# The Fall of Maximilan's Empire/Chapter IV

CHAPTER IV.
During the few days that were needed for the "Tacony" to fly to Pensacola, take in coal and provisions, and return to her station, the great drama of Mexican affairs was swiftly drawing to a close. As the curtain was about to fall on the tragic finale, the telegraph and the mail were busy in conveying requests, petitions, and answers between the various high parties, so deeply interested both in the personal welfare of the young ex-Archduke of Austria, and the standing among nations of the struggling, bleeding Republic south of the Rio Grande.
We have seen that as early as April 6th, Count Wydenbruck had requested the good offices of the American Department of State to secure respect for the person of his emperor s brother. These had been rendered; a special and able courier being found in Mr. Frederick Hotze, late a lieutenant-colonel in the Mexican corps of Austrian volunteers, who, in refusing to accept the post of chief of staff to the sanguinary General Marquez (the "Tiger"), had drawn upon himself the displeasure of Maximilian, and had retired to the United States. Well acquainted with Mexico and with Mexicans, and ​anxious to save the imperial family in Vienna a terrible grief, this gentleman had offered his services to take a despatch by the shortest route to President Juarez, guaranteeing the secrecy of its contents. Later, on June 1st, Mr. Campbell, then in New Orleans, was ordered to proceed in person immediately to San Luis Potosi, the temporary seat of the Juarist government, in the hope that his presence might not only prevent any act of violence toward the captive prince, but would also ensure his release. Any good effects that might have resulted from such a step were lost by Mr. Campbell's declining to proceed to Mexico, and resigning his post when it was too late to appoint his successor.
Couriers were despatched at different times, bearing to President Juarez messages from Washington of requests for clemency, based upon appeals from various courts of Europe for the assistance of the American government. Queen Victoria and Emperor Napoleon both asked that intercessions should be made, and the substance of their requests was immediately communicated to the Mexican government through Mr. Romero. While the deliberations of the council of war, consisting of six captains and a lieutenant-colonel, sitting in the Teatro Iturbide at Querétaro, were not generally known, it was felt by an instinct common to all that their illustrious prisoner would receive but short thrift. The extraordinary activity of that drum-head court ​
​and the rapidity of their counsels were, however, not sufficiently well known, and it was not until June 20th that the Austrian Minister in Washington received from Count Beust the telegram instructing him to "request Mr. Seward to let Juarez know, and, if possible. Prince Maximilian, that the Emperor of Austria is ready to re-establish Maximilian in all his rights of succession as Archduke of Austria, after his release and his renunciation of all his projects in Mexico." Señor Romero was instantly told of this, and presumably lost no time in informing Juarez. But it was then too late. Such an overture made sooner would at least have refuted some of the arguments made against the release of the Prince. These arguments are perhaps best set forth in a letter from Mr. Romero to Hon. Hiram Barney, of New York, under date of May 31, 1867, in answer to personal letters from him in connection with that all-absorbing topic. The following extract will serve to illustrate:
"I have perused with interest your remarks about the way in which we ought to treat the enemies of Mexico. I do not know what disposition President Juarez will make of Maximilian, but I am afraid that if he is allowed to go back to Europe with impunity, he will be a constant menace to the peace of Mexico. He will keep on styling himself to our ​shame,—Emperor of Mexico; all dissatisfied Mexicans will keep up an active correspondence with him about his supposed popularity there, and even may induce him to return at some future time, as they did with Iturbide; such of them as can afford it will go over to Austria and form a Mexican court for Maximilian at Miramar, and he will have enough of them to organize a legitimate Mexican government there, as the ex-king of the Two Sicilies did at Rome, after he was expelled from Naples; some European powers will keep recognizing him as the Emperor of Mexico, as Spain did with the ex-king of the Two Sicilies; whenever we may be likely to have complications with any European nation, the first step taken by the interested party will be to intrigue with Maximilian, and to threaten us with giving aid to our lawful sovereign to recover his authority from the hands of the usurpers, if we decline to accept their terms.
"Besides, if Maximilian is pardoned and allowed to go home, nobody in Europe, I am sure, will give us credit for magnanimity, as weak nations are not supposed to be magnanimous; but, on the contrary, it will be said that we did so through fear of public opinion in Europe, and because we would not dare to treat harshly our sovereign.
"I do not mean by this to say that Maximilian must necessarily be shot; what I mean is that his power to do any further mischief in Mexico must be utterly destroyed before he is allowed to depart." ​It does not come strictly within the province of the historian to criticise or express opinions, but rather to present facts in all lights so that individual inferences may be drawn. The execution of the Austrian ex-Archduke by the nation he had so deeply, though perhaps at first unwittingly, wronged, was a subject of most mournful interest to Mexicans and to Americans. It has been said that he sacrificed himself by his blindness in attempting to establish a monarchy in spite of timely warnings of the perils he would encounter in accepting a crown at the hands of an unauthorized faction which did not and could not truly represent the mind and will of the Mexican people at large. In general terms, this is undoubtedly true, but a more immediate and tangible cause of mercy not being shown him may perhaps be found in his terrible edict of October 3, 1865, by which Republican officers captured were executed as bandits. One of the first victims of this decree was. General Don José Maria Arteaga, who had been twice governor of the state of Querétaro; when captured he was in chief command of the Liberal army in Michoacan, but was shot as a robber, together with General Salazar and other officers of high rank. Colonel Don Ramon Mendez, who carried out the decree in their case, was promoted to the rank of general and chief commander in the department of Michoacan.
