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M
MY DIARY IN MEXICO
IN 1867.
^o^K-fm^f^mmmn
*
rs<f
mi
I
MY DIARY IN MEXICO
M tasT. IMOLUDIMO Till
LAST DAYS OF THE EMPEROR
MAXIMILIAN ;
WITH LBikTXB TBOX
THE DIABY OP THE PRINCESS SALM-SALM,
ETC.
BY FELIX SALM-SALM,
OBXERAL, FIRST AIDK-DE>CAMP, AND CHIEF OF TUB ROUSIHOLD
OF UU LATE MAJESTY THE EMPEROR MAXIMUIAN
OF MEXICO.
I
IN TWO VOLUMES.
VOL. L
^
. t
I
LONDON:
BICHABD BENTLEY, NEW BURLINGTON STREET.
^oblU^tr in orbinaqj lo ]per Pajtitg*
1868.
Alt Ka\U Butrttd.
V. BMTLBi A«i> co.| nnniH, nu>a iiurs, vluk muT, umukht.
I !
PEEFAOE.
[n the codicil to the last Will of Emperor Maxi-
^nilian of Mexico occurs the following passage : —
" § 15. I will that an historical account of
the three years of my sojourn in Mexico and
the preparatory period shall be written, with
the assistance of those documents which are
|kept in England and Miramar.
" I desire that the ex-minister Don Fern.
I Ramirez and Prince Filipp de Salm-Salm would
I have the kindness to imdertake this work."
Although I knew of the feet that my person
was mentioned in several places of the Emperor* s
last Will, I only became certain of it by one of
the witnesses who had signed it. Neither the
contents of that last Will, nor even the dis-
positions referring to my person, were com-
municated to me ; and I tried in vain, in Vienna
^
■■;.
i
Yi PREFACE.
and elsewhere, to obtain a copy of it. At last I
thought it best to apply for further information
to the First Lord Steward of His Majesty the
Emperor of Austria, General Prince Constantin
von Hohenlohe, and to request his highness to I
indicate by what means I could get access to
the documents, which I should require to fulfil
the desire of the Emperor Maximilian, as ex-
pressed in his last "Will, and of which I had been
informed by chance.
In reply to my letter of the 2'^nd of July, I
1868, 1 received from the prince the following |
letter, dated July 29th: —
Vienna, Jidy 2mh, 1868.
Your Highness, — I beg to reply to your I
highness' agreeable letter of the 22nd instant,
that His late Majesty the Emperor Maximilian
indeed expressed in his last Will a desire, that
the history of the last years of his government
in Mexico might be written by your highness |
and the ex-minister Don Fernando Ramirez.
As, however, the publication of the last Willi
of His late Majesty only took place in the office
of the Lord Steward of the Household, and the
execution of the arrangements in reference to
this last Will belong to the province of the office
of the Lord Marshal, I thought it right to send
PREFACE.
Vll
rour highness' letter to the Lord Marshal, Count
Kuefstein, for further consideration.
At the same time, I avail myself of this
)pportunity to renew to your highness the ex-
pression of my perfect regard.
HOHENLOHE.
To his higUnosH Frinco Felix tie Salm-Salm, etc.,
Gftstle Anholt.
fr
P.S. As this letter had been returned by the
)Ost as not to be delivered, I beg to send it now
bo the address of the Counsellor-at-Law Rump
lin Bocholt, who has been named to me as your
highness* attorney-general; and at the same
time I beg to enclose a copy of the reply, which
I received in the meantime from the Lord-
[Marshal, Count Kuefstein.
(By order) A. Jmhof,
J. R. Counsellor at Court.
The letter mentioned in that postscriptum
I is the following : —
Vienna, Aiigiut ^th, 1868.
In answering your highness' kind note of
[the 22nd of July, 1868, I have the honour to
I reply:—
The assertion made in the letter herewith
VUl
FBEI'AOE.
returned of Prince Salm is correct ; for § 16
of the codicil of his late Majesty Maximilian of
Mexico (which though not signed was ordered
to be published by his Majesty the Emperor,
our most gracious Lord) reads as follows : —
" I will that an historical account of the
three years of my sojourn in Mexico, and the
preparatory period shall be written with the
assistance of those documents kept in England
and Miramar.
"I desire that the ex-minister Don Fern.
Ramirez and Prince Filipp de Salm-Salm would
have the kindness to undertake this work.'*
In consequence of this, the request of Prince
Salm to permit him an insight into the respec-
tive documents is sufficiently founded, but the
granting of this request depends upon the will
of His Majesty ; as, according to § 29 of the
statutes of the Imperial house, no publication
or execution of a last Will can be made without
the consent of the chief of the Most Illustrious
Imperial house. As His Majesty by an auto-
graph note of September 10, 1867, ordered the
publication of the last Will of his brother, of
April 6, 1864, " with the omission of the direction
contained in that last Will, in reference to the
nomination of an executor of that last Will,**
PBBFAOE.
IZ
it is possible that his Majesty might have
some just objection agamst an inspection of at
least all confidential state documents referring to
the three years regent epoque and the preparatory
period. It seems therefore doubtless that the
Will of His Majesty in this respect was, by all
means, to be ascertained.
But it is not within the competency of the
Lord Marshal's Office to request it, for the
documents which could be meant in this case,
have never been in the hands of this office, and
are by no means an object for its transactions,
and to this *he ministry of this office is
limited. Kuepstein.
To his highness the I. Royal,
Major'Greneral Prince Gonstantin von Hohenlohe,
First Lord Steward of His Majesty.
The love alone which I preserve in my
heart for the memory of my unfortunate Em-
peror, would make it a sacred duty for me to
fulfil, to the best of my ability, every desire
expressed by him in his last Will; but his
desire is still increased by my knowing how
anxious he was to be judged justly by posterity.
This, however, is only possible with the know-
ledge of all circumstances, which cannot pos-
sibly be acquired so long as certain transactions
i ,.
r-*'
*
X • PREFACE.
remain a secret, and the documents referring to
them are kept by persons who have a particular
interest in preventing their publication.
The Emperor held these documents in very
high estimation, and feeling that his position in
Mexico was rather precarious at the time when
the Empress left for Europe, and when he was
surrounded by traitors, he did not think these
documents safe enough in Mexico, and confided
them to the Empress to keep them safely in
Europe.
I have no certain knowledge about the
contents of these papers; but I know how
uneasy Maximilian felt about them, when he
received the news of the illness of his consort,
and that he asked me most urgently to get
possession of them, if required, ** even revolver
in hand," and to write by the use of them, the
history of his government.
In the last Will of the Emperor it is stated,
that these documents were in England and 'n
Miramar, but a great personage to whom I
wrote on that subject, answered in reference to
the documents, and especially the correspond-
ence between the Emperor of the French and
Marshal Bazaine: ''On dit aujourd*hui que
le Pape en est le depositaire."
TREPACE.
XI
It is most likely that different parts of
those documents are in England, Miramar, and
Rome ; but I had only a certainty about those in
Miramar, for which reason I began to take
steps in that direction ; with what success may
be seen from the above letters.
I do not know yet upon what further mea-
sures I shall decide, but I believe I am justified
in my hope that His Majesty the Emperor of
Austria will readily support my efforts in vindi-
cating the memory of his brother.
I do not know who is the keeper of the
documents in England. It is said that they
are in the hands of Her Majesty the Queen ;
but before I have more certain information
I do not think it proper to obtrude on a mere
" on dity" either His Hohness the Pope, or
Her Majesty the Queen of England.
As soon as I shall be placed in a position
to satisfy the desire of the late Emperor,
I shall enter into communication with Don
Fernando Ramirez, to fulfil together with him,
and as well as I can, the last Will of our be-
loved late Emperor.
Supposing that it would be desirable to the
Imperial family of Austria to receive as soon as
possible an authentic account of the last months
Ill
xu
FBEFAOE.
! i!
t J 1
•111
of the Emperor, I wrote, when still in prison
in Quer^taro, a narrative of them, and for-
warded it to the Secretary of State, Baron
Beust, in Vienna. To this I did not receive an
answer, and when I had the honour afterwards
of an audience with His Majesty the Emperor,
he did not mention anything about it either.
As probably a considerable time will elapse
before I shall be in a position to write the
history of the government of the Emperor Maxi-
miliar, and as I have received from many sides
the intimation that a publication about the
occurrences in Queretaro was expected from
me, I resolved to publish such a narrative, with
the assistance of my diary.
This would have been done perhaps sooner, if
I had not been detained a prisoner in Mexico
until November 13, 1867, and after my arrival in
Europe, had I not had to wait several months
for the arrival of my effects and papers.
As to these papers, I am sorry to say, that
a good many of them have been lost, partly
during the occupation of Queretaro by the
Liberals, and partly during my imprisonment.
I regret especially the loss of those contained in
a small trunk, which I confided to a Liberal
officer when I was suddenly transferred from
FBEFACE.
xu-
one pnson to another. When I got the trunk
again, all the papers had disappeared, though a
sum of money had not been touched.
I beg to remind the reader that it is by no
means my intention now to write a ** history "
of the last months of the Mexican Empire, but
only to give a narrative of my personal expe-
riences. The following pages make no other
pretensions than to be faithful to truth.
Relative to this truthfulness I refer to the
evidence of General and ex-Secretary of War,
Don Severe de Castillo, my esteemed friend and
companion in sorrow, as also to my other
friend and fellow-suflferer. General Escobar, men
of high honour, and held in respect by every
one. These gentlemen, who for a long time
lived with me in the same prison cell, gave me
many explanations about things of which I had
only an imperfect knowledge, and completed
my narrative of the well-known facts by giving
me authentic details.
In regard to my judgments about persons
who played a part in the events which occurred
in the tragedy of Quer^taro, I must say that
they are generally the result of an exchange of
ideas between the late Emperor and myself.
As my wife took an active part in many of
V. ^
f
i I
XIV
PREFACE.
the events related in the following pages, I
requested her to add her narrative with mine.
Though more than a year has elapsed since
the death of the Emperor Maximilian, and the
interest of the public in this tragedy may have
become somewhat weakened ; and though others
may haye anticipated me in some particulars,
still I hope that this true, simple narrative of an
eye-witness will not be thought superfluous.
FELIX SALM-SALM.
l!^^
III!
BOSSCHACK, OK TUB LaKX OF GOKSTANCE,
September, 1868.
nil
CONTENTS.
March to Quebetaro .
Occupation of Querbtaro .
Siege of Quebetaro .
Attempts at Escape
Capturb of the City by Treachery
Imprisonment of the Emperou
Trial of Maxdiilun
rAOB
1
. 56
119
. 177
208
. 269
Execution of the Emperor
294
m
II
1 :iT
THE
DIARY OF PfilNCE SALM-SALM,
MARCH TO QUERBTARO.
luEiNG the great civil war in North America, I
served the United States from 1861 to the close
)f it, first as Colonel and Chief of the General
Jtaff of the German Division, then as com-
lander of a regiment, and later as Brigadier-
general and civil and miUtary Governor of
Forth Georgia, under J. B. Steedman, com-
landing division.
After the war I was recommended by
bwenty-six Senators for a position in the U. S.
regular army ; but I never felt at home in that
[country, and was horrified at the idea of living
dreary and idle life in some little garrison
)eyond the pale of civilization. I had been a
Isoldier from my early youth ; and, having been
[educated in the Cadet-house of Berhn, became
|an ofiBcer when still very young, and saw active
TOXhZ. 1
! I
1
hJiiiii
2
MARCH TO QUEBETAKO.
service in the Holstein war, for wliicli I -wa
decorated, and received besides from the Kii
of Prussia a sword of honour, with the word
" Fuer Tapferkeit ** engraved on it.
To speak the truth, I was a soldier with
my soul, and war was my element. What
had seen of it in Europe and America serve
only to make me more eager to extend my ex|
rience ; and I resolved to offer my services
the Emperor Maximilian of Mexico, for vrhoj
person and civiUzing task I had always f«|
gi'eat sympathy.
As I was not personally known to the Ei
peror, I had to provide myself with testimonia
in reference to my military ability, and wij
letters of recommendation from influential pe
sons. The former I got with the most frien(
readiness from the President of the Unit
States and the generals under whom I had ms
the campaign ; and letters of recommendatij
were given to me by the Prussian minister |
"Washington, Baron Gerolt, the French minist
Marquis de Montholon, and the Austrian mii
ter. Baron de Wydenbruck, who kindly wrd
a letter to the Emperor Maximilian, to be
livered to him by Count Thun, the Austi
minister in Mexico.
Thus prepared, as I imagined, quite si
ciently, I embarked for Mexico from New Yoj
(III
MARCH TO QUEBBTABO.
8
February 20th, 1866, accompanied by Captain
laron von Groeben, a distant relative of mine,
rho had been my aide-de-camp in the U. S.
rars.
On my arrival in Mexico the Emperor was
lot there ; but I applied, by letter, for a position
^n the army, and was assured by the Imperial
5ecrotary of the Cabinet, Mr. Pierron, that the
)mperor was very much inclined to grant my
request, but that my appointment was delayed
)y the eflforts of Count Thun, who retained
3ven the letter which he had received for the
Imperor. When the Prussian minister in
[exico, Baron von Magnus, asked him for the
reason of his opposition against me, he an-
swered, ** The prince has been recommended as
*rince Eugene of Savoy : could not have been
)etter ; but it is against my principles to re-
5ommend him." To his efforts, and those of
reneral Count Thun, his relative, who com-
landed the Austrian corps, it was owing that
10 Prussian found a position in that army.
When, later, I was invited, together with
Jaron Magnus, to dine with the Emperor,
[aximilian told the Baron that many intrigues
lad been practised to prevent my appointment,
|.nd that it had been even said I was not Prince
Salm, but an impostor.
The kindness and exertions of the Prussian
J-
!|!li
m
4 MABOH TO QUBBBTABO.
minister succeeded at last, however, in con-
quering all opposition, and on July 1st, 1866,1
I was appointed colonel of the general staff
and detailed on the staff of the French General!
Negri, who commanded the so-called auziliaryl
division, which consisted of one French brigade,
the Austrian and Belgian corps, and the troops|
of the city and the valley of Mexico.
As the princess, my wife, intended to follow]
me to Mexico as soon as I should have a posi-
tion in the army, the Emperor gave me leave tol
bring her; and I proceeded to Vera Cruz,
where I fell ill with the yellow fever, to which l|
nearly became a victim.
The departure of my wife from New York I
had been delayed, and when I was on my way
to the United States I met her in Havana, and|
returned with her directly to Mexico.
Soon after our arrival one of the ministers I
proposed to enter into certain negociationswitli|
the United States* Government about the recog-
nition of the Emperor; and as my wife and I
I were well acquainted with the President, the
senators and members of Congress, we were
ordered to go on this mission. For expenses
that might occur, we should take with us two
millions of dollars, in gold, under the superin-
tendence of the Councillor of State, von Herzfeld,
or some other higher officer.
■.I '■'■'' ,
MARCH TO QUEBETABO. 6
Beforu this affair was arranged, however,
the distressing news of the illness of the
Impress arrived. The Emperor went to Ori-
saba, and the whole business was at last drop-
)ed, as circumstances materially changed.
An idle life was utterly disgusting to me,
md I heartily desired to see active service in
the field. I requested the Secretary of War to
)ermit me to accompany, as a volunteer, an
3xpedition of the Belgian corps into the in-
terior.
We marched over Pachuca to Tulancingo,
rhere we relieved a detachment of the Austrian
jorps, commanded by Lieut.-Colonel Pollack,
rho was to assist Jalappa, and left, November
[2th, at five o'clock a.m. At eleven o'clock
i.m., the Liberal General Martinez, with six
thousand men, appeared already before Tu-
mcingo.
The city was not fortified, and our troops
jonsisted only of eight hundred men of the
Belgian corps and eight hundred Mexicans ; and
bheir commander. Colonel Van der Smissen, sent
three Indian messengers, with letters hidden in
Icigarets, to Lieut.-Colonel Pollack, requesting
Ihim to return and to assist in attacking the
enemy. The gallant colonel consulted his gal-
llant officers, and they gallantly resolved not to
Ifollow the invitation.
6
MABOH TO QX7EBETAB0.
1!
jlllj
.'I
fii
' 'ill
Hill
i! iir
Too weak to undertake anything against the
besiegers, I took care to fortify the place as well
as circumstances would permit.
Whilst occupied in this manner, I was in-
formed that Colonel Peralta, who commanded]
the 6th Mexican regiment of cavalry in the city,
was in communication with the enemy. As my
proofs were not sufficient to convict him, mea-
sures were taken to prevent bad consequences.
I had fortified the palace of the bishop and
a church in such a manner as to serve us as a j
redoubt. The Mexican troops were quartered!
in the palace, and the Belgians in the church,
from which all the fortifications of the palace
could be flanked. T had, moreover, laid a mine
under the building by a number of competent
Belgian sergeants, to blow up the whole con-|
ceirn should the Mexicans prove traitors.
The measures taken by us seemed to impress!
the enemy, who did not dare to attack us, but
who tried to obtain possession of the city in a
less dangerous manner.
On December 1st I received, in a myste-
rious manner, a letter from the Liberal Colonel
Brulio C. Picazo, in which I was requested to |
come alone and unarmed to the hacienda St.
Nicola el Grande. He promised me safety on I
his word of honour, and that he himself would j
also be there alone without any escort. The
I! II!
MARCH TO QUEBETAAO. 7
time for the appointment was eight o'clock the
following morning. After having consulted
ith Colonel Van der Smissen, I resolved to
run the risk of the tempting adventure.
Accordingly, next morning I was on my way
bo the hacienda, alone, and armed only with a
small revolver in my pocket. When on arriving
it the hacienda, I was rather surprised to meet
there two videttes ; but, passing them without
my sign of distrust, they saluted me respect-
My.
Colonel Picazo was a very well-educated
[gentleman, who spoke several languages fluently,
and had the manners of a man of the
world. He assured me that the cause of the
Emperor was a lost one, and, moreover, sketched
the whole state of affairs in a manner which
I was not flattering, but imfortunately was true.
Then he endeavoured to induce me to persuade
I Colonel Van der Smissen to surrender the place,
in which case he would pay me twenty thousand
[piasters.
As I knew that such an offer is thought a
matter of common occurrence in Mexico, and
that no offence was intended, I contented my-
self with simply declining his proposal, on which
the colonel told me that if we did not surrender
within five days, we should be attacked with ten
thousand men. I answered that we should be
8
HABOH TO QUEBETABO.
m
happy to receive them. The whole affair was
discussed over a cigar and a glass of brandy.
When leaving, the colonel accompanied me
to the yard, shook hands with me, and I re-
turned to the city, glad to escape thus, as !•
had seen in the hacienda a detachment of thirty
horse.
"We had, however, no opportunity of show-
ing our courage on this occasion; for at the
close of December we received the order from
Marshal Bazaine to surrender Tulancingo to
General Martinez.
The chief of the staff of this general. Colonel
Cruz, came on the 27th under a flag of truce,
to arrange about the surrender. I saw in his
hand the same order which we had received,
and signed, in the name of Bazaine, by Colonel
Boyer, chief of staff of the French expeditionary
army. Colonel Cruz made no secret of it, that
they had been on the best imderstanding with
the French, and that as to this retreat, they
kept purposely out of the way.
The troops of General Martinez advanced
the same evening close to our works.
We were also informed that a noted guerilla
chief, of the name of Carebajal, had arrived
with a band of eight hundred men, from IJacin-
ango, and Colonel Van der Smissen gave orders
that no officer or man should go outside the
MARCH TO QUEBETABO.
9
barricades. Captain Timerance, of the Belgian
corps, who wished to say " good-bye " to a lady
friend outside, passed the barricades at ten
o'clock p.m., was attacked and wounded by
Carebajal's guerillas and taken prisoner. On
being requested to send back the ofl&cer, Care-
bajal answered that he would do so if we would
first let him enter the city ; but Van der Smissen
told him to keep the disobedient captain, who
was, however, released later, at the request of
the Spanish consul, and sent to Mexico.
At seven o'clock in the evening Colonel
Peralta, previously mentioned, appeared at the
lodging of Colonel Van der Smissen, for orders
in reference to the marching next morning.
His unusually nervous manner was noticed by
everyone present, and when he left. Colonel Van
der Smissen said to me : " You will see that he
will go over to the enemy ; but I shall be pre-
pared for it.**
Peralta had been ordered to form with his
cavalry the advance guard, and one company of
the Belgian corps was now ordered to follow
him closely, and its captain was instructed to
fire upon the Mexicans as soon as they should
attempt to go over to the enemy.
At six o'clock next morning the Belgian
corps and the Mexican infantry, under Colonel
Campos, a true and reliable officer, stood ready
f I:
■mRHIi!
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10
MABOH TO QUEBETABO.
in the market-place, when we suddenly saw
coming, in full gallop, with drawn sword. First
Lieutenant Goslich, the only German officer
serving in the 6th IMexican cavalry. Colonel
Peralta, who had ordered his regiment to be
ready at four o'clock a.m., requested Lieutenant
Goshch to come to his side, and he then in-
formed him that he intended to go over with
his regiment to the Liberals, and that he might
consider himself a prisoner. The lieutenant
was silent, as he could do nothing ; but when
after a time the colonel turned aside to speak to
some other officer, he drew his sword, set spurs
to his horse, and, brandishing his blade over his
head, succeeded in passing unharmed through
the whole regiment, and arrived safely in the
market-place.
Peralta was, however, not the only cvjc
who deserted : another far more valuable dog,
Jimmy, the pet of my wife, was missing. My
wife had accompanied me in all my campaigns
in North America, and frequently shared my
tent for months. She had joined me in Mexico,
and of course her Jimmy also, as he had never
left her during the whole war in America. But
instead of becoming used to warlike noise, he
had brought home from it the most intense
aversion against any sound resembling gun-
shots or drums. When he, therefore, arrived
MABOH TO QITEBETABO.
11
at tlie market-place, and heard the drums and'
[ saw so many shooting engines, he popped off to
our old quarters at the Spanish vice-consurs,
[Mr. Gayon, and no servant being thought
worthy to touch his precious skin, my tyrant
I insisted on my going myself.
"When I — the rather long-legged favourite
under my arm — stepped out of the house, I was
not very agreeably surprised on seeing before
me an officer of the enemy with five men, who,
according to agreement, ought to have entered
the city only at the moment when we left it.
However, nothing happened; the men of the
enemy saluted, and I joined my troops.
Half an hour after we left Tulancingo our
rearguard was attacked by Carebajal's robbers,
who retired, however, after having lost a few
dead.
In Tulancingo the Belgian corps had already
received the order by which it was disbanded,
and at the same time the offer of Marshal
Bazaine to provide for the passage of the men
to Europe, which was gladly accepted by most
of them. When we came to Buena Vista,
which is on the road between Puebla and
Mexico, orders came to stop there until further
notice.
On the evening of January 2nd, 1867, we
were informed that the Emperor would pass
12
HABOH TO QUEBETABO.
tlie place on his way from Oiizaba to Mexico,
next morning, and we were of com*se ready to
receive him.
The Emperor drove in a little carriage with
four white mules, and was accompanied by
an escort of the lancers and hussars of the
Austrian corps, which was going to be dis-
banded in Mexico, and also by a detachment of
French Zouaves on horseback. With the Em-
peror were General Marquez and his staflf.
Colonel Schaffer, Colonel Lamadrid, Captain
Von GroUer, of the Austrian frigate " Elisa-
beth," Father Fischer, and Dr. Basch, his
physician.
General Don Leonardo Marquez is a little,
lively man, with black hair and black, keen eyes.
He wears a full beard, to hide a disfiguring
scar on his cheek from a bullet-wound. His
atrocious cruelty has won for him the name of
the "Alva of Mexico," which he richly de-
serves. As an old chief of the Church
party, he was very intimate with all the
priests. Though an extremely brave soldier,
he was but a very indifferent general, as he
had no idea whatever of strategical move-
ments. His most valuable talent was that of
organizing troops.
Colonel Lamadrid, a very able and amiable
oflEicer, who commanded a regiment of Cazadores
MABCH TO QUEBETABO.
13
a caballo, was killed a week later on an expedi-
tion to Cueraavaca.
Colonel Schaffer had served formerly in the
Austrian navy, under the Emperor, when still
high admiral, and was very intimate with him.
He was always near him.
Father Augustine Fischer is a tall, portly
gentleman, very intelligent, and just as ambi-
tious. He had been appointed only a few days
ago " Cabinet-Secretary '* of the Emperor, and
was in citizen dress. About his morals very
queer reports were in circulation, and it was
well known that he, though a priest, had many
children in different parts of the country.
When the Emperor, after the news of the
distressing state of the Empress, went to
Orizaba, and the French and Americans ex-
pected every moment his abdication, Marquez,
Miramon, and Father Fischer, followed him to
that place, and succeeded in persuading him to
stay.
Marquez and Miramon promised that the
Church party would assist him sufficiently with
troops and money, if he would only rely en-
tirely upon his Mexican subjects, and were very
free with their word of honour.
The Emperor knew very well the unreliable
character of such promises, and would, perhaps,
not have been induced by them to stay, had not
p
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14
XABOH TO QUEBBTABO.
'
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Father Fischer, who wqII knew his noble and
self-sacrificing character, painted in the darkest
colours the future condition of his friends in I
. Mexico, after his departure from the country.
The Emperor therefore resolved not to I
abdicate, to the great consternation of Marshal
Bazaine and General Castleneau, who were sent
on a special mission by Napoleon III., as it
prevented their whole scheme of arranging
afiairs with the Liberal Government, under]
General Ortega.
Father Fischer perhaps meant well to the!
Emperor, but the interests of the Romanj
Church ranked first in his estimation.
Dr. S. Basch is a little, very intelligent,!
modest gentleman, and excellent physician, and!
was very devoted to his master. Later, inl
Quer^taro, he was made also chief physician of
all the hospitals, and sacrified himself day andj
night to his onerous duty.
In the evening the Imperial headquartersj
were at Ayotla, about fourteen leagues froml
Mexico. I rode over thither, and after having!
requested, through Father Fischer, an audience,!
I received authorization from the Emperor to!
raise a regiment of cavalry, with EuropeaDj
volunteers from the Belgian legion and others.
On the 6th of January the Belgian legionl
marched over Rio Frio, Puentes Esmalucan,!
illiiiJ!!
MABOH TO QUEBETABO.
15
and San Martin to Puebla, where they gave up
their rifled battery and their excellent muskets
to the French General Douai. I was very much
astonished when I found later these identical
arms in the hards of the troops of the Liberal
General Porfirio Diaz !
The Belgian legion now marched to Vera
Cruz, where they embarked for Europe on
January 20th, 1867.
I had accompanied the legion to Puebla, in
the hope of winning some recruits for my new
regiments. In this undertaking I was, however,
hindered very much by .a circular of Mr.
Hooricks, secretary of the Belgian legation, in
which the Belgians were warned against at-
tempts to persuade them to remain in Mexico,
the Government at home requiring their services.
A similar paper was pubUshed by the
Austrian charge (Taffaires, Baron Lago, and
many Austrian officers also did all they could
to prevent their countrymen from enlisting.
Seeing that it was impossible for me to raise
a regiment, I returned to Mexico, and requested
the Emperor, through Father Fischer, to employ
me somewhere else in active service. The oily
priest promised. I went every day to see him,
and he continued his promises, but my affairs
did not make any progress at all.
Count Khevenhiiller, and Baron Hammer-
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16
MAROH TO QU£BETABO.
stein, two very brave Austrians, succeeded better
in raising troops. Under great diflBculties the
count organized a regiment of hussars, and
the baron a battalion of four or five hundred
men.
At last came the 5th of February, the day
which was to free Mexico from its tyrannical
liberators, the French. It was one of those
clear and bright Mexican mornings ; all the
population was in the streets, and in a pleasant
excitement. The departure of the French was
a happy event for everybody, for they had made
themselves hated by all parties. I need not
speak about the behaviour of Marshal Bazaine,
it has been appreciated in many publications.
He may have acted according to his instruc-
tions, but if so he did it not only in his own]
peculiar brutal manner, but j^robably over-
stepped them in many things, as it suited his|
boundless and rapacious ambition.
The French officers imitated the marshal, and|
their arrogance and covetousness were intoler-
able. This Mexican expedition was for them I
merely an agreeable change, and was preferable
to a dreary garrison life in France. It was also
a good opportunity of enriching themselves;
they did not care a straw either for Maximilian |
or the alleged humanizing or civilizing inten-
tions of their Emperor. They despised thel
MABCH TO QUERBTABO.
17
[exicans with French arrogance, and insulted
the inhabitants of the [city every day. Gentle-
len on the side walks who did not get out of
their way fast enough, were kicked from it in the
jtreet ; and ladies who ventured to go out were
fnsulted by their low importunity. The oflBcers
)f the Imperial Mexican army preferred to go in
jitizen*s dress, as French officers and soldiers
lid not return their salute.
Early in the morning already the numerous
)alconies of Mexico were filled with black-eyed
ladies, the rebosso thrown coquettishly over the
lead and left shoulder. I stood with my wife
)n the balcony of the hotel Iturbide, in the
jalle Francisco, and beside us were Count and
Jountess Seguier and several ladies of French
)fficers. The French marched at nine o'clock
i.m., past the Alameda, through the calle San
I'rancisco and calle Plateros, over the Plaza de
irmos, passed the Imperial palace, and left by
the Garita San Antonio. At their head marched
Vlarshal Bazaine, followed by a briUiant staff :
10 friendly word, no farewell, greeted the hated
)ppressors ; the people saw them pass in silence,
md the beautiful women looked down from the
)alconies on the fine and coquettishly turning
)fficers with a contemptuous smile. The Em-
)eror did not go to the window when they
)assed, but he could not forbear looking from
TOL. I.
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18
MABOH TO QUEBETABO.
behind the curtain on the soldiers of
treacherous ally.
When the troops passed our hotel thj
French ladies waved their handkerchiefs as
went into ecstacies. " What a brilliant army
with such soldiers the world may be conquered,
And that they will do. Let them only retu:
to la belle France, and they will march againsi
Berlin and take it a la bayonet /" I did nol
regard their talk, but only wished to be
Berlin to meet them there.
The citadel was evacuated only a day laterj
for the garrison required time to destroy fo
guns, together with the ammunition. Six riflei
guns and four thousand shells were carefiillj
buried that the Liberals might dig them u
again at a later period. This purpose was, how
ever, betrayed, and they fell into the hands ol
the Imperialists. I am able to affirm thai
Bazaine offered General Forfirio Diaz to delivei
Mexico into his hands, as the general told me si
himself in November; but Porfirio Diaz d
clined, adding that he hoped to be able to taki
the city himself.
The day after, the people of Mexico we;
firightened again by the appearance of man;
French soldiers in the streets. They we:
however, only deserters from the French army,
In this manner the marshal lost on his way
MARCH TO QUEBETABO.
19
Vera Cruz not less than six thousand men,
who belonged for the greater part to the
Legion etranger. The marshal claimed them,
but General Marquez answered that he might
[come and fetch them himself.
As it was the urgent desire of Napoleon to
[induce the Emperor Maximilian to abdicate and
to return to Europe, the marshal did all he
could to compel him to do so by assisting the
Liberals. He delivered to them not only many
cities and arms, but placed as many impedi-
ments as possible in the way of organizing a new
army, in which he was aided by the Austrian and
[Belgian ministers.
Thus the Emperor was, after the departure
lof the French, in a very precarious position ; but
Marquez did all he could to make good his word,
lat least, so far as to exert himself to the utmost
pn organizing new troops, whilst Father Fischer
poured soothing words into Maximilian's ear,
[and the cabinet promised golden impossi^."Uties.
About the plans of the Emperor nothing
[was known, but on the evening of the 12th of
February, a report ran through Mexico that he
[would plaoe himself at the head of all disposable
jtrobps, and leave Mexico next morning, to join
liramon in Queretaro, where also the Generals
|Castillo and Mendez were expected to be.
'ith their combined troops it was his purpose
20
MAECH TO QUERETARO.
:J
ir
m
to endeavour to prevent the concentration oJ
the enemy in the north, and its advance again8t|
Mexico.
As soon as I heard of it, I went to see
Baron Magnus, who confirmed the report, and
I asked him to support my request to be perJ
mitted to accompany the Emperor. He waa
ready to do so, but he did not succeed. MJ
request was refiised, as the Emperor had pre
mised to leave all foreigners behind, and to relj
exclusively on his Mexican subjects. Marquea
and his comrades feared the influence of thj
Germans on the Emperor, and perhaps sti
more their superior knowledge in the science o|
war.
When I was awakened on the following
morning by the well-known noise in the street^
preceding the marching of troops, I went out]
and soon became convinced that all foreigner
had been indeed left behind — even the onlj
rifled battery which the army possessed.
The Emperor joined his troops outside th^
garita at six o'clock a.m., and commenced
march to Querdtaro. On his way to the nei
halting-place (Feb. 13th, 1867) he was attack€
by the guerilla bands of Forgoza, who wei
however, soon beaten off.
It seemed to me against nature that I should
not accompany the Emperor on his expeditioi
MARCH TO QUEBETABO.
21
md I was very unliappy. As early as was
jonvenient, I went again to see Baron Magnus,
loping to find some consolation. On this
)ccasion I was not disappointed. The minister
)ld me that General Don Saniago Vidaurri
ras to join the Emperor at his first halting-
)lace (Quicliclan), and that he would, perhaps,
jonsent to take me with him. I thereupon
lastened to see the general, who promised to
ittach me to his staff, if I could procure an
luthorization to that purpose from the Secre-
tary of War.
"With that answer I returned to Baron
[agnus, who ordered his carriage to drive me
bo the secretary. But the coachman unluckily
lanaged to run a wheel against a corner post,
md in some manner or other the pole broke,
^e did not pay any attention to this bad omen,
)ut continued our way on foot. The Secretary
)f War gave the required order with more
readiness than we expected, and by one o'clock
).m., I reported myself at the quarters of the
reneral.
General Don Saniago Vidaurri was a tall,
lank man, of about sixty, who did not look in
pe least like a Mexican, but resembled, both in
lis external appearance and manners, a North
Lmerican. He was, in my opinion, the most re-
larkable man in all Mexico, Juarez not excepted.
f
22
MABCH TO QUBBETABO.
For years he had been one of the principal
chiefs of the Liberal party, and had frequently
fought against Marquee and Miramon. He was
then governor of the S^^^*^ of Nueva Leon, and
the order of this Stat :as the wonder of all
Mexico. The mails went regularly there, and
oven money could be sent safely by them with-
out an escort.
General Vidaurri was disgusted with the
anarchical state of Mexico, of which he did not
see the probability of an end. He had, more-
over, personal difficulties with Juarez, and pro-
nounced himself in favour of the Emperor Maid-
milian, of whom he expected, what appeared to
him the most essential thing, the restoration of |
a regular government. As he was a very pro-
minent and veiy popular man, his going over |
to the Imperial party had a great influence on
the inhabitants of his State, and many respect-
able men and officers followed him. As he did j
not pronounce at all for the Church party, but |
always remained a Liberal, the party of Marquez
distrusted him, perhaps, and kept him awayj
from the Emperor. A man, however, of his
influence and talent could not be neglected;
and a few days before the Emperor left, Jie sent |
for Vidaurri. He was to accompany the Em-
peror to Quer^taro, in order to go thence to the j
north, where he was so well and favourablj
MABCH TO QUEBETABO.
23
mown, there to organize the states politically
md military, for which task a better fitted man
;ould not be found anywhere.
The general was also a very good man, and
jspecially kind and amiable towards me, which
jreated at first some jealousy amongst his fol-
lowers, who looked on me with coldness. An
jxception should be made by me in favour of
stout German captain, of the name of "Will-
lann, who had been more than twenty years
bhe aide, or rather the " maid of all work," of
the general. I saw him even black his boots.
[e had been originally a watchmaker, and was,
imagine, a Suabian : the broken German in
rhich he conversed with me had, at least, a
rery strong Suabian twang. He was a very
rood, little, nervous fellow, who did all he could
ko assist and serve me. The son of the general,
)olonel Don Ignatio Vidaurri, myself, and the
factotum-captain, were always with the general.
The general was to be escorted by a de-
tachment of the hussars of Khevenhiiller,
Icoramanded by Captain Echegaray, and the Lieu-
jtenants Pawlowski and Koehlig ; and by a
Idetachment of Cavalleros des los Fronteros, for
Ithe most part men who followed Vidaurri from
|the north.
We were to leave Mexico at one o'clock p.m.,
[but our march was delayed until five o'clock, as
wm
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24
MABOH TO QUEBETABO.
p^liill
iiiiiiiiiii
ll.i!
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■!!i :
the Secretary of War could not make up his
mind to part with the money which Vidaurri
was to take to the Emperor. Aide after aide
had to be sent for it. At last it came at half-
past four.
To persuade the Emperor to stay, the mi-
nisters had been still more extravagant with
their promises than even Marquez, MiramoD,
and Father Fischer. They promised golden
mountains, and laid before the Emperor ficti-
tious financial statements, which dazzled him,
and which he believed to be true, as he was no
great financier. However, all the money the
ministers could furnish the Emperor for his
campaign were 50,000 miserable pesos I
General Vidaurri drove in a carriage to the
garita, where he mounted his horse. He was
received by the great crowd in the streets witt
loud acclamations, which showed the popularity
of this distinguished man. On our march we
were also attacked by the guerillas, but the
hussars drove them off" sabre in hand.
When we arrived past midnight at Quicliclan
we found all quarters occupied by the troops of |
the Emperor, a<nd all provisions eaten by them.
T encamped with the two German officers of|
hussars in the yard of a large hacienda, and we
were compelled to be satisfied with a supper of
" crackers * * and cold water.
MABCH TO QUERETABO.
25
At six o'clock the following morning the
I troops were ready for the march. When General
iVidaurri saw me, he scolded me in a friendly
way because I had not shared his quarters, which
I I had not done for fear of importuning him.
The Emperor was received by the troops
[with great enthusiasm. He mounted a very fine
piebald horse, with Mexican saddle and bridle,
wore the general's coat without epaulets, dark
trousers, and over them boots reaching up to
his knees, and a large Mexican sombrero. He
was armed with a sabre, and two revolvers
attached to the saddle. He held always in his
hand a single, very simple field-glass (which he
gave me later as a keepsake), through which
he scanned the country before him very fi:e-
[quently.
As the Emperor rode along the line. General
IVidaurri and myself stood on the right wing.
On his coming near us he gave his hand to
Vidaurri, and on seeing me he smiled, and
exclaimed, " Zounds I Salm, how did you come
Ihere ?"
"Your Majesty would not take me with
lyou," I answered ; " and as I would not remain
idle in Mexico, I requested General Vidaurri to
[take me with him."
The Emperor observed : " You know the
I reasons why I refused your request ; however, I
:«
j
:\W\';r i:[\
26
MARCH TO QUEBETABO.
m
'• ^iliii
iiiiiilli,
i'liiiiiiiiji
Ifi^^'
MiiBi
am very glad to see you here.'* Witli that he
shook hands with me in a very friendly way, and
rode on.
Our march led us first to Tepeji, and for
the first time I had an opportunity of admiring
' !j!lexican order of marching. The intervals
between the different troops were very great,
and made still greater by their very heavy and
extrt^mely badly-teamed artillery, which com-
pO)..i*. y^. It to stop every moment. Had we had
br forc^ ca an European enemy, this circumstance
rright hu" b^^oome fatal, and the more so, as
our fl i^k: ^ . •? "'^t even protected in any other
manner than by an army of women and children,
who follow every Mexican army, and who, again,
are escorted by an army of very ugly, cowardly
curs.
How reliable such a Mexican army is may
be gathered from the circumstance that the
soldiers are all day very carefully guarded by
their officers, and are always locked up in haci-
endas during the night, to prevent them from
running away.
The Emperor was accompanied by General
Marquez, his quartermaster-general, with his
personal staff, which consisted of people with-
out any capacity or ability. The only exception
was Major William von Montlong, who served
formerly in the Austrian corps, and became the
l!l!itli!l!
MABCH TO QUEBETABO.
27
jabinet-oflBcer of the Emperor, and had to act
IS assistant to the cabinet- secretary.
The chief of the staff of General Marquez
7B.S Major Waldemar von Becker, formerly a
[,ussian officer, whom Marquez had met some-
rhere in Europe, and who had been in the
Spanish service and in the war in Morocco. He
^as an agreeable and intelligent man, but of his
lilitary talents very little can be said. The
[exican officers on the staff of Marquez are not
3ven worth mentioning.
With General Marquez was also Colonel Don
Liguel Lopez, who went to Quer^taro to resume
the command of his regiment of the Empress,
rhich had beep transferred to that city.
Lopez, who by his black treason has given
lis infamous name to the pillory for all time, is
tall, portly man, of some thirty years of age,
rho does not look like a Mexican. His round
lead is covered with fair hair, rather thin in the
liddle, and arranged so as to cover deficiencies
)y the aid of long side hair ; his moustaches
md short royal are also fair. He looked very
rell in his red hussar jacket, trimmed with
)lack, and the more so, as his manners were
gentlemanly and elegant. Besides wearing
jeveral Mexican orders, he was decorated with
the officer's cross of the Legion of Honour.
[e was always extremely well mounted with
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28
mauch to quebbtabo.
American horses, and his whole appearance made
a favom'able impression.
The Emperor was also accompanied by a
member of his cabinet, Don Garcia Aguirre,
Secretary of the Interior. He 16 an aristocratic
looking, excellent, honest gentleman, and was a
staunch and faithful servant of the Emperor.
He was very religious, and when later in prison
with me he always officiated at mass.
The aides of the Emperor were Colonel
bon Pedro Ormachea, a nephew of the Bishop
Ormachea of Tulancingo, and Lieut.-Colonel
Don Augustin Pradillo. The military chaplain
of the headquarters was Luis G. Aguere ; phy-
sician of the Emperor, Dr. S. Basch; and
private secretary, Mr. Luis Blasio. Besides
these gentlemen the Emperor had with him an |
Himgarian cook and four Mexican servants.
It had been stated, that the troops accom-
panying the Emperor would amount to ten thou-
sand men; and I was very much disappointed I
on observing that he had only one thousand six
hundred men, and eighteen smooth-bored guns !
This little army was composed of detach-
ments of eleven different corps. The best troops
amongst them were the municipal guards of the
city and the valley of Mexico, on foot and on
horseback; the Espladores of the valley of|
Mexico, and the small detachment of the regi-
MARCH TO QUEBETARO.
29
ment Khevenhiiller. All the municipal guards
were commanded by Colonel Don Antonio Diaz,
and those on foot under Lieut.-Colonel Don Jua-
quin Rodriguez, the bravest soldier I ever saw.
The Espladores were commanded by a Spaniard,
Captain Don Antonio Gonzales. These and
the municipal guards formed, during the whole
march to Queretaro, our advanced guard, and
with them were always the Emperor and General
Marquez. Half the troops were raw Mexican
recruits, more inchned to earn their pay by
I running away than by fighting.
On the 14th of February we marched to
Tepeji del Rio, and on the 15th to San Francisco
j Zoyaniquilpam, and from thence, on the 16th, to
Arroyo Zarco. At seven o'clock in the morning,
I half a league from the village of San Miguel Cal-
pulalpam, we came upon the outposts of the
enemy, who soon retired to a defile on the other
I side of the village ; a very strong position, which
I could not have been forced by us, if it had been
I defended by a better enemy.
Our troops now halted, under the usual pre-
I cautions, in the village for breakfast, and after
I an hour's repose the Emperor placed himself at
I our head, and led us to the attack.
After some lively skirmishing the municipal
I guard, on foot, under the brave Rodriguez, ad-
vanced to take the heights to the right of the
■» .ii, - ■ j'il
I F 14
■I -. : ...J
( ■'.
80
IfABOH TO QUEBETABO.
!!ii|i!l
!ii
''H'lijij
gorge, whilst our artillery fired with shells
against a conical hill on its left, which we could
not attack otherwise for want of troops]
Though this artillery fire checked the enemj|
somewhat, it did not prevent him from firing
into our attacking forces, inflicting some losse^
on them.
Rodriguez, however, carried the heights and
the defile after a sharp fight of about an hour'^
duration.
The Emperor was always in the middle o|
the fight, and distinguished himself by his coolj
ness. I was close to his Majesty when I heard
some one blubbering. I looked round, and sa\i
that it came from the poor Hungarian cook,
spent ball from the height passed through hij
upper lip, and knocked out some of his teetl
They must have been strong teeth, for the bullej
remained in the mouth, and the cook, who did
not like the taste of lead, spit it out togethea
with his ivories. By this his tasting facultie^
were spoiled for some time.
When we had passed the conquered defile
we were attacked on our left flank by guerilla^
who appeared on the plains. The detachmen]
of the Espladores and another of the nintU
cavalry, under Major Malburg, advanced to dri^
them off", and I joined the attack. One of tU
enemy whom I pursued jumped over a stonJ
MARCH TO QUEBETABO.
31
wall, and tumbled down with bis borse on tbe
other side. I cleared the fence immediately after
him to take him prisoner, but he got up and
aimed his carbine at me, at three paces' distance.
I had just time to fire, and sent a bullet through
his head, which entered over his right eye.
j Though he fell dead on his face, the soldiers that
followed me ran their lances and bullets through
I his body, according to the bad Mexican fashion.
The enemy now retired, and did not molest
I us again on our march to Querdtaro. We had
captured a number of prisoners, whom General
Marquez would have shot immediately, but the
Emperor forbade this. Report, however, said
that Marquez despatched them secretly during
I the night, and it would have been just like him.
Next morning, at six o'clock, we marched
I from Arroyo Zarco to San Juan del Rio, and
from thence to Colorado, which is only four
I leagues from Queretaro.
During the . march the Emperor ordered me
I frequently to his side, and conversed with me
for hours. He spoke about the general position
of affairs, his hopes and expectations, and made
■some confidential communications to me.
During these hours passed at the side of the
I Emperor I had a good opportunity of observing
Marquez, who generally rode alone by himself,
absorbed in thought, which could not have been
^ii
82
MABOH TO QUEBETABO.
of a very pleasant or innocent character, as bis
face wore a rather sinister expression.
When the Emperor wanted to speak to himJ
Marquez generally heard only at the second f^^\
third call, and was then like one awakened frc
a dream. His face changed at once to a disj
agreeable, exaggerated friendliness, and he aj
preached the Emperor hke a fawning dog.
liiiii
!
1 1 illlUi i
OCCUPATION OF QUERETARO.
i'
Wj arrived before Quer^taro on the 19th of
i'ebruary, at ten o'clock a.m. This city had
)een always very friendly to the cause of the
Imperor, and the news of his arrival produced
imongst its inhabitants a very agreeable excite-
lent. Young and old, men and women, came
)ut to meet him on the Cuesta China, a rather
igh hiU south of the city, and about 8 '0 metres
[•cm the toll-house of the Garita de Mejico.
^he Emperor and his little army were greeted
rith a heartfelt enthusiasm by the people.
The garrison was marched up between the
yuesta China and the garita, and at their head
rare the Generals Miramon, Escobar, the Pre-
jct of the City, Mejia, Castillo, Arellano,
'^aldez, Casanova, and a great number of other
)fficers. Miramon and Escobar greeted the
Imperor with an appropriate speech, and he
Replied in the same manner.
This over, the Emperor entered the city,
rhich was decked out with flags and otherwise,
bd rode to the Casino, where he took up his
i f.
TOI..I.
84
OCCUPATION OF QUERETARO.
uivilli'l
•:■ I
iiii
ill
um.'PV:
I?
quarters. On entering that place his horse
stumbled, which has been considered since olden
times as a bad omen, but nobody noticed it much
in the joyful excitement of that hour.
The Emperc ' soon after received the higher
clergy and the authorities of the city, and a
number of officers were presented to him. He
then proceeded on foot to the cathedral, where a
solemn Te Deum was celebrated.
