consuls, whom he requested to form a provisional government,, and turning to Captain Roe, said that to him would he surrender the castle of San Juan de Uloa. The Empire was at an end, the Emperor had been murdered, and the governor of the city had fled ; he would never yield to the Liberal forces, but would surrender his charge to the American flag. The only stipulation was that he and such other of his officers as would be in danger at the hands of the Republican authorities, should be allowed to leave in safety. The American ¦ commander expressed his thanks and appreciation of the confidence reposed in him, and agreed to accept the charge of the castle. He would not hoist the United States flag over it, but in due time, as soon as order could be restored, would turn it over to the people of Mexico. The general was also assured that the steamer " Tabasco," then lying in the stream, would be placed at his disposal to go where he wished, accompanied by such officers as he should select. With thanks and stately courtesy he withdrew and embarked immedi ately. THE FALL OF MAXIMILIAN'S EMPIRE. I 19 The English, French, American, and Prussian consuls at once organized a provisional govern ment, closed all liquor shops, forbade placards of any description being posted, and induced the officer in command of the Foreign Legion to make them " fall in " at their barracks and keep them there. The assurance that they would be paid in full and sent away in the " Tabasco " aided greatly in secur ing their obedience. The merchants cheerfully sub scribed the money necessary to discharge the obli gations towards them. The English and United States consuls rode out to General Benavides, informed him briefly of all that had transpired, and requested him to be ready to march into the city and take possession as soon as the gates were opened, which, it was expected, would be done on the following day. Apparently not realizing the exact state of affairs, the general replied that he had received fresh orders to enter into no more negotiations, and that General Porfirio Diaz was on the way there with fresh troops to assault the town. This seemed an extraordinary position to assume, evidently based upon a misap prehension of facts, but none the less embarrassing. They assured him that his evident doubts regarding the genuineness of the overture had no foundation in fact ; the city was held by no enemy of the Republic, but by the consular corps, supported by the guns of the English and American ships. This 120 THE FALL OF MAXIMILIAN'S EMPIRE. apparently silenced his scruples, and he acquiesced. It was agreed, however, that when every thing was ready and the Foreign Legion out of the way, the city should be turned over to the remaining officials of the civil goverment who should then open the gates. In the meantime Captains Aynesley and Roe had sent joint word off to the " Tabasco " and to the schooner to disarm, which was promptly done, their guns being hoisted out into a lighter. The "Tacony" also shifted her berth farther out to the northward to avoid the pestilential air from the infected castle. In her new position she still com manded the city landing, and the port forward gun, which had been transported to the starboard side when in danger of being fired at from San Juan, was shifted back in place, and the starboard after gun moved to reinforce the port battery, and increase the weight of fire in the direction of the city Early the next morning the Foreign Legion, hav ing been paid in full, was marched down to the land ing, and boats from the men-of-war, supplemented by those of the town, were at hand ready to take them off to the "Tabasco." Just as they were about to embark, Mr. Saulnier, who, with his usual energy, was there, discovered that these soldiers still re tained their arms and evidently did not intend to relinquish them. To allow such a troop to go to sea THE FALL OF MAXIMILIAN'S EMPIRE. 121 armed would seem almost equivalent to fitting out a pirate, so he told the officers that they must disarm their men. But they shook their heads and replied : " They will not submit to that." Mr. Saulnier proved himself equal to the emergency. Without a moment's hesitation he strode to the nearest soldier and told him to give up his musket ; the man refused. Pointing to the " Tacony," the consul then said in a loud tone : " That ship has orders to fire on this landing if I wave my handkerchief ; the gates leading to the city are closed and your retreat is cut off ; unless you instantly lay down your guns I will make the signal." While speaking he had taken his handkerchief in his hand. The effect was magical ; one swift glance at the vessel showed the long threatening muzzles pointing ominously, with tompions out, and apparently ready to hurl shrapnel and destruction on them ; down went the arms with a clash, and each man before stepping into the boat submitted to a personal inspection to prove that he had no arms secreted. By noon all were on board the " Tabasco," and she moved out and anchored near the " Jason" to get water from her, preparatory to going to sea. At three the consular government turned the city over to the