This was not war, and these facts could not be ​vere certainly without color of reason, as can be seen by the simple perusal of the correspondence between the two governments. In the interview with Mr. Romero, in which Mr. Seward announced that the emperors of Austria and France and the queen of England had severally appealed to the United States to endeavor to avert the execution of Maximilian, he concluded in these words:
"The United States have already expressed themselves on that subject with frankness and profound respect to the government of President Juarez. To reiterate its opinions and wishes in a formal manner in compliance with the wishes expressed by the sovereigns of France and Great Britain, would perhaps embarrass the government of President Juarez, and might tend to defeat the humane purposes entertained. At the same time Mr. Seward, assuming that the question may still remain an open one, is desirous that President Juarez should be informed of the interest in the person of Prince Maximilian thus expressed by the last named European powers.
"Mr. Seward also thinks it proper to say that he apprehends no possible contingency in which any European power will attempt either invasion or intervention hereafter in Mexico, or in any other republican nation on the American continent. For this reason he does not think that Mexico has to apprehend any attempt at retaliation by European ​he has seen the whole Republic rise up against him. Notwithstanding this he wants to continue his work of ruin and desolation by an aimless war, surrounded by men well known for their robberies and assassinations, and the deepest-dyed in crime of any in the Republic. When such persons are captured it is not reasonable to suppose they could be considered as simple prisoners of war, for they are responsible to the law of nations and amenable to the laws of the Republic.
"The government, which has given numerous proofs of its humanitarian principles and of its sentiments of generosity, has also the obligation to consider, according to the circumstances of the case, what is required by the principles of justice and its duties to the Mexican people."
There were still other reasons that must have swayed the officers of the Mexican Republic. The journals of that country seemed to dwell with great pleasure upon any incident or circumstance that could be perverted into a proof that the government of the United States sought an undue influence over their administration. In this the papers but represented the feelings of a large class of Mexicans, and it may readily be apprehended that the danger of flying in the face of such apparently deep-rooted convictions was enough to turn the scale in the mind of even such a strong man as Benito Juarez. Such thoughts and expressions ​were certainly without color of reason, as can be seen by the simple perusal of the correspondence between the two governments. In the interview with Mr. Romero, in which Mr. Seward announced that the emperors of Austria and France and the queen of England had severally appealed to the United States to endeavor to avert the execution of Maximilian, he concluded in these words:
"The United States have already expressed themselves on that subject with frankness and profound respect to the government of President Juarez. To reiterate its opinions and wishes in a formal manner in compliance with the wishes expressed by the sovereigns of France and Great Britain, would perhaps embarrass the government of President Juarez, and might tend to defeat the humane purposes entertained. At the same time Mr. Seward, assuming that the question may still remain an open one, is desirous that President Juarez should be informed of the interest in the person of Prince Maximilian thus expressed by the last named European powers.
"Mr. Seward also thinks it proper to say that he apprehends no possible contingency in which any European power will attempt either invasion or intervention hereafter in Mexico, or in any other republican nation on the American continent. For this reason he does not think that Mexico has to apprehend any attempt at retaliation by European ​powers as a consequence of whatsoever extreme decision the Mexican government may make; but at the same time Mr. Seward also thinks that a universal sentiment, favorable, conciliatory, and friendly towards the republic of Mexico and the other American republics, would be likely to follow from such an exercise of clemency and magnanimity as the United States have thought proper to recommend.
"Mr. Seward requests Mr. Romero, if compatible with his convictions of duty, to make these sentiments known in a private and confidential manner to the republic of Mexico."
Nothing could be more delicately and courteously put, and it would seem difficult to torture the correspondence, of which that is a fair sample, into any such desire as was popularly attributed to the Department of State. And yet that such was the case seemed very apparent, and by portions of the American as well as the Mexican press. The following extracts from La Centinela, published in Monterey, are of interest as an indication of the feelings of the Mexican people regarding the disposition of the Prince and the relations of the two countries:
"The interference of the government of the United States to save the life of Maximilian, and above all the terms used and the mode employed by Minister Seward in the negotiation, have imperilled the situation of Maximilian, and have made it ​almost impossible to exercise towards him an act of generosity which, although it would have thrown censure on our government, would have excited the admiration and provoked the eulogies of the world and of posterity. To-day the pardon of the Archduke of Austria could not be granted without incurring universal censure, there being very few who would believe that we were influenced solely by the noble sentiments of humanity and magnanimity. These same friends of Maximilian and enemies of the government of the republic would comment on this act in a manner most unfavorable to our dignity. They have always endeavored to produce the belief that the Mexican people, and, to the nations of Europe, that the republican government is in a state of traitorous dependence upon the United States; and with the known bad faith of those men try to throw in our face our obsequious docility, or worse—that we but obey (for certainly such was the order of Seward) the brusque commands of the American minister, Mr. Campbell. . . .