Before continuing my narrative, I think it |
may be well to say a few words about the per- 1
sonages who met the Emperor here, and who
were to play an important part in the following!
tragedy.
Don Miguel Miramon was the most impor-
tant amongst them. As I have said before, he I
had been one of the most prominent chiefs of I
the Church party, and even President of the
Republic in his twenty-fifth year. He was now
a handsome man of about thirty-four or five, ofl
middling height, elegant in figure and manner,
and with dark hair, moustaches, and royal. Eel
was a man of great intellect, extremely ambi-
tious, very brave and daring, but no scientific|
general, and rather an indifferent strategist.
From Orizaba, where he with Marquez and!
Father Fischer, induced the Emperor to stay, liel
went in the middle of December, 1866, to|
Mexico, collected in haste from four to five hun-
OCCUPATION OP QUEEETARO.
S5
dred men, and with these and a battery he
marched towards the northern State of Zaca-
tecas, tc prevent the enemy from concentra-
ting their troops, and to advance with them
over Quer^taro to Mexico, as they intended.
General Don Severo del Castillo had re-
ceived orders from him to move in the same
j direction, and to co-operate with him; and
[General Don Thomas Mejia, who had been
[compelled to give up San Luis Potosi, was
I also on hi.i march towards Querdtaro.
The capital of the State of Zacatecas, of the
I same name, was then the seat of the Repubhcan
Government, and Juarez himself was in the city.
This opportunity was too tempting for the bold
lyoung general, who had increased his forces by
[some troops which he had taken with him when
)assing Quer^taro, and by recruiting on his
larch; and he resolved on a coup de main
[without waiting for the forces of Castillo, who
rer*e still at some distance.
The bold plan succeeded admirably. The
3nemy in Zacatecas was most completely sur-
prised, and utterly routed. A great many pri-
soners, twenty guns, and a number of important
)apers and documents, belonging to the Repub-
lican Government, were the fruit of this brilliant
nctory. Juarez was nearly taken prisoner, and
escaped in a carriage. It must have been ex-
^ilSf'T^^
36
PCCUPATION OF QUEEETARO.
pected that they would capture him, as the Em-
peror had sent Miramon a strict written order,
to treat Juarez, if he should take him prisoner,
in the most friendly manner, and to send him to
Mexico.
The Imperial gendarmes, who were for the
most part Frenchmen, committed some excesses,
which were severely censured by Miramon when-
ever he heard of them. Amongst other things
— one which infuriated the Liberals very much
— they tied a rope round the neck of a bust of I
Juarez, and dragged it through the streets of|
Zacatecas.
Before Castillo had come up, the city was I
again attacked by a much superior Liberal force,
and Miramon was compelled to evacuate it in|
haste.
Two days after this evacuation, when on his|
retreat towards Quer^taro, and near the ha-
cienda San Jacinto, the troops of Miramon I
were attacked in the rear and on both flanks by
superior forces under Escobedo. The attack
was so sudden, that he lost his whole artillery
and army, and was glad to escape with a few|
officers, who had good and fast horses, to Querd-
taro, where he joined Mejia and Castillo.
His younger brother. General Don Joaquinl
Miramon, was not so fortunate. He was|
severely wounded, and taken prisoner. Esco*
OCCUPATION OP QUEEETABO.
37
ift,
bedo dragged him on his march from one place
to another, until a few leagues from San Luis
Potosi. Here, in the evening, the order was
given to shoot him. As the unhappy man was
unable to walk, he was carried in an arm-chair
to the place of execution, and as it was already
dark, shot a bout portanL To see whether he
was really dead, some matches were lighted,
which were blown out several times by the
wind. The general moved still, and some
officers who were present amused themselves
with firing their revolvers into his body. His
head was scattered, and his body pierced by
thirty bullets.
At San Jacinto, one hundred and twenty-
three Frenchmen were taken also, and amongst
them those gendarmes who had insulted the
bust of Juarez. They had been kept for several
days in a place where they had much liberty,
and the light-hearted Frenchmen had no fore-
boding of the awful doom which awaited them.
One day spirits were distributed amongst them,
and they were told that they were to be taken
to some other place, but, as they had to pass
through the Liberal army, their eyes were to
be bandaged. As this is frequently done, they
suspected nothing, and marched blindfolded for
half an hour, when they were permitted to
take away the bands. They here found them-
* ^^ 1
i -V:
i
I'lilii
ililii'
I
:.)('!'
■ i
4 I
^m
'I I
I !
'.ii; I
'^iaW
■
S8
OCCUPATION OP QUEBETiUO.
selves in an interior yard of the hacienda San
Jacinto, opposite two battalions of infantry,
and were informed that they were to die by the
order of the Supreme Government. It was an
awful, heartrending scene. Ten prisoners
were always shot together, the rest looking on.
The bodies, frequently still quivering, were
thrown into a waggon, and with the blood drip-
ping from it, drove past the poor condemned
out of the hacienda, to return immediately for.
a fresh load.
This horrible butchery lasted longer than
an hour, as it was interrupted by an incident
which illustrated, stiU more than even this
bloody execution, the unfeeling cruelty of thej
Mexicans. The soldiers did not aim well, and
it happened that one of a lot often — Hippolite
Rohn was his name — was left unharmed by the|
first volley. He jumped away, but was cap-
tured, and added to the next lot. This time I
he was only slightly wounded, and escaped. He
was caught again, his feet were tied, and he|
was shot at the shortest distance I
All these details I have from a Liberal I
officer, who was present at this scene, which |
has scarcely its equal in the first French Revo-
lution.
Don Thomas Mejia was a little ugly Indian,!
remarkably yellow, of about forty-five, with anl
OCCUPATION OF QUEEETAEO.
39
enormous mouth, and over it a few black bristles,
representing a moustache. He was a thoroughly
honest, reliable man, devoted to the Emperor,
a very good general of cavalry, and well known
for his personal bravery. Before an attack, it
was his habit to take a lance from one of his
soldiers, and rush with it, amongst the first, on
the hne of the enemy. Some years ago he took
Queretaro from the Liberals. On his entering
the city, its last defenders fled to the first story
of the town hall. Mejia appeared in front of it,
at the head of his cavalry. Lance in hand, he
rode up the steps, and in the large hall made
the Liberals prisoners, and then rode to the
balcony, welcoming with an hurrah his vic-
|torious troops.
Don Severo Castillo is a little, black-haired,
I very thin and delicate man, and almost deaf.
In former years he had the misfortune of falling
into the hands of the Liberals, and the rough
treatment he had to undergo destroyed his
health for ever. They sent him 'as a prisoner
to the Isla de Caballos, a rocky island in the
Pacific, which is so unhealthy that nobody can
live there more than a year or two. The place
is so barren, that it does not produce any kind
of food, and fresh meat and flour was brought
to the prisoners by fishermen at certain times.
ICastillo passed a whole year alone on this island.
4r
ii
"t
iy
I
1
?ii
1
40
OCCUPATION OP QUEBETARO.
He had made himself a hut of cactus, and slept
on seaweed. At last he escaped from this horrid
place by the help of a fisherman.
Castillo was an honest, brave, and reliable
friend of the Emperor. He is a thoroughly
educated soldier, and his coolness in the midst
of battle is quite admirable. Fear is such a
stranger to him, that he even under fire gives
his orders as coolly and composedly as if he
were in his room at home. In my opinion he
is the best strategist of all the Mexican
generals.
Don Ramirez Arellano was a very agreeable,
well-educated gentleman, of about thirty years
of age, with a very dark complexion, and a
smart black moustache. He is a very good
artillery ofl&cer, and became later chief of all
the artillery in Querdtaro.
On the march already in San Juan del Rio,
the Emperor issued an army order, which was
read to all the troops in Quer^taro. In this
order he informed the army that he placed
himself at its head; that he longed for this
day, in order to fight for the two most holy
causes — independence and restoration of order.
Free from " foreign pressure " and influence,
they might do their best for the honour of the
national flag.
On the 21st February,- the commanders of
iiiiliiiiiiiiii
id slept
3 horrid
reliable
roughly
e midst
such a
e gives
,s if he
Qion he
Mexican
reeable,
by years
L and a
y good
if of all
el Rio,
tch was
lln this
placed
for this
it holy
order.
luence,
of the
lers of
thed
the
md 1
jarrie
Tajes
limse
^hoh
■jver h
khe Ju
On
us ge
receive
[ichuj
Do]
[ndian,
)rown '.
lis red
^ombre:
)esides
pross o
)esides
bd a
|ery g(
[yhis I
jruelty.
decid
isted,
)rf(
lelf and
OCCUPATION OP QUBRETAEO.
41
the different corps were invited to dinner with
the Emperor. I received, also, an invitation,
md had my place at the side of Lopez, who
jarried on a very lively conversation with his
[ajesty, who sat opposite us. Lopez made
limself very agreeable that day, and no one
7ho listened to him, and observed him, would
iver have thought that this man would become
\he Judas of Queretaro.
On the 22nd, the Emperor, accompanied by
lis generals, rode to the garita of Celaya, to
(•eceive General Mendez, who was to arrive from
[ichuacan with four thousand men.
Don Ramon Mendez was a little, plump
Indian, with a rather handsome face and dark
)rown hair and beard, who looked very well in
lis red Mexican hussar jacket. Ho wore a
^ombrero like the Emperor, and was decorated,
lesides the Mexican orders, with the officer's
^ross of the French Legion of Honour, which,
)esides him in the army, only Mejia, Lopez,
^nd a General Calvo had. Mendez was a
rery good partisan, very brave, and idolized
|y his soldiers, but, unfortunately, inclined to
[ruelty. He was devoted to the Emperor, but
decided enemy of Miramon, whom he dis-
isted, and of whom he said, that he cared little
lither for empire or Emperor, but only for him-
lelf and his ambitious plans : an opinion pretty
■1'
42
OCCUPATION OP QUERETARO.
generally entertained, which, however, in tlie|
case of Mendez, might have been strengthene(|
by some jealousy.
On the afternoon of the same day, a review]
commanded by Miramon, of all the troops iij
QuerdtarOjWas held, except those of Mendez, whJ
were tired from their march. These troops conj
sisted of one thousand six hundred men, unde
Marquez ; those which came with Miramon anj
Castillo from Zacatecas — viz., the battalions
the Cazadores del Emperador and Tiradores, thj
7th battalion of the line, the balance of tli
6th, the gendarmes, the 8th regiment of cavalrj
the regiment of the Empress (horse), and twj
field and one mountain battery — about fi^
thousand men. Thus, our whole force consist
of nine thousand men and thirty-nine guns.
After this review, the Emperor distribut
some decorations amongst those soldiers wli
had distinguished themselves in a fight at til
Quemada, in which brave Mejia had beaten tlj
Liberals on his march from St. Luis Potosi.
On the 23rd of February, a solemn rm
and requiem was held, in memory of the cruellj
murdered General Miramon, which was attendq
by the Emperor, and the army received orde
to wear mourning for eight days.
On the 24th the Emperor divided the an
in the following manner : The whole of the ij
OCCUPATION OP QUEBETARO.
48
intry was commanded by Miramon. This
msisteu of two divisions under Mendez and
pastille. The whole cavalry was commanded by
[ejia, and the artillery by Arellano. Marquez
jcame chi^f of the general staff, and General
'"idaurii was made deputy of the Secretary of
finance, and commenced by making in Quere-
iro a forced loan of sixty thousand piastres, as
loney was now a positive necessity. The
linisters in Mexico had promised heaps of gold,
id laid before the Emperor doubtful financial
batements. Instead of the millions which they
id promised in Orizaba, and later, they procured
^ith the utmost trouble the before-mentioned
fty thousand pesos for the campaign of Quere-
iro, and sent from Mexico only once nineteen
lousand pesos, which lasted a few days only.
On this day a council of war was also held, in
^hich it was resolved to send strict orders to
feneral Tabera, who was left in command of the
ipital, to send all foreign troops then in Mexico,
)gether with the required ammunition and
ibulances and one hundred thousand pesos to
[uer^taro. On the march already similar orders
id been given, but had been disregarded by the
listers.
The troops to be sent from Mexico were :
le hussar regiment of Count Khevenhiiller (all
lustrians), the battalion of Baron von Ham-
'DK
i
<a
44
OCOUPifl'ION OP QUEEETAEO.
ill
merstein (also Austrians), from four to fivJ
hundred men strong; the gendarmes of tlij
guard, under Count Wickenburg ; the Cazadore
a caballo — all foreigners under Majors Gerlou
and Czismadai, and also eight rifled guns.
On the afternoon of February 25th, ttJ
troops of Mendez were passed in review. Tbej
were the best Mexican troops in the army of tlij
Emperor, whom they had served already fa
several years, fighting independent from tlij
French in the State of Michuacan. They cod
sisted of the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th battalioB
of the hne, the 4th and 5th regiments of caval
one field and one mountain battery.
Before resuming, it is necessary to say
few words about the city of Queretaro and iti
different localities.
Querdtaro is the capital of the State name
after it, and is situated on the southern side
the little river of Rio Blanca, which flows froJ
the east to the west, and, below the city, makej
a turn towards the south. The city has betwee
forty and fifty thousand inhabitants, and f
not quite a regular quadrangle of tv
four hundred metres in length, and oi .iious
two hundred metres in width. It is built in|
valley of which the opposite heights may
mutually reached by cannon shot.
On the north side of the little river is tli
OCCUPATION OP QUERETAEO.
45
iburb San Luis, with its gardens ascending up
hill, about one hundred and fifty metres high,
lUed Cerro San Gregorio. Another much
^igher hill, Cerro San Pablo, runs north from San
rregorio, in a parallel direction, and is divided
[•om it by a valley of one thousand to one thou-
md two hundred metres wide.
Behind San Pablo rises Cerro la Cantara,
teh runs towards the east, and with a sweep in
southern direction, approaches the Rio Blanca
rithin fifty or one hundred metres above the city.
Opposite this end of La Cantara, on the
Southern bank of Rio Blanca, and quite close to
rises a hilly range which runs in a south-
western direction, and forms a curve reaching
[o the western end of the city, from which it is
[eparated by a plain of eight hundred to one
[housand metres widci This range is called
;erro el Cimatario, with different names for its
lifterent parts. One of these parts, and the
tehest, is the Cuesta China, over which runs
be road from Mexico.
the western end of El Cimatario, nearer to
y, is another isolated hill called El Jacal.
V of the city extends a plain, in the middle
|)f which is a small, isolated rocky hill over-
grown with ictus, called Cerro de la Campana
[Bell hill), )out one thousand five hundred
letres dis, c from the city.
46
OOOUPATION OF QUEBETARO.
;iiil
From this description it will be seen, tha
Quer^taro is the worst place in the world
defend, as every house may be reached by gm\
shot from the surrounding hills. Such a de
fence could only be made by an army numerouj|
enough to occupy these hills.
The highest point of the city itself is in it
south-eastern corner, where on a not very higt
rock is built the rather extensive Colegio del
la Santa Cruz, commonly called the Cruz. In
the south-western corner is the Garita (gate)!
del Pueblito, and close to it the Casa Blancal
Between it and the cruz is the Alameda, a iiot|
very large public square for promenading, to
found in every town or city of Spanish origin.
The river which separates the city from thel
above-mentioned suburb San Luis, is fordablei
at different places, and has only one bridge atl
the end of the Calle Miraflores, one of thel
principal streets of Queretaro, which passes!
right through the centre of the city, and comJ
mences at the north-west comer of the Alameda.!
The city has a great many churches, chapels,!
and convents, and offers a very picturesque view.l
Until the 1st of March, the time was passed!
in many preparations, and waiting for news from!
Mexico. We saw nothing of the enemy, aDd|
heard but little.
The new Secretary of Finance tried to brine
OCCUPATION OF QUBEETAEO.
47
^bout regularly the payment of the soldiers,
ind also as to the commissary department.
'his he did so successfully that the soldiers
-ere not only satisfied, but delighted, for such
regular state of things was quite mii'aculous
a Mexican army.
As I am rather an indifferent financier, I
kould not assist General Yidaurri in his very
)nerous though beneficent task ; and having no
luty whatever, I passed my time as well as I
buld until the booming of the guns again set
ly faculties at play.
I visited the theatre Iturbide in the Calle
lliraflores, where some Spanish comedies were
(^presented rather indifferently ^ and where later
llie saddest tragedy of the century was to be
Inacted.
During these days a bull fight took place in
In arena near the Alameda. The arena was
jrowded to its utmost, and I was also there.
'he Emperor, however, who was formerly enthu-
iastic about this sport when travelling in Spain,
lid not go to see the bull fight, probably not
(ripecting much. It was, indeed, a paltry affair,
lough bloody enough. Six horses were gored,
[ut neither the picadores nor matadores showed
]y skill.
I must, however, not forget a half-disgusting
ilf-laughable incident, which took place at this
!'!
48
OCCUPATION OP QUBBETARO.
fight. Two women appeared in the arena to
their skill against a bull whose horns were pro
vided with balls. The rough-looking, thouglj
rather pretty women did not earn much gloryJ
however ; much bruised and with torn garment
they were compelled to fly from the arena, folJ
lowed by the derisive laughter and hissing oj
the audience.
On the 1st of March the Emperor held
review of Mejia's cavalry, which, for a Mexica
troop, was very excellent. The horses looke
extremely well fed and clean, and the uniformsl
of the soldiers were better than usual. ThJ
best troops amongst them were the regimentl
Quiroga — mostly consisting of Vidaurri men, wLJ
formerly fought against Mejia, until they camij
over with their old chieftain to the party of tl\
Emperor ; then the regiment of the Empress
and the 5th regiment.
Cavalry patrols had scoured the countrj]
around to get news from the enemy ; and froii
farmers, and especially from priests they heard
though only as a report, that masses of Liberals
were concentrating in St. Martin, between QuereJ
taro and San Luis Potosi ; and others at Celava
about four or five leagues from Queretaro.
On the afternoon of the 2nd of March, I kij
to make a report to the Emperor. As he wa
just going out for a promenade on horseback l\
OCCUPATION OP QUEEETAEO.
49
invited me to accompany him to the Alameda.
When on our way an officer handed him a
despatch from Mexico, which had just arrived.
After he had read it, he said, "Now look
at these blackguards ! (meaning his ministers
I in Mexico,) these fellows are afraid, and will not
send me any troops. They say the capital
was in danger. They are only afraid for them-
selves!"
The news of the advance of the enemy was
I confirmed in the afternoon of the 4th of March,
and on the 5th, towards night, they were seen
concentrating in the plain west of the Cerro de
la Campana, and our outposts were reinforced.
During the night of the 5th to the 6th of March
the garrison was alarmed, as an attack was
expected at dawn. Our position, which we
[kept for some time, was as following :
The centre and key point was the Cerro de la
I Campana, which falls off rather steeply towards
[the west. Here the Emperor and Miramon
Itook up their position, with one battalion and
Itwo batteries. Between this cerro and that of
St. Gregorio, on which was placed a battery,
stood the division Castillo. To the left of the
ICerro de la Campana, between it and the Casa
iBlanca, near the Garita de Pueblito, were posted
[the division Mendez, protecting thus the road
|coming from Celaya. Between the Casa Blanca
vol. X. 4
'mw
50
OOOTJPATION OF QUEEETAEO.
'i!Ei!l ill
i-i|!
and the Alameda stood, in columns, our cavalry,
under Mejia; its left flank protected by two|
regiments.
In the morning the enemy was seen moving!
in the plain west of the Campana, but no attack
was intended; they merely occupied the villages!
and haciendas in the neighbourhood.
From that time the Emperor remained on I
the Cerro de la Campana, and slept this and the
following nights on the ground, covered only
with his plaid, and over him the starry sky;
Miramon and Marquez, who were with him, didi
the same. The hill was cleared from the cactusl
plants, with which it was overgrown, some
breastworks, and six or seven embankments for|
guns were built.
The cavalry skirmishers surrounding thel
army of the enemy, who then consisted cfl
eighteen thousand men, commanded by Generall
Escobedo, approached our lines to within fivel
hundred to six hundred paces. Generall
Vidaurri, who was both Secretary of Finance
and of War in the field, had his hands quite fully
occupied in pro^ 'iing for the troops, and with!
making financial arrangements, in which I couldl
not assist him ; I, therefore, kept always nearl
the Emperor without having any particular duty.
On the morning of the 7th March an attack!
was expected with the more certainty, as thel
lliiiJ
OCCUPATION OF QUBEETARO.
61
enemy was seen massing his troops in the
plain. We became, however, soon aware that
it was only for a review.
Several generals advised the Emperor to
attack the Liberals in this position with all
available forces, and he was much inclined to do
so; but Marquez opposed this enterprise, and
said that the enemy would not wait for our
attack in the plain, and that it would also be
I better to let him collect all his forces, to anni-
Ihilate them with one stroke I
The wisdom of this silly advice was explained
I to me at length by Marquez* s Russian military
assistant, who considered my reasons for an
I immediate attack as pedantry.
The following days passed away by our
I waiting impatiently for an attack, and with
Imovements of the army of the enemy, in which
(he was not hindered by us.
Our chief of staff, Marquez, must have
[imagined that the little Rio Blanca was a suffi-
jient protection for our right flank, for he
leglected to occupy the Cerro San Pablo, which
jommanded the city. This negligence was soon
loticed by the enemy, who occupied the garita
)n the road towards the north, situated at the
^oot of the Pablo, and also the chapel on the top
)t' this hill, on the night between the 8th and
)th of March. As this position might become
If
til
ummrnm
m';[
^^"i
:ii
■i >ii
j;jifj:|!P;.'!^ 1 'iii
62
OCCUPATION OP QUERETARO.
very troublesome for our right flank, General
Mendez made a reconnaissance in force in this
direction, with the regiment of the Empress and
the hussars. After a little skirmish in the
valley between San Gregorio and San Pablo, he
retired. In consequence of this reconnaissance,
General Castillo advanced next morning, with
one brigade, against San Pablo, his flank
covered by cavalry. The battalion of the
Cazadores, who were at the head, chased the
infantry of the enemy from the garita, stormed
the hill San Pablo, with its chapel, and retired,
after having discovered on the other side of the
hill several thousand infantry. In this attack
the commander of the Cazadores, Lieut.-j
Colonel Yillasana, was wounded.
The Emperor sent for me at noon. Asll
had commanded a brigade in the United States'l
army, he excused himself for asking me whether!
I would accept the command of the Cazadores,!
as no brigade was vacant. The corps, whose!
command he offered me, he said, was a select!
one, and could be managed only by great energy.!
As I was utterly tired of my position without!
any definite duty, I accepted it with pleasure.
My commission was drawn out immediately, and!
the major in charge presented me to the battalion.
I was well received by both officers and!
soldiers, though the major was perhaps a littlfl
OCCUPATION OP QUEEETARO.
53
dissatisfied, as he might have expected to be
promoted himself. The Cazadores consisted of
nearly seven hundred men, of whom the greater
part were French ; but there were also Germans,
Hungarians, and about a hundred and fifty
[Mexicans. It was a wild corps of the bravest
I soldiers that could be found. The battalion
stood in the centre of the position of General
I Castillo, near the road from Querotaro to San
Luis Potosi, and four twelve-pounders were
I attached to it.
In the afternoon lively movements were
I seen amongst the enemy. The heights of San
Pablo and La Cantara were occupied by them,
and the same was the case with that of the
Cuesta China, where they constructed a battery.
Nothing was done to impede these movements,
but it was thought advisable to change our
position. General Castillo fell back behind the
Rio Blanca, and occupied the whole line of the
river along the city. A brigade of General
Mendez's division was sent to the Convent de la
Cruz, where the Emperor took up his head-
quarters, and where he was followed by his
cliief of stafi", Marquez. The cavalry under
|Mejia remained in their former position.
In consequence of these changes, I and my
I Cazadores were charged with the defence of the
bridge at the end of the Calle Miraflores.
HI''
"'
m
'%''- ■
vK
•i • 1
1-^
m
1
• ;■ t
\'i
m
I;-
^i
54
OCCUPATION OP QUEEETARO.
On the same evening, about six o'clock, the
enemy opened fire against the cruz from his
battery on the Cuesta China.
As the cruz will occupy from this time the
most prominent part in the siege of Quer^taro, a
description of it will be required.
The extensive convent, Santa Cruz, which
stands on the rock on the south-eastern comer
of the city, and commands it, dates fi:om the
time of the Conquest, and is built of very solid
stone, against which cannon-shot makes but
little impression.
The length of the whole building is little
more than six hundred metres, and its width
about four hundred. The whole is surrounded
with a solid stone wall. Another wall divides
the whole area into two parts. The western
division, which is only two hundred and sixty
metres long, contains on its northern half the
convent, the southern half is occupied by
different yards. The eastern half of the area
belonging to the convent ia occupied by a large
yard, which would be rectangular also, if its
northern wall did not form a projecting angle.
On the eastern wall, projecting outside, stands
a solid stone building, called the pantheon. It
is the burial place of the convent, and at its
southern side is a chapel. As the ground slopes
down from the east towards the west, this pan-
OCCUPATION OP QTTEEEtAEO.
55
theon, with its chapel, stands on the highest
point of the city. On the west side, before the
convent, is a square, called Plaza de la Cruz. .
From this description it will be seen that
the cruz may be considered as the citadel of
Quer^taro.
When General Marquez arranged for the
defence of the cruz, he left the pantheon and its
chapel unoccupied, and when the Emperor and
other persons remonstrated, he said, " that they
did not know the enemy with whom they had
to deal." Marquez had always told the Emperor
that the ar^/ of the Liberals was nothing but a
worthless rabble.
ffl
SIEGE OF QUERETARO.
ill
M
The 14tli of March is, in the siege of Quere-
taro, a very memorable and glorious day.
Movements in the army of the enemy in the
morning indicated that a general attack was
intended, and this really took place, at about
ten o'clock a.m., against three different points :
the cruz, the bridge, and the position between
the Alameda, and the Casa Blanca, which latter
was occupied by the cavalry, under Mejia. A
fourth attack against the Cerro de la Campana |
was only a feint.
As soon as the batteries of the Cuesta China!
had given the signal, strong columns of cavalry
advanced from the south against the Casa Blanca
and Alameda. When they arrived on the plain
before them, Mejia attacked them with his
cavalry, and with such impetuosity, that the
enemy, after a short resistance, fled in great
disorder. Our cavalry pursued them beyond
the Cerro Cimatario, which offers no impedi-
ments to the movements of cavalrv, and drove
them to their camp, near the Estancia de las
SIEOB OF QUERETARO.
57
''acas, killing and wounding one hundred and
bhirty men, and making seventy prisoners.
Supported by a tremendous fire from the
Juesta China, dense columns of infantry now
idvanced against the eastern side of the cruz,
md, thanks to the stupid or treacherous negli-
jenco of Marquez, the unoccupied pantheon
jliapel was stormed, its walls towards the yard
)rovided with loopholes, and the azotea or flat
Iroof of the chapel occupied with soldiers, who
jfired from their elevated position against our
troops who defended the convent.
Before relating the attack against the bridge,
11 must describe the ground. Along the river
runs a street. The flat roofs of the houses
next the bridge had been provided by General
Castillo with breastworks during the previous
night. This side the bridge, leaving only a
narrow passage for one man abreast, was raised
a battery of adobes, which are bricks made of
sun-dried clay, of a foot square and four inches
thick. Between two walls made by them earth
was filled in, and this wall contained embrasures
for three twelve-pounders, one of which raked
the bridge. On the other side of the bridge, in
the suburb San Luis, ran also a street along
the river, and there was a free space directly
before the bridge of about one hundred paces'
length. At the south-west comer of this open
58
SIEQE OF QUEBETABO.
place, therefore, next the bridge, stood an ex.
tensive building, called meson, an inn for mule>
teers and such people, with a corral surrounded
by a solid stone wall. Before the houses oppo.
site the bridge, on the north side of the free
place, stands a well, and to the right and left
of them two not quite parallel streets run up
the slope of the Cerro San Gregorio, on which
the suburb is built. The next street, running
parallel to the river, and intersecting the two
above mentioned, leads to the right to the
church of San Sebastian, and from it runs
another street down to the river. The church
stands on higher ground, and from the gallery
of its steeple one can see directly into the
streets of Quer^taro, and sharpshooters may
reach them with their guns.
At the signal given from the Cuesta China,!
columns of infantry moved down the two
streets, formed on the square, and advanced |
against the bridge. At a distance of one hun-
dred paces they were received with a shower I
of canister and bullets, which made them turn
tail at once, and retire behind the church of|
San Sebastian. Cautioned by the warm recep-
tion at the bridge, they moved down the street I
leading from the church to the river, and where |
it is fordable. As soon as their intention was
noticed by General Castillo, I received orders to
SIEGE OF QUERETABO.
69
!'■
leet them with my Cazadores, whilst the bridge
remained occupied by our reserve, the battalion
;elaya.
In double quick time I marched through
the next street behind me, and was just in
time to pour one volley after the other into
them, whilst the right wing gun of the bridge
)attery greeted them with canister shots. They
lad to retire for a second time.
Though the enemy must have suflfered con-
siderable losses, they again attacked the bridge
rith renewed force between eleven and twelve
)'clock, and succeeded in occupying some of
the opposite houses, and also the Meson Sebas-
tian, from which they kept up a rather lively
ire, to which we responded.
Whilst this useless firing was going on at
the bridge, the fight was continued at the
[jruz. Supported by the guns of the Cuesta
;hina, which sent over the cruz and its yards
shower of shot and shell, the infantry in the
}antheon, and fi'om the roof of the chapel, fired
igainst the convent and about forty men who
lad placed themselves in a very exposed posi-
tion on its roof. They were commanded by an
Lustrian captain of the name of Linger, whom
reneral Thun used to call the captain with the
Bordeaux nose and the Mayonnaise face. Not-
rithstanding his remarkable complexion, he was
r
flfFw
m.:
60
SIEGE OP QUEEETARO.
J:' '4
a very brave man, and kept his dangerous
place with great courage, until he was killed bj
a bullet entering his forehead, after which his
men left the position. No longer hindered by
them, the enemy tried to advance into the large
yard, protected by densely-growing cactusl
plaiits, with which the ground was covered.
This protection, though sufficient against tbel
eyes, was not sufficient against the bullets froml
the convent, and the enemy had to fall back!
again to the pantheon.
About the same time the cavalry of tliel
enemy, opposite the Alameda and Casa BlancaJ
had recovered from the beating they receivedj
from Mejia, and made a second attack, butl
fared still worse than the first time. Bravel
Mejia, always tbe foremost, made a very bril-
liant charge, and drove them back between!
Cerro Cimatario and El Jitcal. Here they lost!
several hundreds of dead, wounded, and pri'|
soners.
Had Mejia availed himself of his glorious suc-l
cess to attack the battery of the CUiesta dunal
in the flank, which attack would have been sup«|
ported by the guns from the cruz, the victor
of this day would have been still more complete
But I believe brave Mejia felt a little astonisheil
at the unusual pluck of the enemy : at least,
heard him say to the Emperor, that as long
SIEGE OP QHEEETAEO.
61
I
he had been fighting in Mexico he had never
[seen the Liberals in such force and perfection.
During the fight on the cruz the Emperor
[was on the Plaza do la Cruz, exposed to shot
and shell sent in abundance from the Cuesta
IChina. All remonstrances proved as useless as
[those made by a deputation of the generals the
Iday before, who besought him not to expose
Ihimself so much. Bold Mejia said, in his plain
llangiiage, " Consider, your Majesty, if you are
Ikilled all of us will fight against each other for
[the presidency ;" but, though these words
[made some impression on the Emperor, he
jsaid that the place where lie stood was the
right place for him.
The lull in the fight at the bridge, inter-
|rupted only by firing from the houses, was of
10 long duration. A little after noon great
lasses of infantry were seen forming near the
[Chapel de la Cruz del Cerro, which is higher up
the slope of San Gregorio, at tlie end of the
suburb, and at the same time a rifled Parrot
m, placed in the street to the left of the place
)efore the bridge, commenced firing with shells
igainsfc the battery at the bridge, raking at the
same time the Calle Miraflores, and reaching
3ven the Plaza de Armos, in the centre of the
3ity, where several citizens were killed.
When the shells burst amongst us, my Caza-
?*
62
SIEGE OP QUERETAEO.
dores, elated by their success, became impatientl
They surrounded me, crying, " Lead on, colonel;!
lead on! we will whip them. The Cazaaores|
always go a-head ! "
In Europe it would be difficult to imagiiie|
such a corps. The wild fellows were alwa
fighting among themselves, and I had to do all!
in my power to prevent bloodshed and murder;!
but as soon as they were led against the enemy,
they were like one man, and every one tried toj
outdo his comrades in daring deeds. Even tliel
very buglers, boys between fourteen and six-
teen, stole sometimes outside the lines, armed!
with a gun and a box full of cartridges, to huiit|
" Cliinacos " (Liberals) on their own hook.
I comforted my Cazadores as woll as 11
could by promising them that the right momentl
was near at hand; and I soon received the!
most welcome order from my biigadier, General!
Valdez, to drive away the troublesome Parrot!
and to occupy the meson and a j'aceiitl
gun,
houses, whilst the battalion Celaya was tol
occupy our position. The cavalry regiment]
Empress, commanded by Colonel Lopez, re-
ceived orders to protect our left flank.
I thought it well to address my impntientl
boys, and made a speech to them still morel
effective than any of those with which I once!
encouraged my soldiers in the United States,
w
.3-
SIEGE OF QUERETAEO.
63
then in broken English, now I did it in
still more broken Spanish. I told them that
did not want to hear a shot until I order'^.d
bt, and that the main business had to be
lone with the bayonet alone. I then formed
them for the attack, keeping them under
3over as long as possible. While I did so,
ly men actually quivered with eagerness,
ike a pack of hounds waiting for the signal,
^ith a tremendous cheer, in as many lan-
lages as were spoken around the tower of
Jabel, and a ^'Viva il Emperador" they stormed
the bridge and road before it. When we had
peached about the middle of the place, we re-
jeived a shower of canister at a distance of fifty
)aces, and discovered the dangerous Parrot
)efore us. I raised my sword, and calling out,
\*Viva il Emperador ! alapieza muchachos!" we
pushed up to the gun. My major, Don Mace-
lonio Victorica, and a little swarthy Mexican,
rere close at my heels. The brave Liberal
^ommander of the gun, a lieutenant, fired at the
lajor with his revolver, and wounded him
keverely ; but it was his last shot, half a dozen
bayonets were immediately buried in his body.
11 the artillerymen belonging to the rifled
|annon were bayoneted or killed with the stock
|f the guns used like clubs. The conquered
fiece was sent back to the bridge, whilst the
MiiiK'
64
SIEGE OP QUERETAEO.
battalion Celaya fired on the Liberals in ttel
meson, who soon saved themselves, and fledl
through the gardens up the hill. The infantrjl
we saw before us fled panic-struck into tliel
houses, of which they locked the doors ; but ll
advanced into the street to dislodge them, and|
the doors were opened by well-applied shots.
There were many wild deeds done in thosel
houses which I could not hinder, though I trieil|
to do so. The French in the Cazadores, in-
furiated by the butchery of San Jacinto, hadl
promised themselves to spare no enemy, and
least of all Frenchmen who served with thel
Liberals. They made good their word in thel
most horrid manner, and I had even to use my I
sword against some of my men, who would noti
obey my orders to spare those that cried fori
mercy. At some of the thresholds the deadl
were piled up, and in one of the houses was per*
formed a m.ost singular and cruel scene. Onej
of my sergeants, a Frenchman, had killed in al
house four Mexicans ; a fifth man, a FrenchniaD,|
was on his knees praying for mercy. His cod*
queror, in charging his musket, said, " All tliel
mercy I will grant you is, that I will not des-
patch you like a dog, but give you the honour
of a bullet." With that he very calmly shot!
his countryman dead.
The stampede which I
saw amongst
tk
t '
SI£QE OF QUEBETAUO. 65
lense mass of the enemy before me, induced me
to follow up my success. Driving tliem before
le like a flock of sheep, I turned the next
Icorner in the street leading to San Sebastian,
md then, following again the street leading up
Ihill, we arrived at the chapel De la Cruz del
Cerro, at the end of the suburb San Luis. From
[this position I saw that the enemy had formed
again at the chapel San Trinidad, which was
Ito my right, a little higher up San Gregorio.
Before they succeeded, however, I had drawn
up my battalion in line of battle, placing a com-
Ipany in reserve, and I poured volley after volley
into the enemy, who fled over the edge of the
mill in great disorder. At this moment I saw
emerging from a street the head of the regi-
ment E Tipress, under Lopez. I sent him two
officers with the request that he would pursue
the enemy, and when he refused I rode up to
him myself and repeated my request, but he
answered, " That he could not expose his regi-
ment in such a manner, and that the ground
was not fit for cavalry." If he could not use
his cavalry on that ground, I cannot see of what
use he was there. I have myself been an officer
of cavalry in Prussia, and know very well where
cava]''y may be used. The ground was certainly
not 80 smooth as a parade-ground, but it was
practicable.
VOL. I.
66
SIEGE OP QUERETARO.
Hi
«ll
As I had only orders to silence the Parrot
gun, and to take the meson, which was satis-
factorily accomplished, I dared not to transgress
further without waiting for orders. I there-
fore sent Lieutenant Montecon, my aide, to I
General Yaldez, to report our success and
position, and to request him to send another
battalion, that I might take and maintain Saii|
Greo'orio.
General Valdez, however, sent me, with his I
congratulations, the order to retreat, as a
further advance was against his instructions,
and to put a company into the meson. I had
of course only to obey orders, but my Cazadores
were furious. They had killed more than th] ee|
hundred men !
I mentioned a little black Mexican, who, withl
the major, was first with me at the gun. He was!
n very queer fellow, who showed me great attach-
ment, and was anxious for an approving word,
and happy if I gave him some dangerous com-
mission. At every opportunity he was affectedl
to tears, which made a very striking contrast!
to his wildness and bravery. During the*figlit|
he came to me crying, and holding up in liisl
hand a thin^f which I recoofnized with difl&cult|
as the barrel of a gun. " Colonel,'* he cried,!
" Colonel, I have done my duty — ^yes, I did ml
duty ; I have deserved a new gun, or I cannot^
SIEGE OP QUERETABO.
&7
fight any more." On my questioning him as
to what he had done with his gun, he said that
his ])ayonet broke when he spitted a Chinaco
ao^ainst the wall, and his stock when he dashed
another's brains out ; but the skull of a third,
whom he hit with the barrel, proved harder,
and the barrel bent in the manner he showed me.
We had lost in dead and wounded about
thirty men. Our retreat to the bridge was
quite an ovation, and I must say T felt some
satisfaction when the Cazadores cheered their
[new colonel. When I arrived on the place
before the bridge, I met Mr. H. C. Clark, cor-
respondent of the '' New York Herald," who
became so enthusiastic that he pulled me almost
off my horse in giving me the Mexican embrazo.
|Mr. Clark was, however, no American, but a
rery amiable English gentleman, though cor-
respondent of the " New York Herald," to whom
was happy enough to render some service
jivhen he came with the Emperor to Queretaro,
md was ordered by Marquez, in a brutal manner,
IS a suspected foreigner, to leave the city. I
lad alreadv known him in the United States,
md he therefore applied to me in his diflBculty.
spoke at once to the Emperor, who gavo him a
rritten permit to remain, whilst Islv. Clark gave
le privately his word of lionour not to hold
^ny communication with the enemy, and to re-
68
SIEGE OF QUERETAEO.
Hi I
I) I
port truthfully. He was afterwards neany
killed in his room by a cannon-ball. Under re-
newed cheering the captured Parrot gun was
passed thrc igh our barricade and sent to the
cruz. The Cazadores occupied their old posi-
tion. "When I saw Castillo and Valdez they
congratulated me on my success, and gave me
the embrazo.
The enemy were so much scared by the
severe punishment we had inflicted on them,
that they dared not show themselves all day.
Even San Gregorio remained unoccupied ; but
early next morning they had constructed a
battery there.
During our fight in San Luis, severe fighting
was also going on on the south side. Beside i
their battery on the Cuesta China, the enemy
had placed there two regiments as a reserve;!
and in the plain between the city and the Cerro
Cimatario, four regiments of horse, with four
field-pieces. As these troops were threatened |
by our cavalry under Mejia, on their left flank,
another column of cavalry was sent over the I
cerro to protect it. When Mejia attacked it.
General Miramon sent from the Alameda some |
infantry with four guns, which made a very suc-
cessful attack, and beat even the reserves of the |
enemy.
While this was being done, the Liberals in I
SIEGE OP QUEBETARO.
69
the pantheon had received reinforcements, and
advanced over the large yard to attack the con-
vent itself. At this perilous moment the garri-
son of the cruz made a decisive movement.
The brave Colonel Don Sefferino Rodriguez
sallied out at the head of the 3rd battalion of
the line, and not only drove the Liberals fro^
the yard, but even took the pantheon and the
chapel, pursuing the enemy even for some dis-
tance. The pantheon was now well garrisoned,
and not lost again durin; the whole siege.
About five o'clock p.m., the enemy was re-
pulsed everywhere. We lost about six hundred
men, but the loss of the enemy, who had to
fight in the open field, counted by thousands.
We, moreover, made between seven and eight
hundred prisoners, of whom a good number
joined our army.
Between five and six o'clock the Emperor,
followed by Miramon, Marquez, and staff", visited
the lines. Wherever he came he was received
with cheers, for the courage with which he ex-
posed himself, and the friendly and appropriate
words with which he acknowledged every meri-
torious deed, had won him the enthusiastic
affection of the soldiers.
On coming to the Cazadores, he gave me his
hand, and thanked the regiment in a short
speech, in which he called them " the Zouaves
;P9P
70
SIEGE OF QUERETARO.
of Mexico," on which the shouts of exultation
were deafening.
For the night the battahon Celaya had taken
our position, and we rested at a less exposed
place ; when there, a Capuchin friar came, who
had the image of the Holy Virgin hanging by a
rope round his neck. The Mexicans, amongst
my troops, whose hands were not cleansed yet
from the blood they had spilt, rushed up to the
priest with exultation, crossing themselves, and
devoutly kissed the image.
At last, night spread its brown mantle over
the city, and the thunder of the guns and the
rattling of the musketry was followed by a
weird stillness. The streets were deserted, and
not even a footfall was to be heard. All were
sleeping after that hard day's work except the
outposts. Even the clocks were silent, for it
had been forgotten to wind them up ; . and the
night watchmen, who on other nights, pro-
claimed the weather and the hour, snored in
some corner as they did not know the time. The
dogs also, which make the nights in Mexican
cities only too noisy, had disappeared, allured by
the horrid meal which was dished up for them
outside by the grim god of war.
On the morning of the 16th we heard from
deserters that the Liberals were very much dis-
com-aged by their great losses of yesterday.
SIEGE OP QUE RETARD.
The more joyous and liigh-spiritecl our men
became ; and when my Cazadores, who occupied
again their post of honour, became aware, by
the pecuUar whizzing of the projectiles passing
over our heads, that Santa Cruz sent its iron
cartes de vlsite to San Gregorio from the mouth
of the rifled gun we had taken, they exulted
loudly.
All those non-commissioned officers and
privates who had distinguished themselves yes-
terday were at noon assembled on the Plaza
de la Cruz, forming a hollow square, in the middle
of which stood the captured gun. To the
battalion who had retaken the pantheon, and
whose brave colonel had been severely wounded
by a bullet in his chest, the Emperor said, " You
have all behaved so bravely that I cannot
make any distinction. We therefore resolved
to decorate the whole battalion." This he did
by attaching the cross of the Mexican eagle to
their colours.
The eight Cazadores, who were first with
me at the piece, received two the gold, and six
the silver medal for bravery, and beside each
had an ounze, that is, a new gold twenty dollar
piece with the head of the Emperor on it.
The little terrible Mexican, whose w^ater-
pumps were always at work, even when he was
tapping blood, had received, on my recommen-
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8IEQB OF QUEBETABO.
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dation, a gold medal, and was so beside himself
with pleasure that he gave me, before the whole
front, the Mexican embrazo, beating with his
hand my back, and shedding torrents of tears |
over my shoulder.
Before the assembling of the council of war,
which was to have been held in the evening, I was
ordered to the Emperor, who desired to hear
my opinion about what was best to do under
present circumstances.
I declared that I thought it best to take ad-
vantage of the discouragement produced on the |
enemy, by our yesterday's work, and to make an
attack against San Gregorio and San Pablo with
the whole of the infantry, whilst the cavalry
that protected our left flank beat that of the
enemy standing before the Cerro de la Campana,
and then to advance against San Luis Potosi,
the temporal seat of Juarez and his government.
Hazardous, and even foolish as this proposi-
tion to attack an enemy four times more nu-
merous, in a strong position, may appear to
Europeans, it would be from want of know-
ledge of Mexican warfare and Mexican spirit.
A defeat may, perhaps, not discourage a good
European army, but with a Mexican army it is
usually equal to a dissolution, even if many
times larger than the conquerors. It is almost
impossible to make them stand fire again. They
SIEGE OF QUEBETABO.
73
throw away their arms, and run away to their
homes, or over to the enemy.
After our success of yesterday, and the
enthusiasm of our troops, I had not the slightest
doubt that we should win a decisive victory, and
disperse the army of the Liberals, especially if
we attacked them promptly, before the arrival
of the new reinforcements, which were an-
nounced.
To permit the enemy to shut us up in a place
situated so unfavourably as Quoretaro, which
had neither a political nor strategical import-
ance, seemed to me not only ridiculous but
even fatal. Moreover, it was not in accordance
with the intentions of the Emperor, and with
those of Marquez either, which, at least, might
be concluded from the circumstance, that Mar-
quez left all the haciendas round Querdtaro
perfectly untouched, whilst the securing of their
superabundance, in every kind of provision,
would have been his first aim if he intended to
sustain a siege. How richly these haciendas
were provided was experienced by the army of
the enemy, which was mostly fed by them.
If we advanced against San Luis Potosi
and the west, and sent General Vidaurri to the
north of the country, where his name was of
the utmost importance, all the resources of those
rich districts, now used by the enemy, would
t
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If?' S]
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74
SIEOE OF QUERETARO.
fall into our hands, and in a short time wei
should have a considerable army. Vera Cruz
was still in our possession, and since the
departure of the French, the revenue from the
customs again became ours ; we had means for|
the support of such an army.
However, Marquez was of a different opinion,
and his opinion was then all powerful with the I
Emperor. After having heard me, he said that
my view of the case disagreed with that ofl
Marquez, who had grown old in these revolu-l
tions; who knew the country and the people;
and whose honesty and loyalty could not be
doubted. Marquez had been one of the princi-
pal persons who called him to the country; and it I
was also Marquez who convinced him that he
ought to remain in Mexico ; that he must not
forsake his party, but prove that he could exist
without the help of France. His honour re-
quired that he should show the world he had
not degraded himself so much as to become a |
mere tool of another man.
The Emperor was perfectly infatuated by|
Marquez. Though a man of good sense, h
character was too noble and too pure to suspect I
the honesty of others. A Napoleon and a|
Marquez had easy work with a nature Uke his.
Marquez carried his point, and it was decided |
on being shut up in Queretaro.
SIEGE OF QXnSBETABO.
76
About nine o'clock p. m. (15th), the enemy
I had recovered so far from their panic as to at-
tempt, under the cover of night, another attack
I against the bridge, but the battalion Celaya
i easily beat them off.
These nightly attacks against the bridge
I were repeated very frequently during the siege,
as the bridge and the cruz were considered to
be the key-points of the city. Whenever such
I an attack took place the city was bombarded
from all their batteries, if there was not a
scarcity of ammunition in the enemy's camp, as
happened now and then. Liberal officers told
I me afterwards that they received not unfre-
quently ammunition by the diligence, which
conveyed it to Celaya.
Ammunition, especially cannon-balls, was
I also not in sufficient quantity in the city, and
General Arellano took care to manufacture it.