Mexican civil officers who immediately opened the gates, and sent a deputation to wait upon General Benavides, and invite him to enter. Out behind this deputation streamed an army of hot 122 THE FALL OF MAXIMILIAN'S EMPIRE. and weary men, women and children, who swarmed into the fields to get a bit of grass or a branch of green bush once more in their hands after the dreary captivity of over three months within the walls of the beleaguered town. In an hour's time the tents were struck, the bugles sounded their cheerful ring ing calls, and the body of rugged, half-clad, dirty, but undaunted men and boys that we have been calling an investing army, got into motion, with their tattered flags and pennons gayly flying. At about five o'clock of that 27th day of June, 1867, the pa triot army marched in and took possession of the city and fortifications. Mexico entire was now un der her own flag ; not a place was left under the dominion of the foreigner. Some inclination was shown to open fire upon the "Tabasco," which was just then heaving up her anchor; but it was promptly announced that she was under the protection of the two men-of-war, and that any such demonstration would instantly start their, broadsides. That ended it. In a short time the steamer got under way and put to sea, with her motley crew, heading for Mobile. She reached her destination in safety, and those hungry, gaunt-look ing soldiers, straggling about the city, were the occasion of much wondering comment. The vessel herself disappeared from sight; entering the port under the pretension of being a man-of-war, no custom-house return noted her arrival nor her THE FALL OF MAXIMILIAN'S EMPIRE. 1 23 subsequent departure; and no history records her fate. The armed schooner, of which mention has been made, tried to take advantage of the general excite ment, and, hoisting American colors, tripped her anchor, and started to sea. But the "Tacony's" cutter was promptly called away and pursued her and brought her to, and she was turned over to the Liberals the next day. And so the occupation of Vera Cruz was accom plished without a blow being given, or a drop of blood spilled. The two ships in the harbor had done the work of preserving order, and in so doing had protected not only the lives and interests of their fel low countrymen, but those of the citizens of Mexico as well. The two captains could at last sleep the sweet sleep of peace and approving consciences. The rejoicings that followed can be well imagined ; decorations in the daytime, illuminations by night, testified to the universal joy at the final expulsion of the foreign enemy from his last foothold. The day after the occupation General Benavides gave a handsome breakfast to the principal actors in the recent scenes. Joy was indeed unconfined at that repast, and they do say that the feelings of one member of the gallant body of consuls (not the American), were so wrought up that he required the services of a friend afterwards to guide him home ; and being propped with careful solicitude against 124 THE FALL OF MAXIMILIAN'S EMPIRE. his own door, soon gave an unwonted embrace to the dusky servant opening up from within. At noon of the 29th, the thunders of the "Ta cony's " guns sounded forth in national salutation of the Mexican flag displayed at the fort, the last echo being prolonged by answering peals from the south battery, where, gun for gun, the salute was imme diately returned. Not many days elapsed before an opportunity was afforded to return this courtesy. On that glorious day of July, the advent of which makes the American heart beat proudly and fast, the " Tacony " " dressed ship " with festoons of sig nals and pennants all aloft, and fired the twenty-one- gun salute with the stars and stripes floating from the masthead ; in this she was accompanied by the guns of the Castle of San Juan de Uloa which, only nine days before, had threatened to sink her where she lay. There was no other ship present to take part in these expressions of friendship. The Austrian had left on the 25th, as stated; the "Jason" had sailed for Jamaica a couple of days after the sur render, to coal and provision ship ; and the " Phle geton " had followed suit the next day. Captain Aynesley, before leaving, sent a note, couched in very complimentary terms, to Captain Roe, asking him to care for British interests during his enforced absence. These two officers had formed quite an intimacy, not unnaturally, during THE FALL OF MAXIMILIAN'S EMPIRE. 