We also were provided by the enemy, whose
shells were very badly made, and the greater
number did not explode. Men or boys who
I delivered a soimd shell received a dollar ; for a
shot half a dollar was paid.
On the 16th of March the enemy must have
received a fresh supply of ammunition, for they
j poured over the city eveiT" kind of missile.
These bombardments, however, became now an
[every day occurrence, only enlivened now and
lU
V . •to.-'
1
76
SIEGB OF QUEBETABO.
then by some outpost skirmish. Though I sa^r
frequently the inhabitants killed in the vei)!
streets, they became so accustomed to tbel
bombardment that it did not generally interrupti
their business. The ladies, who at the coe,.I
mencement kept in their houses, now made theirl
usual aiternoon promenades, and resumed theirl
old places on the balconies, though many ofl
them had to pay for it with their lives or limbs.!
The favourite targets of the Liberal artillerjl
were the cruz, the convent Santa Clara,!
occupied by our artillery-laboratory, the Cerrol
de la Campana, the Alameda, Casa Blanca, andl
the bridge. The greatest damage was perhapil
done at the cruz and the post office, whickl
received a great many of the shot which wewl
intended for Miramon's headquarters, whickl
lay in the same direction, and which had hm\
betrayed to the enemy.
Theatre and arena were closed, but all shellingl
could not prevent people from collecting togetherl
for their amusement. The coflTee-houses werel
crowded, and a French one at the Plaza del
Armas was the favourite resort of all officers.}
Here one was always sure to find the freshes
news, for every one who came from a fight wen
there to exchange news as soon as he was
from service.
The time firom 15th to 20th March
SIEGE OF QUERETABO.
f1
employed in fortifying the city as well as possible,
)ut all that could be done was to build breast-
works, and to provide some buildings with
embrasures and loopholes. Our batteries stood
)ii the Cerro de la Campana ; between it and
^he bridge, at the bridge, on the cruz, at the
thapel San Francisquito, the Alameda, Casa
Jlanca, and between the latter and the road to
;elaya. To the right of the bridge, Castillo
iad made some openings in a solid wall, which
lid not look like embrasures, but behind them
le had placed mountain guns, from which the
jiberals, to their great astonishment, were
reeted with canister. Amongst our generals
rere some who were not judged able enough
mder present circumstances, and they were
therefore removed from their commands.
Lmongst them were the general of division
^asanova, and the brigadier-generals Herrera y
iozada and Calvo.
The Emperor sent every day for me ; when
ledid so again on the 20th he gave me the
bommand of the first brigade in Mendez*s divi-
kion, as a reward, he said, for my behaviour
Jn the 14th. This was a very fine brigade, and
|;onsisted of the Cazadores, the 2nd, Sthj and
i4th battalion of the line, the battalion of Tira-
iores under the command of Colonel Don
;arlos Miramon, and the battalion Zamora.
78
SIEOB OF QUEBETARO.
On my recommendation the Emperor gaTel
the command of the Cazadores to Major ErnestI
Fitner, who had been a captain in the Austriaii|
corps. In the battle of Santa Qertrudis Is
year, he fell, severely wounded, into the hands
the enemy. This fight was the first success
the Liberals, and it was the more welcome
them as they captured several millions of mone
which were to be conveyed to Monterey]
Escobedo, who won this victory and captui
this money, did not forget himself. By tl
banking house of Brach and Schoenfeld
Monterey, he sent ten thousand pounds sterlii
to England for his personal account.
At the time when the Emperor marched
Quer^taro, Captain Pitner was discharged, ai
received from Escobedo a pass to Vera Ci
with the understanding that he should go fi'on
thence to Europe. But when the captain cai
to Querdtaro, and saw that the Emperor had
few European officers with him, he offered
services again. Marquez treated the capl
who arrived in citizen's dress, very roughly,
had him even imprisoned as a suspicion
foreigner, but when the misunderstanding wa
cleared up he took him as a major on his sta^
Colonel Lopez received also a reserve brit
composed of different troops, and was char^
especially with the defence of the cruz. Pa
SIEQE OF QUEBETABO.
79
)r my brigade stood between the Cerro Campana
iind the left wing of Castillo's position, and
livitli it I had my headquarters. The other part
ras at the Casa Blanca with Mendez, who had
left the cruz with one brigade, and now occu-
)ied the hne from the Garita Pueblito to the
Ihapel San Francisquito. I had with my
brigade a battery of smooth-bored eight
sounders. The gun taken on the 14th was the
[nly rifled one in the city.
My Major del Ordenes — Don Ramon Robles
•brigade-adjutant, was a stout stupid fellow,
Ind besides him I found as an aide a Mexican
[eutenant, who was still more inefficient if pos-
ible. I took therefore with me my personal
i(le-de-camp, Don Julian Montecon, who showed
reat attachment to me, and whom I loved very
Mich. He was only seventeen, very modest
id agreeable, and spoke a little French. I
ice said to him, that if I should be wounded
killed, he might take care of my body ; and
|om that time he followed me in battle like
[y shadow, and if the fight was very sharp
was close upon my heels, as it were with
)en arms ready to receive me if I should
hit. The brave boy never thought of
iself.
On the 20th of March an important council
war was again held, of which I have in my
at; \
80
SIEGE OF QUEBETABO.
possession the original record. The following
is the translation : —
Record of the Council of War held in the Fort de
la Cruz, on the 20th of March, 1867.
H. M. the Emperor ordered a council of|
war, consisting of the undersigned generals, to
assemble at headquarters, in the Fort de la I
Cruz, of the city of Querutaro, on March 20tli,
1867, at three o'clock p.m. When the generalfl|
were as^ cmbled, the sovereign said :
"Gentlemen, five different opinions about I
what we have to do in our present position
have been submitted to me to-day by the
chief of artillery, our secretary of the present
council of war. We have not decided upon any
of them ; but, true to the rule laid down in Ori-
zaba, when the Cabinet and the Council of State
resolved on our remaining at the head of the
empire, we have assembled you here, that you,
without occupying yourselves with ourselves,
but only having in view the general good and
the salvation of Mexico, might propose to us
measures calculated to lead to this most desi*
rable end. Your opinion about the present
state of the army, and the future operations of I
war, will be accepted by us without hesitation,
and be executed immediately. As we desire
81E0E OF Q(7£BETAB0.
81
that this serious deliberation might be entirely
free, we have resolved that you enter into it
without our being present, and charge you to
treat this important question conscientiously,
and in general, as it is required for the honour
of the army and the welfare of Mexico."
His Majesty then retired, and the council
of war conatituting itself, nominated as presi-
dent S. E. General Don Miguel Miramon,
commander-in-chief of the infantry. The un-
dersigned secretary then took the word, and,
complying with the orders of the Emperor, ex-
pressed himself in the following manner :
" Gentlemen, there are five opinions here
before you, of which H. M. the Emperor has
spoken to you. The first proposes a retreat
with the whole army, together with our artillery
and train ; the second will only save the army,
Ibut spike the guns, and give up the whole
materiel of war and means of tra.nsportation ;
the third will continue the defence of the place
j with the whole army ; the fourth proposes to
divide the army into two equal parts, of which
one should continue the defence of the place,
the other to go to Mexico, to bring up from
I thence reinforcements, in order to compel the
enemy to raise the siege ; the fifth will charge a
small reserve with the safety of the important
person of the Emperor, in the case of a disaster.
,f*
TOl. 1.
6
Vli]
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82
SIEQB OF QUESETABO.
I
and that one of his generals be appointed to
command in chief the whole army, in order to |
attack the main force of the enemy.
"After haying communicated to you these I
dififerent opinions, of which one is mine, I must
explain to the council of war the reasons why 1 1
gave it to the Emperor.
"When His Majesty asked me whether ml
should endeavour to retreat with our whole artit
leryand train, or give up these two latter, I had
the honour to declare to the sovereign that the
former proposition appeared to me bad, but the
latter still worse, as it would be equal \>o a
defeat prepared by our own hands, by which n\
would demoralize our army, and thus ruin I
definitively ourselves and the national cause.
" Should we be placed in the necessity of|
retreating, and, above all, of spiking our artil-
lery, it seemed to me, as I told His Majesty, to|
be preferable to leave here a reserve to save t
Emperor, and that the army be given to one of I
our generals, in order to attack the main force
of the enemy with all decision. In this case, if
a defeat should happen, it would occur only
after having tried to save our country and our
army, but not appear as an act resolved on and
executed by ourselves. I do not believe tliat
we have already arrived at the necessity of
giving up the place, as we may still retreat
SIEQI OF QUEBETABO.
in one manner or the other. There are still
provisions and forage for a considerable time ;
though the state of the park, after a siege
of fourteen days, and a valiant defence like
that of the 17thr, is not so satisfactory as might
be desirable, yet it is still better provided
than at the time when the enemy appeared in
our front, as may be seen from the statement
which I submit to the council of war, and
which is drawn up ^vith the most scrupulous
exactness. For all these reasons, I am of
opinion that the defence of the place should be
continued, and that in an extreme case the
enemy should be attacked with decision, instead
I of endeavouring to undertake a most dangerous
land barren retreat.**
General Don Ramon Mondez spoke as fol-
llows: "About the difl&cult question under
discussion, I have no opinion of my own, and,
therefore, I will subscribe to that of the ma-
Ijority, and do what it resolves.**
After him Don Severo Castillo, chief of the
Isecond division of infantry, took up the word,
land said: "Provided that there is a park
sufficient for a certain time, I declare that I do
lot see any danger, and am of opinion that we
should maintain our present position, having in
new exclusively its defence, until the moment
rhen we shall be attacked by the enemy, in
i
11:
'1 1>
84
SIEGE OF QFEBETABO.
which case the same will be repulsed without i
doubt. In this case we have to throw curl
columns against the Cerro San Gregorio, and,
profiting by the confusion of their retreat, to I
endeavour to outflank their position. I do not
judge it prudent to attack the lines of the in-
surgents at the present moment, as, both in|
regard to the strong position occupied by t
enemy, and the small number which we could I
employ for the purpose of an attack, its success
might be doubtful. However, if this state of
things should be prolonged indefinitely, altered
circumstances must of course alter this de«
cision, as necessity and our best interests niay|
require.**
General Don Saniago Vidaurri, deputy ofl
the department of war and finance, with His
Majesty, expressed himself in the foUowingl
terms : " We must persist in the defensive;
but, at the same time, destroy the force of tBel
enemy to the left of the Cerro de la Campaua,
and occupy ourselves with the means of extri-
cating ourselves from the present position,
above all, if the present circumstances shouldl
grow worse.
it
General Don Thomas Mejia, general-in-chie
of the cavalry, declared : " I am for the con*!
tinuation of the defence. Should the enemj
offer later an opportunity to defeat them,
SIEGE OF QUEBETARO.
85
must avail ourselves of it, and, if possible, draw
reinforcements from Mexico.**
General Don Leonardo Marquez, chief of the
general staff, spoke as follows: "I concur in
everything with the opinion just expressed.'*
General Don Miguel Miramon, chief of tlie
infantry, declared: "I also concur with the
I two last opinions. We shall, however, have to
occupy ourselves with the task of defeating the
j enemy on the roads of Celaya and San Juanico,
and, if our present situation should continue, to
attack San Gregorio in force.**
After the council of war had thus decided
to continue the defence of the place, and re-
I jected the idea of giving it up, and had declared
j against retreating, either with the whole artillery
I and train, or with spiking the former and giving
up the latter, the chief of the general staff
proceeded to the apartments of His Majesty the
I Emperor, to inform him that the council of
! war had discussed and come to an agreement
I about the questions submitted to them.
The Emperor thereupon came at once to the
I place where the council of war was assembled.
The sovereign had been meanwhile in great in-
quietude. The two hours during which the
discussion lasted were passed by His Majesty in
great anxiety. The undersigned secretary has-
tened to submit the different points of the
86
SIEOB OF QXTEBETABO.
present record. From the first opinion whicli
was made known to the Emperor he abandoned
himself to a sincere and ever increasing gladness.
As soon as he had been informed of the collec-
tive opinion of the council of war, the sovereign
declared that he accepted with grateful pleasure
what had been decided upon. " Our wishes
and hopes," he said, "were entirely in accord
with your opinion. However — in doubt whether
you might not think a retreat convenient, and
considering our promise made to you, to accept
freely your decision— we passed two hours in
real agony. Now we accede not only to the
excellent idea of continuing the defence of the
place, but also to all inferior points referring to|
the different opinions.
After a short discussion it was resolved :—
1. To disembarrass the left wing of the]
Cerro de la Campana.
2. To put in action the whole force of mounted]
guerillas against the rear of the enemy.
3. To come to a conclusion in reference tol
the question, whether reinforcements froin|
Mexico were to be brought up.
4. To resolve on a simple method, proposed!
by the chief of the general staff, to provide for|
the pay of the army.
Finally, His Majesty the Emperor declaredl
the council of war as closed, and charged thel
SIEGE OF QUEBETABO.
87
secretary of the same to draw up the present
record, and to have it signed by the generals
who formed the comicil.
Maximiliano, General-in-chief of the
Army.
The General commanding the infantry,
Miguel Miramon.
The General Deputy of the Secretary
of War and Finance (vacant).
The General commanding the Cavalry,
Thomas Mejia.
The General commanding the Second
Division of Infantry, Severo Cas-
tillo.
The General commanding the Brigade
of Reserve, Ramon Mendez.
The Commander-in-chief and Secre-
tary of the Council, Men. R.
Arellano.
It will be seen that Vidaurri and Marquez
I did not sign. I therefore suppose this record
was signed after they had left Querdtaro.
On the 21st, General Miramon was informed
Iby his spies, that in the village San Juanico, a
league from Queretaro, reinforcements of artil-
lery, ammunition, arms, and four hundred wag-
gons, with provisions, and several herds of
cattle, had arrived.
88
SIEGE OF QUEBETARO.
':^^':i
In consequence of this news, I received
orders to be with the Cazadores and Tiradores,
and my battery, at the Cerro Campaua, next
morning, at five o'clock, and to take Juanico.
The whole cavalry, under Mejia, was to protect
my right, and the cavalry regiment of Quiroga|
my left flank.
On the 22nd, we were accordingly ready atl
dawn. The Cazadores constituted the advanced
guard, the battery was taken in the middle,
and the Tiradores marched in the refir. "We
advanced on the road to Celaya, which leads
directly to Juanico. The road is planted witli
trees, and to its right is the Rio Blanca.
At a distance of about ten minutes from the I
village we met the outposts of the enemy,
whom we followed close on their heels. Thel
infantry at the entrance of the village retired
precipitately, and we pursued them to an open
place, where they made some resistance. But
we did not give them time to form ; I calledl
out, " Viva il Emperador /" and the Cazadores|
rushed upon them with their bayonets.
Major Pitner and myself were at theirl
head. I rode, on that day, not my piebaldl
horse, but a little stallion, which was struck byl
a bullet in his head, and fell on his knees, biit|
recovered directly, and went on again. The
enemy did not like cold steel, and fled to
SIEQB OF QUEBETABO.
89
large Hacienda de Juanico, at the end of the
village, the headquarters of the commanding
Liberal oflScer.
The regiment Quiroga, which protected my
left flank, and marched outside the village, was
somewhat ahead of my column, and arrived
before us at the hacienda. It made a good
charge against the cavalry standing there ; and
at the same time Mejia advanced on the open
plain to my right. The enemy did not show
much resistance, and retired to the woods be-
hind the hacienda, which latter we entered.
Here we took possession of the office of the
commanding officer, wiuh all its papers, and
amongst them a statement of the whole army
before Quer^taro. But, to our great regret,
the artillery and greatest part of the pro-
visions had been distributed already amongst
the army, and we captured only twenty-
four waggons with corn, a great quantity of
arms, and many oxen, cows, goats, and
sheep.
At our right stood about eight thousand
men of the enemy's cavalry, against whom I
opened fire with my battery, placed near the
hacienda. Whilst we collected our booty, pro-
tected on our loft flank by the regiment Quiroga,
and on our right by the Tiradores, Mejia*s
cavalry stood opposite that of the enemy, at a
90
SIEOB OF QUEBETABO.
short distance, but neither of the parties felt
inclined to attack.
As our expedition had succeeded as well as
could be, I commenced my retreat, remaining
in the rear with the Cazadores. Where a bridge
leads over a brook which crosses the road of
Celaya, I halted, in order to protect the retreat
of Mejia, who crossed the Rio Blanca at a ford
to my right. At the same time, my battery,
which was placed at the other side of the
bridge, and also the artillery from the Cerro de
la Campana kept the enemy at a respectful
distance. When I passed the bridge with the
Cazadores, I met General Miramon, who cheered
the battalion and their leader.
At the Cerro de la Campana we found the
Emperor, who thanked his Zouaves of Mexico,
and I rode — it was between noon and one o'clock
p.m. — to the above-mentioned coffee-house,
where a skilful German veterinary surgeon cut
the bullet out of my horse's head. It had
entered in an oblique direction, and struck over
the eye of the animal.
In consequence of the council of war on
20th March, the Emperor had resolved that
Marquez, who was made Heutenant-general of
the empire, should go to Mexico, to bring from
there all troops he could collect, and as much
money as possible, to Quer^taro. He was ex-
SIEGE 07 QUBBETABO.
91
pressly forbidden to undertake any coup do maim,
or other expedition, but was bound to return as
soon as possible. Before all the generals assem^
hledf Marquez gave his ivord of honour to return
to Queretaro within a fortnight, coUte que coUte !
With Marquez was to go General Vidaurri,
who had been appointed secretary of war and
finance, with the presidency in the Cabinet.
Both were to be escorted by the excellent regi-
ments Quiroga and No. 6 — together, one thou*
sand one hundred horse.
On the 23rd, shortly after midnight, Marquez
and Vidaurri started with their staff and escort,
marched between the Cerro Cimatario and El
Jacal, over the hills, and taking the road over
Tuluca, arrived safely in Mexico. In the place
of Marquez, the Emperor made General Castillo
adjutant-general of the army, and deputy se-
cretary of war in the field. His division was
given to my former brigadier-general, Valdez.
The march of General Marquez produced great
excitement in the enemy's camp, for it was
said that the Emperor had gone with him, and
a large cavalry force was sent after them, as we
learned, a few days later.
This day the Liberals were considerably
reinforced by the Generals Eiva Palacio, Mar-
tinez, and Carebajal. The latter was not otir
old acquaintance from Tulancingo, but a general
92
SIEGE OF QUEBETABO.
II .-fi
m •!
m
of division, who had been formerly a chief of
bandits. The army of the Liberals, increased
by them, amounted now to above forty thousand
men, with about seventy to eighty guns ; and
ours, diminished by the different engagements,
and by the troops which had left with Marquez,
mustered only six thousand five hundred men,
with forty guns. It was, however, somewhat
recruited by deserters and prisoners, who took
service with the Emperor.
On the evening of the 23rd, we were in-
formed by a man from the hacienda where
Escobedo's headquarters were, and whom the
Liberals had made furious by taking everything
he possessed, that there had been held in the
afternoon a council of war, at which was re-
solved, by a majority of two-thirds, to make a
very energetic attack next morning, as it was
supposed that the troops which had left with
the Emperor must have very much weakened
the garrison. Unfortunately, the man could
not tell anything of the dispositions made for
this attack.
On the 24th, early in the morning, the signal
ofl&cer on duty on the tower of the cruz, re-
ported the enemy in force moving with infantry,
cavalry, and artillery from the heights of the
Cuesta China towards the Cerro Cimatario,
where the Liberal columns took up a position.
SIEQE OF QUEBETABO.
93
In consequence of this, I received at ten
o'clock a.m., orders from General Mendez to
quit my position on the river and to proceed to
the Alameda, where I found the Tiradores placed
behind the wall enclosing that promenade. Be-
fore this wall, in the middle, was planted a
battery for three guns, and a fourth stood at the
right corner of the Alameda. The Tiradores
did not belong any longer to my brigade.
Colonel Miramon, who did not like to serve
under the command of a foreigner, had managed
by the influence of his brother, to have a brigade
of two battalions made up for him.
I occupied, with my 2nd battalion of line, the
trenches from the comer of the Alameda to
the Casa Blanca, where Mendez placed my
battery, and remained with the rest of my
brigade in the Alameda.
All the batteries of the enemy now opened
fire against the city, and at the same time we
saw from the movements of the enemy on the
hill, that an attack against the right corner of
the Alameda was intended.
A column of about six thousand men, under
General Martinez, supported by the fire of the
batteries, advanced with great resolution. They
were newly arrived troops, and had been assured
that they would have easy work with us.
As they thus advanced they looked very
94
siEQE OF quebi:tabo.
i:,i)tilikiti(iitill«i 1
well. All of them wore white linen trousers and
jackets, with patches of differently-coloured cloth,
to show the regiment to which they belonged.
In action they looked always uncommonly clean,
for it was their habit to wash their clothes
before it. As they had only one suit, you
might see them stalking about in the camp in a
half or entirely Adamite costume, whilst waiting
for their clothes to dry.
At the order of General Miramon I de-
bouched with my brigade from the Alameda,
passed over a small bridge there, and formed
in line to receive the Liberals. We permitted
them to advance until they were a hundred and
fifty paces from us ; but then they received froin
three sides a tremendous shower of canister and
bullets which astonished them so much, that
they very promptly faced about.
At the same moment the regiment of the
Empress, commanded now by Colonel Don Pedro
Gonzales, rushed upon them, made several hun-
dred prisoners, and only retired when the much-
scattered column reached the summit of the
Cerro Cimatario, where it was protected by the
great mass of infantry which had taken up
position there. The brown acre before the
Alameda was densely covered with dead and
wounded, whose white dresses formed a striking
contrast with the dark ground.
SIEOB 01 QUBBBTABO.
95
As dense columns of infantry were seen
moving along ^he Gimatario towards its western
slope, it was supposed that they intended a
renewed attack against the Garita PuebUto and
the Casa Blanca. I therefore received orders
from General Mendez to march with my brigade
to these places, whilst Golonel Miramon re-
mained in his former position behind the walls
of the Alameda.
Without communicating with me, General
Miramon withdrew my second battalion from
the trenches, where I had ordered them, and
relieved them by the Cazadores. I now marched
in a parallel direction with the enemy, and wlien
they made front on the broad road which leads
down from the western slope of the Gimatario,
past the Casa Blanca to the Garita de PuebHto,
I made front also. It was now obvious, that
the enemy intended to attack us here, and
General Mendez gave me orders to defend the
Casa Blanca.
This place consisted of a solid stone bam
I close to the road, and next to the enemy. The
space before it was overgrown with cactus plants.
Forty paces behind that barn was the Gasa
Blanca itself, also built of sohd stone, and close
Ito it, towards the Alameda was a yard, or
|corral, surrounded with a stone wall.
I placed the 2nd and 5th battalions of the line
m
96
SIEOE OF QUBBBTABO.
H-
in and near the bam, and in the Casa Blanca;
whilst the battalion Zamora stood at the garita,
where also my battery was placed, in such a
manner as to rake the above-mentioned road
from the hill. The 14th battalion of the line I
kept in reserve, and General Mendez placed at its
side one hundred and twenty horse under Majorj
Malburg.
After an overture of the artillery by botkl
parties, the columns of the Liberals commencedl
moving at three o'clock p.m. The foremost!
column consisted of four thousand men, andl
that which followed of six thousand.
The white columns came with great courage|
down the broad road, which was not protect
on either side, and permitted our guns from tlie|
Alameda and the garita to pour their shots inti
the dense mass of the enemy, which was donij
with great precision, especially from the garit
where General Arellano was himself present.
The composure and bravery of the enemjl
under this raking fire, were indeed admirable]
but when their column came up to within fon
hundred paces of us, and was overshowered hen
by a hail of canister, they began to waver]
They recovered, however, promptly, and
vanced two hundred paces more, when to tl
fire of our artillery, volley after volley fro^
our infantry was added. They again wavere
8IB0E OF QUERETABO.
97
and we expected to see them turn about. It
was a thrilling moment, and comparing our
small number with their many thousands, some
[doubt about the issue might well be permitted.
The enemy stopped, but their officers jumped
lout in advance of the column ; their brave be-
haviour again encouraged the soldiers ; they
[rushed on in double quick, and succeeded in
reaching the barn before the Casa Blanca.
There stood the 2nd battalion of the line
ider Colonel Madrigal. I rode up to him, and
said, " The Casa Blanca must be held under all
jircumstances, even if we should all bo buried
lere, for with the occupation of this place the
bity would be lost." The brave colonel answered
Confidently, " The enemy must yield, or we will
kll die here.'*
Although I had much confidence in the
|ravery of the gallant colonel, I was still afraid
lat he might have to give up that place, over-
whelmed by superior force. My anxiety in that
^ing moment was so great, that the perspi-
ition rolled down my forehead, and I ordered
b reserve to advance.
The place to which the enemy had advanced
|as not tenable ; they had either to go ahead
to retreat. At that critical moment, on
lich hung the fate of the city. General
rellano jumped from his horse, pointed a gun
If V
■1
TOIi.1.
• 1
98
SI£GE OF QUEBETABO.
himself against the densest crowd of the enemy,
and poured into them a hail of canister, whict
at this short distance did fearful execution. At
the same moment the brave Major Malburg, "with
his detachment of horse, swept round the house |
and attacked the enemy on their left flank.
The effect of the canister, and the sudden
attack of the cavalry, whose number, was pro- 1
bably over-rated, was too much. The Liberals
were seized with a sudden panic and fled. No?
the battalion Madrigal was not to be checked j
any longer. They rushed out from their i
bravely-defended position, and commenced a I
dreadful slaughter with their bayonets and the
stocks of their guns, together with Malburg's
cavalry, until a superior force of Liberal cavalry
appeared for the protection of the defeated |
column.
Major Malburg captured a standard, and he I
and the 2nd battalion made several hundreds
of prisoners. About one thousand five hundred |
dead and wounded covered the battle-field,
which looked as if a large flock of sheep were I
resting on it. Behind the bam lay, in the fore- 1
most line of the dead, ten officers of the enemy,
amongst them the gallant Colonel Mercador,|
who led the van of the attacking column.
Our loss was, comparatively speaking, small,
as the Liberal colunm attacked us with tbei
SIEQE OF QUEBETABO.
99
bayonet, and even the guns, and the higher
standing reserves had to stop their fire when we
came to close quarters. General Miramon was
present during this engagement, and held the
position near the garita.
The enthusiasm of the troops was tremen-
dous when the Emperor appeared on the battle-
ground. He rode up to me and pressed my
hand. He had tears in his eyes, and was so
deeply agitated that he could not speak ; but
he whispered three words which made me
happier than any decoration whatever could
have done — words that will re-echo in my
memory and heart until the end of my life. I
also was so much affected that I could not
utter a single word, but silently kissed that
generous hand which rested in mine. Only he
who has experienced such moments can under-
stand the feehngs produced by them ; they are
not to be described.
Colonel Miramon remained in the Alameda,
and trenches from there to the chapel San Fran-
cisquito. My brigade occupied the line to the
right from the Alameda until beyond the Garita
Pueblito. The other troops remained in their
respective positions.
General Mendez had his headquarters in the
Casa Blanca, and I occupied the same room with
liini. This offered me the best opportunity for
*^t>:.^|
fl
100
SIEGE OF QTJEBETABO.
a nearer acquaintance with this distinguished
chief. He, Castillo, Mejia, Escobar, and Yaldez
belonged to those Mexican generals who were
not jealous about the partiality the Emperor
showed me ; for envy and jealousy are not the
exclusive qualities of the Germans in America,
who are noted for it. "Whilst the other generals j
treated me with a certain reserve, those I have
named, on the contrary, showed me not only|
great cordiality, but also regarded with atten-
tion my suggestions. Mendez entreated me to I
induce the Emperor to leave Queretaro, where
we could only lose life and honour. In all his
conversations he showed a relentless hostility to |
Miramon.
During the night the enemy had removed I
some of his wounded nearest to them. When I
heard next morning the moaning and cries ofl
the woimded in front of our trenches, I went]
out with six men .to take in as many as possible,
and to carry them to our hospitals. "When I
ventured a little too far, I was nearly captured
by ten or twelve horsemen of the enemy, who
chased me. I ran through the prickly cactus,
as I never did in all my life before, and t> lien 11
safely arrived inside the trenches, I hterally brokel
down utterly exhausted. As we were fired at
when we went out again for the same mercifiil|
purpose, we could not but leave the poc
SIEGE OF QUEBETABO.
101
wounded to die a miserable death. Had the
Liberals only evinced the desire to take away
their wounded, we should have assisted them
with all our hearts.
In a day or two the smell from the dead
before us became so intolerable, that I had them
piled up in heaps during the night and burned
by means of wood placed around them. The
enemy, who did not know what we were about,
fired furiously into the burning funeral piles.
In the evening of the 25th March, the
enemy again made one of their usual attacks
against the bridge, and was as usual repulsed.
On that day the Emperor ordered that all the
disposable troops should be employed at the
fortifications. He himself directed the building
of those at the cruz, and exposed himself fre-
quently to the musketry of the enemy. Several
houses on the other side of the river, which
were occupied by the enemy, were destroyed
this day by our artillery.
We were now closely encircled by the lines
of the enemy, who even occupied some parts of
[the city, as will be seen on the plan. The
Liberals also took care to strengthen their for-
tifications, and employed for this purpose about
one thousand Indians, who seemed not to like
theu* work at all, and whom I frequently saw
run away when our gunshots fell amongst them.
102
SIEGE OP QUBEETARO.
They worked, however, mostly during the
night.
The city was everyday bombarded, and our
trenches were closely watched by sharpshooters,
who fired as soon as a head appeared above
them. I beUeve that for this service the one
hundred and fifty Americans, who served in the
army of the enemy under the name of a " Legion
of Honour," and commanded by a Colonel Green,
were employed.
Not only the soldiers, but the citizens also,
had to undergo many dangers, and the ungallant
bullets did not even respect the weaker sex. On j
the 12th a poor woman was killed by a piece
of a shell. Another woman, who carried herj
baby Mexican fashion on her back, received a
bullet through her neck, which killed botli|
mother and child. From the door of my lodg-
ing I saw a woman, who had brought her hus-
band his dinner, killed by a bullet. The first I
thing the unfeeling wretch did was to dive with
his hand into the bosom of his poor wife, not to
feel whether her heart was still beating, but to
secure her money and cigarets, which they
always hide in that part of the dress ; then he
carried the body away without losing time on|
lamentations, and I even believe that he lighted]
first a cigaret.
During the night from the 27th to the 28tli|
l;yi^iv
SIEGE OF QUEEETAEO.
103
of March, skirmishing \vas going on every-
where along the line. Towards morning the
firing ceased, and I had fallen asleep in the
trenches. Suddenly, on being shaken at the
arm by my aide, I awoke, and still rubbing my
eyes, I saw before me the Emperor, with a
smiling face. Oh, he had such a kind, benevo-
lent smile, which warmed every heart. In this
manner, without an aide or orderly, armed only
with his inseparable little glass, he used to visit
the trenches during the night or in daytime.
As he knew the Mexican officers, and that they
not only maltreated their soldiers, but also de-
prived them of part of their pay and allowances,
he was in the habit of asking them whether they
had received their pay and rancho. This care
had a very good effect, and was so new and
j flattering to the soldiers that they loved the
Emperor for it, especially as he shared with
them all dangers and privations. I offered to
accompany His Majesty, but he dechned in a
friendly manner, and continued his dangerous
torn* of inspection alone.
In the afternoon the Emperor came again,
[but on horseback, followed by his suite, and the
[enemy, who must have recognized him, compH-
jmented the party with a number of shells.
He dismounted at the Casa Blanca, and sat
lown in our room with Mendez, smoking a
V- V,
'^^ r
■<i :\
104
SIEGE OF QUEBETABO.
cigar, wWcli the general oflfered him. When he
went away he told me to come every day at two
o'clock p.m. to the cruz to see him, if nothing
particular retained me in the trenches.
The Emperor considered it as a sacred duty
frequently to visit the hospitals, to comfort and
encourage the wounded, and to look that they
were properly taken care of. As he became
aware that the Mexican surgeons were very
negligent, he appointed his physician. Dr. S.
Basch, inspector-general of all hospitals, and
this gentleman fulfilled his duty with as much
skill as zeal.
When General Marquez left Quer^taro he
promised to send news every day, but strange to
say, not one of his messengers had yet arrived ;
however, the Emperor was far from suspect-
ing anything wrong from this circumstance.
On the 30th of March, an order of the Emperor
was read, ordering all officers recommended for
decorations to assemble on the Plaza de la Cruz
at four o'clock p. m. ^11 colonels and subaltern
officers stood there in line, according to their
rank ; and before them, also according to their
rank, stood in another line, the Generals Mira-
mon, Castillo, Mejia, Mendez, Arellano, and
7aldez. By a special order of the Emperor I
had also to take my place in this line.
All the gentlemen in the first line received
SIEQE OF QUERETABO.
105
the bronze medal for valour, whicli the Emperor
himself attached to the breast of every one,
giving him at the same time the Mexican em-
brazo. When my turn came, and I thanked the
Emperor, he said, " Salm, you know how much
I am attached to you, and how much I love you.
I should like to do more for you, but cannot at
the present moment.'* This related, as he told
me afterwards, to his desire of making me
general, which he could not do in his present
critical position, as it would have occasioned
discontent and jealousy amongst the Mexican
oflBcers.
The gold and silver medal for valour was
given only to non-commissioned officers and pri-
vates ; the bronze medal could only be received
by commissioned officers, and the Emperor was
more sparing with this decoration than with
any other. The medal, which is worn on a red
ribbon, shows on one side the head of the
Emperor, and on the reverse a laurel crown,
with the inscription inside, Al merito militar.
When the other officers in the second hne
liad been decorated also, and the Emperor was
going to leave. General Miramon took from
Colonel Pradillo, who carried the decorations, a
bronze medal, and approaching the Emperor,
said, " Your Majesty has decorated your officers
and soldiers as an acknowledgment of their
106
SIEGE OF QUEEETAEO.
iiiii
bravery, faithfulness, and devotion. In the
name of your Majesty's army, I take the liberty
of bestowing this token of valour and honour to
the bravest of all, who was always at our side
in all dangers and hardships, giving us the most
august and brilliant example ; a distinction
which your Majesty deserves before any other
man.
t$
The Emperor was much surprised and
affected by this ingenious and noble act; he
embraced the general, accepted the medal, and
wore it from that time as his first and most
valued decoration; but whilst all others wore
the Emperor's head outside, his medal showed
the inscription.
The same evening the Emperor received the
following document, very handsomely written
on vellum : —
Headquabtebs of Queeetabo,
March 30th, 1867.
" Senor, — The Mexican army, defending the
city of Queretaro, under your immediate com-
mand, and which is represented by the subscribed
generals, request your Majesty to give them a
new token of your generosity, by vouchsafing to
ornament your breast with the medal for mih-
tary merit. Your Majesty rewards, with this
honourable decoration, the prominent merit of
your generals, chiefs, officers, and soldiers, who
SIEGE OF QUEBETABO.
107
in fulfilment of their sacred duties will endea-
vour to imitate the heroic courage and extras
ordinary self-sacrifice with which your Majesty
endures these constant hardships.
** No monarch has ever descended from the
height of his throne under similar* circumstances,
to endure with his soldiers, as wo here see it,
the greatest dangers, privations, and necessities,
which do not find their equal in the world ; with
soldiers to whom your Majesty understood how
to give such striking examples of self-denying
patriotism and endurance in suffering. Both
the nation, whom your Majesty endeavours to
save and to enhance, and impartial history will
once do justice to the monarch of Mexico —
Maximihan I. The army on their part, relying
on the affection of their monarch, bestow upon
him herewith this medal for military merit.
(Signed)
" Gen. of Division and Chief of Infantry,
" MiG. MiRAMON.
" Gen. of Division and Chief of Cavalry,
" Tom Mejia.
'* Brig.-Gen. and Chief of the General Staff,
" Severo del Castillo.
" Brig.-Gen. and Chief of Second Division of
Infantry, "Pedro Valdez.
" Brig.-Gen. and Chief of First Division of
Infentry, "Eamon Mbndez.
i
I ;f
I' a
108 SIEGE OF QUERETABO.
" Brig.-Gen. and Chief of Artillery,
** Manuel Arellano.
"The Graduated Gen. and Chief of Engineers,
"Mas. Reyes."
On the morning of the 31st of March I was
ordered to go to the Emperor. "With him 1
found two deserters — Alsatians, who formerly
served in the Legion Etranger of France. Both
belonged to the Ijiberal artillery, and had arrived
before Quer^taro only the day before, and their
battery was still in the reserve.
The Emperor requested me to examine these
two men, and write down what they said, which
I did in his presence. They said, as most de-
serters did, and of which I was convinced later
by my own observations, that the soldiers of
the Liberals were not only treated by their
officers in a brutal manner, but that they also,
instead of the promised real a-day, received
only a medio perhaps once or twice in a week,
and that all their food consisted of corn, to
make tortillas, and of frigolio (red beans). Be-
fore an engagement they generally received a
real and a glass of liquor each. They also said
that the chiefs were always quarrelling with
each other, which is, however, nothing more
than an old Mexican vice.
One of the Alsatians, whose name was Muth
SIEGE OF QUEBETABO.
109
(courage), was a tall, powerful, and very intelli-
gent man. About the position of the batteries
on the Cerro San Gregorio he could, however,
gi\ e no information ; but wishing to enter our
army and to win our good will, he offered to re-
turn to the Liberal camp and endeavour to find
everything we desired. He promised to return
to Querltaro at twelve o'clock that night. As
he was known to none amongst the troops on
San Gregorio, he might easily loiter there about
under the pretext of collecting wood.
The Emperor seemed to distrust this propo-
sition ; but I represented to him that the worst
which could happen would be, that the man did
not return, for what he could tell the enemy
about our city was very well known to them
outside by their spies in the city.
The Emperor consenting, I gave this man
five piastres, told him that I accepted his pro-
position, but would retain his comrade as a
hostage, and have him shot, if he did not return
until noon next day. The Emperor smilingly
whispered into my ear, " But which we certainly
will not do."
I now led the man myself to our foremost
works, and ordered the astonished soldiers not
to fire on him when he should return from his
mission, either in the day or in the night.
I remained in the cruz, and ordered to re-
no
8IE0E OF QUESBTABO.
port to me at once if anything particular should
happen. At about half-past nine p.m., my Alsa<
tian was brought before mo by a patrol, and
reported as follows : —
He had not been able to run over the whole
San Gregorio, as his loitering about had begun
to excite a dangerous suspicion, but he had seen
on the eastern end of the hill two batteries,
behind sc-lid stone works, protected by infantry
standing on the northern slope of the hill ; and
furthermore, that two mountain guns were
placed in an advanced position close to the
chapel San Trinidad. He offered, if I desired
it, to lead me through the gardens of the suburb
San Luis, to the place before the church San
Sebastian, and thence to the chapel San Tri-
nidad and the San Gregorio.
On this news, the Emperor resolved to
attack this position during the following night,
in order to take at least the two advanced guns.
To this end he sent for Miramon, whilst I re-
turned to the Casa Blanca, taking with me the
courageous Alsatian.
Next morning, at two o'clock, I was awa-
kened, and received from General Miramon the
order to be with the Cazadores, in the Calle
Miraflores, at three o'clock, to report myself to
Valdez, and wait for him.
When I reported myself therefore to Valdez,
SIEOE OF QUEBETABO.
Ill
ho ordered the battalion of the municipal guards
of Mexico, under Colonel Don Joaquin Rodri-
guez, to join mo, as also fifty men of the bat-
talion Celaya, who were quartered in the Meson
Sebastian, and knew well the ground around.
General Miramon came at four o'clock a.m.,
and we then entered a room, where he, by help
of a map of the country, explained his plan,
which was modified according to my sugges-
tions, and then he gave me the following in-
structions : —
He was to command tho sally himself. I
was to go from the open place opposite the
bridge through the gardens behind the houses
to the place before the church San Sebastian,
which was occupied by the Liberals. Without
taking any notice of the proceedings of the
enemy behind me, I was to advance to the
chapel San Trinidad and take it, together with
the two guns there. This done, I was directed
to storm the two batteries on Cerro Sa.: Gre-
gorio, and then sweep its ridge (he spoke
French, and used the expression "halayer").
He promised to follow with a brigade and to
support me, and that another brigade should
chase the enemy from the suburb San Luis.
General Miramon seemed to be very fond of
giving instructions for such nightly adventures.
Some days previously, he had ordered me to be
112
SIEQE OF QUEBETABO.
a
with my Cazadores in the Call© Miraflores at
midnight, for a moonshine recon?iaissance. I
was on the spot, and waited until three o'clock
a.m., and as the moon had set about this
time, I sent to ask what I was to do. He or
his aides had, however, overslept themselves,
which had already occurred before. Miramon's
aides were very severely reprimanded by the
Emperor.
When I passed the bridge, I saw that the
troops for my support were ready behind me.
As we had to pass through houses and gardens,
our servants had orders to lead the horses of I
the field-officers and aides behind the reserve I
brigade until they should be wanted.
Without creating an alarm, we came through I
houses and gardens to the place before the
church San Sebastian, and I formed there as
silently as possible my troops for the attack.
The Cazadores and the fifty men of Celaya were
at the head of the column under Major Pitner, |
and I followed with the municipal guard.
Scarcely had we finished forming before we I
were discovered at last, and received fire from
the church San Sebastian. But as we were not
to take any notice of what might occur behind
us, we commenced running up the hill. The
Liberal company placed near the chapel San
Trinidad fled in dismay, and the two guns
SIEGE OF QUEBETABO.
113
which they were placed there to guard, had not
even time to fire. Major Pitner himself was
at once at one, and Captain Maier, of the first
company, a Tyrolean, at the other. We cap-
tured, with the guns, their ammunition and
horses, and some baggage besides. I sent all
that directly to the rear, and granted my sol-
diers a few minutes' rest, as they were out of
breath from the hard run up hill.
Our attack, so far behind the fi'ont line of
the enemy, came quite unexpectedly upon them,
especially to General Adrillon, commanding
there, and quartered in the chapel, together
with Colonel Villanueva, of Escobedo's staff.
Both these oflBcers were in bed, and had to run
for their lives through the prickly cactus plants,
barefooted and in their shirts.
Whilst I was forming my men for the attack
against the higher batteries, and day dawning,
I saw two Cazadores drag a woman along, who
defended herself vehemently. I made my blade
dance on the backs of these miscreants, and
chased them to their places" in the ranks. The
poor woman was so delighted with her deliver-
ance, that she repeatedly embraced me ; but I
j am sorry to say I do not even know whether
she was old or young, ugly or handsome.
Our servants with our horses had been
able to follow our column, and we were very
VOL. I.
8
114
SIEGE OF QUEBETABO.
glad to lii*ve them. After a short but necessary
delay, we stormed San Gregorio. Major Pit-
ner was in advance, with one company of the
Cazadores, but arriving on tl rest of the hill,
he was checked in his rush uy a greeting of
canister, and the fire of two battalions, placed
there in readiness for our reception. The major
himself escaped with a deep flesh-wound in the
fleshy part of the arm, and the loss of a waist-
coat-button, torn off by a bullet ; but his men
suffered much from this heavy fire. They had
to give way, and, pushed towards the right by
an overwhelming number, they were separated
fi^om me.
Under these circumstances. Major Pitner
thought it best to retreat down the hill, in
which he succeeded, after a great deal of
trouble. The major, a rather stout young man,
regretted very much that his horse had not
come also, for this running up and down the
hill was too much for his fat constitution. He
was utterly exhausted, and would have fallen
into the hands of the enemy, had not his good
luck led to his finding a Liberal mule, which
saved him. Without any other impediment, he
reached, with the rest of his company, the river,
which he forded.
General Miramon, who had promised to fol-
low me, was with his brigade still on the pla^e
SIEGE OF QUEBETARO.
115
before the bridge, and skirmisliing with the
enemy between us. As he did not make a
resolute charge, he of course could not fol-
low me.
Though it was now bright daylight, and the
Liberals perfectly prepared, and though I did
not see the promised reserve behind me, I
determined at least to try to fulfil Miramon's
instruction, to "sweep" San Gregorio.
I therefore made the attempt to carry the
batteries, but the enemy which received us there
was so strong, and his position so advantageous,
and his fire so murderous, that we were swept
down the hill, until the chapel De la Cruz del
Cerro, the position of which, at the outskirts of
the suburb San Luis, I described on another
occasion.
Not seeing anything of our reserve, and
surrounded everywhere by superior masses of
the enemy, to whom the bright day betrayed
our numerical weakness, I thought it best to
think of a retreat before the enemy's disposi-
tions made it impossible.
To this end I marched in a western direc-
tion, to reach the street leading from the height
to the place before the bridge; the same in
which the rifled gun was placed which we took
on the 14th of March. On my way there, I had
to sustain a heavy fire on my left flank from the
'! I
116
SIEGE OP QUERETARO.
■liii
houses at the end of the suburb, and when I
turned in the street, I received the fire in jfront.
It was now certain that I was in a rather
dangerous position, which might become fatal,
and I think my longing for the arrival of the
reserve was very natural. To hasten this, I
sent my aide to Miramon, but he soon returned,
and told me it was beyond possibility to reach
the general, as all the passages were barred.
The enemy followed him on his heels, and I
received fire from all four sides. Under these
circumstances nothing was left me to do but to
enter the street, and to rush through it as fast
as possible.
The first obstacle we met with was a breast-
work. This was taken, and we rushed on.
When we passed a cross street, we received fire
from both sides, and saw before us another
barricade. There was no help ; we received now
fire from all sides, an* I the second breastwork
had to be stormed also, and was stormed. All
these breastworks across streets were con-
structed in a manner so as to leave open a
passage for one man abreast. That at the first
barrier was wide enough to let me pass with my
horse, but, at the second, this was an impos-
sibility, and I had to dismount. The courageous
Alsatian, Muth, and my servant, were always
close by me, and the latter reached past my
SIEGE OF QUEBETAHO.
117
breast to take the bridle of my stallion, when
his arm was struck by a bullet, which otherwise
would have entered my breast. I gave my
horse up as lost, but the brave fellow succeeded
ia saving it, and joined me again at the bridge.
On the open place before it I at last met
Miramon, with the two captured guns. He
smiled at me very graciously, but did not say
one word why he had left me in the lurch.
Under the protection of troops placed along
the opposite bank of the river, and the guns
there, we passed the bridge, pressed hard by
dense masses of the enemy, who tried to enter
with us into the city, but without success. The
fight here lasted until noon; I remained with
my combined brigade, and returned with my
Cazadores to the Casa Blanca only next
morning.
It is true, we had taken two guns, but they
were rather dearly paid for. We could not
think of carrying with us our dead and wounded,
who were barbarously murdered. The Liberals
in a house opposite, which reached to the river,
attached a lasso to the neck of the corpses, and
let them down into the river, singing out to us,
" There are your cabrones." The brave Alsa-
tian, Muth, who had never left mk during the
whole expedition, was made a corporal in the
Cazadores.
118
SIEGE OF CJEBETiSO.
Had Miramon followed with the two other
brigades, as he intended to do, we should have
taken the whole San Gregorio. The Mexicans
cannot resist a vigorous attack ; but that was just
the tlii^ ' which Miramon did not attempt, as he
commanded only Mexicans, and not the Caza-
dores, whose impetuosity and wild cries no
enemy in Moxico could resist.
Th . Tt'Lora.! general whom we had disturbed
in his sluml/e o was removed from his command.
Tt'' colonel of ^'^ '^obedo's staff, whom I saw
later, to id ttc. ihc.i \oi one of my men would
have returned if 1 iiad stopped ten minutes
longer in the street with the two barricades.
ATTEMPTS AT ESCAPE.
On the afternoon of the 3rd of April, I was
called to the Emperor. He had received bad
news, which were doubly disagreeable, as in two
days the time was up when Marquez had pro-
mised to return. Not a single messenger from
him had arrived, and that was the more
astonishing, as Marquez was more than anybody
else in a position to send news, as he could
depend on all priests between Mexico and
Quer^taro. The Emperor began to entertain
suspicions of Marquez, but whenever any words
to that effect escaped him, he checked himself,
and said, " No, no ; it is impossible V*
Our provisions, as well as our ammunition,
now began to run short, and the Emperor could
not but admit that our position grew more and
more embarrassing.
To get news from Marquez seemed to be the
most essential thing, and I was ordered by the
Emperor to consult with General Mendez how
to manage this. To this end we had to buy
spies at high prices, and Mendez found a woman
120
ATTEMPTS AT ESCAPE.
an Indian, and an officer. The latter, if success-
ful, was to be promoted and decorated, the two
others were to receive considerable rewards.
None of them returned, and we never heard
their fate.
During the night from the 4th to the 5tli
April, the enemy again made one of his useless
attacks against the bridge. The Emperor
visited the trenches quite alone, and, in the
afternoon of the 6th, I accompanied him on a
ride along our lines.
The 6th of April was the latest day Marquez
had fixed for his return, and we had had no
tidings of him whatever. In the city, however,
a report was circulated that he had been beaten,
but as this could not be traced to any reliable
source, it was considered to be an invention of
the enemies of our cause in Queretaro.
On the 8th April there was great excitement
on the cruz, for it had been noticed that masses
of the enemy's troops moved over the Cuesta
China and towards Celaya, and it was beheved
that Marquez was approaching; but this was
unfortunately not the case.
Under these circumstances a council of war
was held on the 2nd of April, in which various
propositions were made. One of them was to
break through with the whole army ; but this
was opposed by Mendez, who said, as reliable as
ATTEMPTS AT ESCAPE.
121
his troops were in an action, he could not be
answerable for them in a dangerous retreat.
Then all the generals, with the exception of
Miramon, proposed that the Emperor alone,
with the cavalry, should break through, and go
to the Sierra Gorda.
The Sierra Gorda is a wild mountain about
eight leagues north-west of Queretaro. It is
intersected by passes which are of such a kind
as not to permit any army to enter, if they are
only defended by a few men. Several Liberal
armies, who ventured to enter the Sierra Gorda,
had been annihilated there in previous years.
This wild country was the cradle of General
Mejia ; here he was an absolute king, and more
popular than any other ; every Indian child
knew Pap Tomasito, and at his first call every
man stood to arms.
In this district the Emperor had still a
general (Olvera), with one thousand or one
thousand two hundred men, and there he would
have been able to remain for months, to wait
either for better fortune or to make prepara-
tions for reaching the coast : but the Emperor
declared it "to be against his honour to leave
the army, and that he would rather die than do
so." Miramon said that the city could ^till be
held for a long time, and that we could wait for
Marquez ; and the Emperor was of his opinion,
122
ATTEMPTS AT ESCAPE.
II •I"-
li ' ::
•1 1
for Marquez must return ; and as lie might
come at any moment, the Emperor resolved to
make, as soon as possible, an attack against
the Garita de Mexico, and to take and occupy
it, in order that we might be able to support
Marquez at once, if he should come over tlie
Cuesta China.
At the same time measures were taken to
provide ammunition and provisions, which was
done with tolerable success, as General Castillo
found out some concealed magazines, and
General Arellano manufactured ammunition
with great ingenuity and skill. All the brim-
stone and saltpetre in the city was confiscated,
even that at the chemists' shops. The leaden
roof of the theatre and the bells of the churches
were transformed respectively into buUets and
cannon-balls. Caps were manufactured froin
stiff paper in a very neat manner, and they
answered perfectly well as the weather was|
always dry.
The quarrels between the Generals Miramonl
and Mendez were another source of appre-l
hension. Mendez asserted that Miramon didl
not mean well by the Emperor, and worked!
only for his own ambitious purposes He drewj
my attention to the fact that Miramon
recently removed several ofl&cers who were en
tirely devoted to the Emperor, and replac
ATTEMPTS AT ESCAPE.
123
B might
olved to
against
I occupy
support
over the
taken to
rhicli was
I Castillo
aes, and
imunition
the brim-
)nfiscated,
he leaden
I churches 1
lUets and I
ired from
and they
,ther was
Miramon
)f appre-l
famon
workedl
He dref|
imon
■were en
replac
them by persons belonging to his own
party.
"When, on the 10th, I was on my way
to pay a visit to the Emperor, General Mendez
asked me suddenly, ** Do you really mean
honestly by the Emperor ?"
" What a question 1" I replied. " Of course
I do."
" Well," he continued, " then tell him from
me to try to get as fast as possible out of this
mousetrap, and to beware of Miramon. I am
an Indian, and the Emperor knows the faithfiil-
j ness and the devotion of the Indians for him,
I If he orders, I will arrest Miramon. Mejia and
myself will bring the Emperor in safety to the
Sierra Gorda, where he will have his free wiD,
and may do as he pleases. Should he not
{follow this advice, he may depend upon it that
re shall aU be shot."
When I saw the Emperor, I repeated to him
literally everything Mendez had told me, but
16 only replied, " The little stout one takes too
gloomy a view of our matters, although I believe
le means well."
Not to be obliged to pronounce names in
)nversation with me, which might be over-
heard, the Emperor was in the habit of substi-
iting certain sobriquets, of which the meaning
only known to us. Mendez was called the
124
ATTEMPTS AT ESCAPU.
little stout one; Miramon, the young general;
Mejia, the little hlach one ; and Castillo, the honest
one, etc.
The Emperor told me that he would send
for Miramon, to arrange with him an attack
against the garita ; but I had not an idea that,
on the urgent advice of Miramon, it was to
take place on the following morning. But when
I received during the evening an autograpli
note from Miramon, containing the order to be
with the Cazadores at the cruz at three o'clock
a.m. next morning, I at once knew for what
purpose this order had been sent me. I
directed the Cazadores to be at once relieved
from the trenches by two companies of the 2nd
of the line, and gave orders for them to be
ready next morning at half-past two.
When I communicated my order to Mendez, I
he smiled in a peculiar manner, and said, **"Why
always you and the Cazadores ?'* I could not
help wondering also, and having a suspicion
that Miramon might perhaps be glad to get
rid of me, as he knew my devotion to the I
Emperor.
Shortly afterwards came Major Pitner, and I
told me that the Cazadores were very mucli
dissatisfied. They said that they had always
done their duty, and did it still with pleasure;
but could not think it quite fair that they werel
ATTEMPTS AT ESCAPE.
125
always to be used as " food for guns." I an-
swered the major that I could not make such
remonstrances to the Emperor just before an
en^ nent, but that I would do so later if the
Cazadores would do their duty as usual.
On the 11th of April, at three o'clock a.m.,
I was with the Cazadores in the cruz, where I
reported myself to General Castillo. Imme-
diately after me the Emperor entered, and
Miramon came a little later. Miramon, Castillo,
and myself were seated at a table before a map,
whilst the Emperor walked up and down,
smoV ^ a cigar. Miramon took the word, and
said me, "You will attack the Garita He
Mexico, take, and hold it. I will give you one
of the best battalions, the 1st of the line, com-
manded by the gallant Colonel Cevallos. With
j the Cazadores as an advanced guard, you will
leave the cruz through the embrasure of the
battery on its left flank, and take the road
leading underneath the aqueduct to the garita.
Near that road, on this side of the aqueduct,
stands a house occupied by the enemy which
you will take. Then you will march against
the Garita de Mexico, and take it by storm. As
far as I know, you will find there four guns
|and three battalions of the enemy. Your right
lank will be protected by the regiment Em-
press under Colonel Gonzales, and the hussars
nr-
]i"1
126
ATTEMPTS AT ESCAPE.
under Captain Pawlowski, who will march on
the road leading directly to the garita."
A look on the map will show every one,
even one who does not understand much about
military matters, thao these dispositions were
very faulty. I therefore took the liberty of re-
marking to General Miramon, that on attack
against four guns and three battahons in a
strong position, by two, would be rather a diffi.
cult task, and proposed that I should be allowed
to advance on the road designated for the
cavalry. Infantry forces might cover my left
flank by marching on the road there, and the
cavalry protect my right, moving on another
road which leads to the garita past the Chapel
San Francisquito.
General Miramon, however, said that he had
no other infantry at his disposal, and that I
mivSt follow the instructions given. General
Castillo is still alive, and will remember this
conversation. Miramon told me to wait until
he would give me the word to advance. I
placed my troops behind the battery, in the
north-east corner of the Plaza de la Cruz, which
was occupied only by one thirty-six pounder.
After a rather long delay, Miramon came, and
we had to go in single file through the em-
brasure of the gun. "When I, sword in hand,
came to it, I saw the Emperor standing there
ATTEMPTS AT E80AFB.
127
with his elbow leaning on the breastwork.
" Salm," he said, " I wish you good luck with
all my heart ; may God protect you !"
The accent in which he uttered these words
will never be forgotten by me. It warmed my
heart, and I felt elevated at the idea that my so
highly-venerated Emperor took an interest in
my person, and was anxious for my life.
When I formed my troops for the attack at
theother sideof the battery, "Diana" was already
sounded in the camp of the enemy, and it was
too late' to surprise them. I do not know why
Miramon kept me waiting so long. Sending a
company of the Ca-zadores in advance, I followed
with Colonel Cevallos and Major Pitner, with
the rest of the Cazadores, whilst the first
battalion of the line brought up the rear.
When we came to the house mentioned in
my instructions, we of course received fire from
it ; but the first company took it after a trifling
resistance. To my right was the aqueduct
which conveys the water from the eastern slope
cf the Cuesta China to the cruz, but which had
been pa* tly destroyed by the enemy in the early
days of their arrival. This aqueduct is a mag-
nificent monument of the time of the conquest.
It is about one thousand five hundred metres
long, and its fine pointed arches reach in
many places a height of one hundred and fifty
'm
! v.';-;
128
ATTEMPTS AT ESCAPE.
^-'^Hl
l^Hupy
1
J
m
(■■■
feet. Passing under this aqueduct, on the road
leading to the garita, we were fired upon from
the left hand side, where we saw a very strong
loopholed stone wall, belonging to a hacienda,
opposite the garita building on the other side of
the road. As we had no means of getting over
the wall, a most singular kind of fight ensued
through the loopholes, which were of the same
height from the ground on both sides of the
wall. One of the Cazadores lost his gun when
he thrust it through a loophole, and our men
captured two guns of the enemy in the same
manner.
Upon this occasion my Alsatian distin-
guished himself greatly, and did honour to
his name, "Muth** (courage). He poked his
bayonet into all the loopholes, and animated by
his example, my men fired through the loop-
holes on the defenders in the interior of the
corral.
While occupied in this manner we suddenly
received a very heavy fire from the azoteaof
the garita and the other buildings. The Caza-
dores, who saw nothing but stone walls before
them, and who were not in their usual high
spirits, pressed themselves close against the
wall, and Major Pitner in vain tried his elo-
quence to bring them from the spot. I there- 1
fore requested Colonel Cevallos to advance with I
ATTEMPTS AT ESCAPE.
129
his first company to my right, and seeing that
it was done, the Cazadores followed abreast
with them. The fire by which they were re-
ceived was, however, so severe, that they soon
came to a halt. Under these circumstances
Colonel Cevallos, Major Pitner, and myself
jumped before the line to encourage our men,
but we were followed only by the Lieutenants
La Roche and Alphons Marie of the Cazadores,
my aide and shadow, Montecon, Sergeant Count
nenry Pototski, Muth, my servant, and about
eight or ten men, partly Cazadores, partly from
the 1st battaUon of the line.
Our little party advanced until we came to a
turret at the corner of the hacienda building,
which was connected with the loopholed wall.
Here Major Pitner fell right before my feet,
his blood bespattering my boots ; he was shot
in his head, but though stunned for a time, he
was not fatally wounded.
Whilst the major was carried back by two
Cazadores, and I was consulting with Cevallos
what was best to be done, one of the enemy
stuck his gun through a loophole behind me
and aimed at my head, which was only a few
inches from the muzzle. Lieutenant Alphons
Marie noticed it, and had the presence of mind
to collar me at once and throw me down, just
at the moment when the shot went off. He
VOL. I.
9
130
ATTEMPTS AT ESCAPE.
certainly saved my life, and was decorated for
it by the Emperor on the same day.
As our troops would not advance against so
superior a force of the enemy protected by stone
walls, which they could not storm. Colonel
Cevallos and I resolved, though with a very
heavy heart, to retreat, which was done in the
most perfect order, under the galling fire of the
enemy. During this retreat. Lieutenant La
Roche and Count Pototski were severely
wounded. A company of the Cazadores, under
Captain Avisar, who was killed a few days later,
formed our rear-guard. We took all our
wounded with us, but left our dead.
When I returned to the cruz I met the
Emperor, to whom I expressed my regret that |
our attack had not been attended by success.!
He answered kindly, " I am glad that you re-
turned at least ; I did not beheve in a success |
from the beginning." He told me later that
had been very anxious about me, and when the!
major was brought in wounded, he at first be-|
lieved it was me. *
The Emperor took me with him to his rooml
and permitted me to express myself without re-j
straint about Miramon. I explained to him th
faults of the instruction given by him, and toli
the Emperor how he had left me in the lurch iij
my attack on San Gregorio on April 1st.
m
ATTEMPTS AT ESCAPE.
131
The Emperor answered, " Well we must
temporize now. When I am out of this mouse-
trap I will alter everything and make it good.*'
He invited me to dinner, which was also
attended by Lopez.
At five o'clock p.m. I accompanied the Em-
peror on a visit to the hospitals. We went to
the bed of young Count Pototski, whose right
leg had been taken off by Dr. Basch. The
count, who was an extremely handsome young
man of nineteen, had taken part in the last
I Polish insurrection, under Langiewitz, had fled
from his country, and entered the Cazadores as
private, under an assumed name, which was
lonly discovered at a later period. When the
Emperor expressed his regret at his being so
)adly wounded, a smile of satisfaction lighted
ap the face of the poor young man, who was
^ery much prostrated by the amputation. The
Smperor made him lieutenant, and gave him
le cross of the Guadelup, which was only worn
|y officers. The wounded man first kissed the
md of the Emperor and then the cross. Not-
Kthstanding the utmost care the young count
[ed a few days afterwards, pressing with his
fing hand the precious cross against his heart.
During the night from the 11th to the 12th
April, the Emperor again visited the hues,
Icompanied only by Colonel Lopez. The
132
ATTEMPTS AT ESCAPE.
enemy must have had received fresh ammuni.
tion, for they bombarded the cruz with unusual
energy next morning, and skirmishes took place
along the whole line all day. Provisions now
began to get scarce in the city. The poor in-
habitants lived almost exclusively on maize, but
the troops still regularly received, besides maize
and horse or mule meat, cofifee, and now and
then some liquor. The horses of the cavalry
and the mules of the artillery only got half
their usual allowances, except the regiment
Empress, the hussars, who were considered as
a kind of life-guard, and quartered in the Meson
de la Cruz close by, and the Mexican body-
guard, consisting of the most daring men who
had been picked out from amongst all the
Mexican cavalry, and commanded by Colonel
Campos, a Vidaurri man.
When Campos and I were breakfasting with
the Emperor, the servant brought in only half
a roast chicken, a small piece of bread, and some
dulces, which, with the bread, had been pre-
sented to him by the good nuns of San
Teresita. The Emperor sent for more, but
when he was told that there was no more, he
said smilingly, " AYell, gentlemen, this breakfast
shall count for nothing ; come to dinner." We
accordingly went, and had splendid roast mule,
which had lain in vinegar.
1 1
ATTEMPTS AT ESCAPE.
133
This scarcity of provisions was not the only-
cause for uneasiness ; a greater cause still were
the quarrels between General Miramon and
Mendez. Each of them insisted that the Em-
peror should arrest the other, and I was afraid
that the Emperor would be prejudiced against
Mendez, who seemed to me far more important
than Miramon. He had brought the Emperor
his best troops, whilst Miramon brought nothing
but his person, after having lost his army by
his own indiscretion. It is perfectly , true
Mendez was very devoted to the Emperor, and
would have given his life for him, but I was
afraid that he, in a sudden fit of anger (to which
Indians are subjected now and then), would leave
us with his troops, who worshipped him.
The Emperor went to visit him on the 13th,
in the afternoon. When he came before the
Casa Blanca, and was just lifting his leg over
the saddle to dismount, and we had gone out
to receive him, a shell burst right over his head.
He and all of us could not help saluting the
noisy guest with a slight nod, which caused
much laughter. This time the soldiers' wives
were disappointed, as the shell burst, for when-
ever a shell reached us they ran to secure it, in
hope that it might not burst, as was frequently
the case, in order to bring it to the cruz and
get the stipulated price for it.
134
ATTEMPTS AT ESCAPE.
On the 15th the Emperor was closeted all
the morning with General Castillo. The result
of their consultation was the resolution to send
General Mejia with a detachment of cavalry m
search of Marquez ; but as Mejia was sick in
bed and utterly unable to mount a horse, the
Emperor resolved to send me. Miramon had to
be consulted of course, and he proposed for this
expedition General Don Pantaleon Moret, who
was his personal friend. General Moret was an
agreeable, handsome, fair- haired young gentle-
man, but nothing of a soldier. The Emperor
did not like this substitution at all, but would
not contradict Miramon, and after much talking
over the matter it was resolved that both of us
should go. However, a new difficulty now arose.
AVho was to take the command ? I was a full
colonel in the regular army ; Moret was only
lieutenant-colonel and titular general. The
whole business was very annoying to the
Emperor, but I assured him that I considered
only the importance of the mission, and should
be satisfied with any arrangement. The result
was the decision that we should be co-ordinate,
and " go hand in hand" as the Emperor ex-
pressed himself. Moret was simply instructed
to find General Marquez in Mexico, or where-
ever he might happen to be, and to return with
him and his troops to Queretaro ; but probably
ATTEMPTS AT ESCAPE.
135
he received secret instructions from Miramon.
I was oflRcially charged with the same task, but
received besides the following secret instructions,
which the Emperor dictated to Dr. Basch : — .
1. Three points for the diplomatic corps —
a. Invitation to some of the gentlemen
to accompany Marquez.
h. To induce the Juarists to proceed in
a humane manner.
c. To make known that the Emperor
would not give in voluntarily, if he
could not render his commission
* into the hands of a legal Congress.
2. Letter to Minister Murphy .... *
3. To communicate only to Marquez and
Vidaurri the true state of things, and that we
were compelled to eat horseflesh for the last six
days.
4. To give the public good news.
5. Order to General Marquez to place his
whole cavalry at the disposal of the Prince.
6. Prince Salm must demand from General
Marquez a decisive answer within twenty-four
hours. If he should not obtain it, the prince is to
leave loith the whole cavalry after twenty-four
hours.
* These dots here and elsewhere stand in lieu of orders,
which I cannot publish without endangering some persons still
living.
136
ATTEMPTS AT ESCAPE.
7. If Prince Salm goes off with the cavalry,
he must bring with him at least two hundred
thousand pesos and the private money of the
Emperor.
8. To send couriers with as much news
as possible, and pay one thousand pesos to
each.
9. Prince Salm is to spread the intelligenro
in Mexico that all the generals had desired the
Emperor to leave Quer^taro with the whole of
the cavalry.
10. Prince Salm will influence the Mexican
and foreign press. Prince Salm will bring
with him all the members of the Boletin de
Noticias ....
11. Mexico is to be given up altogether, if
there are troops enough to relieve Queretaro,
but not enough to leave a garrison in Mexico.
12. Papers, both Mexican and foreign, the
former from the 20th of February, and slips of
the latter to commence on 1st of January.
13. Prince Salm will bring with him all ready
civil and military medals, the Guadelup medals,
a few decorations, and ribbon for orders and
medals.
14. Prince Salm to arrange with Pater
Fischer or Vidaurri secret fimds for the payment
of secret messengers.
15. Prince Salm to bring with him some
ATTEMPTS AT ESCAPE.
137
good historical or other books according to the
selection of Baron Magnus.
16. Prince Salm will bring especially a
copy of the pamphlet of Counsellor of State
Martinez, and one of the volumes containing the
speeches and writings of the Emperor, printed
at the office of the secretary.
17. Prince Salm will not forget to ask
General Marquez what news he has from
General Negreto.
18. Prince Salm to transmit either to
Marquez or Vidaurri confidential letters with
instructions relating to General O'Horan.
19. Prince Salm is authorized to enter into
negociations with persons of the opposite
party ....
20. Prince Salm will inform himself about
the yacht.
Amongst the papers which were taken from
me later, and which I therefore cannot give
verbally, were the following : —
1. Authorization to arrest Marquez if I
should find that the reports about his treason
had any foundation.
2. Authorization to arrest General Don
Pantaleon Moret, if I should think it con-
venient.
3. Letter to Colonel Count Khevenhiiller in
which the same is directed to follow, with his
138
ATTEMPTS AT ESCAPE.
European troops, my instructions, just as if
coming from the Emperor himself, without
taking notice of any other orders from any
one else.
4. Order to General Olvera in the Sierra
Gorda to give me all his cavahy.
In a word I was charged to return with the
troops, with or without Marquez, and to relieve
Quer^taro.
The four letters to General Marquez were
the following : —
QuERBTABO, AprU l%th, 1867.
" The Emperor to General Marquez,
"My Dear General Marquez, — The Prince
Salm-Salm is going to the capital to consult
with you and other persons about objects of the
utmost importance. We therefore recommend
you to consider everything he will communicate
to you as a transmission of my demands, which
you will execute in the manner he will tell yoi
and at the same time to take care that the sami
be done by other persons to whom the prince
might address himself.
" Your affectionate,
ft
" (SifTied) Maximiliano.**
ATTEMPTS AT ESCAPE.
189
QnisBTAKO, Headquabtebs ts the Cbvz,
AprUmh, 1867.
" The Emperor to General Marquez.
** We have given to Prince Salm the strictest
instructions that if you, for reasons unknown
here, should not be inclined to declare within
twenty-four hours, whether you can march on
Quer^taro with sufficient troops to relieve the
city, he is to return here after twenty-four hours ;
and in this case it is our firm will, and we give
the express orders for it, that all regular and
hregular cavalry in Mexico and in its suburbs,
or on the road between Mexico and Queretaro,
shall be placed at the exclusive disposal of Prince
Salrrbf who, accompanied by all these troops and
General Moret, will directly return here, and as
fast as possible.
" Yours, etc.,
" (Signed) Maximiluno."
QUERETABO, HeABQUABTEBS IN THE GbUZ»
Ap-il 16th, 1867.
" te Emperor to General Marquez,
'* My dear General Marquez, — In case that
rince Salm is to return alone with the cavalry,,
you wiU deliver > him two hundred thousand
pesos in order t he may transmit them to ua.
' Yours, etc.,
* (Signed) Maximuiano."
140
ATTEMPTS AT ESCAPE.
((
((
Q,UTiVXTJLRo,AprU 17tht 1867.
The Emperor to General Marquez.
To General Marquez, — In case that Prince
Salm on his return here should not desire to take
General Moret bach with him, you will give the
latter, on our order, a temporary employment in
Mexico.
"Yours, etc.,
" (Signed) Maximiluno."
The 16th and 17th of April passed with the
writing of these important authorizations, and
with other preparations. The hussars had been
increased by volunteers from fifty to one hun-
dred men, and the Espladores de Valley de
Mexico, under Captain Don Antonio Gonzales,
were to go with me. In order to have my
brave Alsatian, Muth, with me, I had him trans-
ferred to the hussars. Beside my shadow
Lieutenant Montecon, brave Major Malbarg,
and Lieutenant Bieleck, were to accompany me
as aides, and also a German merchant, Mr.
Schwesinger, an Imperiahst, who desired to
leave Queretaro. and who had rendered until
then very acceptable voluntary services in the
hospitals. I had orders to be at the Oerro de
la Campana at midnight, and if everything went
right we might expect to reach the Sierra
Gorda early in the morning. It was bright
ATTEMPTS AT ESCAPE.
141
moonliglit at that time, which was not favour-
able at all to a secret expedition, yet without it
it would have been impossible to find our way
over the works of the enemy, which enclosed us.
I took my leave of the Emperor at nine
o'clock. Ke gave me his hand, and said,
"Salm, I confide to you much, but I feel perfectly
happy in the conviction that I have- placed my
confidence in good hands.'* I felt very sad at
leaving the Emperor, surrounded as he was with
all kind of dangers ; but the commission he gave
me promised salvation, and I could not but do
my best to respond to his wishes.
After taking supper at a French coffee-
house, with the officers of my staff, I went at
half-past eleven to the Cerro de la Campana,
where I already found the regiment Empress
and the 4th of cavalry, under Colonel de la
Cruz, who were to assist in our undertaking.
In a tent standing there I found Miramon in
company with General Moret, Colonel de la
Cruz, and Colonel Don Pedro Gonzales. The
regiment Empress was to follow me, and the
4th to cover my left flank. At the same time
infantry was to advance to our right and left on
the roads running there.
After an embrazo Miramon left with the
colonels, and I remained with Moret, to whom
the Emperor had inculcated in the afternoon
i'. ■
142
ATTEMPTS AT ESCAPE.
I
■:lsi
that lie must go hand in hand with me. When
arranging our march, I expressed the desire to
march with my troops in the advanced guard,
but Moret requested me to leave it to his Mexi-
cans, who had been for the greater part guerillas,
and who were acquainted with every inch of the
ground. As his reasons were plausible, I agreed
to follow him with my hussars.
As soon as we should have passed the river
we were to put the spurs to our horses, and ride
on without taking any notice what occurred be-
hind us. Should we be separated, by some acci-
dent, we were to meet at a certain road behind
the village Santa Rosa, at the foot of the Sierra
Gorda. From here we should endeavour to find
General Olvera, and act in concert with him.
The moon shone brightly as we started.
Turning round the Cerro de la Campana, we
came to the river. It was rather deep, and its
banks were steep. We had to pass one by one,
and much time was thus lost. During our cross-
ing we noticed in the camp of the enemy signal
rockets, which indicated the direction of our
march, and arriving at the opposite bank, we
heard to our left and right firing of infantry,
which astonished us the more, as the enemy
generally guarded this plain with cavalry only.
It had the appearance as if the enemy had in-
formation of our plan, and I believe now what
t^l, J
ATTEMPTS AT ESCAPE.
143
e river
nd ride
red be-
16 acci-
bebind
B Sierra
to find
bim.
started,
a, we
and its
ly one,
cross-
signal
of our
tnk, we
fantry,
enemy
I did not then believe, tbat we were betrayed by
Lopez, to wbom the Emperor confided things
which he ought not have communicated to any
others but the persons to whom it concerned.
Instead of advancing at a gallop, we went
on slowly, and kept on going thus for about ten
minutes, when we received fire in front and fi^om
both flanks, on which occasion I got a grazing
shot in my leg, and my horse one at its croup.
Instead of dashing onwards we came to a dead
stop, and I sent Major Malburg to inquire what
was the matter. It was long before he returned,
and when he came he told me that dense columns
of infantry were immediately before us. I sent
him again to Moret with an urgent request to
advance by all means, and not to care how many
might fall, but Malburg returned again with the
request of the general to come to his side.
I found him before a water ditch, but which
was no serious impediment, as the sixty men of
the advanced guard had passed it. On my
asking'why he had not followed them, the general
said that masses of infantry had come between
him and his advanced guard, and prevented it.
I saw indeed at a distance of about eighty paces
mfantry before us, who fired into us. Moret
asked what we should do under these circum-
stances, and whether it would not be better to
postpone the undertaking.
144
ATTEMPTS AT ESCAPE.
I saw that it was now an absolute impossi-
bility to ride through the masses of infantry
before us, and regretted very much that I had
not remained at the side of the general all the
time ; for some forty of the sixty men of the
advanced guard reached the Sierra Gorda, as I
w as informed afterwards ! Underthese circum-
stances nothing was left but to think of retreat-
ing, for the fire in front and on both our flanks
had become still more intense, and at the same
time we were fired on by two batteries to our
right, which had not been there in the after-
noon.
Never in all my life was I so furious and
mortified as on this retreat, which was owing to
the want of decision of General Moret, and still
more to the folly of General Miramon, to en-
cumber me with this man, whose unfitness for
such an expedition was very well known to him.
General Escobar told me at a later period that
before my arrival in the tent, Miramon had re-
primanded Moret rather sharply about several
previous blunders, exhcHed him to behave pro-
perly on this occasion, wiiich he gave him, to re-
establish his military character. The careless-
ness of Miramon was unpardonable ; for though
I do not think very much of him, I cannot dis-
cover any other reason for his desire to prevent
our success.
ATTEMPTS AT ESCAPE.
145
ia, as I
circum-
retreat-
ir flanks
he same
J to our
le after-
ious and
.owing to
and still
1, to en-
Ltness for
to him.
|riod that
had re-
[t several
ave pro-
|m, to re-
careless-
ir though
inot dis-
prevent
I cannot describe the feelings with which I
went to the Emperor next morning. When 1
entered he called out, " I know the whole
affair already ! " I tried now to induce the
Emperor to let me repeat the attempt on
another evening, and assured him that I would
not return a second time. He liked the
proposition.
On April 19th fifteen officers wrote a letter
to General Mejia, in which they gave it as their
opinion that there remained nothing to be done
but to surrender, and which they most earnestly
advised should be done. At the head of these
faint-hearted officers stood General Ramirez,
Colonel Rubio, and Major Adami. These three
were put under arrest the same day, and re-
mained so during the whole siege.
The Emperor bpcame more and more aware
of the difficulty of his position, and expressed
the desire to have me always with him. He
would not let me go to Mexico now, and I re-
ceived his order to remain thenceforward per-
manently at head-quarters. He still believed
that Marquez was on his way back to Queretaro,
and Miramon declared, with the greatest assu-
rance, that Queretaro could be held still for
months. Therefore, instead of sending me my-
self, he gave me orders to find a person who
would undertake to make inquiries for Marquez.
TOL.I.
10
I.
^' t
146
ATTEMPTS AT ESCAPE.
To leave the city was not impossible to a brave
and discreet man, as was proved by the example
of our advanced guard.
For this adventure I knew no man better fit-
ted than my brave Alsatian, Muth, and I made
him the proposition. I promised him two
thousand pesos if he would transmit a slip of
paper, hidden in the soles of his shoes, to
General Marquez, and bring an answer, or at
least, reliable news about him. I gave him
twenty-five pesos for pocket money, and he
went on his perilous expedition during the night
of the 20th and the 21st.
Amongst the foreigners in Queretaro,
brought there by the chances of war, was a Mr.
"VVells, a North American. On the road, with a
train of waggons and mules, he had the mis-
fortune to meet Mejia, who thought it conve-
nient to take him and his whole concern with
him to Queretaro. Mr. Wells was a very clever
and agreeable gentleman. Instead of losing
his time and temper, and bewailing his fate, he,
with true American versatility, accommodated
himself to circumstances. To make himself
useful, he attached himself to a hospital, and
rendered very good services there, and with
such a good heart and will that the Emperor
thought it proper to acknowledge them by
giving Mr. Wells the decoration of the Guadelup
ATTEMPTS AT ESCAPE.
147
berfit-
[ made
n two
slip of
oes, to
r, or at
leretaro,
las a Mr.
,, with a
\\e mis-
It conve-
|ern witli
•y clever
if losing
fate, te,
odated
himself
lital, and
id "witli
Imperor
.em hy
uadelup
order. He was extremely pleased, republican
as lie was, and wore the decoration during the
whole of the siege.
On April 21st I was appointed first aide-de-
camp of the Emperor, in the place of Colonel
Osmachea, who was transferred to the cavalry, I
do not know why. He was extremely devoted,
and during the whole fight of the 14th ult. he
was on his knees, praying for victory.
On the other side of the river we saw to-day,
hanging on a tree, a man, who had attached to
liis breast a sheet of paper, on which was painted
a large B 5, to show that the man who had been
hanged was the fifth of our spies which had been
captured.
In the course of the night from 21st to 22nd
of April, I was awakened by Severo, the Empe-
ror's Mexican body-servant, and ordered to go
to his master. I found him already half dressed.
He told me that some person whom he did not
name had just informed him that Miramon inten-
ded to arrest him this very night. " Though I do
not believe this for a single moment," said the
Emperor, " I think it convenient to take mea-
sures against any emergencies.'*
As the Emperor did not name the person
I who brought him this information, I did not
hke to ask his name; but I suppose it was
Mendez.
■-Tatv.! .
Ki ■'•
148
ATTEMPTS AT ESCAPE.
I ordered the hussars to be ready, and
watched myself the whole night, which passed,
however, without any incident.
In the morning of the 22nd of April the
Emperor sent for Miramon, with whom he had
a conversation which lasted two hours. I do
not know its object; but when I made my
morning report, the Emperor said, " I believe,
Salm, the young general is faithful after all."
In the afternoon a man, who was a relative of a
priest in the city, and lived then in the hacienda
de Jacal, the head-quarters of the Liberal Gene-
ral Corona, who held the lines opposite those
occupied by Mendez, came to the head-quarters.
He had overheard a conversation between several
generals.
"The generals,'* he said, "rejoiced very
much about ^he defeat of General Marquez
between Puebla and Mexico."
" That's not true," said the Emperor, in-
terrupting him; "for Marquez has nothing to
do between Puebla and Mexico.
The man also stated the generals had dis-
cussed the question what would be best to be
done with "Maximiliano," and whether he should
be made prisoner. All agreed that he ought to
be shot ; but some of them expressed the fear I
that the government would pardon and send|
him to the coast.
ATTEMPTS AT ESCAPE.
149
', and
)assed,
iril the
he had
. I do
ide my
believe,
;er all."
bive of a
lacienda
al Gene-
te those
quarters,
n several
ed very
Marquez
)eror, in-
•tiling to
had dis-
Ist to be
le should '
[ought to
the fear'
Ind send]
"Against that," said Corona, "is still a
remedy. He may be shot by his escort, like
President Commonfort."
On the 23rd I dined with the Emperor, but
our fare was so extremely bad that he could not
help laughing about it. I told him that I dined
much better the day before with Dr. Basch,
whose dinner was cooked by his Hungarian
servant.
"That bad fellow!" said the Emperor,
jokingly; "I sha?i take that precious servant
from him." The thing was arranged, and our
dinners afterwards became better.
In those days I dined now and then at the
Hotel de Diligencias, where we, for a piastre, got
some roast horse or mule, beans, and tortillas.
I generally carried with me a little piece of
bread, which was tno small to bfe divided, and
for which I was very much envied. The Em-
peror received every morning some bread from
the good nuns of Santa Teresita, and Dr.
Basch, Pradillo, Blasio, and I received each
a piece.
General Arellano had been busy for two
days past with building two batteries in the
projecting angles near the pantheon: one di-
rected against the Garita de Mexico, the other
against a battery which the enemy had erected
on the road close to the aqueduct a few days
w
160
ATTEMPTS AT ESCAPE.
ago, in order to attack the cniz also from the
east side.
My position did not permit me now to visit
much in the city ; but, at the desire of the Empe-
ror, I frequently saw General Mendez, who was
in a vei y bad humour, and whom I tried to cheer
up. I was more frequently in the company of
General Castillo, Colonel Don Manuel Guzman,
of his staff, Pradillo, and Father Aguerre.
Sometimes we had a rubber of whist with Dr.
Basch and the Majors Pitner and Malburg.
From six to half-past seven o'clock p.m., the
Emperor promenaded regularly on the Plaza de
la Cruz, and the enemy must have known it;
for at that time the Plaza was always shelled,
which, however, did not disturb the Emperor in
the least. He was much more disturbed by
begging women, especially soldiers* wives, who
would not be refused, and whoever was in
company with the Emperor had to empty his
pockets. During one of these promenades I
spent in this manner twenty-five dollars.
On the 24th of April, at seven o'clock a.in.,
General Arellano tried his new batteries against
the Garita de Mexico, and evidently with good
success, as the enemy's fire was silenced now
and then.
The Emperor went into the cupola of the
cruz, to observe the effect of our fire. Witb
ATTEMPTS AT ESCAPE.
151
him, in tlie confined little room, were Mejia, who
was out again for the first timo, Miramon, Arel-
lano, Reyes, Moret, Lopez, Pradillo, and I, with
my shadow Montecon, the adjutant of Lopez, and
a Frenchman, Captain Kuries. The windows
of this small room were half closed by adobes.
A twelve-pounder ball entered one of these
windows, and struck against the opposite wall,
covering us all with dust and lime ; but nobody
was hurt ! The ball remained harmless on the
ground, and the Emperor said he would send it
to Miramar as a keepsake, and have inscribed
on it the names of all present. Miramon, who
himself looked like a miller, had a good laugh
at me, as I wore for the first time a new uniform,
and because I kept to my eye my powdered
lorgnette, wondering why I could not see any-
thing.
The firing lasted until ten o'clock a.m.^
when it was stopped, for reasons of economy.
The head-quarters of General Escobedo,
who commanded the forces of the enemy, had
been in the valley between San Gregorio and
San Pablo — I suppose in the Rancho de Jesus
Maria; but since our attack on the San Gre-
gorio, it had been removed to the south-eastern
slope of the Cerro de la Cantara.
On the 25th of April, Colonel Leiza, of Cas-
tillo's staff, a very amiable, active little gentle-
152
ATTEMPTS AT ESCAPE.
man, was struck on the azotea of tho cruz by
a shell, which shattered both his legs. He
would not have Dr. Basch, who offered to am-
putate them, but preferred a Mexican sur-
geon, who cut off only one, and in conse-
quence of which operation he died a few days
afterwards.
I had on this day a long conversation with
General Castillo about our present position,
and we agreed to unite our efforts for the
purpose of inducing the Emperor to leave
Quer^taro.
The Emperor agreed to our proposition, but
only under the condition to take his whole army
with him. He was always troubled by the fear
of not having done enough for his military
honour, and then he repeated still, " Marquez
will come yet."
This hope was taken from him, however, this
day by my brave Muth, who returned from his
adventure. In the room of the Emperor I wrote
down what he said, but as the original has
been lost, I can only give the contents of the
document.
When Muth, on leaving Quer^taro, crept j
through the cactus thicket, he suddenly encoun-
tered the enemy's outposts pointing their guns I
at him. As escape was impossible, he waved
his handkerchief, and reported himself as al
ATTEMPTS AT ESCAPE.
163
deserter. He abused, of course, all and every-
thing in Quer6taro, and was led to the head-
quarters of some general, where he met a
German aide-de-camp, I suppose a German-
American, from the staff of Escobedo, a Captain
Enking, whose acquaintance I had the misfor-
tune to make later, as I shall relate in its proper
place.
Muth was detailed to a battalion which
occupied the Garita de Mexico, and collected
all information which he thought useful to us.
As all his former statements had proved true,
we had no reason to disbelieve what he now
told us.
It was well known in the enemy's camp that
General Marquez had been beaten by Porfirio
Diaz at San Lorenzo, a place between Mexico
and Puebla, on the 8th or 9th of April ; that he
had lost all his artillery, and escaped only with
a few " sombreros chicitos,'* as the hussars were
called by the Mexicans, from their little Hun-
garian hats — and that he was now besieged in
Mexico.
He also brought the important news of the
fall of Puebla, and that three Imperial generals
and fifty officers had been shot by the Liberals,
which proved unfortunately only too true.
Muth said that the Liberals did not intend to
make a general attack again, as they were con-
154
ATTEMPTS 4T ESCAPE.
fident of getting the city soon, bj starving the
garrison.
The Emperor asked him what was the
meaning of the ringing of all the bells in the
suburbs, and the " Diana " in the Hues of the
enemy, which was heard some days ago. He
stated that this was caused by the good news
about the victory over Marquez, received on
that day.
This reminds me of General Moret, who had
the assurance to order the " Diana " to be
sounded, on the Cerro de la Campana, when ho
returned from the nightly expedition which
miscarried by his inefficiency !
I paid Muth one hundred piastres on ac-
count, promising him five hundred or six hun-
dred more on account on the 15tli of May, but
which was prevented, I am sorry to say, by sad
and important events.
The neve's brought by Muth seemed to con-
firm the Emperor in liis decision to break
through with the army, and General Castillo
was charged with the task of making proposi-
tions in writing for the execution of such a
plan. He sent for Miramon, and told him of
the information received, and his decision in
consequence of it, and gave me many orders,
which I executed, with the assistance of Mr.
Schwesinger, who spoke and wrote Spanish
ATTEMPTS AT ESCAPE.
155
perfectly well, whilst Basch had to write many
confidential letters for the Emperor.
On the 26th of April, preparations were
made for our breaking through the enemy,
which was to take place next morning at five
o'clock. Nobody knew our intention except
the Emperor, Castillo, Miranxon, and myself.
The Emperor ordered me to put his papers
and archives in little valises, which the hussars
were lO take behind their saddles; and the
steward of the Emperor was occupied with this
work all day in my room, with locked doors.
I was appointed by the Emperor chief of
liis household, and he placed under my especial
command both the hussars and the Mexican
body-guard. I forgot to mention that the com-
mander of the hussars, Captain Echegaray, had
been transferred to the infantry, and that his
command had been given to Captain Paw-
lowski.
This officer was a very powerful man, who
on one occasion greatly astonished the Mexi-
cans. The cavalry fights of the Mexicans were
generally the most ridiculous affairs one could
see. Both parties halted at a certain distance,
and commenced firing at each other, until one
party had enough of it and ran away, when the
other pursued them with great noise. When
the hussars, instead of conforming to this cus-
156
ATTEMPTS AT ESCAPE.
Mi
• SHH !
c>:im
-tW^B
>T^X^^^Hj
i.
in)'.
1
torn, rushed upon tlie Mexicans sabre in hand,
they were utterly shocked at such rude beha-
viour, and the more so as Captain Pawlowski,
who always carried a very heavy regulation
sabre, cut down seven of them with his own
hand before they recovered from their asto-
nishment.
I had to prepare everything for our leaving
as secretly as possible ; and the Emperor, who
never forgot anything, ordered that every one
near him should carry a note-book in his
pocket, in order to write down immediately even
the most trifling order, to which he very strictly
adhered.
To deceive the inhabitants and the enemy,
who knew, however, our position better than
we did ourselves, all buglers assembled in the
afternoon in the Plaza de la Cruz, to sound
" Diana," and at the same time all the bells
were ringing — that is, all which had not been
transformed yet into cannon-shot.
I was contented and happy that at last we
had arrived at a decision, and slept better than
I ever did before.
The exact dispositions for the 27th of
April were not known to me ; but from what I
heard, it would seem as if Miramon cared more
for inflicting a severe blow on the enemy than
to fulfil our chief purpose.
ATTEMPTS AT ESCAPE.
157
and,
elia-
vski,
ition
own
asto-
iving
who
y one
1 his
f even
trictly
memy,
than
m the
sound
bells
t been
ist we
r than
Ith of
rhat I
more
than
Whilst Miramon attacked the enemy at the
foot of the Cimatario, Castillo, who volunteered
to do so, was to make a feigned attack against
the Garita de Mexico. Should he, however, by
chance be able to take it without much sacrifice,
he might do so.
The Emperor was to wait in the cruz for
the result of Miramon* s attack. With him re-
mained the hussars, the body-guard, and the
regiment Empress. Everything was packed up,
and ready for our departure from Queretaro.
Between five and six o'clock a.m., Castillo
and Miramon advanced at the same time ; the
former on that road which I had desired to take
on April 11th, and the latter from the chapel
San Francisquito.
Yrith Miramon was the division of General
Mendez, who did on that day his utmost, as he
bad noticed that the Emperor of late had treated
him with some coldness. At the head of the
attacking column were, as usual, the brave
Cazadores, and next to them was the battalion
of the municipal guards of Mexico. Cavalry
covered their right flank.
The first line of the enemy and a battery
were taken on 'he first assault by Major Pitner.
The attack was made with such impr^tuosity
that a panic seized the Liberals, who fled ;ilmost
without making any stand. In this attack,
158
ATTEMPTS AT ESCAPE.
i I
Pitner met the Liberal brigade from Morelia,
whicb was commanded by a German, Colonel
Charles von Gagern, whose adjutant, Mr. von
Gluemer, was taken prisoner.
After our troops were once in the enemy's
line, it was easy work to roll it up, as they were
flanked and fired in the back. The Liberals fled
like a panic-struck flock of sheep. Fifteen
guns, seven stands of colours, and five hundred
and forty-seven prisoners, including twenty-one
officers, a great quantity of ammunition and
arms, officers* baggage and provisions, were the
result of this short engagement. The strong
hacienda de Jacal, the head-quarters of Corona,,
was also taken. The panic of the Liberals was
so great, that many, and amongst them some
generals, ran until beyond Celaya, which is foui'
leagues from Queretaro.
Castillo had also good success. He took
a battery of six guns ; but as the gaiita itself,
and the hacienda opposite it, were like a fort,
and built of solid stone, it was not so easy to
take it as an earth breastwork.
We had scarcely sustained any loss, and the
purpose of our attack was fulfilled most glori-
ously, and beyond any expectation. Nothing
prevented us from leaving the city, as some
hours must necessarily pass before Escobedo
could send fresh troops from the opposite lines
ATTEMPTS AT ESCAPE.,
159
irelia,
[•. von
lemy's
y were
lis fled
Fifteen
undred
ity-o"ne
311 and
rere tlie
strong
Corona;,
-als was
|m some
is foul'
[e took
Ita itself,
]e a fort,
easy to
an^
.1 tbe
1st glori-
iNotliing
IS some
;scobedo
site lilies
around the city. Whoever knows Mexican
warfare, knovrs also that any return or collect-
ing of beaten troops was not to be appre-
hended.
Liberal officers told me later, that their
army lost, on that day, not less than ten thou-
sand men by desertion, and cavalry was sent
after them into the country, to bring back at
least some of them. The defeat was so com-
plete, and appeared so decisive, that some of
tlie Liberal generals proposed to raise the siege,
r.nd all admitted that it must have been done, if
Miramon had at once assisted Castillo, and the
Garita de Mexico been taken.
The poor Citizens were jubilant. As soon
as they became aware of our great success, they
rushed into the lines of the enemy, and helped
themselves to all victuals they found there.
When the Emperor saw that our troops were
victorious, he ordered his household to remain
prepared, and rode on the battle-field, accom-
panied by Pradillo, myself, Lopez, and the
hussars. The troops received him with tre-
mendous cheering. On all our lines " Diana'*
was soundfc5, and all the bells of Queretaro
prochiimed our victory to the country around.
When we arrived, I saw, with astonishment,
that the troops of Miramon retired to the Casa
Blanca, thougli no enemy was before us ; and
160
ATTEMPTS AT ESCAPE.
nothing prevented him from marching up tlie
Cimatario, to occupy the Cuesta China, and to
fire from there into the Garita de Mexico — if
nothing beside the original purpose was in-
tended.
The Emperor rode along the lines which
had been occupied by the enemy, in a lively
conversation with Miramon, and visited also
tlie hacienda de Jacal. In this conversation, I
suppose, General Miramon tried to persuade
the Emperor to give up for the present his
intention of leaving Queretaro, and to make
another attempt to annihilate the rest of the
enemy's forces, as it had been done with such
facility on the south side. The eloquence of
the jc g general was the more convincing, as
it was F pported by such a stupendous success.
It was resolved now that Miramon should
advance on the right of the Cimatario, sweep
the crest of the Cuesta China, cross the liver,
and attack San Gregorio. Had this plan been
carried out immediately after our success, it
might, perhaps, Ifave been followed by a still
greater one; but hours had passed, during
which nothing was done. The Emperor was,
however, full of hope, and said to me, "Well,
Salm, the young general is good, after all."
It has been stated, at a later period, by a
Major von Goerbitz,.a German, of Miramon's
ATTEMPTS AT ESCAPE.