1 25 the progress of events, in the shaping of which they had borne so conspicuous a part, and it was with sincere regret that they parted. Captain Aynesley is still alive, passing his old age in the official retire ment irrevocably brought about by the flight of time. Commander de Pritzbuer, being a younger man, is still able to wear the harness ; and an American man-of-war entering the vast dock-yard of Roche- fort is sure to meet with a pleasant welcome from that gray-haired veteran who, as Vice-Admiral and Prefet Maritime of the Department, is an important factor in the maintenance of that superb navy. Perhaps the most cordial leave-taking was with Captain Groller, who returned in the "Elizabeth" on the 1 2th of July. He had cause to feel grateful to Captain Roe for the efforts made to save his Prince. A letter from him a month later (written in English) will perhaps indicate his regard better than in any other way, and the close of it is here transcribed : No, dear captain, I shall never forget you, nor your exquisite kindness towards me, and your noble feelings in the disastrous days of Maximilian's murder. I have send your letter to Vienna ; now they have been published in all the newspapers of Europe and America. I hope that you shall some day take a leave for Europe or be there as a commodore, — then be sure that I shall do all to per suade you that our land is quite a paradise. May you be happy on your ways. Believe me, dearest captain, Your friend, [Signed,] GROLLER. 126 THE FALL OF MAXIMILIAN'S EMPIRE. The count's name is no longer borne upon the navy list of Austria, and it is believed that he re signed his commission some years ago and retired to private life on his handsome estate. The " Tacony " had to remain some days after affairs had become quieted down, as her orders were to stay there until relieved. The time was well put in overhauling and repairing the equip ment and battery and materiel of every kind. Up to the moment of occupation of the city by the Liberal forces every thing had had to be sub ordinated to readiness for immediate action ; now the guns could be dismantled, one at a time, and their iron carriages scraped, cleaned, and painted ; holds and store-rooms were " broken out " and swept ; and even the outside of the hull soon shone bravely in a glistening coat of black. There were few incidents to punctuate the four weeks that that gallant ship's company had still to pass in that dreary, almost provisionless region ; and such as did occur were now all of a pleasant character. One may bear recital as forming a charm ing epilogue to the loyal persistence with which our country had recognized Sefior Juarez as Presi dent of the Republic of Mexico, even when so hard pressed that the United States Minister accredited to him could not find or reach his head-quarters. On the evening of the 14th, rockets were seen THE FALL OF MAXIMILIAN'S EMPIRE. \2J in the offing, and as the flag-ship " Susquehanna " was expected daily, the navigating officer of the " Tacony " was sent out to put his well-acquired knowledge of the ground at the disposal of the captain to bring her in, the pilots being such that no great reliance could be placed on their profes sional skill. It proved to be not the " Susque hanna," however, nor any vessel of the Gulf Squadron, but the U. S. Revenue Cutter "Wil derness," bringing the wife and family of President Juarez back to their beloved country after a long exile in the United States. Early in June, Mr. Seward had expressed a desire to Mr. Romero to place a government vessel at the disposal of that lady to carry her to Mexico. The offer had been gratefully accepted, and in obedience to instruc tions from the Hon. Hugh M'Culloch, Secretary of the Treasury, who gladly acquiesced in the wishes of the Secretary of State, the " Wilder ness," was put in readiness for that pleasant duty, and every effort made to ensure the comfort of the august party. The day after her arrival Senora Juarez was escorted to the shore by the naval boats amid the tumultuous ringing of bells, displaying of flags, and booming of cannon. And it is perhaps safe to say that that last act of courtesy on the part of Mr. Seward resounded gratefully in the hearts of many Mexicans who had continued to 128 THE FALL OF MAXIMILIAN'S EMPIRE. look askance at the country that had befriended them. American men-of-war soon began to drop in ; the " Susquehanna " arrived on the 20th, and the "Glasgow" on the 22d. The latter came from Tampico with Don Jose Maria de Lacunza, quon dam prime-minister of the late pretender to the Mexican throne, and Adrian Dufau, his secretary. They had sought final refuge under the American flag, and were now transferred to the double-ender for passage to the United States. It was on the 24th of July, at daylight, that the " Tacony " finally bade good-bye to the ancient city of Vera Cruz, which owed so much to her, — • to her guns, to her flag, and to the intelligence and determined action of her commander. Steaming along at a moderate speed she made a four-days' passage to Pensacola, but did not then escape the discomforts of a ten-days' quarantine. Many of the officers were detached and went to their homes to recover from the effects of exposure to tropical suns and diseases. Some, it is a mournful fact to record, were claimed by the Giver of all good, paying with their lives for their devotion to duty. Captain Roe was relieved from his command, and found a reward for his lofty sense and sternly gal lant execution of duty in the letter from the Navy Department ordering him to other scenes. The letter was as follows : THE FALL OF MAXIMILIAN'S EMPIRE. 