161
staff, that it was not this general, but the Em-
peror himself, who ordered that a second attack
should be made. On my questioning him how
the major could know what had been transacted
privately between the Emperor and Miramon,
the major said that the latter had always been
in the habit of assembling his staff after a con-
versation with the Emperor, in order to commu-
nicate to them what had been said or resolved
upon.
I asked General Escobar, who had been
always with Miramon, and he flatly contradicted
thit this general ever had this extraordinary
habit. General Escobar is still living, and
ready to repeat now what he then asserted.
But if Major von Goerbitz heard Miramon make
this statement, then I must suppose that the
general said so for some particular purpose;
for, from a conversation between him and the
Emperor on that subject, at which I was pre-
sent, it became obvious that the second attack
had been proposed by Miramon. I have not
misunderstood this conversation, for I asked
the Emperor himself, and he said that I had
rightly understood the matter.
Formerly, Marquez was the evil spirit of the
Kmperor ; now it was Miramon. The first is a
vile traitor ; the latter paid with his blood shed
at the same time as that of the Emperor ; and as
VOL. I. 11
162
ATTEMPTS AT ESCAPE.
long as there are n^ proofs to the contrary, we
will believe that Miramon, though full of per-
sonal ambition, was blinded more by his own
illusions, and carried away by his lightness, than
that he purposely deceived the Emperor, and
advised him badly, in order to rise by his fall.
General Escobedo made a better use of the
time squandered by Miramon with such culpable
carelessness. As soon as he, from his head-
quarters on the Cantara across the city, saw
the broad side of the Cimatario covered witli
his panic-struck soldiers, h? sent his best troops
over the river to repair the losses. Amongst
these troops was the battalion de Supremos
Poderos, the body-guard of Juarez ; the brigade
of Nueva Leon, under Colonel Palacio; and
even Escobedo' s own body-guard, the cavalry
regiment of the Cazadores de Galeano, who
carried eight-shooters, American Spencer rifles.
It was past nine o'clock a.m. Miramon
placed t^vo brigades — one to the right, another
to the left of the broad way leading from the
Casa Blanca up the Cimatario; the same on
which the enemy advanced on March 27th. A
third brigade followed as a reserve, and the
4th regiment of cavalry, under Colonel de la
Cruz, covered the right flank.
Whether Miramon had neglected to obtaui
information about the movements of the enemr,
ATTEMPTS AT ESCAPE.
163
•y, we
f per-
3 own
3, tlian
ir, and
, fall,
of tlie
ulpable
s head-
ty, saw
ed witli
,t troops
Amongst
upremos
^ brigade
10 ; and
cavalry
no, wlio
er rifles.
^[irainon
anotkr
from tlie
same on
7tli. A
and tlie
el de la
Ito obtain
le enemy,
whether lie, in his intoxication produced by his
success, had not even thought it necessary to
place a look-out on tlie crest of the Cimatario,
I cannot tell ; but it is a fact that the reinforce-
ments sent by Escobedo were already near this
crest, on the opposite slope of the hill, when
our troops commenced ascendin <^ it on the other
side. By his negligence Miramon had lost the
great advantage of position ; and another j^roof
of bis carelessness was, that the Cazadores went
to this new attack with only two or three car-
tridges in their boxes ! The Emperor, excited
also by success, and believing now more than
ever in the genius of Miramou, advanced with
tlie general.
When our brio-ades had asc jnded about two-
thirds of the hill, they were received by a tre-
mendous fire from its crest, where Escobedo' ri
troops had arrived. At the same time, the
Cazadores de Galeano swept round the left
wing of the enemy, and made an attack against
our 4tli regiment of cavalry, which was routed,
and thrown back upon the infantry. Our troops
baited. Their intoxication had not been last-
ing, for their victory had been w^on too easy.
Moreover, they were already tired by their work
of the morning, especially by the running up
to make prisoners.
The fire from the top of the hill, strength-
164
ATTEMPTS AT ESCAPE.
ened by that on their flanks from tho victorious
Cazadores de Galeano, who fired on that occa-
sion fourteen thousand cartridges, as I was
informed afterwards, was too much for them,
and they began to waver.
At this moment the Emperor drew his sword
and stepped out before tlio front line. Miramon
was on his right, I on his left side. But the
fire from the heights proved more effective than
the eloquence of h^'s encouraging words and his
example ; our troops made right about face, and
the Liberals advanced from their position. The
Emperor was beside himself; he would not
retire, and remained on the spot where he was,
the target for every bullet. That he did not find
here a soldier's death is wonderful. The danger
became more and more urgent, for the enemy
advanced. Miramon and I entreated him in
vain to retire ; he would remain. At last I laid
my hand on his left arm and said, " I implore
your majesty not to expose yourself in such a
useless manner, you owe it to your army not to
throw aAvay your life !" This had the required
afffect. The Emperor slowly turned about his
horse, and walked his horse to the Casa
Blanca.
The slope of the hill offered now a spectacle
which cut me to the heart. It was covered
with our troops flying in disorder, chased by
ATTEMPTS AT ESCAPE.
165
onous
occa-
I was
them,
sword
iramon
iut the
ve than
and his
ice, and
n. The
uld not
he was,
not find
B danger
enemy
him in
,st I laid
implore
such a
y not to
required
bout his
16 Casa
spectacle
covered
lased by
tlie Cazadores de Galeano, wlio killed every
wounded man. In the short distance from the
hill to the Casa Blanca wo lost two hundred and
fifty men, among them Lieutenant Wols of the
Cazadores, who remained on the field wounded
in tlie face. The enemy made a feint to follow
us to the city, and advanced at once against the
Casa Blanca, which had been occupied in tho
old manner. General Miramon who was on the
azotea of the Casa Blanca, requested the
Emperor to join him there, that he might see
liow the Liberals would run their heads against
our walls. Miramon was not mistaken this
time. The enemy halted at about two hundred
paces, and when a brave attack of the Cazadores
de Galeano against our battery between the
Garita de Pueblita and Celaya was beaten off,
tlie Liberals contented themselves with re-occu-
pying the lines which their comrades had lost
in the morning.
AYlien I stood with the Emperor and Miramon
on the azotea of the Casa Blanca, I asked tho
latter what measures he had taken for the
security of the cruz ? He answered, "Up to
this moment none whatever." He had for-
gotten the cruz altogether, and had it depended
upon him the Liberals might have taken it
without difficulty. It was, however, not left
quite unprotected. The regiment Empress
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166
ATTEMPTS AT ESOAPE.
|i
did infantry service, and Mejia, who went to
the cruz, employed those men who came with
the captured gims. These together with the
stands of colours and prisoners, were placed on
the Plaza de la Cruz. Amongst the prisoners
was the adjutant of the Liberals, Colonel von
Gagern, a Mr. von Gluemer, once a Prussian
ensign. When the Emperor asked him whether
he was a German, he answered with a corres-
ponding expression, « I am an American !" Cwii
Romanus sum !
The Emperor remained closeted with Mira-
mon for more than an hour, and I went to the
room of Castillo who had returned also. Both
of us were of opinion that notwithstanding the
turn which things had taken, we might still
fulfil the original purpose of our attack, and
that the present moment was even more favour-
able than would ever occur again. A breaking
through with our whole army was possible at
any point of the enemy's lines, but especially
in the direction of the Sierra Gorda, as Esco-
bedo had weakened these lines by sending from
there the troops who had repulsed our second
attack, whilst to-morrow, probably, many of the
beaten troops would have recovered from their
panic and returned.
Everything was still packed and ready, and
the two American gentlemen, Mr. Clark and
ATTEMPTS AT ESCAPE.
167
Mr. Wells, who had entreated me not to leave
them behind, waited impatiently for the signal
to march. I had not yet received a counter-order,
but the long conversation the Emperor had
with Miramon made us uneasy, and we were
afraid that this sanguine young general would
induce him to stay. I therefore feigned some
business in the Emperor's room, and on his
noticing me I said in German, "Will your
majesty grant me the favour of a few words
before dismissing the young general ?"
" Well," replied the Emperor, " wait for me
in Castillo's room, I shall be there directly."
He soon came.
"Your Majesty," I addressed him, "will
you favour me with the permission to speak to
you more freely than I would dare imder less
precarious circumstances ?"
**I wish you to speak always openly and
freely with me," said the Emperor, " even
under the most prosperous circumstances."
" Well, your Majesty," I continued, " then I
implore you to leave this city, where you cer-
tainly will meet your death ;" and I developed
all the reasons and arguments which I had dis-
cussed with Castillo, and this general supported
me to the utmost.
But all in vain. The Emperor was utterly
infatuated with Miramon. He spoke again of
M
I
I
ii
168
ATTEMPTS AT ESCAPE.
his " military honour" which would not permit
him to give up the city with all its heavy artil-
lery.
" And then," he exclaimed, " what will
become of this unfortunate city, which has been
so faithful to us, and of our poor wounded,
whom we cannot take with us ?**
Though these scruples did honour to the
heart of the Emperor, we could not find them
convincing. To surrender a fortress, if not
compelled by the utmost necessity, or to lose
his guns, may be against the honour of a com-
mander or an artillery officer, and it certainly is
desirable that such ideas should become articles
of creed in an army, but they cannot possibly
have force with a sovereign who must be guided
by other motives than solely by his military
honour. However, the Emperor was not to be
moved ; he told us that he had arranged for
to-morrow another attack against the San
Gregorio.
"Well," I exclaimed, "if your Majesty
insists on remaining and attacking San Gre-
gorio, I implore you not to delay it but to make
it at once, in an hour."
Castillo was of the same opinion, but in
vain ; that of Miramon prevailed, and I had to
give orders to the hussars and body-guard to
retire to their quarters. Thus ended the 27th
ATTEMPTS AT ESCAPE.
169
permit
y artil-
at will
eis been
)unded,
to the
d them
if not
to lose
a com-
tainly is
) articles
possibly
le guided
military
ot to be
ged for
he San
[Majesty
m Gre-
to make
but in
had to
lard to
16 27th
of April, which offered us the last chance of
safety.
The attack against San Gregorio proposed
for the 28th of April did not take place, partly
from scarcity of ammunition, but still more
because the Emperor had been inspired by
Miramon with such confidence in a fortunate
issue, that he imagined a day more or less
would not much matter. Marquez was not
thought of any more, and whether he came or
not was considered now as rather indifferent,
for Miramon felt strong enough to conquer
without him. To break through was a thing
that might be done every day without much
difficulty. The enemy remained quiet that day,
and wo did not disturb them.
Mendez noticed before his lines a woman on
horseback, who wore a sombrero ornamented
with a plume, and who carried a gun with which
she fired furiously at the enemy. I had noticed
hep already on former occasions. She looked
hke a soldier's girl. On being examined by
General Meudez, she said that her husband had
been killed by the Liberals on March 14th, and
that she wanted to revenge him. As she had
the appearance of a very resolute woman, the
, General engaged her to go out and endeavour
to bring news from Marquez, for which he pro-
mised her five hundred pesos.
i
am"
170
ATTEMPTS AT ESCAPE.
She returned after a few days, and said that
Marquez would be in Queretaro within two or
three days, as she had spoken to him at Arroyo
Zarco. But on closer examination, she con-
tradicted herself in a very suspicious manner,
and it w&3 thought well to imprison her. She
was probably a spy of the enemy, who would
have liked to earn, in an easy manner, five hun-
dred Imperial pesos.
"We noticed that signals were made from
different azoteas in the city, and heard much
later, that the enemy had organized a perfect
system of espionage in the city. A station of
these scouts was close to the cruz in the houses
already occupied by the enemy. Even Liberal
officers in citizen's dress, had been in the cruz.
Of course all this we heard only after the
siege.
Our troops had been very much thinned by
their many engagements ; to such a degree had
this reached, that the infantry was no longer
sufficient to man the trenches. Those between
the Gkirita de Celaya and the Cerro de la
Campana were therefore occupied by the 4th i
regiment of cavalry, whose horses had mostly
died by starvation. It was wonderful that the
Liberals did not attack this position.
The scarcity of maize was not felt less than
that of money. Some cavalry regiments
mi
ATTEMPTS AT ESCAPE.
171
aid that
, two or
; Arroyo
ihe con-
manner,
lOr. Slie
ao would
five hnn-
ade from
ard much
a perfect
. station of
the houses
in Liberal
the cruz.
after the
[thinned by
legree had
no longer
je between
krro de la
iy the 4tb|
Lad mostly I
[l that the
i.t less tbani
lents M
the artillery teams did not receive any rations
at all, and had to feed their horses with leaves
and chopped brushwood. The soldiers received
only half-pay, and the officers scarcely any.
On the 29th of April the Emperor rode with
me and Colonel Lopez along the lines. He was
not well, and out of humour. I dined with
him in company with Colonel Don Joaquin
Rodriguez, and tolerably well, thanks to the
skill of the cook, who had been taken from the
epicurean Dr. Basch.
On the 30th of April Miramon was called to
the Emperor, and as the always active General
Arellano had replaced the ammunition, it was
resolved to attack the Garita de Mexico that
day.
On the 1st of May the attack was com-
menced at six o'clock a.m., by the battery near
the Chapel San Francisquito, which fired against
the hacienda de Calleja, nearly opposite the
chapel in the lines of the enemy, and the fire
was so successful that the place was evacuated
by the enemy.
The Cazadores and the battalion of the muni-
cipal guards, both commanded by Colonel Don
Joaquin Rodriguez, and also the battery from
San Francis at once entirely occupied it. The
latter opened fire against the Garita de Mexico
from one side, whilst it was attacked firom another
'^l
w
172
ATTEMPTS AT ESCAPE.
i.
by the batteries of the cruz. Arellano directed
the bombardment from the pantheon.
At the same time Colonel Rodriguez with
his troops left the hacienda, and advanced
against the garita ; and the Emperor and my-
self, who observed the attack from a nook in the
cruz, saw soldiers, women, horses, and mules
fly through the back gate of the hacienda, near
the garita. Our success seemed to be secured,
when the tables were turned by an accident.
Colonel Rodriguez, one of the bravest men I
ever knew, was ahead of his troop ; but when
about twenty-five paces from the garita he was
hit by two bullets, and fell dead from his horse.
The death of their colonel brought the muni-
cipal guards to a stop, then they fell into con-
fusion, and at last to a retreat. A reserve was
not there, and the acquired advantage could not
be followed up. The defenders of the garita
recovered their courage, and followed our re-
treating troops, who took with them the body of
their colonel up to the hacienda de Calleja. They
then made an attack against the battery there,
but were repulsed by the Cazadores. It was,
however, considered advisable to give up the
hacienda, and to retreat again to the Chapel San
Francisquito.
Our artillery fire had, however, done good
service ; it had destroyed the wall of the corral
ATTEMPTS AT ESCAPE.
173
belonging to the hacienda near the garita, and
also done great damage to the hacienda de
Calleja. In this affair the Cazadores had three
officers severely wounded, of whom two died.
One had a shot in his head, which laid bare his
brains ; still he lived until the afternoon.
The Liberal colonel who commanded in the
garita, Falacios, was a friend of Colonel Rod-
riguez, with whom he had been in France as
a prisoner of war. The death of Rodriguez was
deeply regretted by every one, and on the 2nd
of May his solemn funeral took place in the
church Congregacion, in which were buried all
the field-oflficers who were killed in battle, or died
of their wounds during the siege. The Emperor
with his whole staff attended the funeral.
The enemy had now received fresh ammuni-
tion, and bombarded the city in an unusually lively
manner. In the afternoon it was at last resolved
to attack the Cerro San Gregorio next morning.
Our means in money and provisions were
now almost entirely exhausted, and it was ne-
cessary to take measures to provide for them in
one way or other. All the inhabitants of the
city were therefore taxed according to their
means, and every one had to bring his daily
quotum to a certain place at six o^clock p.m.
The richest man in the city, a merchant of the
name of Rubio, had to pay one hundred and fifty
174
ATTEMPIS AT ESCAPE.
I
m
'Vm
- ■/. ^;^v.^
Hi
^^^Hl
:|li'
pesos a day. Castillo had the superintendence
of this affair, and under him Colonels Antonio
Diaz and Francesco Redomet were charged with
' the contributions in money, and a commissioner,
Prieto, with those in victuals and forage.
On the 3rd of May the attack against
San Gregorio was to take place at five o'clock
a.m., but, for reasons which I do not know, it
was delayed until seven o'clock, when the Em-
peror, who was very much annoyed, was just
about to countermand it. It, however, took place
in two columns, which in the first rush again
took the first line of the enemy ; but, as usual,
there was no reserve, and the advantage thus
gained could not be made available. Everything
in the cruz was ready for marching, in the event
of our being defeated, and the enemy should
enter the city.
General Arellano and myself were with the
Emperor in the cupola of the cruz, observing
the attack. A cannon ball passed between the
head of the Emperor and General Arellano,
who was slightly wounded in the head and
shoulders by a piece of the wall. I stood be-
hind the Emperor, and believing that he was
hit I caught him in my arms. An officer who
was on the azotea of the cruz was torn to pieces
by another ball.
I afterwards accompanied the Emperor to
ATTEMITS AT ESCAPE.
175
against
o'clock
know, it
tlie Em-
was jnst
)ok place
ah again
as usual,
iage thus
^rerything
the event
y should
iperor
the Ploze de Armas, where many wounded were
carried past us. Amongst them Colonel Cavallos,
severely wounded in his knee, and Colonel
Sauza, of the battalion Celaya, who died in the
afternoon. A soldier of that battalion on pass*
ing alone quite by himself, lifted with his left
band his right arm, torn off by a cannon ball,
and hanging only by a piece of skin, and showed
it to the Emperor, who made the brave fellow a
present and recommended him to especial care.
The casino, the former headquarters of the
Emperor, was arranged now as an hospital for
the amputated and very severely wounded.
The Emperor looked out for an officer to
convey to General Miramon the order to hold
the line which had been taken until he should
send him reinforcements. As no officer was at
hand I offered to go myself, but the Emperor
said, " No, no, Salm ; look out for another, I
would not that anything happened to you.'*
Captain Baron von Fuerstenwaerther went to
Miramon, but it was too late ; the conquered
hne had been already retaken by the enemy.
This was the last attack made on our side.
We had made a number of prisoners who were
assembled in the yard of the cathedral, and there
examined. They said that everything was very
satisfactory in the camp of the Liberals, and that
Querdtaro would have been taken long ago, if
t '4
J.ii.-
176
ATTEMPTS AT ESCAPE.
the generals bad not been quarrelling and
jealous of eacb otber. That was, however, not
to be wondered at. Many of them were of dif-
ferent parties, and had been enemies all their
life long ; they were now only temporarily unit-
ing for the termination of the siege.
i % '
"1
CAPTURE OP THE CITY BY
TREACHERY.
General Mendez now became very much dis-
satisfied. He declared that all these enjra"rcraents
had been superfluous, as they cost only men
without bringing the least advantage. The
only thing to be now done was to break through
the enemy's lines. Ho was so much annoyed
that he reported himself sick without being so,
and moved to a house at the Plaza de Indepen-
dencia. He and other generals hoped that the
Emperor would disengage himself from the in-
fluence of the sanguine general, Miramon ; and
the Eraperjr still hoped that the general would
find some means to annihilate the enemy and to
raise the siege. Thus between mutual hopes,
never to be fulfilled, time passed away without
anything decisive being done, and our position
became from day to day more untenable.
On the 4th of May the city was again ter-
j ribly bombarded ; but that was now an every
day occurrence. Our troops in the Casa Blanca
noticed a very lean ox running towards our
TOl. I.
12
mnmm^^^r^m
r"
:'; .1
I'M.
.*m
178 CAPTURE OP THE CITY BY TEEACHEEY.
lines, and as lie had a sheet of paper between
his horns, he excited the curiosity of the soldiers.
They went out to catch him, and as the enemy
did not fire they succeeded. It was a joke of
the Liberals; on the paper was written, that
they sent us something to eat, that we might
fall alive into their hands. Our soldiers sent in
return to the compliment an equally lean horse,
that they might be able to overtake us when we
should cut our way through.
The 5th of May was a holiday with the
Liberals, which they celebrated, by order of
their government, in memory of the great vie-
tory obtained in 1862, on that day over the
French, at the Fort Loretto, before Puebla, in
consequence of which the latter had to give up
that city, to retreat to Orizaba, and to wait there
several months for reinforcements from France.
Lying on my field-bed in the afternoon,
a cannon ball passing through an adjoining hall
and knocking down a pillar therein, struck
against the opposite side of the wall, exactly
on the spot where my bed stood ; but the pillar
had fortunately broken the greatest power of |
the ball, and the wall resisted.
When I sat writing in the Emperor's room,
his little King Charles dog, ** Baby," on my lap,!
Lopez entered and whispered something to the
Emperor in a corner. Little Baby, friendly
)etween
oldiers.
3 enemy
joke of
en, that
e miglit
s sent in
m horse,
•when we
■with tlie
order of
great vie-
over the
Puebla, in
,0 give np
wait there
m France,
afternoon,
fining hall
m, struck
[1, exactly
the pillai^
power of
)r's room,
lonn\ylap>
to the]
^ing
friendly
CAPTDEE OF THE CITY BT TBEACHEBY. 179
with almost everybody, now jumped from my
lap and attacked the legs of the colonel with
inconceivable fury, and would not be calmed.
The Emperor reminded me later of this occur-
rence.
Towards night great activity was noticed in
the enemy's lines, and at half-past eight com-
menced, in celebration of the day, a most ter-
rific fire from all the batteries. It was indeed a
rare and wonderful spectacle, as each projectile
showed its fiery line against the dark sky ; and
the concert made by about a hundred guns, and
the bursting of so many shells was not less affect-
ing for nervous people.
The Liberals had been made drunk in hopes
that under the influence of liquor they might
succeed in their often-tried attack against the
bridge. They came on this time with great fury,
and advanced till within twenty-five paces from
the bridge ; but they were then mowed down by
bullets and canister, and fled in confusion, leav-
ing a great number of dead on the field.
The Emperor stayed during the bombard-
iraent, which lasted until ten o'clock, on the
Plaza de la Cruz, and hussars and body-guard
[were in readiness.
The 6th of May was a day of rest in both
[camps. Accompanying the Emperor in his
pual promenade on the Plaza de la Cruz, he
, ;■ :A^
ISO CAPTUEE OF THE CITY BY TEEACHEKT.
complained bitterly about Marquez, and the
quarrels amongst his other generals. The end
of all his complaints was, however, " It is only
fortunate that we can break through whenever
we like." He spoke also about his relations
with Europe, and the French and their Em-
peror were mentioned, but by no means in
flattering expressions. The most approving
were his remarks about the Crown Prince of
Prussia, for whom he had a most particular pre-
dilection. He said, if Prussia should have a
war with France, he would accompany the
Crown Prince, provided that there was not war
against Austria.
I paid General Mendez a visit to-day, whom
I found at home, not bodily sick but in an awful
humour, and he expressed himself in a manner
which made me seriously afraid that his words
would be followed by corresponding actions. I
therefore thought it to be my duty to draw the
attention of the Emperor to the subject. This
was the sixty- second day of the siege proper.
On May 7th, several officers were promoted j
on the recommendation of Miramon. I wasj
very much astonished not to see amongst them
Major Pitner, who distinguished himself so
much at the various actions, whilst much less]
deserving and younger majors were promoted.
I spoke to the Emperor about this injustice, and!
R»l
CAPTURE OP THE CITY* BY TBEACHEBY. 181
had the satisfaction to find that Major Pitner
was made heut.-colonel on the same day ; brave
Major Malburg got also at last his medal for his
splendid behaviour on the 24th March.
On the 8th of May I accompanied the Em-
peror to the trenches. Near the Chapel de San
Francisquito we saw the soldiers cook cactus
leaves. The Emperor asked them whether they
got their allowance. They answered that they
received their correct ration of mule meat, but
less maize, coffee, and beans than usual.
Between the chapel and the Alameda, we
bad, about one hundred and fifty paces before
our lines, a small lunette, protecting a mortar.
When the Emperor left with mo the trenches to
go to this lunette, he was at once fired at.
"Salm," he said, "remain here and wait for
me." " But," I rejoined, " I cannot sufier your
Majesty to go alone !" " Yes, yes, I order you
to stay here." I therefore remained on the spot
where the Emperor left me, on the field between
the line and the lunette, until the Emperor re-
tu od, who was astonished to find me there, as
he wanted me to return behind the breastwork.
"Well," I excused myself," your Majesty ordered
me to stay here, and here I am." He shook his
head without saying a word, and walked on.
He exposed himself always, and frequently
very unnecessarily, but wac always very anxious
■I
^i
182 CAPTUEE OP THE CITY BY TEEACHEEY.
that it should not be done by persons he
loved.
On our way home I tried to persuade the
Emperor to visit General Mendez, in hopes that
this distinction would act well upon the latter ;
but the Emperor declined, being afraid that it
would be against his dignity. I told him, how-
ever, that brave Cevallos was lying with Mendez
in the same room, and that the brave colonel,
who could only survive a few days longer, would
be highly gratified by seeing his Emperor once
again.
The Emperor made no reply, but going with
me to different places until dark, he then went
to the house of Mendez. On entering the room,
he stepped at once to the bed of Cevallos, and,
whilst I took my place at the bedside of Mendez,
he spoke some words of comfort to the dying
colonel. Then he came to Mendez, asked how
he felt himself, and, after a few indifferent words
more, as Madame Mendez and other persons
were in the room, he said, " I shall send you
Colonel Salm, who has something more to
communicate to you."
After having seen the Emperor home, I re-
turned to Mendez, whom I found quite delighted
with the Emperor's visit; but his delight was
still increased, when I told him that the Em-
peror had at last decided to cut his way out of
CAPTURE OP THE CITY BY TRBACHEBT. 183
the city, and asked his opinion about it.
Mendez promised to be well next morning, to
consult with Mejia, and to acquaint the Emperor
with the result.
On the 9th, about noon, Mendez came. His
health and good spirits had returned, and we
had a long conversation over a bottle of wine.
I told him, also, that the Emperor wanted him
next day to attend a Council of "War, in which
was to be decided how this plan was to be
carried out.
General Miramon, for a joke, frightened
General Escobedo to-day, whose aversion
against bullets was known to him, by direct-
ing a battery against his headquarters on the
slope of La Cantara. It was, indeed, amus-
ing to see the confusion created by our shot,
and the hurry with which everybody decamped
from the headquarters. But Escobedo did
not relish the fun of this joke of the young
general, taking it very ill.
In the afternoon I accompanied the Emperor
again on his usual promenade in the Plaza de la
Cruz, though it was just at that time rather a
hot place. The cruz was not only bombarded
with shell and shot, but from the houses near
the plaza, which were already occupied by the
enemy, a Uvely infantry fire was kept up against
any person who dared to show himself.
lif
M
184 OAFTUBE OF THE 0IT7 BY TBEAOHEBT.
fr ^1
I' J
The Emperor was in a very sad mood to-
day. Eight shells burst around him ; he heeded
them not, and continued his walk, but noticed
on a stone bench near the entrance several
oflRcers, amongst them Captain von Fuersten-
waerther and Dr. Basch, who seemed to coquet
a little with the danger. He sent me there to
reproach them, but they remained, probably not
thinking it proper to go away whilst their Em-
peror remained amidst a shower of bullets.
However, I was again sent to them to order
them peremptorily away.
When I returned, the Emperor said, " Salm,
I do not send you away, for I know it would
mortify you too much. Stay with me."
We continued our walk for about a quarter
of an hour. Shells and balls struck near us in
disagreeable quantities, but none of them would
satisfy the secret longing of the Emperor.
In the evening Colonel Lopez asked permis-
sion that the cavalry, under a Lieut. -Colonel
Jablonski, might be permitted to occupy a line
of the cruz near the pantheon, to relieve the
duty of the infantry a little. As the suggestion
of the commander of the Cruz seemed to be
reasonable, the permission was given.
Jablonski was a Mexican, but probably of
Polish descent. He was a particular friend of
Lopez, with whom he was very intimate.
'■'"Si-
CAPTURE OP THE CITY BY TREACHERY. 185
On the 11th of May provisions for man and
beast were nearly exhausted. Horses and mules
did not get any rations at all, and had to be
satisfied with what they found on the plazas of
the city. The regiment of the ^Impress and the
body-guard still received quarter rations. The
horses of the Emperor were kept alive by pro-
visions which Lopez had got somewhere, and I
bought for mine old straw beds, of which the
contents were chopped.
We still had wine. "We had discovered the
secret store of a wine merchant, and confiscated
it for the benefit of the hospitals, and sent them
as much as they required. The rest was sold to
officers, and the money employed also for the
benefit of the hospitals. In this manner a box
of champagne was also acquired for the Imperial
cellar.
At noon the Council of War assembled in
the room of General Castillo. I remained in the
adjoining room of the Emperor, who frequently
entered to tell me what the generals said, and to
hear my own opinion.
It was resolved to break through the hues of
the enemy with the whole of our little army, which
was still possible at any point we chose. It is true
the enemy had encircled us closely with his lines,
but his whole army was employed occupying
them, without keeping any reserve at his disposal.
J.i
186 CAPTUEE OP THE CUT BY TREACHEttY.
} ■ i'i Si •■'.
To prevent the enemy from becoming aware
of our intention too soon, it was resolved to arm
three thousand Indians of the city, who were to
occupy the lines whilst we evacuated the place.
All the guns were to be spiked by Arellano, with
the exception of three or four to make a noise.
The Indians were also to fire their muskets now
and then. Towards morning they were to throw
their arms away, and to retire to their houses.
This, however, was to be told them only at
the last moment ; at present they were to
be made to believe that they were to defend the
lines, whilst we made a vigorous attack.
General Mejia undertook to organise the
Indians, who did anything to please their " Pap
Tomasito,*' and to put the required guns in
tolerably serviceable condition.
Mendez was very glad, though he told me
we might depend on losing half our infantry by
desertion, but that we should reach the Sierra
Gorda. The troops would not be harmed by
the Liberals ; they would be mustered in at once
with the army, according to Mexican fashion,
but the generals would be certainly shot if
captured. He requested me, however, not to
say anything about it to the Emperor, for fear
that it might induce him to give up his plan.
With making preparations for the great event,
the 12th and 33th of May passed away. The
OAPTUEE OP THE CITY BY TREACHERY. 187
Emperor sent me to Mejia to ask how far he
had advanced with his Indians. He said that
three thousand of them were ready, but not
as yet many guns, and he requested, therefore,
that the undertaking might be postponed until
the night from the 14th to the 15 th, to which
the Emperor consented.
In the morning of the 14th I accompanied
the Emperor to the hospitals. He was much
moved, and frequently repeated how much it
grieved him to be compelled to leave the
wounded behind ; but that they might not re-
main without proper care, he ordered that
doctors and nurses should remain behind witli
them.
That we intended to break through this
night was known only to the generals, but at
what point was known to no one ; as it was to
be decided in a Council of War, to be held
immediately before the execution of the plan,
in order to make treason impossible.
On our way from the hospitals to the cruz,
the Emperor told me that he had appointed me
general, and given me a decoration, but re-
quested me to keep it for myself until after the
evacuation of Quer^taro. The Emperor was
afraid of the jealousy of some Mexicans, and did
not wish to excite it at this moment. He feared
this especially of Miramon, who had frequently
188 CAFrUEE OF THE CITY BY TREACHEEY.
asked him in vain to make his friend Moret a
full general. This general asserts that he
had received his commission, notwithstanding
what I have stated, but he could not show it.
All I know is, that the Emperor once said, " I
will not make a general of him.** General Moret
wears, also, the medal for valour, and the
Guadelup cross, but I know with certainty that
he received none of these decorations from the
Emperor.
Mendez came to see me. He was in a very
good humour, and promised me to address his
troops before we attacked. Since the night of
the 10th we had every night from ten to twelve
deserters, and at last about one hundred ; but
a far superior number of Liberals came during
the siege into the city. These Liberal deserters
were highly satisfied, as they were treated and
paid far better than in the Liberal army, where
they were also flogged, a mode of punishment
which had been abolished in ours.
On the evening of the 14th of May, every-
thing was ready for marching. The small store
of maize we still had was distributed amongst
the regiment of the Empress, the hussars, the
body-guard, and the oflBcers, that they might
strengthen themselves by a somewhat sufficient
meal. The treasure of the Emperor was divided
between Pradillo, Dr. Basch, Campos, Blasio,
CAPTURE OP THE CITY BY THEACnERY. 189
U
myself, and Lopez. We had the goldounzes
round our waists. Still later in the night came
Lopez to Blasio, to fetch the money which was
to be confided to him. He was very indignant
that nothing was left to him but silver, and
resented it as an apparent mark of distrust,
which was not in the least intended, as nobody
distrusted him.
About eight o'clock p.m., I was sent by the
Emperor to Lopez to inquire whether every-
thing was ready. Mr. Schwesinger was with
We found the colonel at home, and he
me.
answered with the most perfect ease that all
the orders of the Emperor had been executed.
The Council of War assembled at ten o'clock to
decide about the place of attack ; but Mejia
reported that he had only twelve hundred guns
ready, and requested another delay of twenty-
four hours. None of the generals opposed, and
Miramon said ** that it was still time enough,
and a longer delay would have the good effect
of making the enemy more secure and careless."
However, the Emperor decided that this must
be the last delay, and that we certainly should
break through in the night from the 15th to the
16th of May.
Afler the generals had left, the Emperor
sent for Lopez, and decorated him with the
medal for valouTk Why and for what deeds has
i.-i
ijlll
him
)r;T
11 f-S'l:
f'P
190 OAFTUBE OP THE CITT BY TREACHEBT.
remained a mystery to me. "When Lopez had
gone, the Emperor told me the resolutions of
the council, and said, "I know you are not
satisfied with this delay.**
" Your Majesty,** I replied, " I must confess
that I am as little satisfied with this delay as I
can approve the reasons of the generals. I
should think that twelve hundred muskets and
four guns were perfectly sufficient for masking
our attack by noise.'*
"Well,*' said the Emperor, in dismissing
me, " one day, more or less, will be no matter.
Take care that the hussars and the body-guard
remain saddled."
After having attended to this order, I in-
spected the house, and, not noticing anything,
I went to my room in rather a bad humour.
To improve it, I sent the Emperor's valeUdC'
chamhrc for a bottle of champagne, which I
emptied with M. Schwesinger, who slept in the
same room with me. After this I laid down on
my field-bed without undressing, placing my
sabre near my head and my revolver under my
pillow. When I awoke in the morning of the
15th of May it was still dark ; it was about five
o'clock a.m. I heard a noise outside, but did
not take much notice of it, as it was always
somewhat noisy in the house in the morning.
I did not suspect any particular disorder, and
OAPTUEB OP THE CITY BY TREACHERY. 191
the less as I had examined the house only a few
hours before, and might expect that anything
of an alarming character would be reported to
me by the guard.
On a sudden Colonel Lopez entered my
room, and said, in a very queer and excited
manner, " Quick ! save the life of the Emperor,
the enemy is already in the cruz !'* With that
ho disappeared, without giving any explanation
or waiting for a question. When I had buckled
on my sword and put my revolver into the belt,
the Emperor's steward, Mr. Grill, came and
ordered me to his master. When on the point
of following him, Dr. Basch entered, and asked
what was the matter ?
" We are surprised. I must go to the
Emperor. Hurry up, and tell Fuerstenwaerther
to order the hussars to mount, and to be ready
before the cruz."*
When I came to the Emperor, I found him
dressed and perfectly calm. He said, " Salm,
we are betrayed ! Go down, and let the hussars
and body-guard march out. We will go to the
cerro, and see how we can arrange the matter.
I shall follow you directly."
* Dr. Basch says in his book " saddle," but that is a mis-
take, as I had ordered them myself to remain saddled, and I
could not know then that Lopez had afterwards ordered them
to imsaddle.
'W^^
1 I
M
1
■
I
192 CAPTURE OP THE CITY BY TEEACHEEY.
I hurried to the Plaza de la Cruz, and was
very much astonished at not seeing a single
soldier anywhere ; even the guard before the
Emperor's room had disappeared. Just as still
and deserted was the plaza. The company
which had to guard the entrance of the cruz
had disappeared, and also the detachment of
the regiment Empress, which ought to have
been there. At last I met Captain Fuersten-
waerther, and ordered him to go to the hussars,
who were quartered just across the plaza in the
Meson de la Cruz, and also to the body-guard,
and to bring them here.
Before I reached the entrance of the cruz
on my return, I saw, in the nearly dawning
light of the morning, that a gun in the battery
there had been upset, and that seven or eight
soldiers crept caiitiously through the embrasure
from the outside. Their manner seemed very
suspicious, and on looking sharper I thought I
recognized the grey uniform of the Supremos
Poderes. I now hurried to the cruz, and met
the Emperor descending the staircase. He was
in his usual dress, but had over it a great coat,
as the morning was cool and he was not well.
He had buckled on his sword, and carried in
each hand a revolver. General Castillo was close
behind him. I ran up to the Emperor, who
was on the seventh step from the bottom of the
CAPTURE OF THE CITY BY TJIEACHERY. 193
bind was
a. single
fore the
t as still
-ompany
the cruz
iment of
to baTe
Fuersten-
3 hussars,
aza in the
dy-guard,
■ the cmz
' dawning
he battery
or eight
embrasure
5ined very
thought I
Supremos
;, and met
He was
;reat coat,
not well,
[carried in
was close
teror, who
)OiD of the
staircase, took his pistols to carry them, and in
my excitement, taking hold of his left arm, I
called out, " Your Majesty, this is the latest
moment ; the enemy is there V*
When we stepped out of the door to go over
the plaza to the quarters of the hussars, we
were stopped by soldiers of the enemy. In-
voluntarily I raised one of the Emperor's
revolvers, but he made a gesture with his hand,
and I dropped it. At the same moment Lopez
stepped from amongst the enemy, and at his aide
was the Liberal colonel, Don Jos^ Rincon
Gallardo. The latter recognized the Emperor,
but turned to his soldiers, and said, " Que
^assen, son palsanos** (May pass, they are
citizens). The soldiers stepped aside, and
we passed — the Emperor, Castillo, Pradillo,
and myself in full uniform, and Secretary
Blasio.
It was obvious that it was not intended to
capture the Emperor, but to give him time to
escape. The whole proceeding was so aston-
ishing and striking, that I looked inquiringly up
to the face of the Emperor. He understood
my look, and said, *' You see, it never does any
harm to do good. It is true, you find amongst
twenty people nineteen ungrateful; but still,
J now and then, one grateful. I have just now
[liad an instance of it. The officer who let us
TOl. L
13
yw'
■'*»!
11 j
194 CAITUEE OF THE CITY BY TREAOHEET.
pass has a sister,* who was frequently with the
Empress, and who has done much good to her.
Do good, Salm, whenever you have an oppor.
tunity."
Dawn now broke. When we passed the
meson the hussars were not yet ready. Pra-
dillo was sent to tell them that the Emperor
would wait for them on the Plaza de Indepen-
dencia. On going there, we were followed hy
two men of the body-guard, and Castillo en-
treated the Emperor to mount one of their
horses and ride to the cerro; but he refused,
and sent one of the men to Miramon, the other
to Mejia, with orders to come with as many
troops as possible to the Cerro de la Campana.
A moment afterwards Lopez came on horse-
back and armed. He entreated the Emperor
to go to the house of M. Eubio, the banker,
where he would be perfectly safe ; but he was
answered, "I do not hide myself." Lopez
turned round and rode back. On a sudden, as
if risen from the ground, the Emperor's piebald,
in the hands of his groom, stood there. I sup-
pose he was brought by Lopez himself, who
obviously did not wish to include the liberty
and life of the Emperor in his treason.
Strange that none of us suspected Lopez to
be a traitor, though we all had seen him at the
* Or mother ; I have forgotten which.
r.
CAPTUBE OF THE CITY BY TEEACHEBY. 105
vitli tlie
t to lier.
i oppor-
ssed tlie
y. Pra-
Emperor
Indepen-
lowed by
,stillo en-
of their
e refused,
, the other
1 as many
lampana.
on horse-
Emperor
Le banker,
,ut he was
Lopez
[sudden, aa
•'s piebald,
■e. Isttp-
iself, who
ihe hberty
Lopez to
Ihim at the
side of the Liberal colonel, and he was free
now!
The Emperor waited for the hussars, but
they did not arrive ; but, instead of them, we
saw coming round the corner a battalion of the
enemy, and amongst the officers riding at their
head we saw Lopez again. Castillo and I im-
plored the Emperor to mount ; but he refused,
saying, " If you, gentlemen, walk, I will walk
also."
When the Liberal officers at the head of the
battahon recognized the Emperor, they shortened
their steps, and we walked along the Calle de Hos-
pital, through the western suburb, to the cerro.
At the foot of the hill the strength of poor,
delicate Castillo was exhausted. The Emperor
took one of his arms within his and I the other,
and thus we dragged him between us up the
cerro, which was occupied only by one battalion.
It was now bright daylight, and a most beau-
tiful morning. Suddenly we heard the bells
from the cruz give the agreed signal that the
vile treason had been successful, and the
"Diana" in aU the lines of the enemy answered
the bells exultingly.
We had scarcely arrived on the cerro when
the batteries from the San Gregorio and Casa
Blanca opened fire against us. When dense
imasses of infantry advanced towards the
196 CAPTUEE OF THE CITY BY TEEACHEET.
latter, we saw our troops go over to the
enemy.
Soon after us came Mejia and Colonel
Campos, with a part of the body-guard and
several mounted officers, amongst them my
faithful shadow. Lieutenant Montecon, Lieut.-
Colonel Count Pachta, who was once in the
Austrian army, my chief d*escadron, and who
died, on his return to Europe, of the yellow
fever, Lieut.-Colonel Pitner, and other officers,
who would have served the Emperor better if
they had remained with their troops.
The Emperor sent for Miramon — but he was
out with his staff — to assemble as many troops as
possible. Id one of the streets he was unexpect-
edly attacked by a detachment of Liberal cavalry,
and shot by the officer commanding it, in his
face. The bullet entered his right cheek, and
came out near his ear. He was carried to the
house of a certain Dr. Licea, an old acquaint-
ance of his, who betrayed him to the enemy the
same afternoon.
The anxiety with which the Emperor and
we all looked towards the city may be imagined.
"We hoped to see some of our troops arrive ; but,
instead of them, came news that several bat-
talions had gone over to the enemy. At last I
the Emperor saw debouching from the suburb j
some cavalry in red uniforms, and, with tears,
L*
to t\ie
Colonel
ird and
lem my
, Lieut.-
3 in tlie
md who
le yellow
• officers,
better if
)ut bewas
f troops as
unexpect-
al cavalry,
it, in bis
keek, and
iied to the
acquaint-
3nen:iy tk
jeror and
I imagined,
rive; but,
[veral bat-
At last]
le suburb
yith tears,
CAPTURE OP THE CITY BY TEEACHBEY. 197
he called out, "Look, Saim, there come my faith-
ful hussars." But this was a mistake ; it was
only a detachment of a regiment of the Empress,
who also wore red jackets. The hussars had
followed us immediately; but on entering a
street, they saw before them the battalion which
we met at the Plaza Independencia. Between
this and the Plaza de Armas they were stopped
and summoned to surrender by the traitor
Lopez. They were compelled to dismount, and
were disarmed, with their two brave officers,
Pawlowski and Koehlig. The old hussars were
furious, and as they could not do anything else,
at least they would not give up their horses.
Two hussars shot theirs, and the rest drove the
others away. They ran up the street directly
to their stable in the meson. When they ap-
proached the Plaza de la Cruz, the enemy, who
still felt very uneasy, was alarmed, and thinking
it an attack, the poor horses were received with
a volley.
One of our battalions, however, approached
the cerro, but when five hundred paces from it,
they turned about face. The Emperor sent an
officer to persuade them to do their duty ; but
the noble commander of the battalion laughed
directly in the face of the messenger.
The Emperor asked me to speak to Mejia
about the possibility of cutting our way out ; but
i
198 OAPTUEE OF THE OITT BY TEEACHEEY.
the general declared it to be utterly useless to
attempt it.
Our position on the cerro now became very
hot. A third battery fired against us fii'om the
western plain, and that from the Casa Blanca
had advanced to the Garita de Celaya, which was
not far from us. The fire was so severe that
the battalion which occupied the lines sought
shelter in the ditches. The shells bursting
to our right and left, frightened poor little
" Baby," which had followed its master, and
came for help to me. It was lost afterwards,
and got into the hands of Colonel Cervantes,
the late commander of Queretaro, who refused
to sell it to me, and had the bad taste to call it
** Imperatrice." I intended to take the little
dog to Europe, and to present it to the Arch-
duchess Sophia.
In the city scattered musket-firing could
be heard. Dense columns of infantry, followed
by horse, advanced against the cerro, and the
three batteries redoubled their efforts.
" Salm," said the Emperor, " now for a
lucky bullet." But that bullet would not come,
and the Emperor turned again to Mejia, asking
whether it was indeed impossible to break
through ; but he remained of the opinion that
it was impossiole. Now the Emperor called
Castillo and myself, and asked Mejia for the
CAPTURE OP THE CITY BY TREACHEEY. 199
third time ; but the brave and bold chief an-
swered : " We have only a handful of cavalry,
and part of that is little reliable. Your Majesty
may look around and judge whether there is any
chance left. I care but little whether I am
killed ; but I will not take on me the re-
sponsibility of leading your Majesty to certain
death."
In addition to the fire from the three bat-
teries, we now received also musket-fire from
two sides, and on two places of the cerro the
white flag waved already. A longer delay would
liave been madness, and, submitting to dire
necessity, the Emperor sent off Lieut.- Colonel
Pradillo, under a white flag, to treat with Esco-
bedo about surrender.
The Emperor, who preserved his composure,
drew a parcel of papers from his pocket, and di-
rected them to be burnt in a tent by Blasio and
Captain Fuerstenwaerther. What papers these
were, the Emperor did not tell me.
Our fire, of course, at once ceased ; but that
of the enemy lasted at least for ten minutes
after the hoisting of the white flag.
Other Liberal battalions came from the city,
and the cerro was soon entirely surrounded by
them. A detachment now approached, at the
head of which was General Echegaray, who ad-
vanced alone and very cautiously.
I
r ■,'■•'
■I. t
200 CAPTURE OP THE CITY BY T. iEACHERY.
The Emperor prepared to receive him. He
placed himself in the centre. To his right stood
Mejia and Castillo, to his left myself, and the
rest of his officers grouped behind us. The
Emperor unbuttoned his great-coat, to show his
uniform and orders, and, leaning on his sword,
he expected the Liberal general.
General Echegaray approached in a polite
manner and bareheaded, addressing the Em-
peror, " Vuestra Majestad," and declaring him
his prisoner.
After a few words, the Emperor desired to
see General Escobedo. The horse of the Em-
peror was brought, and also those of Mejia, who
gave one to Castillo. My horses had fallen
into the hands of the enemy, and I left the lines
to look out for one. I saw there a groom
holding the Emperor's tall American grey, which
had been ridden always by the Empress. At
the same moment a Liberal horseman asked
the groom whose horse it was, and the fool
answered, " The Emperor's ;'* on which the
Liberal took it away right under my nose. I
tried, unsuccessfully, to unhorse a trumpeter
of the regiment Empress, when my faithful
Montecon became aware of my need, and offered
me his horse. He had done so once in battle,
when my own horse was wounded. Then I
declined ; but now I accepted it with pleasure,
CAPTURE OF THE CITY BY TREACHERY. 201
and was soon again at the side of the Em-
peror.
"We rode towards the Garita de Celaya. At
the foot of the cerro we saw two Mexican
horsemen quarrelling, probably about some
plunder. One shot the other in his breast,
and a jet of blood gushed from the wound in
his back, as the bullet passed clear through his
body. "Look; how horrible I'* said the Em-
peror, pointing towards the two. "We met a
troop of officers on horseback. One of them,
who was rather excited, approached the Em-
peror, and, embracing him, called out, " I greet
you, not as Emperor, but as Archduke of
Austria, and admire you for your heroic de-
fence." Another officer behaved in a very
noisy and brutal manner. He pointed his
pistol at the Emperor* s face, and that of other
officers, and would perhaps have lived to im-
mortalize himself with infamy by shooting
MaximiUan, had not Escobedo threatened to
shoot any one who should kill the Emperor, if
he should fall into the hands of the Liberals.
It served his purpose better to take him alive.
In the neighbourhood of the garita we met
Escobedo, with his staff and his body-guard,
the Cazadores de Galeano. "We now halted,
and a ring was soon formed round the Emperor.
I was crowded off from him, but he noticed my
202 CAPTURE OP THE CITY BY TIIEACHEBY.
•I
I i
absence, and called me to his side. We now
turned our horses, and rode back to the cerro.
I saw Escobedo here for the first time. He
is a man of about forty, of middle heigh; dark
hair and beard, and very dark complexion. He
wears spectacles, and has remarkably large
ears, which stand off on both sides. He is
very friendly after the Mexican fashion, but his
face has a treacherous expression. He had
been formerly a muleteer, then studied the law
superficially, and joined the Liberal party, for
which he organized some bands. He had the
good luck to surprise an Austrian column,
which was escorting a good sum of money, at
San Gertrudis, and got some political influence.
He is no soldier at all, and careful not to expose
his person to fire.
On our way Escobedo was at the side of
the Emperor. General Mirafuentes, of his
staff, requested the latter, in the name of his
general, to deliver up his sword. Another
general took mine, and the revolvers of the
Emperor, which I had placed in my belt.
On the cerro we dismounted. Escobedo
invited the Emperor to enter a tent standing
there, and I followed, as Escobedo had also an
officer with him — I beheve Mirafuentes. Be-
sides us four, nobody was a witness to the
conversation ensuing. After the Emperor had
•v:ll
CAPTUEB OP THE CITT BY TREACHERY. 203
been standing a few moments before Escobedo,
and the latter remained silent, the Emperor
said: "If more blood must be spilled, take
only mine.'* This and two other requests were
made by the Emperor ; first, in order to spare
his army ; and, secondly, to enable all persons
belonging to his house, and who wished it, to
get to the coast, for the purpose of embarking
for Europe. Escobedo replied that he would
report to his government, but that the Emperor
and those belonging to him should he treated as
prisoners of tvar.
Officers of the staff of Escobedo have de-
nied this, and it is possible that the general
will deny it also, in order to escape the re-
proach that he broke his word ; but I assert,
on my word of honour, and am ready to swear
to it in the most sacred manner, that Escobedo
said what is her estated. I neither misheard
nor misunderstood him, for the Emperor re-
ferred very frequently to this promise, and an
error is therefore not possible.
The Emperor was then delivered to the care
of General Riva Palacios, a noted chief of party.
I do not know in what relation he may have
stood with the Emperor, but the Emperor
always made, much of him, and had given espe-
cial orders to treat him well if he should fall
into our hands. The general behaved extremely
204 CAPTUBE OP THE CITY BY TBEACHBBY.
well, and, as this is an exception, it ought to be
especially mentioned. We were to return to
the cruz, and the general had the tact not to
lead us across the city.
We were escorted by the Cazadorcs de
Galeano. One of their officers, a German-
American, of the name of Enking, addressed
me. Ho said that he knew me in North
America, yhere he had been a first lieutenant
of artillery, but I did not recollect him at all.
He told me, moreover, that my wife had arrived
before Queretaro a fortnight ago, and requested
permission to enter the city. As her request
was refused, she had gone to San Luis Potosi
to obtain this permission from Juarez, which
could not be refused under present circum-
stances, and I therefore might expect her ar-
rival soon. This as well as other German
officers serving in the Liberal army told me in
this way details about the treason of Lopez;
but they were blamed for doing so, and pre-
vented by their comrades.
When we came on the Plaza de la Cruz, we
found there part of our brave Cazadores as
prisoners. When they saw the Emperor they
uncovered, and looked on him with an expres-
sion of deep sorrow, and many of these old
soldiers wept.
At the entrance of the cruz we dismounted,
CAPTUUE OP THE CITY BY TREACHERY. 205
and the Emperor presented General Riva Pa-
lacios with his horse and saddle. The Emperor
was then brought to his old room, which, how-
ever, like all the rooms, was entirely cleared
out. In the Emperor's room, indeed, nothing
was left but his field-bed — of which the mat-
tress was cut in search for money — a table, and
one chair. Part of the stolen things, amongst
them the silver washing toilet — as basin,
pitcher, etc. — and many papers, were found in
the room of Lopez. The anger expressed by this
fellow the night before, when he found silver
instead of gold was confided to him, is quite
sufficient to characterize him.
Many officers of the Liberals crowded the
room to see " Maximiliano de Habsburgo,"
whom they could not conquer otherwise than
by treason. Amongst them were Colonels Jose
(Peppi) Rincon Gallardo, and his brother. The
former is the same officer who said in the
morning the " Que passen" Speaking to
the Emperor about the treason of Lopez, he
said: "People like him are made use of, but
then kicked." In the corridor before the Em-
peror's room stood a company of the Supremos
Poderes, and a sentinel before his door. On a
flat, balcony-like roof, opposite the door, at the
other end of the room, stood another detach-
ment of soldiers.
f
2i,l»
li' I ? .
206 CAPTUEB OP THE CITY BY TEEACHEEY.
Pradillo, Count Pachta, Blasio, and myself,
were taken to a room which was ent..^red from
that flat roof, so that, on going over it, we
could communicate with the Emperor. Later,
Dr. Basch joined us. The Emperor embraced
him. Mejia and Castillo were quartered in the
room of the latter. It was ten o'clock a.m.
when we re-entered the cruz.
The health of the Emperor had suffered by
bad food and other circumstances : he had not
been well before, and went to bed. He was,
however, visited by a Liberal general, whose
name I did not hear ; he sat down at his bed-
side, and asked the Emperor many questions
about Mexico and Vera Cruz, which he an-
swered in his open manner. As he spoke a
great deal too much, and I feared he might tell
many things which it was not necessary that
the enemy should know, I placed myself behind
the chair of the general, and laid my finger on
my lips. The Emperor understood, and soon
broke off the conversation.
We were all very hungry, as we had not
eaten anything since last night. Senor Rubio
sent the Emperor a slight dinner towards even-
ing ; but he ate only a few bits, and we divided
the rest amongst us.
The other officers — about four hundred —
were quartered hi the church of the cruz.
Hi
CAPTTJEE OP THE CITT BY TBEACHEKT. 207
where they were much annoyed by Liberal
officers, who came to stare at them. Lieut.-
Colonel Pitner and Major Malburg joked about
a sentinel at their door, whose thin, hungry
figure and ragged state amused them. Colonel
Doria, a man known in the Liberal army as a
bloodhound, noticed it, and said : " Laugh on,
gentlemen ; these fellows are still good enough
to shoot you.'* This observation damped sk
little the merriment of these officers. The
command over the cruz and the prisoners was
given to General Don Pansho Velez.
:■)!:!
'JHc
I
iii
IMPRISONMENT OF TE^ EMPEROR.
In the morning of the 15th, we were awakened
already before five o'clock, by fiirious drumming
in the yard below, where the soldiers had done
all they could to make a noise during the nigbt.
I looked down, and saw a Liberal officer with a
drum hanging round his neck, and beating it
like a madman, at the same time animating
his soldiers to support his efforts by more
noise.
Amongst the soldiers I noticed some Mexi-
cans of our Cazadores, who were already mus-
tered into the Liberal army. The foreigners,
however, were not trusted, and locked up.
This day, was published the following army
order of Escobedo : —
''Manano Escobedo, Division-General of the Mexi-
can Bepuhlic, General-in-Chief of the Northern
army, and commanding the troops operating
around Queretaro.
"Soldiers, — The RepubHc owes to your
valour, constancy, and sufferings, one of its tri-
IMPRISONMENT OP THE EMPEBOE.
209
EBOR.
Lwakened
rumming
tiad done
■he nigbt.
;er witli a
Deating it
animating
by more
me Mexi-
ady mus-
breigners,
up.
g army
the Men-
Northern
operating
to your
I of its tri-
umphs, the greatest it has obtained in the great
struggle of the nation against the invaders
and their accomplices. The rebel city of
Quer^taro, the strongest fortress of the empire,
has succumbed, after an heroic resistance,
worthy of a better cause. Ferdinand Maxi-
mihan, the titular Emperor, Miramon, Mejia,
Castillo, and a large number of generals, com-
manders, and officers, together with the whole
garrison, are our prisoners. I should fail in my
duty as a soldier, and commit treason against
my conscience as a free man and loyal Mexican,
were I not to speak of your heroic deeds and
your sacrifices. "With the faithfulness of sol-
diers, who defend the independence of their
country, without provisions, and frequently,
without even a cartridge, you looked upon the
face of death without flinching, opposing the
numerous troops of the traitors and foreigners,
who were excellently provided with every kind
of war material, excellently fortified, and com-
manded by the best generals of our former army,
who, unfortunately, forgot their duty in joining
the intruders, and supporting, to the last mo-
ment, the foreigners whom another foreigner,
the Emperor of the French, placed on a throne
erected by the bayonets of his soldiers. But
these soldiers are no more here ; the remain-
der of them have flown to France, to hide their
TOk I.
14
210
IMPRISONMENT OP THE EMPEROB.
4 *■' I
disgrace, loaded with the curses of a whole
people ; and the sad news, that more than half
their comrades paid for the caprice of their ruler
with blood.
" Companions in arms 1 It does not matter
whether ambitious, ill-disposed persons, try to
disparage your heroic deeds, veracious history
will put every one to his proper place; and
neither the enemies of the Republic, nor those
who remained in the places occupied by the in-
vaders, looking with indiflference on the misfor-
tune of the country and Republic, will be placed
above those who, like you, fought without rest for
the sacred principles of independence and liberty.
** Soldiers I With all the devotion of my
soul, I congratulate you in the name of the
Republic, and the Supreme Government ; and,
true to the programme which I have made, we
will continue to strengthen the hands of peace
and order, and with them, the prosperity of our
country.
"Viva the Republic! Viva the National
Independence 1
Headquarters, at la Purisima frente, Quere.
taro, May 16, 1867.
"Mariano Bscobedo."
I need not add a single word to this pom-
pous document, which I translate for the
IMPRISONMENT OP THE EMPEROR.
211
a whole
,han talf
teir ruler
)t matter
s, try to
s history
ace; and
Dor those
)y the in-
le misfor-
be placed
lut rest for
nd liberty,
on of my
me of the
ent; and,
made, we
s of peace
•ity of our
National
be, Quere.
)BEDO.
>»
this pom-
for the
amusement of the reader, in order to give them
a sample of Escobedo's veracity.
Besides this, the Liberal commander-in-chief
published a notification directed to all Imperial,
miUtary, and civil ofiScers, to report themselves
within twenty-four hours, threatening that
every one should be shot without any trial, who
should not obey this order within that time.
In consequence of this. Generals Escobar,
Casanova, Moret, Valdez, the ^Minister Aguirre,
and some others, reported themselves, and were
quartered in the room of Castillo.
The Generals Arellano and Gutierez, and
Colonel Don Carlos Miramon, had succeeded in
making their escape from Queretaro, and
General Mendez, after whom the Liberals
were searching most eagerly, was still con-
cealed in the city.
When old General Escobar, after having
[given himself up, was marched with an escort
[through the streets, he met there the traitor
[Lopez, who had always been on bad terms with
[tliis honest man. The dastardly traitor had the
evolting impudence to give his unarmed enemy
slap in the face.
We saw much marching amongst the Liberal
roopa in the afternoon, and heard that all
bse who could possibly be spared, were sent
Porfirio Diaz, who was besieging Mexico.
u^^m
212
IMPRISONMENT OP I'HE EMPEROR.
organizoa
intention of "ioinii.;-
Eacobedo remained in Queretaro, as he was an
enemy of Porfirio Diaz, and would not serve
under his command. General Don Pansho
Velez nlso was sent to Mexico, and was re-
placed by General Echegaray, a relation of our
major of the same name.
The regiment Empress was left together,
and .:rJ.My officered by the Liberals. All
those ofoci were, however, killed afterwards,
^ y their mer en a march, and the regiment
'■'^elf ' a guerilla band, with the
some later conservative
movement.
General Escobar had made many friends
amongst the citizens of Querdtaro, and from
them he heard everything that happened. Hei
brought us the sad intelligence that forty of our|
officers had been shot or lanced the day before.]
The soldiers had placed them, as in joke, againsi
the walls of the corrals, and killed them witl
shot, or with their lances. Amongst them wi
Colonel de la Cruz, of the 4th cavalry, am
Colonel Campos, who fell into the hands of tli|
enemy when wounded at the cerro, and w
immediately despatched.
Towards evening we heard suddenly a pel« that
ton fire in the cruz, and Dr. Basch was seiBMont
for, from whom we heard the reason. In tlB shall
church, where So many officers were quartereB^onall
t
P
sj
fir
se
n
wh
spo
Lof
he
time
the
Esc(
doci
Emp
gene
H
IMPEISONMENT OP THE EMPEEOR.
213
a number of cartridges were scattered on the
ground. Some of them were ignited by cigars
which had been thrown away, and on the noise
produced by it, the ofl&cers, afraid of an explo-
sion, thronged towards the entrance. Tho
guard, believing that an outbreak was intended,
fired upon them. Three of our officers were
severely wounded, and one of them was killed.
The same fate befell an officer of the Liberals,
who was wounded in the abdomen.
The officers of the Liberals with whom we
spoke made no secret at all of the treason of
Lopez ; and it was known amongst them that
he had now practised this trade for the third
time. The first time was during the war against
the United States, under Santa Anna. General
Escobar gave me the original of the following
document, which General Miramon showed the
Emperor when he intended to make Lopez a
general : —
General Staff op the Army.
Section op the Archives.
[Circular.^
His highness the General President orders
j that the ensign of the active cavalry regiment
Monterey, of Neuva Leon, D. Miguel Lopez,
shall be dismissed from the army uncondi-
tionally and for ever, and this in consequence
m
11 I
i
214
IMPRISONMENT OF THE EMFEBOB.
of his infamous behaviour in Tehuacan, where
he seduced the body-guard of his Excellency
the President to revolt, commanding in person
the troops operating against the army of the
United States.
This order will be made known to the army,
that the same may learn that if the Supreme
Government reward^ faithful servants, it also
punishes those who are no longer worthy to
belong to the honourable profession of soldiers.
By high order, for your and your subordi-
nates' information.
(Signed) Quijano.
Mexico, Juim 8th, 1854.
1-^
It is difficult to understand how the Empe-
ror could confide the cruz, and with it his
person, to a man with such antecedents. How-
ever, I have already remarked, I did not believe
Lopez intended to deliver the Emperor into
the hands of the Liberals. Afraid of being
shot, if captured, he endeavoured to save his
life, aiid earn at the same time a good round sum
of money, by giving up the city into the hands of I
Escobedo. The Emperor frustrated all calcula-
tions and arrangements to save him by his|
refusal to conceal himself in the house of M.
Rubio. A fellow like Lopez, without honour, |
could, of course, not understand that a man,
IMPRISONMENT OF THE EMPEROR.
21ff
in, "wliere
Ixcellency
in person
nay of the
the army,
) Supreme
ts, it also
worthy to
)f soldiers,
ar subordi-
QuiJANO.
the Empe-
with it his
nts. How-
not believe
iperor into
d of being
io save bis I
round sum
Ihe hands of
all calcula-
im by his
lOUse of M.
Hit honour,
tat a man,
Q
an Emperor, might prefer death to an action
which he considered to be, if not against his
honour, at least against his dignity.
On the 17th, early in the morning, notice
was given to us to prepare to be transferred to
the convent Santa Teresita, out of which the
poor nuns, whose order had occupied that place
for centuries, had been driven. We met, on
tlie Plaza de la Cruz, the other officers. The
uncertain fate before us made us all serious,
and we embraced our friends in silence. We
were escorted by a formidable force. One bat-
talion marched at thQ head, another brought
up the rear, and two companies marched to the
right and left along the houses. The Emperor
was with Dr. Basch and General Echegaray, in
a carriage.
The inhabitants of the city showed much
sympathy for us, especially the women, who
greeted us with tears. When we arrived at
the entrance of Santa Teresita, many women
passed through the lines of the guard, and gave
the prisoners oranges and cigars. The poor
nuns had kept the convent very clean. There
was a yard inside, with a vaulted open walk
around, and a fountain in the centre.
The Emperor's room was very large, but
entirely empty. The same was the case with
an adjoining one, where all those persons were
Wi "''
11
T"; i
216
IMPRISONMENT OF THE EMPEEOR.
quartered whom the Emperor had desired to
stay near him. There were General Castillo,
Minister Aguirre, Colonel Ormachea, Lieut.-
Colonel Pradillo, Dr. Basch, Blasio, Colonel
Guzman, and myself. We were not, however,
allowed to communicate with the generals who
were in a separate room, or with the other pri-
soners who were quartered in other parts of the
convent. As we had lost all our things, and
must sleep on the floor, the Emperor ordered
a serape, or Mexican shawl, to be bought for
each of us. >
On the 18th of May, a long list of all tlio
prisoners was published. At its head stood, in
larger print, Emperador Maximiliano, which
was changed, in later issues, to Archduke Fer-
dinand Maximilian " de Habsburgo." The
health of the Emperor improved ; but we lost
General Echegaray, probably because he treated
us too well, and in his place came General
Rufio Gonzales, who had been formerly a chief
of brigands.
We heard absolutely nothing about the in-
tention of the enemy in reference to us, and the
report was circulated that the Liberals were
shooting all foreigners, when I was called out
about eight o'clock p.m. I prepared for thoj
worst, and my comrades did not expect to see me
again ; but it was a false alarm, for the Liberals
IMPRISONMENT OP THE EMPEEOE.
217
only wanted some information about my nation-
ality, and other purely personal matters. In
the yard, twenty- two sentinels were placed,
who, all niglit long, called to each other at the
top of their voice, " Sentinella alerta /" so that
we could not close our eyes.
On the 19th of May, General Escobedo,
accompanied by General Diaz de Leon and
Colonel Yillanueva, visited the Emperor. The
visit lasted half an hour, and we were all very
much excited; but this visit was only a for-
mality, and we heard nothing positive. Some
officer of Escobedo* s staff told me that my
wife was expected to arrive very soon.
During the previous evening. General Men-
dez had been captured in a house, betrayed by
his own servant for money. Escobedo was
very glad to apply to him the rule he had made
in his notification, for Mendez would have been
shot under any circumstances, as he had once
ordered two Liberal generals, Arteaga and
Salazar, to be shot. To others who were cap-
tured even later, this rule was not applied — at
least, as far as I know.
Next morning I stood with others near the
window, when Mendez was led through the
passage opposite us. He walked fast, as usual,
and smoked a cigar. When he saw us, he
smiled, and waved adieu with his hand. He
^1
!!
iST^JW ■■
If:-
.5
~~Mft);-W.<i
218
IMPRISONMENT OP THE EMPBROE.
was led to the external wall of the Plaza de
Toros, near the Alameda, where he was to be
shot by a detachment of the Cazadores de
Galeano.
It is the custom in Mexico to shoot those
from behind who are considered as traitors by
the opposing party, into whose hands they full.
Mendez would not submit to this insult, and,
when compelled to kneel down with his back
towards the guns, he turned round on one knee
when the men Avere about to fire, raised his hat,
and called out, " Viva Mexico ! " He fell on
his face, wounded, but not killed, but was per-
fectly conscious, for he pointed with his index
finger behind his ear, requesting in this manner
that they would shoot him there, which was
complied with by one of the Cazadores. The
body was given up to his wife. These details
were told me by the oflicer who commanded at
the execution, a former Swiss barber, who had
deserted from the French Legion d'Etrangers.
He had not forgotten his old trade, and offered
to shave me — of course, for a consideration.
In the evening, we heard that twelve of our
guerilla officers had been separated from the
rest, to be shot in the . morning ; but I could
never ascertain whether this was done.
On the 20th of May, about noon, my wife
arrived. Her news was by no means comforting.
IMPRISONMENT OP THE EMPEROR.
219
Plaza de
as to be
lores de
;ot those
liters by
they fall.
;ult, and,
his back
one knee
i his hat,
;e fell on
was per-
his index
s manner
hich was
-es. The
se details
landed at
who had
Itrangers.
id offered
deration,
e of our
jfrom the
I could
nay wife
iforting,
for she said that it was intended to shoot us all.
She had a long conversation with the Emperor,
ir "'hich she gave him much information, espe-
c .y in reference to the treason of Marquez,
which mortified the Emperor far more than that
of Lopez.
It was the general opinion that Marquez
marched towards Puebla, instead of Quer^taro,
with the intention of joining Santa Anna. The
German officers in Mexico, who wanted to re-
lieve the Emperor, had been always quarrelling
with him.
^ the Emperor expressed a wish that he
migiio be quartered with his suite in a sepa ate
house, my wife went to persuade Escobedo,
with whom she had become acquainted, as well
as with some officers of his staff, when she had
come before Queretaro, to request admittance
into the city.
On her return, she told us that Escobedo
had made some promises to her, and concluded
from his conversation that he intended to enter
into some negotiations with the Emperor.
This proved correct, for at four o'clock
p.m.. Colonel Villaneuva, of Escobedo's staff,
requested the Emperor to go to the general's
head-quarters. The Emperor at first was un-
willing to go, but at last he changed his mind,
saying, " Well, Escobedo has paid me a visit,
' ,1
220
IMPRISONMENT OF TEE EMPEEOB.
■0.-^
''■f
i'l '
and I may return it ; but he did it only upon
the condition that my wife and I should be per-
mitted to accompany him, to which the colonel
did not object.
The Emperor gave his arm to the princess,
and I followed with Colonel Villaneuva. "We
passed the other prisoners, and they caluted
the Emperor with great respect and love. We
then stepped into a carriage, and, escorted by
twenty-five men of the Cazadores de Galeano,
we drove to Escobedo*s head-quarters, which
were, since the occupation of the city in the
Fabrea and Hacienda de Hercules, belonging to
M. Eubio.
In front of this hacienda is a very large,
fine garden, into which we entered. Near a
basin with a fountain, Escobedo came to meet
the Emperor, and went with him into a large
side-walk, where chairs were placed for the
party. Many curious oflBcers were standing
near the basin, and two bands were playing
alternately.
The Emperor spoke with Escobedo about
his abdication. He asked that his officers
should be brought to the coast, in return for
which he would give orders to surrender
Mexico and Vera Cruz.
Escobedo answered that he would report
this to his government. On his part Colonel
IMPRISONMENT OP THE BMPEr.OR.
221
Villaneuva-, and I, from the Emperor's, were
charged to arrange between us the points men-
tioned in the conversation, and to write them
down.
I apoke for some moments with the Em-
peror, who gave me his instructions, saying,
" Do it in an honourable manner, for I would
rather die than degrade myself.'* He then
wrote the following authorization —
QUERETARO, HaCIENDA DE HeRCULES,
le 20 3Iai, 1867.
J'autorise mon colonel et aide-de-camp
Prince de Salm-Salm de traiter avec M. le
General Escobedo, et je rdconnaia les acles
faites pas le premier comme faites en mon
nom.
(Sig.) Maximiliano.
My negotiations with the Liberal colonel
were faciUtated by the circumstance of his
speaking French very well. We agreed that
my propositions in the name of the Emperor
should be made in the form of a letter directed
to Escobedo. This letter ran as follows —
QUERETABO, HaCIENDA DE HeRCULES,
le 20 Mai, 1867.
Son Excellence M. le General Escobedo, Com-
mandant'en-Chef des Forces Libereaux,
General, — ^Mon Seigneur et Souverain m'ai
222
IMPEISONMBNT OP THE EMPEEOR.
autorise de traiter avec vous sur certain
points, pour dviter plus d' effusion de sang dans
ce pays.
Pour arriver a ce but il vous propose —
1. L'abdication officielle de la couronne du
Mexique ;
2. Promesse soleuinelle de ne plus jamais
se meler des affaires politiques du Mexique ;
3. Ordre k ses Gdn^raux-et-Chefs, de mettre
bas les armes et de rendre les places fortes ;
4. Ordre au commandant des troupes
etrangeres de mettre bas les armes, de se
rendre sous la protection des forces Liberaux
pour se rendre a Vera Cruz, afin d'etre
embarque ;
6. Qu*il recommande le sort de ses generaux
et officiers Mexicains, qui lui sont reste fidele, a
la gendrosite du nouveau Gouvernement;
6. Qu'il soit escorte a Vera Cruz par une
escorte choisie par vous, General, avec les per-
sonnes de son entourage ;
7. Que tons les etrangers qui sont prisonniers
ici soient transports a Vera Cruz, afin d'etre
embarqud.
J'ai I'honneur d'etre. General, votre devout,
(Sig.) Peince de Salm-Salm,
Colonel et aide-de-camp de S. M.
Before giving this letter out of my hands,
m'- i
certain
ig dans
mne du
jamais
[ue ;
3 mettre
tes ;
troupes
, de se
Liberaux
1 d'etre
reneraux
fidele, a
par une
|les per-
5onniers
d'etre
I devout,
;. M.
hands,
IMFBISONMENT OF THE EMFEBOB.
223
I showed it to the Emperor, who made some
slight alterations, after which it was delivered
as above.
The whole negotiation lasted about one
hour and a-half, after which we returned in the
same manner in which we came to our prison
in the convent.
On the 21st of May we heard that twelve
French oflScers in the service of the Emperor,
w>i^ had been employed mostly as paymasters,
and who had done no other service during the
siege, had offered their services to General
Escobedo. As it would be a pity to bury in
oblivion the names of these fellows who had the
miserable courage to do such a thing, I will
give them here as they were published in the
"Sombre de Arteaga," a Liberal Queretaro
paper — Captain Ernest de Rozeville, Lieut.
Jean Ricot, Captain Charles Schmidt, Captain
Henry Morel, Captain Xavier Gaulfreron, Lieut.
Felix Kieffers, Lieut. Emile Trouin, Ensign
Eugen Bailly, Lieut. Theodore Heraud, Lieut.
Emile Pejuin, Lieut. Victor Nomel, and Lieut.
Paul Guyon.
Escobedo answered them in a letter couched
in very severe and contemptuous expressions.
He told them " that the cause of the Liberals
j could be fought out by themselves, and that he
could not accept the services of people who, in
>/ ill]
i
l!i :
224
IMPRISONMENT OP THE EMPEROR.
the face of their suffering companions, could
make such an infamous offer, and from whom a
similar behaviour might be expected on a future
occasion.'*
The steps taken by those twelve officers
caused a storm of indignation amongst the
prisoners; and the other French officers sent
me the following lettf '^ for the Emperor, which
I promised them to pablish later, with their
names —
Des Fraui^ais officiers prisonniers, a sa MajesU
Mcurimilien, Empereur du Mexique.
Sire, — N^ous avons appris que des Fran^ais
officiers prisonniers, comme vous, avaient de-
mande au General Escobedo loifaveur de servir
dans son armee.
La feuille Liberale a justement apprdci^e
cet acte le taxant d'infamie, et le General
' Escobedo a bien fait de ne pas accepter des
hommes qui n'ont pas craint de faire une
pareille demande dans de telles circonstances.
Comme ces officiers (qui, pendant tout le
siege, n'ont assiste a aucune affaire), sont
Fran^ais, et que voire Majestd pourrait croire
quil ont ete les interpretes de nos sentiments,
nous nous empressons. Sire, de rejeter toute,
participation a cet acte inqualifiable, qui a|
Bouleve notre indignation.
■■;,- ■ (■ ii^-
IMPRISONMENT OF THE EMPEBOB.
225
8, could
whom a
a future
3 officers
mgst the
cers sent
■or, which
vith their
sa Majeste
que.
s Fran^ais
.vaient de-
r de servir
appr^ci^e
le General
icepter des
faire une
Lstances.
Int tout le
lire), sent
trait croire
Sentiments,
iter toute,
)le, qui a I
Nous' profitons de cette circonstance, Sire,
pour donner a votre Majeste I'assurance de
notre entier devouement et que, quoiqu*il puisse
arriver, nous nous ne nous avilerons jamais.
Nous sommes, avec le plus profond respect,
Sire, votre Majesty les tr^s humbles, et
les tr^s fiddles sujets,
A. Page, capitaine ; Ena^ne Chardin, Adolphe
Marie, Jean Marc, Jeaif Baptiste Gobin, Jero-
nimo Guitard, Charles Bomet, Adolphe Charton,
Charles Eloy, Antoine Vignoli, Charles Des-
prez, Gustavo van Haecht, Gaspard Wery,
Henzy Voignier, Eugene Laroche, Frederic
Filliatre, Leopold Dreyss^, Adolphe Chigon,
Adolphe Bouzeran, Chretien Ludwig, Charles
Schupbach, Jean Lugeon, Adolphe Sibenaler,
Zacharie Deplace, Albert Hans, Henzy Ehr-
mann, Louis Depain, Jean Baptiste Parison,
Ernest Coudray, Jean Nicolas Girardin, Leopold
de Potter, — ^lieutenant*::.
Of our captured soldiers the Liberals
scarcely took any care whatever, as may be
seen from the following letter, which I re-
ceived : —
Your Highness, — In the name "of all his
I imprisoned comrades, the undersigned requests
you, for the mercy of God, to represent to his
VOL. I.
15
226
IMPRISONMENT OF THE EMPEROR.
Majesty the Emperor, our miserable position,
that T^e, as faithful servants of his Majesty, may
not be starved to death. Since our capture on
the 15th, until now, most of us have eaten
scarcely a morsel, so that every one of us al-
ready wishes for death in any other manner.
We, therefore, beg your Highness to induce his
Majesty to favour us graciously with a charitable
gift.
Ivan Budsky,
Imprisoned hussar, in the name of his
comrades.
"When my wife came in the afternoon, she
had forgotter her pass, and was refused admit-
tance by the officer of the guard in the most
rude manner. I was furious at this, and paced
the room in a rage. The Emperor, who was
just then with us, and was a witness of the
scene, pointed smilingly at me, and said to the
other gentlemen, " There, look at the lion in the
cage."
When returning with her permit, my wife I
brought for the Emperor and myself some mucli|
welcome linen.
On the 22nd of May we were informed that I
the Emperor, some of his suite, and the generals
were to be transferred, not to better quarters,|
as we had hoped, but to the convent of the Ca-i
IMPBISONMENT OF THE EMPEBOB.
227
position,
sty, may
,pture on
ye eaten
of us al- '
« manner,
^ndnce Ms
charitable
Btjdsky,
me of liis
smoon, she
sed admit-
the most
and paced
who was
Less of toe
said to the
lion in tie '
[it, my ^fel
some muc^l
iformed tliatl
the generals
^r quarters,!
of the Ca-
puchins. The reason of this separation became
known to us only later.
Escobedo had received from the " Supreme
Government" the order to shoot us all without
delay; but he remonstrated, and said that it
could not be done without a previous trial, and
might involve the government in difficulties
with the United States, which had already ex-
pressed themselves officially about the proceea-
ings at San Jacinto, highly disapproving of it.
The Emperor was lodged in the pantheon,
or grave vault of the convent; the generals
were quartered in a large hall, and we in some
place adjoining the pantheon. As the Emperor
did not feel well, Dr. Basch was sent for at his
desire ; when the doctor asked me where the
Emperor was, I frightened him horribly, without
intending to do so, by simply saying, " In the
tomb."
In this convent we met Miramon, his head
still bandaged. The Emperor embraced him.
The latter was to-day visited by the Hamburg
Vice-Consul in San Luis Potosi, Mr. Bahn-
sen.
We were, however, not to stay long in that
horrid place, but were transferred on May 23rd
to another court, where we had a little more
comfort, and three or four persons were quar-
tered in a cell. My wife did not give up her
11
■r ■*
228
IMPRISONMENT OP THE EMPEROR.
'Hi "f i. '."S
f„^f'
endeavour to get a separate house for the Em-
peror, but she was put off with promises.
When, on 24th of May, I was sitting with
the Emperor in the yard, in the centre of which
stood a very large lemon-tree, Colonel Palacios,
who under Gonzales, had the especial guard
over the prisoners, called me aside and requested
me to tell the Emperor to prepare for his re-
moving to a separate room, as his trial was
about to commence, he would have to be alone
and without communication with the other
prisoners. "When I had fulfilled this disagree-
able duty, the Emperor ordered his steward,
Mr. Grill, to pack up his things whilst I walked
with him up and down the yard. He remarked,
"You see they progress slowly, but securely.
It will be soon at an end."
I saw lying on the ground a thorn crown,
which had fallen from the head of a wooden
image of Christ, which had been used by the
soldiers as firewood, and picked it up. The
Emperor took it fiom my hand, and said, " Let
me have it, it suits well with my position." He
gave the thorny crown to Mr. Grill, and ordered
him to hang it up in his room.
The cell in which the Emperor was confined
was in an upper story of the convent, as were
also those of Miramon and Mejia. Before each
of these cells a sentinel was placed. As the
■•yy.y-r?. -^'Sgv-.
IMPRISONMENT OP THE EMPEROR.
229
Emperor desired to have Dr. Basch near him,
he, Mr. Grill, and the valet'de-chambre, Severo,
were placed in cells close to those of the Em-
peror.
From a conversation I had with Colonel
Palacios, who had been a prisoner in France,
and spoke French tolerably well, I learnt that
there was but Uttle hope for the Emperor. In
the course of the conversation I remarked that
the Mexican Government would do well to take
an example from the North American Govern-
ment in their treatment of the rebels of the
South, on which Palacios said, " The North
Americans are our born hereditary enemies. "We
will neither have anything to do with them or
with you ; we can exist without any of you."
I ridiculed the idea of living quite alone
without any connection with other nations, and
without any trade, after the example once given
by China and Japan, but he sustained his opinion,
and said thatMexico produced every thingrequired
for her existence, and needed no foreign relations.
I endeavoured to induce Colonel Palacios to
permit me to communicate with the Emperor,
as he before his death would have to make many
arrangements. However, it is impossible to get
from a Mexican a straightforward answer, and
I could get nothing except some vague pro-
mises.
§
kill
■■ If!
230
IMFBISONMENT OP THE EMF£ROB.
When my wife came on the 25tli of May,
she was in a state of great excitement, for she
had heard for certain that the Emperor and
myself would be shot, and that the trial of the
former had commenced this day. The law of
26th of January, 1862, would be applied,
which orders that every one captured in arms
should be shot. The whole law proceeding, the
execution included, would be finished within
three days. At the same time with the Em-
peror Mejia and Miramon were to be tried,
and after them three others, according to
their scale of rank. In this manner I was
enabled to make the interesting calculation
how soon my turn would come.
With some difficulty I was permitted by
Palacios to see the Emperor, but only in. the
presence of the officer of the guard. Tnat
officer happened to be my Swiss barber, who,
for a consideration, remained standing at the
door, watching that nobody disturbed our con-
versation.
I informed the Emperor of what I had heard
from my wife, and we agreed that she should
travel to San Luis Potosi to try her luck with
Juarez, and obtain, if nothing else, a delay at
least, as time is a great deal under such circum-
stances.
My wife was very busy that day. She came
IMPRISONMENT OF THB EMFEBOB.
231
of May,
b, for she
)eror and
ial of the
he law of
applied,
d in arms
eding, the
Led within
I the Em-
» be tried,
ording to
ler I was
calculation
■mitted by
>nly in. the
rd. Tnat
biber, who,
,g at the
Id our con-
had heard
she should
luck witb
la delay at
]^ch circum-
She came
several times to my prison, and for the last time
at eleven o'clock p.m., when she prevailed upon
some officer to bring both of us to the Emperor,
from whom she received her instructions. From
the Emperor she went to Escobedo, to tell him
that she was going to see Juarez, and requesting
him to postpone the execution until her return,
which she would hasten as much as possible.
Escobedo promised according to Mexican
fashion. She departed the same night.
On 26th May I had a long conversation
with Colonel Villanueva, who was an educated
man, and not so bloodthirsty as most of his
fellow officers. The resume of his conversation
was, " Maximilien est perdu," and there was no
remedy against it.
I endeavoured to go to the Emperor, and
was at last successful. As nothing so much
prevents vigorous action as weakly hope, I
thought it to be my duty to represent to the
Emperor the true state oi things. I did this
chiefly to win him to an idea which had flitted
across my brain all these days — viz., escape,
which alone promised help.
An officer of the troops occupying the con-
vent, an European, visited me frequently, and
smoked a cigar with me. As he was not par-
ticularly disagreeable, and I always got news
from him, I tolerated his company, and p^ave
4
!MI
232
IMPRISONMENT OP THE EMPEROR.
V ; :
Lim money as often as he applied for it. This
officer was to assist me in the escape of tho
Emperor, and I was almost certain that he would
not refuse to do this service.
The Emperor was first horrified at the idea
of " running away," but I attacked his prejudice
with all the reasons and arguments I could
muster. I proved to him that he had done
more than sufficient for his " military honour,"
and that it was a duty he owed the world to
preserve his hfe ; that he was only thirty-five
years, and a brilliant future was before him,
and he might still be of very good service to
humanity.
The Emperor was at last persuaded, but
bade me consider that I forfeited my own
life if such a plan should be discovered. I re-
quested him not to be troubled on my account,
as, in the worst case, it was tolerably indifferent
whether I was shot a few days sooner or later.
When I returned to my room I prepared myself
for my Liberal officer with a few bottles <^^
wine and other things, and he soon made
appearance.
I came at once to the point, saying to him :
I will speak plainly to you. You are here a lieu-
tenant, and have not been paid for months.
You see most of the Mexicans, whether Liberals
or Imperialists are blackguards, and you have
IMPRISONMENT OP THE EMPEROR.
233
the idea
prejudice
I could
bad done
honour,"
world to
thirty-five
5fore him,
service to
aded, but
my own
jd. I re-
account,
indifferent
or later.
'ed myself
)ottles ^^
made
Ig to him :
3re a lieu-
indeed very little chance here. I will propose
something to you, by which you may make your
fortune. Assist me in saving the Emperor.
As soon as we have passed the gate of the con-
vent, I will give you three thousand piastres
(I held the roll of gold right under his nose),
and on our arrival in Havana I will pay you a
thousand oimces of gold (about four thousand
pounds) more ; besides care will be taken of
your future in Europe.
The officer did not make any other objection,
but accepted at once. I then gave him a little
note for a personage in Querdtaro, whom I
informed of my plan, and requested to assist me.
As it was desirable for me to communicate
freely with the Emperor, I requested the same
to write to the Fiscal about it. He did so, and
the Fiscal sent me on the 27th of May the
following note : —
*' IP
ut
L, — Puede el pros * Salm hablar con
o en espauol y delante del comandante
gUc^idia, Queretaro, Mayo 27 del 1867.
" ASPIREZ."
you
From that ti e I was almost all day in the
room of the E eror, whither I was accom*
* Fret means in Mt jdco not a prisoner of war, but a criminal
priioner.
234
IMPRISONMENT OP THE EMPEBOE.
panied by an ojficer who took me back also.
Though we were to have spoken Spanish only, it
was sufficient to mix now and then a Spanish word
in the conversation. As the officer's room was
close by and the Emperor's room open, the
former was supposed to be present. We dis-
pensed with his company with pleasure.
The next thing I did was to inform the Em-
peror of my success with the officer I have
mentionel. The Emperor desired me once to
measure his cell, " for future times ;'* therefore I
will describe it as well as its surroundings.
The part of the convent in which we weie
imprisoned, was a building enclosing a small,
quadrangular yard. Eound three sides of this
yai'd ran in both stories passages, or open gal-
leries, with stone arches open towards the yard,
which once had been closed with trellis work,
but which was now broken away, and left only
in its upper parts. The fourth side of the yard
was separated from the adjoining similar one by
a wall.
The Emperor was in the upper story. The
doors of the cells opened on the passage with j
the arches, and also the windows. The stair-
case leading to the upper story was in one ofl
the corners. After ascending it, one had on the
right a cell in which were the captain and Heu*
tenant of the guard; in another were the men;!
IMPRISONMENT OF THE EMPEEOE.
235
ck also.
a only, it
iish word
'ooni was
>pen, tbe
We dis-
3.
i the Em-
er I have
le once to
therefore I
lings.
\i we weie
Lg a small,
des of this
)r open gal-
the yard,
-ellis work,
id left only
lof the yard
lilar one
by
itory.
Passage
The
with
The stair-
Ls in one
of
had on the!
and heu-
lin
:e the men;
at the opposite side was, in the left comer, the
cell of the Emperor ; next to it that of Miramon,
and, in the right corner, near the separating
wall, was the cell of Mejia.
To the left of the staircase were only two
cells ; the next was occupied by the Emperor's
steward Grill, and his Mexican valeUde'Cliamhre
Severe ; the other by Dr. Samuel Basch. The
one long wall of Dr. Basch' s cell was separated
from the Emperor's cell by the passage, which
formed thus a kind of niche. Before each of
the doors, always open, of the Emperor and the
two generals, stood a sentinel.
The cell of the Emperor measured six paces
by four. Opposite the window openirg stood a
field-bed with a chair at its foot, and a small
mahogany table at its head. On the diagonal
of this square table stood four silver candle-
sticks with wax candles, the only luxury -vv^hich
the Emperor would not relinquish, and besides
some trifling things lay on it, which were always
arranged in the same convenient order. Acci-
dental disturbance of this order offended the eye
of the Emperor, and was corrected by him im-
mediately. On this table always stood a glass
with sugared water, covered with a card against
the many flies. ^
In the other comer opposite the door stood
la table, at which I was usually writing. To
236
IMPRISONMENT OP THE EMPEEOE.
the right of it, against the short wall, stood a
box of the Emperor's, which had been recovered
from the room of Lopez. In the corner oppo-
site the bed, and near the window, was a
washstand. As the Emperor did not feel well,
ho usually remained in bed until noon, and was
up only for a few hours.
On the 28th of May the examination of the
Emperor came again to a stop, and a lively
exchange of telegrams between Escobedo and
Juarez took place. When I was sitting at the
bedside of the Emperor, he remembered that,
though he had appointed me general and pro-
mised a decoration, I had not yet received the
patents. Though his powers were now at an
end, he said he hoped that I might require sucli
documents, and therefore ordered Blasio to make
them out from the date of the verbal appoint-
ment, viz., May 14th. He made me grand
officer of the order of Guadelup. He also
made my wife lady of honour of the San Carlos
order, which had been instituted by the most
excellent Empress Carlotta. He said he would
have made her "palastdame" of the Empress, but
that it was an impossibilliy, as the document
had to be signed by the Empress herself.
General Castillo, Colonel Pradillo, Dr. Basch,
and others were also decorated.
As everything was now uncertain, and we
IMPRISONMENT OP THE EMPEBOE.
237
might be separated unexpectedly, the Emperor
told me to trust to his valeUde'chamhre, Severos,
who was a true and reliable man. As he carried
my breakfast to my room, I might always look
whether there was a little note concealed in the
bread ; but as it might be dangerous if such a
note should fall into the hands of the enemy, he
dictated me the following numbers as marks
for different persons and things : —
1, Emperor ; 2, Miramon ; 3, Mejia ; 4, Salm ;
5, the ofl&cer of the enemy whom I had won ;
6, my wife ; 7, another oflBcer of the Liberals ;
8, Mexico ; 9, Vera Cruz ; 10, Tampico ; 11,
Matamoras; 12, Turpan; 13, horses; 14, ;
15, Austria ; 16, man-of-war ; 17, ; 18,
small boats; 19, mules; 20, physician; 21,
chiefs of the enemy; 22, Havana; 23, New
Orleans ; 24, "Washington ; 25, Liberal govern-
ment; (26, left out) ; 27, Marquez.
On the 29th, an officer mounted guard whom
I had not hitherto seen, and who was more
strict than the rest. I therefore could not
speak much with the Emperor, but had enough
to arrange in reference to our escape, which
was made extremely difficult by the Emperor's
positive declaration that he would not fly without
Miramon and Mejia. Measures had, therefore,
to be taken accordingly.
When the infantry officer, my confidant.
|;iin
'ml
'mIi
238
IMPRISONMENT OP THE EMPEEOE.
*l
came to see me to-day, he said that nothing
could be done without the officer of cavalry
who commanded the guard near the Emperor's
room, and that he had already spoken to one,
whom he asked permission to come and see me.
Though it seemed to me rather dangerous to
take so many persons into our confidence, the
thing was done, and I felt glad that this officer
of cavalry was one with whom I had been already
connected in money matters.
I sent now to my confidant in the city in-
structions to buy the following necessary things:
six horses, six revolvers, and six sabres. For
the use of the Emperor, I ordered that my piebald
horse should be repurchased, as it was taller than
the Mexican horses, and an excellent jumper. .All
these horses and arms were to be concealed in
houses by lady friends. The officer of cavalry, my
old acquaintance, was ready enough to save the
Emperor and myself, but it was rather difficult
to make him agree to the escape of Miramon
and Mejia.
On the 30th of M -, at breakfast, I found
in my bread the following pencil-note of the
Emperor, which I have still, framed under
glass : — " I require necessarily black thread
for binding, beeswax for pasting, and, if pos-
sible, a pair of spectacles. On the horse must
be fixed two scrapes, two revolvers, and a sabre.
IMPBISONMENT OF THE EMPEBOB.
239
Not to forget bread or biscuit, red wine,
and chocolate. A riding-whip is also neces-
sary."
The Emperor would not cut off his beautiful
beard, but tie it behind the neck, and put on
spectacles. He said he would look so ridiculous
without a beard if he should be retaken, and
had laughed himself very much on seeing
General Casanova, who had cut off his enormous
moustaches the better to disguise himself, and
who could scarely be recognized by his most
intimate friends.
I went to see the Emperor, but could not
speak much with him until the strict ofl&cer was
relieved at noon by another whom we already
knew. As my cell was on the ground-floor,
and those of the Emperor and the two generals
upstairs, I should have to pass sentinels on two
sides, and the Emperor therefore requested
Escobedo to transfer me to the room of Dr.
Basch, as he required my assistance in writing
down his last -svill.
The Emperor told me that Lopez had had
the impudence to offer his services, but that he
had, of course, declined them. The traitor was
not satisfied with the Liberals, who had paid
him only a small part of the stipulated sum.
The Emperor spoke of Lopez, the traitor through
cowardice, only with contempt, but of Marquez,
M
\M
240
IMPRISONMENT OP THE EMP.v^OB.
the cold-blooded, calculating traitor, with in-
dignation.
Many people procured from Escobedo per*
mission to see the Emperor ; and when my wife
returned, very sad and weary, in the evening,
from San Luis Potosi, some Americans were
with him. One of these visitors described the
scene in a paper, and I will give his description,
as that of an unconcerned eye-witness frequently
conveys a far more correct idea of a situation,
than can possibly be done by one of the inte-
rested persons : —
"A bustle was heard outside; the heavy
door was opened, and a soldier announced, * La
senora !' In an instant Prince Salm-Salm held
the new-comer in his arms. She was the volun-
tary messenger, his wife, who had just arrived
from San Luis Potosi from Juarez. Her face
was sunburnt and soiled, her shoes were torn,
her whole frame trembled with nerveless fatigue
as she laid her hands upon her husband's
shoulders. The archduke came forward eagerly,
waiting his turn. The prince was heard to ask
in a whisper, * Have you had any success ?
What did Juarez say ?'
" * They will do what they have said in the
despatches. They have granted the delay.* She
turned to Maximihan, * Oh, your Majesty, I am
so glad.'
IMPRISONMENT OP THE EMPEROR.