1 29 Navy Department, Washington, August 3, 1867. SIR : — Your letter of the 20th ultimo reporting your arrival at Pensacola is received. You are to-day detached from the " Tacony " and or dered to duty on the U. S. S. " Piscataqua," as Fleet Cap tain under Rear-Admiral Rowan, appointed to command the Asiatic Squadron. ¦ In relieving you from the " Tacony " the Department embraces the opportunity of conveying to you its appro bation of the manner in which you have discharged the responsible and delicate duties which have devolved upon you as the commanding American naval officer off Vera Cruz at an interesting and eventful period, when im portant occurrences were transpiring and decisive and correct action were required. For the discretion and zeal manifested by you, the Department takes this op portunity to express its acknowledgment, and the new and more enlarged duties assigned you indicate the con fidence reposed in your intelligence and judgment. Very respectfully, [Signed,] G. WELLES, Secretary of the Navy. Commander F. A. Roe, U. S. Navy, Pensacola, Fla. A proud moment must it have been for the com mander when he read that letter from the head of the department, to whom he was directly responsi ble for correct interpretation and faithful execution of orders. Nor did the meed of praise flow only from that high source. On reaching Washington the Secretary of State introduced him to Mr. John- I30 THE FALL OF MAXIMILIAN'S EMPIRE. son, in cabinet meeting, saying : " Mr. President, this is the commander who saved us so much trouble in Mexican affairs." And the Executive of the nation thanked him. That officer is now a rear-admiral on the re tired list, enjoying the rest to which advancing age entitles him, after an active and honorable career. Many years have elapsed since the sad ending of Emperor Napoleon's unfriendly enterprise. But it will always remain a subject of interest to Ameri cans ; and the memory of it may in the future help to nerve the hearts and hands of our statesmen in the improbable event of the Old World again at tempting to guide the destinies of the New. The example set by the little " Tacony " is also well worthy of emulation by those whose duty and privilege it is to sustain the fair name of the United States Navy. PUBLICATIONS OF G. P. PUTNAM'S SONS. Uncle Sam's Medal of Honor. An account of some noble deeds for which it has been conferred in the United States. By Theo. F. Rodenbough, Bvt. Brigadier-General, U. S. A. 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Octavo, with eight full- page illustrations ....... $2.00 Contents. — A Midsummer March — The Orderly — The Officer of the Guard — The Wounded Sentinel — The Mother — The Son of the Regiment — The Conscript — A Bunch of Flowers — A Nocturnal March — Carmela — That Day — The Sentinel — The Camp — The Disabled Soldier — A Medal — An Original Orderly — At Twenty — Departure and Return — Reminiscences of the Campaign of 1866 — Dead on the Field of Battle — The Cholera Season. A History of the Thirty Years' War. By Anton Gindely, Professor of German History in the University of Prague. Translated by A. Ten Brook. With twenty-eight illustra tions and two maps. Two volumes octavo . . $4.00 " It is singular that the literature of history should have been obliged to wait two hundred years and more for a satisfactory account of that strange compound of political, religious, and military events known as the Thirty Years' War. And yet the explanation is not far to seek . . . Until within the present century the secrets of the war were locked up in the archives of the states and the muniment rooms of the old German nobility. It is only very recently, therefore, that any thing like a genuine history has been possible . . . and such a work has now been given to us by Prof. Gindely." — N. Y. Nation. The Life and Campaigns of Frederick the Great. By Col. C. B. Brackenbury, of the British Army. i6mo, $1.00 "It is written in a very interesting style, and shows good judgment in the selection of materials, and a clear conception of the relation of Frederick to general history." — Nation. Reminiscences ofthe "Filibuster" War in Nicaragua. By Col. C. W. Doubleday. Octavo, cloth . . $1.25 "The story of his wild and stirring adventures in those petty but bloody struggles is told with singular simplicity aud modesty. . . . 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It makes one think of summer, of rest, of recreation, of unpremeditated and unrestricted fun." — Albany Argus. 12 PICTURES AND LEGENDS FROM NORMANDY AND BRITTANY. By Katherine S. and Thomas Macquoid. With thirty-four illustrations. The well-known author of " Patty " has interwoven with some fascinating narratives of travel a selection of Norman and Breton stories and legends which are very quaint and characteristic, and her husband and fellow-traveller has contributed a series of charming pencil sketches of the scenery and the people. 13 THE GREEKS OF TO-DAY. By Hon. Charles K. Tuck- erman, late Minister Resident of the United States at Athens. Third edition. 11 No one can read this book without having his interest greatly increased in this brave, brilliant, and in every way remarkable people."— A. Y. Times. G. P. PUTNAM'S SONS, Publishers. NEW YORK: LONDON: 27 and 29 West 23d Street. 27 King William St., Strand. YALE UNIVERSITY LIBRA. 3 9002 06898 2173