241
witli in-
ledo per«
I my wife
evening,
ans were
jribed the
sscription,
frequently
situation,
the inte-
the heavy
meed, * La
rSalm held
the volun-
st arrived
Her face
ere torn,
iss fatigue
husband's
d eagerly,
lard to ask
success ?
lid in the
|jlay.' She
jsty, I am
" Ma::imilian took the princess's hand, and
kissed it. * May God bless you, madame I* he
said, • you have been too kind to one who is
afraid he can never serve vou.'
" The princess forced a smile. * Do not be
too sure of that, your Majesty. I shall have
some favour to ask for the prince, here, yet.'
" * You will never need to ask that, madam,'
responded the archduke, leading the lady to a
seat. * But you look weary. You are very
tired. We can ofter you httle. Prince, you
must care for your . I '
" Turning his face aside, Maximilian moved
abruptly towards the window. It was easy
to see why. His grief was restrained, but
almosu audible. The prince — with one hand on
the back of his wife's chair, and with the other
uplifted toward the archduke in mute protesta-
tion — could hardly restrain his own emotion."
It was time intrusion should cease. The
visitor, who had already reached the door, made
an unnoticed salute and withdrew.
On May 31st, in the morning, I was sitting*
at the bedside of the Emperor, when " Jimmy"
(perhaps still recollected from Tulancingo),
j stormed through the door, jumped right on the
bed of the Emperor, and was extremely glad to
see me again. A bright smile played over the
face of the Emperor, when he said, " There, our
':i
vol. I.
16
■.111
242
IMPRISONMENT OF THE EMPEROE.
guardian angel is coming !" for of course the
irrepressible Jimmy was followed by his mistress.
At breakfast already I received by the
bread-mail the following little note, written by
Dr. Basch, from the Emperor : —
" You must cause the Hamburgian Consul
Bahnsen to telegraph to the Enghsh, Italian,
Prussian, Belgian, Spanish, and Austrian lega-
tions, that the process against the Emperor has
commenced, and that he requires time to
arrange urgent and important private business,
as also important international affairs between
Austria and Belgium, concerning the person of
the Empress."
It was now resolved that the princess should
go to Mexico and return thence with the Prussian
minister. Baron von Magnus, and a lawyer.
For the former the Emperor dictated to me the
following letter : —
QuERETAEO, Slst May, 1867.
Dear Baron von Magnus, — I wish very
much to see you, and request you to come
here as soon as possible ; bring with you the
Austrian and Belgian representatives, as I have
to arrange with both gentlemen some important |
family affairs of an interuational character. II
beg to have Colonel Schaffer and Count Kheven-
hneller ; perhaps it may be arranged to send off I
IMPRISONMENT OP THE EMPEEOE.
243
,n Consul
1, Italian,
rian lega-
iperor lias
, time to
) business,
•s between
person of
May, 1867.
Iwisli very
to come
th you the
, as I liave
important
laracter. 1
it Kheven-
to send off'
both gentlemen as Prussian or English couriers.
Schaflfer and Klievenliueller shall wait for me in
Havana. Perhaps it might be well to bring
also our English representative.
I request you to send my things to Messrs.
Will and Co., Prussian Consuls in the Havana.
Your affectionate
(Signed) Maximilian.
When I had finished the letter the absence
of Jimmy was di& ''overed. Where could he be ?
After much calling he condescended to pop his
black nose out of the Emperor's bed, where he
—to the horror of my wife — was taking a nap.
The Emperor laughed when the free-and-easy
American, who does not care either for kings or
emperors, resisted his being removed.
The EmperoT* row spoke about our escape;
lie said, " The white flag was hoisted, and we
surrendered as prisoners of war, and as such
Escobedo has acknowledged us, on the Cen^o de
la Campana .... Juarez has not accepted my
conditions, and, instead of considering us as
prisoners of war, we are treated as rebels;
j therefore, we are under no obligations whatever."
It was arranged that we should go first to
Itbe Sierra Gorda, and from thence to Tuspan, a
place on the coast, fi:om whence the Emperor
would reach Vera Cruz, which was still occupied
iM
%
■111
244
IMPRISONMENT OP THE EMPEROB.
m
''m^^ii
IP'
iMi
by our forces. He hoped here to obtain better
conditions from the Liberals, especially for his
subjects that had remained faithful to him.
The Emperor dictated the following instruc-
tions, which I copy from my tablets :—
" The Austrian ships in Vera Cruz are to be
instructed carefully where they are to cruise
(under-score that!). Signals during night and
flags in the daytime. Besides this, to send
small boats frequently on shore. It would be
good to enter into communication with English
and Spanish vessels."
For the minister Aguirre, who was with me
in the same room downstairs, the Emperor gave
the following instructions : —
"Letter to the Austrian and Belgian ministers
to come immediately, to treat with them family
affairs of an international character. Minister
Aguirre has to sign."
After I had left the Emperor, I had a visit
from my Liberal officer who told me that his
comrade of the cavalry would mount the guard
near the staircase on the 2nd of June, and that
he himself would command the infantry guard
at the entrance of the convent. The escape]
must therefore be made in the night from the
2nd to 3rd of June, but the cavalry officer had|
declared it utterly impossible if the captain,
who was with him in the same room, was not!
IMPRISONMENT OP THE EMPEROR.
245
are to be
to cruise
niglit and
to send
would be
h English
won for the undertaking also. There was no
stopping half way. I had to speak to the cap-
tain, and found him to be the most energetic
man of the three. He accepted my proposi-
tions, and offered to take with him, as an escort,
twenty-five men, which was very acceptable.
In case that he should lose his hfe in the under-
taking five thousand pesos were to be paid to
his family immediately. That we should all bo
cut down if overtaken, he was certain.
The next day the Emperor wrote the follow-
ing bill of exchange, which is still in my pos-
session :—
QuEBETABO, June 1st, 1867.
The bank house , in has to pay to
the family of Captain , in case the latter
should die, the sum of five thousand pesos
(5000) immediately,
(Signed) Maximilian.
The Emperor then told me to write down
the following : —
" To procure a good guide to the Sierra
Gorda ; to buy dark lanthorns ; to poison
cavalry horses, or to make them unserviceable ;
not to forget writing materials."
As the garrison left in Quer^taro was not
numerous, not many cavalry horses would have
■:.'
T'M
Ill
I
mi.
246
IMPRISONMENT OF THE EMPEROR.
to be rendered unserviceable, or to be killed in
order to make pursuit impossible.
"When I came to see the Emperor, June 1st,
about noon, and we spoke much about our
escape, the question was treated, whether Dr.
Basch was to be made acquainted with the pro-
ject. The Emperor was against it ; he said,
" Dr. Basch is a faithful soul, but I am afraid
that he would betray us by his nervous manner.
As he, however, might become aware that some-
thing was preparing, we had better tell him that
I was probably guing to San Luis Potosi, and
that you only would be permitted to go with
me. To make that appear more likely let him
give you some prescriptions for me which I
shall require under any circumstances.'*
He remarked also that when he was in luck
he had many persons about him who tried their
best to please him, and said, "I regret, Salra,
that you have only to share the bitter with me,
but I hope to God better times will come."
As we discussed the difficulty caused by the
situation of our cells in different stories, and
the possibility of our separation, we agreed
what we should do in that case, and also if only
one of us should succeed. I said, " That I
certainly would give myself up again if the
Emperor should be retaken or prevented from
escaping;'* but he answered, "No, I do not
-■ i^'-iWy *'^'
IMPRISONMENT OF THE EMPEROR.
247
[une 1st,
bout our
ether Dr.
I the pro-
he said,
am afraid
s manner,
hat some-
1 him that
'otosi, and
;o go with
ily let him
which I
3."
want you to do that by any means ; I order you
positively to go.'* On my question whore he
wanted me to go in such a case, he directed me
to go on board the Austrian ship, " Elizabeth,'*
in the harbour of Vera Cruz, and gave me the
following letter for her captain : —
QUERETARO, jMltC 1,1867.
Dear Captain von Groeller, — I send you
with the present my general and aide-de-camp,
Prince Salm, now chief of my household, recom-
mending him to you most warmly. Take him
on board of your ship in order to wait there
for me or my instructions.
Your affectionate
(Signed) Maximilian.
The departure of my wife to Mexico had
been delayed, as no conveyance was to be had ;
and I was glad of it, as my confidant officer told
me that everything was prepared for the escape.
He and his two associates mounted guard at
noon the 2nd June, to itjinaiii there for forty-
eight hours. I saw the Emperor at one o'clock
and it was definitively resolved to make our
escape the same night.
Everything was as favourable as could be.
The only person we had to fear was Colonel
Palacios. For his ferocious appearance, which
was still increased by his squinting, the Em-
,m
"J;:*'
248
IMPRISONMENT OP THE EJtPErvOR.
peror, who liked to give people nicknames,
called him the "hyena." He was, however,
not quite so ferocious as he looked, and was out
of the way, as he had his lodging in one of the
two courts of the convent, which was very re-
mote from ours. The guards commanded by
our three officers were the only ones in the con-
vent, and Mexican soldiers do not think, but
merely do what they are ordered. In the city
were but few soldiers, and small patrols went
through the streets only until eleven o'clock
p.m. As we were all armed, and had twenty-
five horsemen with us, a chance rencontre was
not dangerous. There were no posts outside
the city, and no troops whatever between it and
the Sierra Gorda.
When I walked in the passage smoking a
cigar, Miramon made me a sign. "Watching for
an opportunity, I dropped my cigar when I
came near him. He handed me pohtely his box
with matches, and on opening it I discovered be-
neath the few matches a paper. I lighted my
cigar and then returned the match box ; but
according to Mexican politeness he declined,
and I put it in my pocket directly before the
sentinel, who stood about a yard from us. When
I had an opportunity I read the following note :
"Mis caballos han sido tornados ayes, dc
OR.
|ti>':'l
nicknames,
g, however,
md was out
I one of the
as very re-
imanded by
in the con-
think, but
In the city
)atrol.s went
)ven o'clock
lad twenty-
ncontre was
3sts outside
3ween it and
smoking a
hatching for
xar when I
ely his box
covered be-
hghted my
1 box; but
dechned,
before the
a us. When
)wing note :
h 'I
le
m
illy!
3S ayes.
dc
:'B
/
IMPRISONMENT OP THE EMPEROR.
249
consiguiente no tengo, en cuanto a los pistolos
estanacon migo. Quisiera saber la manera como
N. tiene arreglado esto, por que temo mucho si
no una traicion, si una maladireccion, que pueda
costarmi la vida aminado (!), escribamelo N. al
momento. — Yuestre amigo. " M. M."
On this day Miramon had the melancholy
pleasure of seeing his wife, who had arrived
from Mexico with his infant child, two months
old.
At one o'clock p.m. a telegraphic despatch
arrived, announcing that Baron Magnus and the
two best lawyers of Mexico, Martinez de la
Torre and Riva Palacio, the father of the
general, had started for Queretaro.
The Emperor sent for me about five o'clock
and told me that the journey of my wife was
not necessary now, and that he would not escaim
that night !
If a thunderbolt had fallen at my feet, I
could not have been more aghast, for such a
favourable opportunity for escape would never
occur again. I implored the Emperor almost
on my knees not to postpone his escape, espe-
cially as his reason for it was of so little ac-
count. ** What would the ministers, whom I in-
vited here, say I" he exclaimed, ** if they arrived
and did not find me !" " They would be iieartily
250
I]\IPRISONMENT OF THE EMPEROR.
glad to see you anywhere else," I replied. But
the Emperor remained firm, and tried to appease
my fear for his life, by saying, " They will not
be in such a hurry, and a few days more or less
will be of no account." It was almost the same
answer he gavu me on the evening of the 14th
May. He is, however, not the only prince who
has had to mourn over a " too late !"
When I communicated to the officers of the
guard the resolution of the Emperor, I had the
utmost trouble to appease them, for they were
not only afraid of losing the promised reward,
but also of discovery. Too many persons knew
about the plan, and if not carried out that
night, it would certainly be betrayed ; at present
nothing was yet known, and success was as
good as certain.
I saw the Emperor again, but he insisted
on the postponement of the escape until the
arrival of Baron von Magnus, in whom he had
great confidence, " as the same had p^ssisted him
in everything so energetically and faithfully,
whilst those representatives, of whom he might
have expected assistance with far better right,
had acted miserably and almost i!i a hostile
manner. Had they not taken so much trouble |
to induce the foreign troops to leave the coun-
try, they might have remained and have done ■ (jg^,
very good service."
IMPRISONMENT OP THE EMPEROR.
251
ied. But
:o appease
y will not
3re or less
t tlie same
f the 14tli
prince wlio
cers of tlie
•, I had the
• they were
^ed reward,
jrsons knew
id ont that
; at present
3ess was as
he insisted
36 until the
horn he had
p^ssisted him
faithfully,
Dm he might
setter right,
in a hostile
Luch trouble
e the coun-
Id have done I
He regretted very much that the English
minister, Mr. Scarlett, had left Mexico, for he
knew that he would have supported the en-
deavours of Baron von Magnus.
On June 3rd I was with the princess in the
room of the Emperor. Alone with me he usually
called me by my Christian name, but always with
the wrong one, Filip instead of Felix. I never
permitted myself to correct him, but my wife
did. I mention this circumstance as the Em-
peror used this Christian name in an official
document, and I had some trouble in proving
that I was the person really meant and no other
man. The Emperor presented each of us with
his photograpl , and wrote his name underneath.
On the 4th of June the Emperor rose earlier
than usual, as he expected the foreign ministers,
who disappointed him, however, that day. To
while away the time he arranged a domino party
in the niche formed by the passage before his cell,
and Mejia, Miramon, and myself took part in it.
The Emperor was to-day in very good spirits,
and explained the game to Mejia, which seemed
to tire Miramon, who looked at mo with a
smile of resii^nation. About noon came at last
the very much longed for permission from Es-
cobedo, for my removal to the cell which had
been occupied until then alone by Dr. Basch.
In the evening I sat very long at the bedside
252
IMPRISONMENT OP THE EMPEfiOK.
of the Emperor who was then rather low-spirited
and melancholy. He placed his hand in mine,
and made me the confidant of his sorrows in
reference to his person and family. I do not
feel at liberty to publish what he confided to
me, and will only say that he spoke with the
utmost love of the Empress, his consort, Arch-
duchess Sophia, his mother, and his brother
Archduke Charles Lewis. He expressed him-
self with some bitterness about the family act
of renunciation which he had been induced to
sign on accepting the Imperial crown of
Mexico.
On June 5th, early in the morning, I re-
ceived a visit from the infantry officer, my
confirlnnt, who toid me that he was afraid his
superior officers had heard something about
their plan. If so, however, lie was most to
blame. He and his comrades could not forbear
showing the gold they received from me,
making thus their poorer fellow- officers sus-
picious and jealous. General Escobar, who was
in the cell next mine, had warned me ah-eady
once to be cautious when giving money to
Liberal officers^ as he had heard the chink of
coin in my cell.
I suppose that the officers, on seeing that
they were suspected, and to prevent worse con-
sequences, divulged the whole afiair to theii*
IMPRISONMENT OF THE EMPEROR.
253
r-spirited
in mine,
itTOWS in
I do not
nfided to
witli the
art, Arcli-
s brother
ssed bim-
family act
nduced to
crown of
ling, I re-
pfficer, my
afraid his
ling about
IS most to
not forbear
from me,
fficer? sus-
ir, who was
me ali'eady
money to
e chink of
[seeing that
worse con-
lir to their
superiors, representing it only as a means to
get money, and to ascertain the intention of the
prisoners.
I heard also Madame General Miramon ac-
cused of having attracted suspicion by her talk,
though I do not know how much foundation
was in it. However, I had not to wait long for
the consequences.
When I returned to my cell, leaving the
Emperor alone with his physician, a Liberal
general-^I believe his name was Paz — entered,
and, addressing me in a brutal manner, said :
"You have attempted to effect the escape of
Maximiliano. If you repeat it you will be shot
on the spot."
Since the Emperor had refused to avail him-
self of the means prepared by me for his escape,
I cared but little for anything, and least about
the consequences which the discovery might
have with respect to myself, and, annoyed by
the tone of the general, I replied in the same
key : " And if I had done as you say, should I
have done more than my duty ? You, I sup-
pose, would have done the same if you had a
feeling of honour and love for your chief. It is
not the first time that I ventured my life for my
Emperor, and am ready to venture it again to
save him."
" We know that," answered th general,
r
^tV
254
IMPEISONMENT OF THE EMPEROE.
" and Escobedo has told me that you were the
man to carry it out. We will, therefore, bring
you to a place y, lOre this will be made impos-
sible ;" and, casting threatening looks at me, he
left the cell.
"You can do nothing but shoot me," I
called after him; "but to-day our turn — to-
morrow yours : that's Mexican fashion."
When the general had delivered me of his
presence, I was ashamed that I had permitted
myself to be carried away by my vexation, and
I went to visit the Emperor, to take an invigo-
rating example from the serene dignity with
which he bore his cross.
An officer soon came with the order to follow
him. He had no objection to my taking leave
of the Emperor. When I saw him I could not
utter one single word. He gave me his hand,
which I covered with kisses. I felt as if I
might not look on his dear face again. At the
door I again looked round. Two silent tears
ran down the august martyr's cheeks. That
was too much. My heart was breaking. I
rushed to my room, and gave vent to my grief
by loud sobs.
I soon recovered, however, and placed
myself at the disposal of the officer, indifferent
even if he led me to the place of execution. He
conducted me, however, downstairs to the cell
IMPRISONMENT OP THE EMPEROR.
255
of the other generals, whom, to my surprise, I
found all ready to start. Afraid of further
attempts at escape, Escobedo had given orders
that all the prisoners, with the exception of the
Emperor, Miramon, and Mejia, should be re-
moved from the convent.
Surrounded by an extraordinary numerous
escort, under the command of Colonel Palacios,
we had to walk slowly tlirough the streets,
under a burning sun, to the casino, the place
where all the field- officers were confined, whilst
the subaltern officers had remained in the con-
vent San Teresita. We were conducted into
a large hall, where the Emperor held a drawing-
room immediately after his arrival. A guard
separated us from the rest of the prisoners.
The above-mentioned general came and favoured
us with a speech, in which he regretted that he
was compelled to use more strictness than
hitherto, by events that had occurred within
the last few days ; on saying which he looked
significantly at me.
To his great displeasure. Dr. Basch had
been obliged to make this forced march with
us. He paced the large hall in mute fury,
and at last laid down on a table to sleep it
off. After a nap of an hour, he was, how-
ever, awakened and brought back to the
Emperor.
256
IMPRISONMENT OP THE EMPEROB.
■ I
The stricter measures announced by the
general were soon manifest. The guards were
trebled ; our servants not permitted to enter ;
wine prohibited, and knives and forks taken
away from us. The general was probably afraid
that we should attack his valiant guard with our
forks, and so escape I
I was much amused to see fourteen generals
and as many colonels eat their meat with
their fingers instead of knives; but these
gentlemen would not see the humour of the
thing, were angry with me, and requested
me to forego all schemes for escape, which
only served to make their position more dis-
agreeable.
General Escobar, who became at a later
period, with General Castillo, my best friend,
expressed himself in the most severe terms. I
became angry myself, and the consequence was
a pistol duel, to be fought the first day after our
release.
I forgot to mention that Baron von Magnus,
accompanied by his chancellor, Mr. Edouard
SchoUer, the two advocates, and the Belgian Sec-
retary of Legation Hooricks, haa arrived about
noon. I was very glad to see the baron a few
moments with the Emperor. He had rendered
me many services, and I had been much in
his company. I felt very much reassured by
J';;-.a|? I
IMPRISONMENT OP THE EMPEROR.
257
L by the
ards were
to enter;
rks taken
ibly afraid
d witb our
n generals
neat witli
but these
3ur of tlie
requested
ipe, wkicli
more dis-
his being near the Emperor, who now would
miss mo less.
The Emperor acknowledged ray endeavours
to serve him in a very flattering manner, by
saying, in my presence, to Baron Magnus :
" The prince fought like a lion, and proved tho
truest friend in misfortune." I ought not to
mention it myself; but as this word of my Em-
peror is my dearest and only reward for my
devotion to him, I will run the risk of being
thought vain.
On the 6tli of June at last also arrived tho
Austrian chargi d'affaires, Baron von Lago,
with his secretary. Knight Schmidt de Tavera,
and the Italian minister, Curtopassi.
To save troops, and not for the sake of
humanity, the guard was removed to-day which
separated us from the field-officers. I, there-
fore, had tlie pleasure of again seeing my friends,
Lieut.- Colonels rituer. Count Pachta, and
Major Malburg, and also Major von Goerbitz.
The last-named four gentlemen lived in the
same room, and we celebrated our meeting with
a bowl of brandy-punch, which we procured for
money fi'om soldiers' wives, and by a rubber
of whist.
On the 7th of June a colonel of Escobcdo's
staff made another speech to us, warning
us to forbear from all intrigues to escjape.
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258
IMPBISONMENT OF THE EMFEBOB.
and threatening us that we should be imme-
diately shot on detection. These good people
were always afraid of us, and not without good
reason ; for the good- will of most of the inha-
bitants of Queretaro was with us.
a.
be imme-
3od people
bliout good
f the vahur
TRIAL OF MAXIMILIAN.
On June 8tli camo from San Luis Potosi the
order that the Emperor and all generals were
to be placed before a court-martial, under the
law of January 2nd, 1862. Such a court-
martial and death were synonymous. The
court was ordered to be appointed by the
supreme government. The charges against the
accused were examined by the assessor of the
commanding general, and, if found correct, the
I judgment was to be executed by order of that
I general. There was no appeal against such a
[judgment nor was any grace allowed.
All the other ofl&cers were punished quite
[arbitrarily, without a trial. All colonels were
condemned to six years' criminal imprisonment,
[the lieut. -colonels to five years, the majors to
four, the captains and foreign lieutenants to two
fears. All Mexican lieutenants were set free,
but had to return home, where they were to
placed under mihtary surveillance for one
rear.
Besides this, General Escobedo was directed
260
TRIAL OF MiVXIMILIAK.
to pick out from all grades those officers against
whom there were particular charges, and to bring
them also before a court-martial.
According to this order, I, as colonel, should
have been condemned to six years* criminal
imprisonment, and would have to commence it
at once, as was ordered also. The idea of being
still more separated from the Emperor, under
the present circumstances, was intolerable to
me, and to prevent it I presented my genaral's
commission. The Liberal colonel of the staff
was fair enough to draw my attention to the
little circumstance that the law of January 2nd,
1862, meant death to every one captured in arms,
and that no grace was to be expected. He
offered to keep silence about my being a general,
but I refused.
On the 9th of June the Austrian charge
(Taffatres, Baron von Lago, came to see the
imprisoned Austrian officers, Pitner, Pachta,
and Malburg. With the baron came his secre-
tary, as I suppose in honour of his very
Mexican name of Schmidt, in Mexican cos-
tume.
Though Baron Lago knew me very well, as
he had seen me frequently in the house of Baron
Magnus, in Mexico, and the Emperor had in-
formed him expressly of the relations between \
him and myself, the great diplomatist did not
■■^^1.
TRIAL OF MAXIMILIAN.
261
think it convenient to take the slightest notice
of me, and his Sancho Panza, the Mexicanized
Chevalier Schmidt, imitated him. Being much
amused at this, I ran right against the baron,
and thus compelled him to acknowledge my
presence by a hurried salute.
The captains had been led outside the city
already at noon, and were waiting for the field-
officers. The latter assembled in the yard of
the casino, and those only remained who had
been picked out for the favour of a court-
martial. These were the Colonels Monterdo,
Reyes, Othon, Redonet, Diaz, and Kodriguez ;
the Lieut.-Colonels Pitner and Almanza; and
a number of majors and subaltern officers.
Amongst the former was Major von Goerbitz,
who owed this distinction to Dr. Licea, whom
he insulted as he deserved when that worthy
betrayed Miramon.
Among those reserved for court-martial
were, besides the Emperor, Miramon, and
Mejia, the foUowirfg generals : Castillo, Casa-
nova, Herera y Lozado, Ramirez, Moret, Val-
dez, Escobar, Liceago, Calvo, Salm-Salm, and
Magana. The latter was a man past eighty,
who had not fought for twenty years, and
whom none of us knew.
Of the civil officers reserved for court-martial
were the Minister Garcia Aguirre, the Prefect
!i,
262
TRIAL OF MAXIMILIAN.
Dominiquez, the Commissary Tomas Prieto, and
the Secretary of the Emperor, Luis Blasio.
The Fiscal of the Republican Government
was Lieut.-Colonel Aspirez, a good-looking
young man of twenty-eight, whom Juarez had
picked out expressly for this purpose. The As-
sessor of Escobedo was Escotio, a young fellow
of twenty, who liad a very bad and ferocious
expression in his features, but was an entirely
submissive tool in the hands of Escobedo.
Fifty field-officers, who stood in the yard of
the casino, were to be transported to Morelia ;
amongst them were Pradillo and Ormachea. It
was very hard to me to part from these my
faithful companions in arms, and the more
so as all of us had a very dark future before us.
The manner in which the Republican Govern-
ment treated these field-officeis was revolting,
but was characteristic of the spirit of this govern-
ment. These officers (amongst whom were
many old men, and others who were disabled
or weakened by their wounds) had to march on
foot, in the heat of a Mexican summer, and
each with his bundle on his back, for sixteen
days to Morelia, escorted by a detachment of
cavalry.
As these officers had been always on horse-
back, they were not used to a march on foot in
the heat of the sun, and on sandy roads, and
TRIAL OF MAXIMILIAN.
263
'rieto, and
»lasio.
ovemment
(od-looking
Juarez bad
. The As-
3ung fellow
d ferocious
an entirely
obedo.
tbe yard of
to Morelia ;
•macbea. It
,m tbese my
id tbe more
re before ns.
lean Govern-
as revolting,
tbis govem-
wbom were
ere disabled
to marcb on
jummer, and
for sixteen
jtacbment of
Lys on borse-
|cb on foot in
roads, and
the consequence was that many of them suflTered
from sore feet and other marching complaints.
After the second day they therefore declared
that they could not walk any longer, but pre-
ferred to be shot.
The citizens of Celaya received these unfor-
tunate men with great kindness. They offered
them not only all kinds of victuals and refresh-
ments, but even mules, and requested permission
to sell them on their arrival, and to buy with
the money some commodities for themselves.
Similar to this was their reception in other places.
Fifty of the captains were sent to Guanajato,
fifty to Zacatecas, and seventy-two to San Luis
Potosi. Amongst the latter were also the foreign
lieutenants. All these prisoners were not treated
as prisoners of war, but to the disgrace of Es-
cobedo, who broke his word, were placed on a
level with robbers and thieves.
On the 9th of June, in the evening, my faith-
M shadow, Lieutenant Montecon, came to say
farewell to me. The brave boy wept like a child.
He told me that he would find means to enter
Mexico, and fight again against the Liberals.
Since that time I have never heard of him.
On the 10th of June the Princess succeeded
in procuring permission for me to see the Em-
peror. Accompanied by Major Longoria, of
Escobedo*s stafif, I went with her through the
fill'
^^ %
■ '■'^.''
i
264
TRIAL OF MAXIMILIAN.
#•
city. The Emperor was sick, but had preserved
his serene, manly composure, though he owed
it to himself and to others to do all that was
possible to save his life. We examined all
chances for it, but none remained but escape,
and we by no means despaired of success,
though all precautions had been taken to ren-
der it more difficult. Two field officers, armed
with revolvers, continually guarded the door of
the Emperor during night ; that is, one of them
slept in the before-mentioned niche, the other
walked up and down the passage.
If an escape could be effected, we were to go
next to the Sierra Gorda, from thence to the Rio
Grande, and thence to Vera Cruz, In that city
the Emperor expected to find more than a mil-
lion of dollars in the treasury, and as the Mexi-
cans had no fleet to prevent it, we could procure
provisions from Havana, and troops from the
State of Yucatan, which was in favour of the
Emperor. Thus we might be enabled to hold
out for at least a year, whilst Miramon and
Mejia were busy in the country. A year is a
very long time in Mexico, and the cause of the
Emperor might again take a favourable turn.
For the execution of our projects, it was
desirable that I should be again quartered near
the Emperor. He requested Escobedo to permit
this, but was refused ; however, it was allowed
TRIAL OF MAXIMIUAN.
265
that I should visit him, accompanied by an officer
of the staff.
In the morning of the 11th of June, we were
again transferred to the convent San Teresita,
which offered more faciUties for guarding us
than the casino, and which had become empty by
the departure of the subaltern officers. Here
we were guarded by the battalion of Supremos
Poderes, the lifeguard of President Juarez ;
therefore, as I suppose, an elite corps. Still
they were a most miserable corps, and the most
blackguardly, despicable rabble. This was less
the fault of the soldiers than that of their com-
manders. The field-officers paraded in splendid
sparkling uniforms, "Nvith kid gloves of the most
delicate shades, and bedizened with heavy gold
chains, whilst the subaltern officers begged from
the prisoners, and were happy to accept a
shilling I
The soldiers importuned us always, begging
for a clacko ; and even the sentinels, who held
in one hand their musket, stretched out the
other for aims. When we dined they surrounded
our table like hungry dogs, and I have actually
seen one of them quarrel with a dog for a
small piece of bread thrown to the latter.
As there were several of my old Cazadores
amongst the Supremos Poderes, I heard from
them many particulars. They received only
266
TBIAL OF MAXIMILIAN.
l**iM
twice a week pay for half a day, and their meals
consisted of very thin coffee, with a good deal
of sugar in the morning — for sugar costs very
little ; for dinner, beans with tortillas, and for
supper the same. Of meat they got only an
ounce or two now and then.
As the officers were afraid that the soldiers
might run away, they were always locked up,
and those who complained about it, or about
the curtailment of their pay by their superiors,
were flogged, and received up to three hundred
lashes. For such a purpose, the battalion
formed a hollow square, and the delinquent was
laid down in the middle. The corporals, one
after the other, applied the beating, whilst
music played, or drums and fifes made a great
noise to drown the cries.
On the 12th of June, I had permission to
see the Emperor. Baron Magnus had gone to
San Luis Potosi, to try his best again with
Juarez, for orders had been sent by him to
proceed with the court-martial against the Em-
peror, and the Generals Miramon and Mejia.
It was to commence next morning in the
Iturbide Theatre ; though there were plenty of
more proper places in Querdtaro, the theatre
was selected, I suppose, either to mortify the
prisoners, if not to indicate that the whole law
proceeding was only a cruel farce.
TRIAL OF llAXmiLIAN.
267
Desperate as tho position of the Emperor
was, he never lost his serene dignity. When I
came, he gave mo his hand and said, ** Now
Salm, everything will bo over soon." He had
just laid aside a book which he had been reading.
I looked at the title, and saw that it was the
"History of King Charles I. of England."
When I told Miramon of it, ho said, ** It was
reading fit for the situation." Before this, the
Emperor had road the ** History of Frederick
the Great." He always read historical or
scientific books, and had an aversion to novels.
Upon this occasion, I stayed a long time
with the Emperor, and spoke with him about
a great variety of different things.
As the Emperor knew that I was acquainted
with several oflBcers of Escobedo's staff, and
even certain negociations were going on between
some of them and myself, of which I shall
speak immediately, he gave me some instruc-
tions which could only be fulfilled by their
help. He made three requests, which I had to
write down in my note-book : — 1. That good
marksmen might be selected for his execution ;
2. That these should aim at his breast ; and 3.
That he should be shot at one and the same
moment with his two generals, Miramon and
la.
Besides this, the Emperor dictated to me
-m
268
TRIAL OF MAXIMILIAN.
the following distribution of decorations. Baron
Magnus, the commander's cross of the order of
the Eagle; his chancellor, Mr. SchoUer, the
cross of the Guadelup order ; Dr. Basch, the
officer's cross of the same ; Captain Pawlowski,
and Lieutenant Koehlich, of the hussars, the
cross of the Guadelup order, and General Prince
Balm-Salm, the commander's cross of the order
of the Eagle. At the same time, he told me
that he intended to decorate the Italian minis-
ter Curtopassi, but ho did not know yet which
order he would give him, and said he would tell
me on the 14th, when he expected to see me
again. The Emperor told me also that he had
written to his mother, the Archduchess Sophia,
and that I, on my going to Europe, should
take that letter with me, and deliver it in per-
son. I do not know what has become of this
letter, but so much do I know, that it had
not been received by the archduchess so
recently as February, 1868.
Though the Emperor was fully prepared to
die, this did not exclude his hope that he might
escape, which was to be arranged chiefly by
the princess, who intended to endeavour to
bribe two Liberal colonels with 100,000 pesos
each, for which the Emperor would sign drafts
on his family.
The Emperor spoke a great deal about his
TRIAL OP MAXIMILIAN.
269
plans for the future, if there should be a future
for him. Next he would sail in his yacht to
Cadiz, and settle there some of his faithful fol-
lowers, of whom he named especially, Miramon,
Mejia, Castillo, and the Minister Aguirre ; then
he would visit Lacroma, and meet somewhere
the Empress and his mother; the winter he
would either pass in Naples, or in the east, or
in Brazil. I was to accompany him everywhere.
He looked forward with delight to the mo-
ment when he might breathe the air of freedom
again on board his ship, and awakened similar
longing in me. " Your Majesty," I called out,
" I request, in advance, your pardon, if I should
get a little tipsy on that blessed day," which
the Emperor promised laughingly.
The Emperor requested me frequently, and
repeated it on that same night, to write the
history of his short reign, that the world might
become acquainted with the truth, and "justice
be done to his memory." I was to do all in my
power to get possession of the required docu-
ments, and, if necessary, even with the revolve^
in my hand. He expressed this desire, even in
a codicil to his last will, as Dr. Basch knows,
who signed the codicil as a witness.
"When I said good-night to the Emperor,
I did not think that I had seen his noble,
revered face for the last time I
270
TRIAL OF MAXIMILIAN.
On returning to San Teresita I found the
princess, and we had to converse much about
our plans. Nothing had been decided yet, and
she was greatly excited. She left me, however,
full of confidence in the assistance of heaven
in so good a cause, and in her own courage.
The 13 th of June was the day appointed
for the commencement of the court-martial.
The president was a lieutenant-colonel, Plato
Sanchez, and the judges were very young
captains, of whom some could not even read
or write. This Sanchez was killed later by his
own men.
At six o*clock a.m., fifty men of the Caza-
dores de Galeano, and fifty of the Guardia de
Supremos Poderes, were already placed before
the Capuchin convent, the court was to be
opened at eight o'clock. As the Emperor was
sick, and not willing to appear before such a
mock court, the Generals Miramon and Mejia
were placed alone in a closed carriage, and
surrounded by a numerous escort. They drove
to the Iturbide Theatre, where this judicial farce
was to be enacted.
The theatre was decked out with colours
and republican emblems, and brightly lighted up
as at any other representation. All officers
present in Quer^taro had received orders to
appear, and tickets had been given out to
w%
TRIAL OF MAXIMILIAN.
271
citizens. The ladies of Quer^taro did not
avail themselves of this opportunity, and only
the wives of Liberal officers did so. The judges
in full uniform, and their heads covered, and
the other actors in the piece, sat on the stage.
The trial has been already told, not only in
the papers, but also in books upon that subject,
so that I need not enter into any details, and
the less so as according to my opinion, the
lawyers might have saved their learning. It
was utterly thrown away before such a court-
martial, and all they said could not have the
slightest influence on the judges. I will not
even speak of their low state of education,
which made them unable to understand the
fine definitions and arguments in the excellent
speeches for the defence, but merely state that
these speeches could not get rid of the fact,
that the Emperor had been captured with arms
in his hands, and, therefore, as according to the
law of January 26th, 1862, which had to be
applied, every one was to be punished by death
who was so captured, the judges could not pro-
nounce any other sentence but guilty.
A similar sentence would have to be pro-
nounced against all oflScers and privates cap-
tured in Quer^taro, if the government had
j judged it convenient to place them before a
court-martial. That the government made
'%
's
Sirs
-ST
272
TBIAL OP MAXIMILIAN.
exceptions, proves that it was in its power t(
make them ; and that it did not make such an^
exception in the Emperor's case, which recom-
mended itself more to mercy than any other by
a concurrence of circumstances, was a proof
that the government, when ordering a court-
martial upon the Emperor, had positively re-
solved on his death.
Long-lasting civil wars demoralize every
people, even the best, and they are not
calculated, indeed, to improve the moral feel-
ings of a people like the Mexicans, who have
been always considered one of the most
miserable upon the face of the earth. It is,
therefore, not to be wondered at, but, on the
contrary, is very natural, that the most sacred
promises should have but little or no value what-
ever with them, even if guaranteed by all the
monarchs of Europe. The Emperor had still a
very strong party in the country, and had, since
the departure of the French, shown an energy,
which made it a question of life and death for
the Juarez government not to keep promises
imder which he might be released. Death maue
an end of all these fears, and the security
attained by it for the Juarez government out-
weighed by far the fear of a possible revenge
from the European kings. They knew, moreover,
with tolerable certainty, that this danger was
TRIAL OF MAXIMILIAN.
273
I power tc
ke sucli air
icli recom-
y other by
as a proof
ig a court-
(sitively re-
alize every
f are not
moral feel-
1, who have
the most
irth. It is,
but, on the
most sacred
D value what-
d by all the
ir had still a
id had, since
n an energy,
,nd. death for
lep promises
Death maue
the security
irnment out-
dble revenge
sw, moreover,
danger was
not very great, and that no power would declare
war against Mexico, merely to revenge the death
of MaximiUan, especially with the warning of
the mighty Emperor of France before their eyes,
who had earned nothing but disgrace from such
a war.
There were, also, a great many people in the
army who demanded revenge on the Emperor,
and whose votes the President, whose term of
office had been long since at an end, required for
his re-election. A third motive, which also
urged the government to decide on death was,
as I was told by persons nearly related to the
government, not to suffer the rare opportunity
of revenging the Republican principle on that
of the Monarchy which the capture of a crowned
head had given them.
Recapitulating the reasons of Juarez for
desiring the death of the Emperor, we find them
to be : Fear of a resumption of the struggle, in
spite of all promises, and the desire to satisfy
the thirst for revenge of the army and the ultra-
Republicans. Whether a vindictive disposition
and cruelty should be placed amongst the reasons
cannot be ascertained ; but one might be justi-
fied in presuming such motives, considering the
murder of San Jacinto and other similar cruel-
ties ordered by Juarez.
I do not intend to give an account of the
TOL. I.
18
274,
TRIAL OF HAXIMILUN.
! '
trial of the Emperor Maximilian ; but refer every
one who is interested in this singular mockery
of a law proceeding to the excellent pamphlet
published by the two eminent Mexican lawyers
who defended him.* They saw at once that,
from a legal point of view, they were utterly
powerless against the explicit law of January
2oth, 1862, which orders the punishment of
death against every foreigner or Mexican cap-
tured in arms against the Republic, or who
should assist its enemies in any manlier.
In their pamphlet, the advisers of the Em-
peror, therefore, say : " To have a chance of
success, it was necessary to base the defence
on considerations of convenience, of peace,
and the future advancement of our country.
It was necessary to break the power of un-
favourable fate by dividing it ; to make an
energetic defence before the court-martial,
and, on the other hand, to point out to the
government the difficulties into which our
country might come, by placing before their
eyes the dangers of severity, and the in-
calculable advantages of moderation in the
• I saw only the German translation by Conrad Pascher,
Consul of Mecklenburg, in Mexico. The title of it is
" Denkschrift uber den Fracess des Erzherzogs Ferdinand
Maximilian von Oestreit^h von Mariano Hiva Falacino and
Licet Bafael Martinez de la Torre." Hamburg. Otto Meissner,
1868.
■"TW.llw:!
TRIAL OF MAXIMILIAN.
275
ef er every
• mockery
pampWet
n lawyers
once that,
3re utterly
,f January
shment of
xican cap-
c, or who
ler.
of the Em-
chance of
the defence
of peace,
ir country.
w"er of un-
make an
urt-martial,
out to the
which our
lefore their
id the ir
lion in the
jjonrad Pascher,
[title of it is
logs Ferdinand
}a Palacino and
Otto Meissner,
exertion of their respective powers of punishing
and pardoning."
This was the only practical way to prove
to the government that it was more profitable
to spare the life of the Emperor than to take it.
But it was difficult, or rather impossible, of
which the counsel for the defence soon became
aware ; for the advantages were uncertain and
distant, whilst the gratification of the vengeance
of the people deadened more urgent fears, and
brought with it most intelligible advantages in
regard to the re-election of Juarez.
Whilst the defence thus tried to put all
actions of the Emperor into their best light, the
counsel for the Republic endeavoured, of course,
to prove, not only that he failed against the
above-mentioned law, but tried, also, to give all
the actions of Maximilian the darkest colouring,
in order to justify the government of Juarez
before the less blood-thirsty Republicans at
home and abroad.
A single narration of the circumstances under
which Maximilian accepted the crown was his
best defence. After having refused it several
times, he accepted at last when he had been
convinced that it was the wish of the Mexican
people, and after his conscience had been satis-
fied by the approbation of learned English
lawyers, whom he might suppose to be impartial.
Ill
'•I
:l i
rl:
276
TRIAL OF MAXIMILIAN.
He believed in the honesty and truth of the
election ; for people in Germany are not very
experienced in election stratagems, and he had
not even an idea that similar artifices had been
employed in Mexico as those which made
Kapoleon III. Emperor of France.
In this belief that he was the elect of the
people, he could only be confirmed by his
brilliant and enthusiastic reception in Mexico,
his new country, the happiness of which he
really wished to promote with all his heart.
The notion of treating him as a filibuster,
which was only brought forward to prove him
punishable with death, under another title, is
not worth speaking of. The same may be said
with regard to his having been a tool of the
French. This was not so much the case as is
supposed, for he cancelled the treaty which had
been made by one of his ministers with the
French ministry, relating to the cession of the
State, Sonora, and removed the minister from
his place. I will only dwell upon that one
accusation which tells most against him, and for
which he is much blamed, even by well-meaning
people. I mean the law of October 3rd, 1865,
which was issued by advice of Marshal Bazaine
in opposition to that of Juarez of January 25th,
1862, and which it even surpassed in cruelty.
The drafb of this law was made by Marshal I
TRIAL OF MAXIMILIAN.
277
rutli of tlie
xe not. very
and lie bad
568 had been
jv^hicli made
elect of tbe
med by Ms
a in Mexico,
3f wbicb be
is beart.
i a filibuster,
bo prove bim
jtber title, is
B may be said
a tool of tbe
tbe case as is
ity wbicli bad
ers witb tbe
session of tbe
dnister firom
ion tbat one
him, and for
well-meaning
,er 3rd, 1865,
sbal Bazaine
anuary 25th,
in cruelty.
ie by Marshal
Bazaine himself, as I was told by the Emperor.
It was represented to him as absolutely neces-
sary to restore order, and especially against the
numerous bands of brigands, who, under pretext
of serving the Liberal government, devastated
the villages, plundered the country, and made
the highways dangerous. It could not be meant
against a Liberal army, as such an army was
then a fiction, as was even a Liberal govern-
ment. Juarez had fled to Paso del Norte,
close to the frontier of the United States, and it
was even said, and believed, in Mexico, that he
had left the territory of that empire. The draft
was not severe enough for Marshal Bazaine,
and he made some additions with his own hand.
The Emperor signed this law under the
condition that it should be applied only against
marauders and brigands, and even then only
under his confirmation for each case. Nay, he
even gave orders that, on the arrival of such a
notice, upon which depended life or death, he
should be awakened, even in the middle of the
night, or disturbed in whatever important occu-
pation he might be engaged. The fact is, that
under the Emperor's confirmation, only a few
robbers were executed, who had been already
pardoned several times; and that the law —
which is about the same as that of Juarez
of January 25th, 1862 — was discussed in the
mm
Ml
278
TRIAL OV MAXIMILIAN.
council of his Cabinet, and signed by all the
ministers.
How Marshal Bazaine carried out the inten-
tions of the Emperor is another question, and
it is very probable that he made use of the law,
which suited his purpose and taste, whenever
he pleased, and without asking the Emperor.
It would, however, be unjust to make the latter
responsible for the transgressions of Bazaine
or the French, for he had no means whatever
of punishing them. Bazaine, differing in his
opinion from that of the Emperor on some
point, wrote him an impertinent letter, and
it required the most earnest exertions of the
Emperor, through the mediation of the French
minister, to induce the marshal to apologize.
The complaints transmitted to Paris were in
vain ; tlie French Emperor would not listen to
them; for it is impossible to believe that he
could not influence the marshal. The French
insulted the Mexicans of their own party, and
treated those of the opposite party with revolt-
ing cruelty. They stole everything they could
lay their hands on ; and, of the two loans, only
nineteen millions found their way into the
treasury of the State, while the war, according
to the calculation of the French, cost above
sixty millions.
The Emperor Maximilian had to bear the
TRIAL OF MAXIMILIAN.
279
whole odium of this French misrule ; but the
Emperor of France had no scruples in breaking
the treaties which had been made, as he was
dissatisfied with Maximilian, who took the
alleged philanthropic plans of Napoleon as
seriously meant, and tried to carry them out in
perfect faith for the benefit of the Mexicans.
Napoleon was furious on finding that Maxi-
milian would not support him in his robbery,
by preventing the cession of Sonora, which the
French thought already theirs; — in a word,
that he did not enter into his views in reference
to Mexico, which he considered only as an easy
prey, as a means to recruit the French finances,
and which he intended to leave to its fate after
he had gorged himself sufficiently with gold. If
not, why did he not support the Confederate
States? The sword of France thrown into
the balance might have altered the result
very much; and that Napoleon III. did not
see the necessity of assisting the Confederate
States for a lasting success in Mexico, nobody
will believe, not even if he said so himself.
What did he care what became of the Em-
peror Maximihan ? For a Napoleon, countries,
nations, and people are only like men on a chess-
board ; and whatever is respected in life, is to
him only a cipher in a calculation. In the high
poUcy which a Napoleon considers to be his
280
TBUL OF IfAXIUILIAN.
own province, his own person is his chief pur-
pose and end; and next to him, France, because
he needs her as his handmaid.
The fortunate adventurer, Napoleon, had,
for his own purposes, however, placed a poor
Austrian archduke — ^whose rich mind longed
for a proper field of action — on a road where
he might make his fortune, and satisfy his phi-
lanthropic fancies to his heart's content, with a
people who offered a wider field for improve-
ment than any other. Should the plan not
succeed. Napoleon supposed he might always
get out at least without damage; and as to
what became of an archduke with liberal ideas,
that was very indifferent to him.
When the plan, in consequence of the
energetic notes of the United States, took an
unexpected turn, the French imagined they had
done enough to offer him the voyage home
under their protection; and they were quite
furious that he crossed this arrangement by his
resolution to remain in Mexico, only because he
did not think it reconcileable with his honour
to steal away from his place like a thief.
Honour ! Of course that is a childish idea, to
be dismissed with a shrug of the shoulders.
By this refusal of Maximilian to commit a
disreputable action, Napoleon considered him-
self released firom all his obligations and trea-
TRIAL OF MAXIMILIAN.
281
ties. The Emperor of Mexico was sacrificed,
not so much for his own faults as for tho
atrocities committed by the French under the
authority of their Emperor, and by which they
stirred up to its utmost the hatred of the wild
and bloodthirsty Mexicans. It is true Juarez
was the axe that killed Maximilian, but the
moral guilt falls upon Napoleon.
On the 13th of June, early in the morning,
the princess came to see me about the escape
of the Emperor, which was to take place next
night. The Emperor had written the two
drafts for one hundred thousand pesos each;
Baron yon Lago had also signed them at his
request, and taken them with him to have them
signed by the other ministers. The princess
waited, of course, impatiently for them, as she
had to arrange the affair with the two colonels
in the afternoon. The signatures of the minis-
ters were demanded by the two colonels as an
additional security. One of the colonels was
especially careful, and said that he entered
into this business solely out of love for his
only child, for whom he wished secure a
fortune.
The Emperor had given to my wife his
signet ring, and it was agreed that it should be
returned to him by that person whom he might
follow in confidence.
..illfi.,!
'•' 1 1 ■'■■
Wn
m
&
li;' .
m
Jilih
282
TBUL OF MAXIMILIAN.
I wrote now a long letter to the Emperor,
in which I explained the plan of his escape,
and gave it to the princess, as she probably
wdUld not have time and opportunity for a
longer conversation. This letter was given by
the Emperor to Baron Lago, as he said, to
prove, after his death, ** to his family and others
what had been the relations between us, and
what I had risked for him.** It was obviously
the intention of the Emperor, in doing so, to
prepare for me a friendly reception in Vienna
and Brussels, on my return to Europe; but
that letter has never been produced by Baron
Lago, and the Belgian charge d'affaires, M.
Hooricks, told me only a few weeks ago, when
I saw him in Munich, that Baron Lago had de-
stroyed that letter on the next day, being afraid
that it might cost me my life ; as if the pockets
of the ministers were likely to be examined I
But Baron Lago is a very careful man, espe-
cially if lives are endangered, of which he gave
another proof on the same day.
The Emperor sent Dr. Basch to the worthy
representative of Jiustria for the two drafts
signed by the ministers. When the doctor
entered the room and told his errand. Baron
von Lago, charge d'affaires of his Imperial and
Koyal Majesty of Austria, etc., in Mexico, ran
distractedly about his room, tearing his hair
TRIAL OF MAXIlflUAX.
283
and crying out piteously, "We cannot sign
them ! If we do, wo shall all he hanged !"
The other ministers were less excited. They
requested the doctor to represent to the Em-
peror that the two colonels, if really willing to
save him, would certainly be satisfied with his
signature alone.
Baron Lago, who had already signed in pre-
sence of the Emperor, cut off his signature, and
the doctor returned to his master with the muti-
lated bills and the answers of the ministers,
describing, of course, the despair of Barc^n
Lago, and his fear of being hanged.
"What would it matter," said the Emperor
Maximilian, " if he were hanged ! The world
would not lose much in him."
On the 14th of June I waited all the morn-
ing, with great anxiety, for news of the Princess,
and this anxiety increased when noon arrived
without my having heard anything of her. At
last an Indian woman brought me an open note
from her, telling me " that she must set off im-
mediately for San Luis Potosi ; that she was
much grieved at not being able to see me, but
that she was not at liberty to give me any
explanation."
Still cudgeUng my brain about the meaning
of this mysterious note, I received a visit which
gave me the key to the riddle. It was an officer
284
TBUL OF MAXIMILIAN.
n
on duty who requested me to follow him. He
led me past the guard, and on his beckoning, we
were followed by a corporal and three men. I
was led into a small chapel situated in the same
story, and the officer said, " I have orders
to separate you from the rest of the prisoners.
You have already once laid plans for the escape
of Maximiliano, and will recollect what was said
to you then. You have now tried again, al-
though in vain, to bribe officers and soldiers, and
will have to suffer the consequences." On
leaving, he instructed the sentinel at my door
that " nobody should be permitted to speak
or to communicate with the prisoner ; he must
neither write nor receive letters, and the cabo-
quarto (corporal of the guard) will bring him
his meals."
The reason of the journey of my wife was
pretty clear now. The plan for escape had
again failed, but I was not to be informed why
on that day ? The chapel in which I was placed
adjoined a hall, in which were other of our pri-
soners. Of the folding doors separating the
two rooms formerly, the opening only existed,
and near it stood the sentinel. Opposite the
door was the altar, and to its right, in a corner,
on the stone floor, was my bed, that is, a blanket.
In the wall, to the right of the entrance, was a
window opening, not grated, looking on a small
TRIAL OF MAIIIMILIAN.
285
yard, wMcli was surrounded by a wall fifteen feet
high, which communicated by means of a door,
with an open passage running around the larger
convent yard. Near that door, which was
mostly ajar, was another sentinel at the top of a
staircase. The chapel was ornamented with
horrible frescoes representing some most bloody
scenes of martyrdom.
On the morning of the 15th of June I
received a visit from one of the two colonels
with whom I was best acquainted. My first
question was how it fared with the Emperor.
He said, " He is lost beyond all hope." About
the miscarriage in the escape I heard from
him the following account : —
"Neither he nor his friend would accept
the drafts signed only by the Emperor, as the
refusal of the ministers to sign them proved
clearly that their payment was very doubtful.
Both the colonels had families, and if they suc-
ceeded in saving the Emperor they would have
to fly from their country, and to live abroad.
Under these circumstances they must have an
unquestionable security for their being able to
Hve comfortably with their families in foreign
parts, before engaging in such a dangerous
undertaking."
The other colonel, who had only been tempted
by the hope of securing a fortune for his child,
'^I'lC
286
TBIAL OF MAXIMILIAN.
i
recovered his republican virtue in face of a
doubtful bill, and though he had given his word
of honour not to divulge the project to any one,
he informed Escobedo, although without betray-
ing his comrade.
It may perhaps appear strange that Esco-
bedo did not treat me more severely after the
discovery of the first endeavour to escape, and
that he did not even fulfil his sinister promises
when my attempt to save the Emperor was re-
peated, which would certainly have been done in
more civilized countries. But in these civil wars
it frequently happened that generals became
prisoners of other generals, who soon perhaps
became again their prisoners. Attempts to
escape occurred very frequently, and were consi-
dered as very excusable and natural, and were
not punished with too much severity, in order
not to create a precedent which might perhaps
tell against themselves. Escobedo himself had
once been a prisoner of Mejia, and condemned
to be shot by a court-martial ; but Mejia had
not only assisted him in his escape, but even
furnished him with money for it. What Esco-
bedo expected his own friends to do for him, he
could not punish too severely in friends of the
Emperor, and he was satisfied with making such
attempts impossible.
When Dr. Basch came yesterday morning
TBUL OF MAXIMILIAir.
287
from the princess, whom he had seen on the
part of the Emperor, he was arrested as he was
leaving his house. Soon afterwards an officer
entered the room of the princess, who had no
suspicion yet, and pqlitely requested her to fol-
low him to General Escobedo. The Liberal
chief said to her, in a sarcastic tone, " Madam,
the air of Quer^taro is very unhealthy ; typhus
is prevailing here. There is here also a very
dangerous atmosphere, and if I were as free to
go as you are, and not prevented by my duty, I
would go away. For you it will be better by all
means, and I desire much that you leave within
two hours.'*
The princess answered, " I understand you
perfectly, general, and see that you know all.
If it is a crime that I tried to save my Emperor
and the benefactor of my husband, you may
punish me."
The general left the room without saying a
word, and the princess returned home.
A short time afterwards an officer, with his
cap on his head and armed with his sword,
entered without knocking, and said, " Madam,
you must travel in ten minutes. The carriage
is at the door ; make yourself ready." It was
so, and near the carriage was a cavalry escort ;
my wife was a prisoner. She requested the officer
to permit her to see me only for a moment, as
iiibi
!l!ii
283
TRIAL OF MAXIMILIAN..
1 1 KrfA
\i 'J'
i
' I.
V
1-44-
it might be perhaps for the last time in life, but
the officer replied, "That this was the very
thing he was not permitted to do.'* At last, on
the intercession of the colonel, who was present,
and who told me all this ag an eye-witness, the
officer permitted her to send me the little note
which I received by the Indian woman.
The '* ten minutes ** had passed long ago,
when the princess stepped with her chamber-
maid into the carriage, but when she heard the
officer in command give the order, " To head-
quarters ! " she jumped out again, and declared
positively that she would not see Escobedo.
The officer insisted on carrying out his order,
but my wife insisted on her refusal.
" Madam, I am on duty ; I must bring you
to headquarters."
" Bring me to prison, or wherever you like,
but I do not go to General Escobedo."
** Madam !*' replied the embarrassed officer,
"I repeat I am on duty. You will force me
to take measures of compulsion to bring you
there."
"In no other way will you be able to take
me to Escobedo I'*
As the scene approached a catastrophe,
which could not fail to arise in consequence of
the conflict between feminine perseverance and
mihtarj'^ duty, the highly amused colonel again
TBIAL OF MAXIMILIAN.
289
n life, but
tlie very
^t last, on
IS present,
itness, the
little note
n.
long ago,
• cbamber-
B beard tbe
« To bead-
nd declared
Escobedo.
t bis order,
;t bring you
er you like,
Issed officer,
tU force me
bring you
ible to take
jatdstropbe,
[sequence of
rerance and
|>lonel again
interceded, and requested tbe officer to wait
until be bad spoken to tbe general, wbom be
accordingly went to see.
Tbe general laugbed, and said tbat be would
ratber stand opposite a wbole Imperial battalion
tban meet tbe angry Princess Salm, and ordered
her to be brought at once to the place arranged.
Accompanied by an escort of cavalry, she
drove to Santa Eosa, a village at tbe foot of tbe
Sierra Gorda, where she was set at Hberty, but
warned not to return to Quer^taro, under tbe
threat of being imprisoned. In this village she
wrote a letter, which the colonel transmitted
to me, and went to San Cuis Potosi, where she
abgbted in the house of Consul Bahnsen, who
received her with great kindness.
At the same time as the princess was re-
moved from Quer^taro, the foreign ministers
received also orders to leave within two hours.
They were the Austrian, Belgian, and ItaUan
ehargi d'affaires; tbe French minister, Mr.
Dana, who had, like Bazaine, married a Liberal
lady, bad not come himself, and Baron Magnus
had not yet returned from San Luis.
Tbe Austrian charge d'affaires was so much
afraid that he set off in the greatest hurry,
taking with him the unsigned codicil to the
last will of the Emperor. As the deed was^
however, signed by three witnesses, Baron
TOXi. I.
u
,M
290
TBIAL OF MAXIMILIAN.
Lago, Mr. Hooricks, and Dr. Basch, the Em-
peror declared that it must be valid.
As the diplomatists had their permission to
confer with the Emperor from a higher autho-
rity, the minister, Don Sebastian Lerdo de
Tejada, they might have refused the order of
Escobedo to quit, and thus have deprived this
peremptory order of its humiliating character,
which was somewhat mortifying to the great
powers whom they represented.
Baron Magnus, who was not so fearfiil, re-
turned from San Luis and went to see the
Emperor as usual without being prevented by
Escobedo. Had the Ibaron been in Quer^taro,
the whole thing would not have happened, for
although he, as the Prussian minister, was not
under the same obligations as the representa-
tives of Austria and Belgium, he would have
signed the bills, and if not honoured in Vienna,
Prussia would have paid the trifle and saved the
brother of the Emperor of Austria.
On the 16th of June I was strictly guarded
in my chapel ; fc t fellow prisoners who entered
the little yard now and then, succeeded in
whispering to me some snatches of news. In
this manner I heard that the Emperor had been
condemned to be shot. Three of the judges
were for banishment, three for death, but the
vote of the president decidisd.
TBIAL OF MAXIMILIAN.
291
the Em-
nission to
ler autho-
Lerdo de
B order of
)rived this
cbaracter,
I the great
fearfiil, re-
to see the
•evented by
L Quer^taro,
ippened, for
er, was not
representa-
would have
in Vienna,
d saved the
About ten o'clock a.m., the colonel, who, in
consequence of his position, had free access,
came and told me that the verdict had been
already confirmed by Escobedo, and that the
Emperor, Miramon, and Mejia, would be shot
between two and three o'clock.
Ihad procured pen and inkfrom the caboquarto
and entreated the Emperor to let me axjcompany
him on his last walk, which request would not be
denied by Escobedo. The colonel undertook to
carry my letter to the Emperor. But he re-
turned at one o'clock and brought me the follow-
ing message from my unfortunate sovereign, "He
sent me his last embrace and thanked me for all
I had done for him. He knew my devotion,
and much as he should like to have me with
him, he was afraid that I might be carried away
by my passion, and commit myself in a manner
which might cost me my life. He had made up
his account with the world, and it would affect
him too much to take leave of a person who was
so dear to him."
I asked the colonel whether there was no
hope left ; but he answered, " None whatever ;
at three o'clock everything will be over." The
colonel was very sad, for he would have saved
the Emperor if it had depended on him alone.
"Oh, I wish I had never become acquainted
with Maximiliano I" he said ; " I was his bitter
m;f:
292
TBIAL 07 MAX MILIAN.
enemy, but lie has won me altogether by his
serene, sublime demeanour, and his amiability.
When I saw him just now, my heart was break-
ing, and I am not ashamed to say that I went
aside and wept."
After the colonel had left me, I gave way to
my grief. I threw myself down on my couch and
hid my face before the intolerably stupid gaze of
the sentinel. Presently I was startled by the
sound of drums and miKtary music. I jumped
up with a beating heart to the window. Though
the high wall barred the view, I could distinctly
hear the command of the officers placing their
troops in the Alameda, which was only about
three hundred paces distant ; and as Mendez had
been shot there, I imagined that the Emperor
would be shot here also.
It was past two o'clock. I listened in breath-
less agony, for as I heard every word of com-
mand, I could not fail to hear also the fatal
shots. But instead of them I heard merry
music, and at three o'clock everything was
silent.
My excitement was now indescribable, and
can only be understood by one who has been in
a similar situation. Hopes of the wildest cha-
racter and the most hopeless despair chased each
other in my soul ; it was a horrible agony which
I could not feel even if I was myself to be led to
TRIAL 01' MAXIMILIAN.
293
r by Hs
Qodability.
as break-
it I went
ve way to
coucb. and
pid gaze of
Led by tbe
I jumped
7. Tbougb
i distinctly
lacing tbeir
only about
\ilendezliad
Le Emperor
deatb. This silence became most oppressive
from minute to n.inute, and thus passed two
horrible hours.
At last, at about five o'clock, the colonel
rushed into my chapel and said, " By order of
the President, the execution has been postponed
until the 19th inst. I" I could not forbear to
embrace the friendly enemy and asked, " Do you
think him saved ?** "I will not awaken false
hopes in you, but according to my opinion he is
saved." I heard from the colonel what had
occurred. The day before news had already
arrived that the Empress had died. Miramon
and Mejia were in doubt whether this news
should be communicated to the Emperor, but
at last Mejia decided that it would be better,
and he undertook to impart this sad news to his
sovereign. It was well he did, for though
the first impression was very painful, this news
made death easier to him. The thought of his
Empress tormented him more than anything
else. He soon recovered from the first emotion,
and said to Dr. Basch, " One string less that
binds me to life."
: ' ■■vM
■'.i'4
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iii
i
WW
EXECUTICN OF THE EMPEROR.
■"'v'
> 1
TJ
1
In the morning of the 16th of June, at eleven
o*clock, Colonel Miguel Palacios came, accom-
panied by General Refugio Gonzales, with a
detachment of soldiers, and the latter read the
death warrant to the Emperor and the two
generals. The Emperor heard it with a calm
smile, and looking at his watch, he said to Dr.
Basch, "Three o'clock is the hour; we have
still more than three hours, and can easily finish
all."
The fatal hour came, and the three con-
demned waited in the passage for the ofl&cer
charged with their execution. They waited a
whole hour, and'the Emperor conversed as usual
with his confessor and two of his counsellors. At
last came, at four o'clock. Colonel Palacios with
a telegram from San Luis Potosi, ordering the
postponement of the execution until June 19th.
This news produced a most disagreeable impres-
sion on the Emperor, for he had done with life,
and looked on this delay rather as a cruelty,
knowing the Mexicans too well to believe in
EXEOUTION OF THE EMPEROB.
295
ROB.
at eleven
ae, accom-
39, witli a
r read tlie
a the two
ith a calm
said to Dr.
Yre bave
jasily finisli
grace. The troops who had been placed near
the Alameda, to be mai'clied from there to the
Cerro de la Campana, where the execution was
to take place, were discontented also, fearing
that they might be perhaps deprived of their
victim. They had arrived with merry music,
but returned home silent and sullen.
When the colonel left me, I abandoned my-
self to unrestrained joy. I ordered a bottle of
wine to drink good luck to the Emperor, and
smoking my cigar and humming a tune I paced
my chapel, and even the horrid faces of the
martyrs on the wall seemed to smile. The
sentinel stared at me with his mouth wide open,
probably thinking me mad. To give him a
better idea of my wits, I presented him with
four reals, but as he could not see any more
reason for my present than for my good humour,
I am afraid I only confirmed his bad opinion of
the state of my brain.
On the 17th of June I awoke in very good
spirits. I had slept excellently on my hard
couch, and across my dreams I heard continually
the joyful news, " The Emperor is saved ! '*
This sorrow removed from my heart, I began
to think of my own position. I was a prisoner,
and wanted to be free. When I was sitting,
yesterday, near my window, I heard the rolling
of a carriage quite close to me, and T therefore
296
EXECUTION OP THE EMPEROB.
I' '*
F( *
1,
I., k:
MP? <
Mi
;f^'
* ^
1 i' j'
I > i
F 5 » «■
■■n ■
I
£
li'
concluded that the little yard was separated
from the street only by one wall. This wall
was about fifteen feet high from the yard ; but
as the yard was one story high, the wall rose
from the street about thirty-five feet. To be-
come free, I had to climb that wall. Through
the ungrated window I might easily get into
the ;7ard ; but how to get on the top of the
wall, and down into the street, I did not yet
know.
Whilst reflecting about it, I noticed some
very heavy hooks in the gilt carved wood-work
near the altar, which served, probably, to hold
draperies. These would serve my purpose. If
I had two or three of them, I might insert them
between the stones into the wall, and climb it
by this means. But how to get these hooks ?
Of course, the sentinel must help me to them.
" Amigo," 1 said, " I will give you two reaJs
if you will take out these hooks, which I require
for hanging up my clothes.'*
The Republican was all over smiles. He
placed his musket in a comer, and commenced
his work with a good will.
He could, however, only get out three hooks ;
the fourth stuck as deep as an old prejudice,
and I had to be satisfied. I took my three
hooks, and the Indian his gun and my two
reals, with which he stealthily coquetted now
EXECUTION OF THE EMFEBOB.
297
and tlien, promenading, in hungry imagination,
amongst mountains formed by tortillos, and long-
ing for the relief. In order not to create sus-
picion, I fixed my hooks slightly in the wall, and
had trouble to fill them all with my scanty ward-
robe.
But how to find a rope, which I required to
let down from the wall into the street? I
thought of my wife. She might have procured
me one, but she was in San Luis ; and Escobedo
had threatened to put her in prison if she re-
turned. I could not forbear laughing when I
thought that Escobedo imagined he could pre-
vent her by that means. As I well knew, his
threats were the best means to bring her back
soon. I might wait until her arrival. She had
promised me a mattress, and in it might be a
rope with knots. Even the sentinels might
help me to climb the wall. I was sure they
would do it, for no Indian, with or without a
gun, could resist the persuasive smile of one or
two golden ounzes. In the street were, of
course, horses ready, and away we went to join
the Emperor I I went up and down my chapel,
caressing with my eye the hooks, which ap-
peared to me a very important acquisition.
The chapel, the whole world, appeared to me,
to-day, couleur de rose.
Colonel Yillanueva had promised to come at
' ■■ m
%
m-'
298
EXBC3TJTI0N OP THE EMPBEOE.
I'-
Vi
one'clock ; but I waited in vain for him all day,
and my doubts returned. What has happened ?
Should the bloody Indian, Juurez, or his Me-
phistopheles, Lerdo, the minister with the false,
sarcastic mouth, dare still to commit the refined
cruelty of murdering my Emperor, after having
made him pass through all the bitterness of
death ? Maybe he offended their low souls by
the nobleness of his demeanour. It would be
an infamous cruelty; but what might not be
expected from Mexicans I
■ On the morning .of the 18th of June, Lieut.-
Colonel Pitner came for a moment into the
little yard, and whispered that things went
very badly for the Emperor; and soon after-
wards Colonel Villanueva came. He was greatly
excited, and told me that he had been cruelly
disappointed ; Maximilian was lost without any
hope ; the execution would take place at eight
o'clock next morning. "I am ashamed," he
said, " that so many bad elements are amongst
us. I hoped still that the Moderate party
would conquer, and the life of the Emperor be
saved. I feel grieved that my poor country,
hated and despised by all the world, must be
stained again in this manner ! "
The Emperor had, on the 17th, already
taken leave of his officers in Quer^taro in the
following letter : —
*]fiXE0imON OF THB EMFESOB.
299
QuESETABO, Fbibon de LOS Gafucinos, June 17, 1367.
To the Generals and Field-Officers, prisoners
in this city.
At this solemn moment I address to you
the present lines, in order both to acknowledge
the loyalty with which you have served me,
and to give you a token ol the true regard
which I feel for you.
Your affectionate Maximilian.
As I was separated from the rest of the
prisoners, I saw this letter only later, and
therefore my name, as that of some other gene-
rals, is wanting under the reply.
Baron Magnus returned on the 18th from
San Luis Potosi, and visited the Emperor about
noon. He repeated his visit in the evening,
and stayed a long time with the Emperor, who
also remembered me in his conversation, and
said that he would never have suffered me to
leave him, had he been spared.
The Emperor ordered Dr. Basch to make a
hst of persons to whom he desired to leave
some little keepsake. To me he bequeathed
his beloved perspective-glass, which he held
almost constantly in his hand during the entire
siege of Quer^taro, and to the Princess the fan
which he had used in prison during his last
days. The Emperor went to bed at half-past
Hi-'V
300
EXKCUTION OF THE EMPEROE*.
eight, and was already asleep when he was dis-
turbed by a visit from Escobedo, at eleven
o'clock p.m.
Captain Enking, who accompanied the ge-
neral at this improper sit, will have noticed
that the Emperor lookea with an expression of
intense expectation on the entrance of the
general, as if expecting to hear news of his
pardon from him. Had the captain observed
correctly, the look of the Emperor would have
been very explicable and natural. He could
not, indeed, expect from Escobedo a visit of
friendly sympathy, or believe that he only came
to enjoy the , sight of his foe conquered solely
by vile treason. A visit from the commander-
in-chief, under these circumstances, was solely
justifiable if, disturbing the last sleep of his
prisoner, he came to announce life to him.
From the Emperor, Escobedo went to see
Mejia, who saved him once when he was con-
demned to be shot I Mejia recommended his
ohildi'en to him, and Escobedo promised to take
care of them. He sent later an aide-de-camp
to the general's widow, and offered her his
assistance for her children, but the noble woman
spurned the assistance of the murderer of her
husband with scorn, and said that she was
young and strong, and could work for her
children.
EXECUTION OF THE EMPEROB.
301
he was dis-
, at eleven
led the ge-
ave noticed
xpression of
mce of the
aews of his
in observed
would have
, He could
lo a visit of
tie only came
[uered solely
commander-
1, was solely
ileep of his
[to him.
went to see
he was con-
imended his
ised to take
^ide-de-camp
ired her his
oble woman
Iderer of her
lat she was
irk for her
I do not know for certain, whether Escobedo
also saw Miramon. This general reproached
himself very much in his last days. He said to
Mejia he regretted that the bullet which pierced
his cheek had not passed through his head, for
it was chiefly owing to him that the Emperor
found himself in his present position. Mejia
told this to the Emperor and the latter told it
to me.
In the afternoon of the 18th the Emperor
telegraphed to Juarez. "I would desire that
M. Miguel Miramon, and Thomas Mejia, who
suflfered all the tortures and bitterness of death,
the day before last, might be spared, and that
I, as I have already said, when taken prisoner,
may be the only victim."
This request was refused, and the same fate
attended the request of the same date of Baron
Magnus, addressed to the minister Lerdo de
Tejada, which thus concluded : —
" I implore you, in the name of humanity
and of Heaven, not to make any further attempt
against his life, and repeat how certain I am
that my sovereign his Majesty the King of
Prussia, and all the monarchs of Europe, who
are related to the imprisoned prince, his brother "
the Emperor of Austria, his cousin the Queen of
Great Britain, his brother-in-law the King of
Belgium, and his cousin the Queen of Spain, as
302
EXECUTION OP THE BMPBEOE.
also the Kings of Italy and Sweden, Tvill readily
agree to give all possible guarantee, that none
of the prisoners shall ever return to Mexican
territory.'*
The Emperor addressed letters of thanks to
his four advisers, and wrote the following letter
to Juarez, which is dated the 19th of June, as it
was to be delivered on that day.
QuEBETARO, June 19, 1867.
M. Benito Juaeez, — On the point of suffer-
ing death, because I desired to try whether new
institutions would enable me to put an end to
the bloody war which for so many years has
been causing ruin to this unhappy country, I
will yield up my life with satisfaction, if this
sacrifice can contribute to the welfare of my
adopted country.
" Being fiiUy convinced that nothing durable
can be produced on a soil soaked in blood and
moved by violent agitations, I implore you in
the most solemn manner, and with that sin-
cerity which is peculiar to moments like those
in which I find myself, that my blood may be
the last thafc may be spilled, and that the same
perseverance, vrhich I appreciated when in
the midst of prosperity, and with which you
defended the cause that conquers now, might
be applied to the most noble end ; to recon-
EXECUTION OP THE EMPEROE.
303
ill readily
tliat none
Mexican
thanks to
iring letter
June, as it
m 19, 1867.
i of suffer-
bether new
an end to
years lias
country, I
[ion, if this
■are of my
cile all the hearts, and to rebuild on a durable,
firm foundation, the peace and the order of this
unhappy country.
(Signed) Maximilian.
In the morning of the 19th, at four o'clock,
all were up in our convent, for the disposable
part of the battalion Supremos Poderes marched
out at half-past four. Soon after six o'clock,
Lieut.-Golonel Pitner came into the room ad-
joining the chapel, and called out, " They have
already led him away."
We now listened with breathless anxiety;
but nothing betrayed what had happened, when
on a sudden all the bells of the city began
ringing after seven o'clock. Pitner called out,
" He is dead now I" and not caring for the sen-
tinel at my door, he rushed into the chapel, and
in a mute embrace our tears fell in memory of
the much beloved, noble dead. Towards eight
o'clock the troops returned from the execution.
The last moments of the Emperor have been
frequently described ; but all these descriptions
differ from each other. Though it was not my
lot to assist my Emperor in his last moments, I
shall write down what eight or ten Liberal
officers, amongst whom was Colonel Villanueva,
concurred in stating.
The Emperor rose ar. early as half-past
n
304
EXECUTION OF THE EMPEBOB.
three, and made a very careful toilet. He wore
a short dark (blue or black) coat, black panta-
loons and waistcoat, and a small felt hat. At
four o'clock Pater Soria came, from whom the
Emperor had already received the last sacra-
:' Lta, At five o'clock a mass was celebrated,
for which purpose an altar had been placed in
the frequently mentioned niche.
Tl'.e Emperor gave to Dr. Basch several com-
rdiio.siDi s and greetings to his friends, amongst
wli .»m ho did not forget to mention me. . He
tl i€T\ break -.'•f^d at a quarter to six. The
people jui i;?i 9 *Jt- 'vere much excited, and this
excitement was even noticeable amongst some
portion of the troops. Escobedo was afraid of
demonstrations, and even of a riot, and in
order to baffle such attempts, the execution was
ordered to take place an hour sooner.
With the stroke of six o'clock the Liberal
officer came to take the Emperor. Before
he had yet spoken the Emperor said, "I am
ready ;" and came from his cell, where he was
surrounded by his few servants, who wept and
kissed his hands. He said, " Be calm ; you see
I am so. It is the will of God that I should die,
and we cannot act against that."
The Emperor then went towards the cells of
his two generals, and said, "Are you ready,
gentlemen? I am ready." Miramon and Mejia
EXECUTION OF THE EMPEROR.
305
He wore
^k panta-
hat. At
v^hom tlie
ast sacra-
jelebrated,
1 placed in
3veral com-
s, amongst
a me. .He
six. The
id, and this
ongst some
ras afraid of
ot, and in
ecution was
*
the Liberal
r. Before
lid, "I am
lere he was
wept and
Im ; you see
should die,
I the cells of
lyou ready,
and Mejia
came forward, and he embraced his companions
in death. Mejia, the brave, daring man, who
hundreds of times had looked smilingly into the
face of grim death, was weakened by sickness,
and very low-spirited.
All three went down the staircase, the Em-
peror in advance with a firm step. On arriving
at the street before the convent he looked
around, and drawing a deep breath, he said,
" Ah, what a splendid day ! I always wished to
die on such a day."
He then stepped with Pater Soria into the
next carriage waiting for him, the fiacre No. 10 ;
for the Republican Government thought it
probably below its dignity to provide a proper
carriage for a fallen Emperor. Miramon entered
the fiacre No. 16, and Mejia No. 13, and the
mournful procession commenced moving. At
its head marched the Supremos Poderes. The
carriages were surrounded by the Cazadores de
Galeano, and the rear was brought up by the
battalion Nueva Leon, which was ordered for
the execution.
Though the hour had been anticipated, the
streets Were crowded. Everybody greeted the
Emperor respectfully, and the women cried
aloud. The Emperor responded to the greet-
ings with his heart-winning smile, and perhaps
compared his present march with his entrance
TOL. I.
20
306
EXECUTION OP THE BMPEEOB.
and reception into Queretaro four months ago.
"What a contrast I However, the people kept
quiet, and could not muster courage for any
demonstration ; only from the azoteas the sol-
diers were favoured with odious names and
missiles.
On arriving at the Cerro de la Campaiia the
door of the Emperor's ^acre could not be opened.
Without waiting for further attempts to do so,
the Emperor jumped to the ground. At his side
stood his Hungarian servant Tudos. On look-
ing around he asked the servant, " Is nobody
else here ?'* In his fortunate days everybody
strove to be near him, but now on the way to
his untimely grave only a single person was
at his side ! However, Baron Magnus and
Consul Bahnsen were present, though he could
not see them.
Pater Soria dismounted as well as he could.
The comforter required, however, comfort from
the condemned. He felt sick and fainting,
and with a compassionate look the Emperor
drew from his pocket a smelling-bottle which
my wife had given him, and which is said to be
now in the possession of the widowed Empress
of Brazil, and held it under his nose.*
The Emperor, followed by Miramon and
* I was told this by the lady of Minister Agairre, who heard
it from his friend Fater Soria.
EXECUTION OF THE EMPEEOB.
307
aonths ago.
)eople kept
,ge for any
3as the sol-
names and
'ampaiia tlie
►t be opened.
pts to do so,
At his side
3. On look-
« Is nobody
rs everybody
m the way to
person was
agnus and
gh he could
I as he could.
|;omfort from
id fainting,
Ihe Emperor
jottle which
Is said to be
^ed Empress
L *
liramon and
re, wbo heard
Mejia, who had to be supported, now moved
towards the square of soldiers, which was open
towards the Cerro. The troops for the execution
were commanded by General Don Jesus Diaz de
Leon. Where the square was open, a kind of
wall of adobes had been erected. In the middle,
where the Emperor was to stand, who was
taller than his two companions, the wall was
somewhat higher. On the point of taking their
respective positions, the Emperor said to Mira-
mon, " A brave soldier must be honoured by his
monarch even in his last hour, therefore permit
me to give you the place of honour," and
Miramon had to place himself in the middle.
An ofl&cer and seven men now stepped
forward, until within a few yards before each of
the three condemned. The Emperor went up to
those before him, gave each soldier his hand
and a Maximilian d*or (twenty pesos), and said,
" Muchachos (boys), aim well, aim right here,"
pointing with his hand to his heart. Then he
returned to his stand, took off his hat, and
wiped his forehead with his handkerchief. This
and his hat he gave to Tudos, with the order
to take them to his mother, the Archduchess
Sophia. Then he spoke with a clear and firm
voice the following words : —
" Mexicans ! persons of my rank and origin
are destined by God either to be benefactors of
308
EXECUTION OF THE EMPET?.OU.
J
U
the people or martyrs. Called by a great part of
you, I came for the good of the country. Ambition
did not bring me here ; I came animated with
the best wishes for the future of my adopted
country, and for that of my soldiers, whom I
thank, before my death, for the sacrifices they
made for me. Mexicans I may my blood be the
last which shall be spilt for the welfare of the
country ; and if it should be necessary that its
sons should still shed theirs, may it flow for its
good, but never by treason. Viva independence I
viva Mexico 1'*
Looking aroimd, the Emperor noticed, not
far from him, a group of men and women who
sobbed aloud. He looked at them with a mild
and friendly smile, then he laid both his hands
on his breast, and looked forward. Five shots
were fired, and the Emperor fell on his right
side, whispering slowly the word ** Hombre."
All the bullets had pierced his body, and each
of them was deadly; but the Emperor still
moved slightly. The officer laid him on his
back, and pointed with the point of his sword
on the Emperor's heart. A soldier then stepped
forward, and sent another bullet into the spot
indicated.
Neither the Emperor, nor Miramon, nor
Mejia had their eyes bandaged. Miramon, not
addressing the soldiers, but the citizens assem-
EXECUTION OP THE EMPEROB,
309
reat part of
. Ambition
mated with
ny adopted
)rs, whom I
jrifices they
)lood be the
jlfare of the
lary that its
flow for its
iependence I
noticed, not
women who
with a mild
h his hands
Five shots
on his right
" Hombre."
iy, and each
iperor still
him on his
[f his sword
ihen stepped
ito the spot
ramon, nor
tiramon, not
sens assem-
bled, said, "Mexicans! my judges have con-
demned me to death as a traitor to my country.
I never was a traitor, and request you not to
suffer this stain to be affixed to my memory,
and still less to my children. Viva Mexico 1
viva the Emperor I'* The shots hit him well;
he was dead on the spot.
Mejia only said, "Viva Mexico! viva the
Emperor !'* He lived after the firing, and
required two more bullets to despatch him. All
the three condemned were shot at the same
moment.
After the death of the three had been con-
firmed by two surgeons, the bodies were wrapped
in coarse sheets, and placed in common deal
coffins, worth twenty reals a-piece, such as are
used by the lov^rest class. That of the Emperor
was much too short, and his feet protruded.
The bodies of the two generals were delivered
to their families, but that of the Emperor was
reserved by the Republican Government for a
low speculation, and was confided to the care of
Colonel Don Miguel Palacios, the ferocious,
squinting " hyena.'* He carried it between two
detachments of infantry across the city, where
its aspect caused everywhere great lamentation.
An officer, revolver in hand, stepped up to a
woman, and asked, in a harsh tone, " Why do
you cry ?" She answered, " I am weeping for
t
if-
m
hi
h
310
EXEOITTION OF THE EMFEROB.
my Emperor." Upon which he caught hold of
her arm in order to arrest her, when she stabbed
him with a knife, and escaped. The mourning
in the city was general, and many persons,
especially women, were arrested for expressing
it in a too lively, passionate manner.
The behaviour of the inhabitants of Quer6-
taro cannot, indeed, be sufficiently praised and
admired. For months they had suffered all the
horrors of a siege. The shot of the enemy had
destroyed their houses, and killed many of their
friends and relations. They had suffered fear,
sorrow, and hunger, and had to pay considerable
contributions. But all this was not able tc
diminish their devotion and love for the Emperor,
whom, indeed, they loved with enthusiasm.
Though this is very explicable, it is not the
less creditable to them.
The Mexicans are not used to a kind treat-
ment from their robber-like generals, and here
they saw a descendant of the Emperor of the
Conquerors of Mexico walking daily amongst
them, and showing sympathy and compassion
with their sufferings, and an amiability which
was in such striking contrast with the brutal
behaviour of their own generals ; a prince who
shared all the dangers and deprivations of his
subjects and soldiers, who had for every suffering
a comforting, kind word, and who was an edifying
EXECUTION OP THE BMPEROE.
811
■ht hold of
he stabbed
» mourning
ly persons,
expressing
s of Quer6-
praised and
ered all the
I enemy had
any of their
affered fear,
considerable
not able tc
he Emperor,
enthusiasm,
is not the
kind treat-
Is, and here
)eror of the
ily amongst
compassion
[bility which
the brutal
prince who
ions of his
try suffering
an edifying
example for every one. Now he was dead ! He
died with that greatness and serene calmness of
soul which we admire so much in single in-
stances in history, and the narrative of which
edifies and touches the heart of all succeeding
generations. The manner in which the noble
Emperor died may justly be placed by the
side of Socrates. The good people of Que-
r6taro venerated him like a saint-martyr.
Many dipped their handkerchiefs in his blood ;
others procured other relics, to the great vexation
of his Eepublican murderers. Even on the
"hyena'* Palacios the greatness of the man
made an impression, and he could not forbear
saying, " He was a great soul I"
The body was placed on a table in the chapel
of the Convent de los Capuchinos, and the
colonel called in Dr. Basch, the servants, and a
number of convalescent imprisoned officers, for
the most part French, who were in the convent.
Pointing to the body, he said to the latter,
** Behold, that is the work of France I** These
French officers used as a promenade a passage,
through the windows of which they could look
down into the chapel, and observe everything
that was going on near the body of the Emperor,
and I owe to them the following details : —
Soon afterwards, the chief physician of the
Liberal army. Dr. Biva de Nera, accompanied
h, ^ '
312
EXECUTION OP THE EMPEBOK.
! t
f
by Dr. Licea, the betrayer of Miramon, and
several other persons made their appearance,
Dr. Basch was also permitted to be present,
The body was then undressed, and prepared for
embalming. Tl 3 scenes which occurred here
are in harmony with the lowness of mind of
those present, and some details are so disgusting
and revolting that I cannot speak of them.
That the doctors went to their work noisily,
laughing, and smoking, may be pardonable, as
they are used to such kind of work, and had not
that veneration for the dead which we feel ; but
no one can excuse Dr. Licea, who said, when
plunging his knife into the body of the dead
prince, " What a delight it is for me to be
able to wash my hands in the blood of an
Emperor ! "
Colonel Palacios tapped with his hand on
the head of the body, and said, " Oh, you would
place crowns upon your head ? Now you will be
satisfied now you have your crown ;" and,
pointing to two vessels in which the intestines
of the Emperor were placed, he said, " Those
ought to be given to the dogs."
The embalming lasted a whole week, and
the heart of the Emperor was lying a whole day
on one of the benches of the chapel. The em-
balmed body was then placed in a better coffin,
and remained under guard in the chapel.
EXECUTION OF THE EMPEEOB.
313
mon, and
►pearance,
) present,
spared for
rred here
f mind of
disgusting
hem.
rk noisily,
Lonable, as
id had not
J feel ; but
said, when
• the dead
me to be
Dod of an
hand on
you would
jou will be
m;'* and,
intestines
a, "Those
week., and
whole day
The em-
ter coffin,
el.
Colonel PaJacios had appropriated the field-
bed of the Emperor. When he had visitors he
used to lay down on it, and say, " I am Em-
peror now I How do I look as an Emperor ? '*
When a Liberal officer expressed himself
less brutally than the rest, Colonel Doria, sec-
retary to Escobedo, said : ** Pooh ! what does
it matter, one dog more or less ? "
General Mirafuentes, who was later my
fiscal, regretted, he said, the death of the two
Mexicjans ; for the foreigner he did not care a
straw.
During the last days before the execution of
the Emperor, the question whether he ought to
be shot was of course frequently discussed
amongst the Liberal officers. One of them said
that they had no right to shoot the Emperor, as
the city had not been taken by storm, but
bought together with the Emperor. " What
does it matter," said one of the others, laugh-
ing, " chickens are bought also and killed."
The Queretaro paper (" La Sombra de Ar-
teaga ") of the 20th of June was printed on red
paper, and contained only a short statement of
the facts, without any comment.
If Escobedo had not wished the death of the
Emperor, he might easily have prevented it, as
Juarez would not have dared to act against the
general to whom he owed so much. But Esco-
i
i <
t
n
II
1 15:;
I I
I
314
EXEOUnON OF THE EMPEBOB.
bedo is not only bloodthirsty and a coward, but
bad also an interest in the removal of a rival,
who appeared to him more dangerous than
Juarez, Ortega, or Santa Anna. It was gene-
rally believed that the Emperor would not have
been shot, if he had fallen into the hands of
Porfirio Diaz instead of those of Escobedo.
The Emperor was about six feet high, and
of a slender figure. His movements, his gait,
and especially his greeting, were gracefiil and
light. He had fair hair, not very thick, which
he wore carefully parted in the middle His
beard was also fair and very long, and he nursed
it with great care. He wore it parted in the
middle, and his hand was very frequently occu-
pied with its arrangement. The Emperor's
complexion was pure and clear, and his eyes
blue. His mouth had the unmistakeable stamp
of the Austrian imperial house, the historical
under lip, but not so much pronounced as to be
disfiguring.
The Emperor was generally in citizen dress ;
but in Quer^taro, where he stood at the head of
his troops, he wore the uniform of a general of
division.
"When he promenaded, he had his hands be-
hind his back, like a captain of a ship pacing
the deck. Another naval habit was, of always
carrying in his hand his perspective glass.
EXECUTION OF THE EMPESOB.
315
The expression of his face was almost always
very kind and friendly : one could not look on
him without loving him. His friendliness
never showed itself in a familiar manner ; even
with his most intimate friends he always pre-
served his dignity. Notwithstanding this, he
abandoned himself without restraint to his good
humour, when in congenial company, and could
be very witty and even sarcastic.
He was a very good listener, and fond of
hearing the former adventures of the persons
around him, whose faults he judged mildly, as
he never supposed bad motives. Though he
had seen and observed much during his travels,
and was a man of very good sense, his heart was
too noble and too pure for a profitable know-
ledge of the world. He had so little conception
of wickedness and falsehood in others, that he
never would believe in their existence in any
man. He was very devoted and true to his
friends, and thought more of them than of him-
self. He forgave easily, and that not only with
his lips, but with his heart. Of all men I ever
met with in life, the Emperor Maximilian was
the noblest, best, and most amiable. Even his
very faults were almost virtues; for instance,
his kindness, which frequently bordered upon
weakness. He could not bear to mortify a man,
or harm him in any way, especially if he had
I* f-t?*
316
EXECUTION OF THE EMPEHOR.
done anything against him. He, for instance,
did not think much of Baron Lago, the Austrian
charge d'affaires, and blamed the lukewarm and
selfish faint-heartedness of that gentleman;
still, he wrote to him before his death a few kind
lines, that he might show them on his return to
Vienna.
He was a great lover and connoisseur of the
fine arts, and his feeHng for fine forms went so
far that it was painful for him to look on any-
thing inharmonious or unsymmetrical. I sup-
pose that was the reason why he was easily
captivated by good-looking people, with pleasing,
polished manners, as he always supposed that
a fine human form must be animated by a fine
soul. This feeling for harmony and order with
the Emperor extended even to trifling things,
which made him appear sometimes almost pe-
dantic.
He liked to finish every business at once,
and answered all questions with great patience,
but it was disagreeable to him if he was re-
minded of the thing afterwards. Therefore he
insisted that all his orders, even the most
trifling, should be noted down at the very mo-
ment he gave them.
Those who would judge of the rich soul of
the Emperor, should read his travels, which have
been published in England and in diflerent Ian-
instance,
3 Austrian
iwarm and
;entlenian ;
a few kind
J return to
seur of the
ns went so
>k on any-
al. I sup-
was easily
bh pleasing,
posed that
id by a fine
order with
ng things,
almost pe-
is at once,
[t patience,
le was re-
^erefore he
the most
very mo-
5h soul of
rhich have
ferent lan-
EXEOUTION OP THE EMPEROE.
317
guages. They were, as I understand, published
at the desire of his august mother, the Arch-
duchess Sophia, who could not erect to her
glorious son any better monument. Though
written by the archduke when he was still very
young, the whole man is revealed in its pages,
and everyone who reads them will concur with me
in thinking, what a pity this gifted prince was
torn from the world where he might have done
such extensive good !
To labour for the advancement of humanity
and the progress of the world, was the highest
ambition of the Emperor Maximilian. His ideas
differed, however, so entirely from the old tra-
ditions of the Austrian court, that it was im-
possible for him to find suitable employment in
his own country, which he ardently loved. The
experienced tempter in Paris offered him a wide
field for his aspirations, and the ambition of the
descendant of Charles V. was by no means in-
different to the splendour of an imperial crown.
The Emperor of the French had an easy game
to play with an open chivalrous character like
that of the young archduke. The favourite in-
clinations and desires of the young lofty-minded
prince were skillfully worked upon, and Napo-
leon III. had not much trouble in captivating
him by his proposition, which ought to have
been examined with the more care, as it was
318
EXEOUnON OF THB EMPEBOB.
Iff
made by a member of the Napoleonic family
to one of the family of Austria. But in the
noble unprejudiced soul of the archduke, tra-
ditional antipathies gave way to his objective
admiration for the great statesman, which he
expressed on several occasions, and whom
he greatly overrated. Any scruples which he
might have entertained were overbalanced by
the prospect of a glorious and great sphere of
usefulness. He who would benefit humanity
must frequently dismiss antagonistic personal
feelings and inclinations.
The philanthropic deceits of Napoleon were
the snares in which the archduke, who longed
for noble action, was the more easily caught,
as his t?lf»nts were rather a source of regret
than of admiration in Vienna. His position
there, indeed, was by no means agreeable, and
created in him an ardent desire to escape from
it as soon as was possible.
When misfortune came upon him, the mind
of the Emperor of Mexico showed itself in its
whole strength and moral dignity; and his
last days and death are an edifying example for
all ages.
The episode of the Mexican empire under
Maximilian was too short, and did not leave any
lasting effects in that unhappy country (where
revolutions are its normal condition), so as to
inic family
Jut in the
duke, tra-
j objective
whicli he
nd whom
which he
Eklanced by
t sphere of
humanity
personal
oleon were
^ho longed
ily caught,
of regret
position
cable, and
scape from
the mind
bself in its
and his
[ample for
iire under
leave any
ry (where
so as to
f
EZEOUnON OF THE EMPEBOB.
319
take a prominent place in history by itself.
But this episode will exert an influence on the
history of Napoleon III. which gives it im-
portance, as it forms the turning-point in the
career of the French emperor, on whom the
blood of the noble victim whom he permitted
to be sacrificed will certainly be revenged.
Though the necessities of policy compelled the
brother of Maximilian to join his hrnd with
that of Napoleon; still there is above us a
power that will not forget that by this hand
the blood of a noble and good man was spilt
at the far Cerro de la Campana I
I frequently heard the Emperor called a
fanatical person and an adventurer; and I
cannot forbear saying a few words in reference
to this view of him.
There is in all history scarcely a single man
who ever accomplished great things who was
not called a fanatical person or adventurer
by his narrow-minded contemporaries. To a
mind which crawls always in the narrow atmo-
sphere of his miserable self; and to a man for
whom the care of self seems to be the quintes-
sence of philosophical wisdom, to such petty
common-place people, every one who sacrifices
himself for the general good of humanity, re-
gardless of personal interest, must appear as a
weak-minded person, as an aspirant for a lunatic
320
KXECUTION OF THE EMPEBOB.
t •
asylum. For the " Philistine," even all philo-
sophers and men of speculative sciences, of
which the material good result is concealed
from their weak eyes, are candidates for
Bedlam.
With the epithet " adventurer,** these " Phi-
listines*' are still more liberal. "Bleibe im
Lande und naehre dich redlich '* — stav at home
and win your life honestly — is with them a
favourite phrase. Whoever is urged beyond
the narrow pale of his home, in search for a
proper field for his active mind, is an adven-
turer, and only pardoned, though still always
somewhat suspected, if he brings home tangible
proofs of his good success.
" Whenever the time shall come, when poets
shall bring the events of our days before the
eyes of coming generations, there will not be
missing amongst their most splendid figures
that of the German Prince, who was carried by
his high and noble desire beyond the ocean,
and who found his tragical end in a fruitless
struggle to confer the benefits of lawful order
and true culture on a neglected people.*'*
* "The Imperial Tragedy in Mexico." Adolph Stem,
Dresden. Fablisher : M. HeinsiuB, 1867.
END OF VOL. I.
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