. . . "At the beginning we were vacillating between the reign of justice and benignity and pardon in regard to the Archduke; but on reflecting on the matter, and in view of the impolitic (or impolite) letter of Mr. Seward, and considering the proof of obstinacy given by the Archduke himself, in his strong desire that in no way the only government which the nation has recognized should be ​respected and obeyed, endeavoring in the document which we inserted in our last number, that even after his death the strife between the Mexicans should continue, and this even after the genuine will of Mexico has evidently been made clear to him, we consider that the execution of this Prince has been made indispensable under every aspect, because it is very likely that, according to his tenacity and obstinacy, he might make another attempt and risk the peace of the Republic."
It may be said, and with reason, that such utterances were based upon prejudice and ignorance of the true character of documents referred to. The histories of the most enlightened nations do not fail to teem with instances of equally popular and erroneous convictions having for the time being the force of truth. It seems possible in this way that the magnanimous, single-minded, courteously expressed suggestions of clemency offered by the American Department of State may have been productive of sufficient evil to undo the good.
To return to our double-ender.
A few days and nights of steady, unremitting work sufficed to prepare her for another cruise, and at daylight of the 17th of June she quietly left ​Pensacola bay, and steamed away under full power. It did not seem probable that the town of Vera Cruz could still be holding out after negotiations for surrender had reached the stage described previous to her departure; but in view of Bureau's strange sense of duty or unblushing diversion of customhouse receipts, it was deemed best for her to return. Great was the surprise on board, when, after sighting the ships at Sacrificios anchorage, on the afternoon of the 20th, the Imperial flag was made out still flying over the defences of the town.
As the gun-boat rapidly approached, the old familiar objects became distinct. The same ships were there,—the "Jason," "Barracouta," "Phlégéton," "Elizabeth," and Uloa." The U.S.S. "Yucca" was also present, but was despatched before long to Tampico, with peremptory orders to Lieutenant Commander Maxwell, commanding the U.S.S. "Yantic," To bring that vessel immediately to Vera Cruz, as there was urgent need for an increased force there, while at Tampico all was quiet. The thrilling sounds of cannonading and musketry testified to the inability of the different parties to come to an agreement. There was evidently needed a main de fer sous gant de velours to give an impetus to negotiations.
It was soon learned that an arrangement had been reached on the 19th between the Imperial Commissary and General Benavides for the surrender of the ​city and castle within three days, beginning at noon of the 20th, and as an earnest of this the commanding general, Antonio Taboada, was allowed or induced to resign, and take passage in the Spanish mail steamer "Ciudad Condal" to Havana. This officer was strenuously opposed to entering into any negotiations with the Liberals for the delivery of the city, with the defence of which he was entrusted, and it seems probable that his voice was potent in causing Bureau's many vacillations. As the officer upon whom the command would next devolve was less irreconcilable and quixotic, and foresaw the necessity of ending the conflict in one way or another, it was decided that General Taboada should depart.
The only element of discord now remaining was the redoubtable Foreign Legion. This band of mercenaries, recruited from the scum of the military services of nearly all nations, had received its distinctive appellation almost from the very first, neither Spaniard, Frenchman, nor Austrian being willing to own it. As in all such motley congregations, the excellence of the discipline was greatly dependent upon circumstances. Being now subjected to great privations, and defrauded of their pay (the one thing for which they were hired to fight), the members of that body were individually turbulent, and greatly inclined to be so collectively, and their presence was a standing menace to law and order. In their desire to conciliate or appease this dreadful ​band, by paying them what was indeed their legitimate due, the merchants of the city had consented to withdraw their merchandise from the bonded stores and pay the duties on it. General Benavides had also given guarantees of safety to all concerned in the Imperial cause, provided the arrangement for the delivery of the city to him should be carried out within the said three days.
The latest news from the interior was in a despatch to General Benavides, that, on the 15th, General Marquez had made a second attempt to cut his way through the forces investing the city of Mexico, but had been driven back with severe loss. The terrible opening of the morning of the 19th of June at Querétaro was not yet known, and there were no extraneous causes to prevent the carrying out of this fourth agreement regarding Vera Cruz. But on the 20th, the day of the "Tacony's" arrival, Señor Bureau had another of his remarkable, and one might almost say convenient, fits of illness, and was unable to treat personally with the Liberal general, so hostilities were resumed.
This was the condition of affairs revealed to Commander Roe. The mere fact of the town not having capitulated during all this time, when every thing had seemed so propitious at the time of his leaving, seemed pregnant with dire possibilities, and it was in the anticipation of serious trouble that he sent the order for the "Yantic" to come there from ​Tampico. This was on the 22d, on the same day that the news came that the city of Mexico had surrendered to General Porfirio Diaz. Marquez had suddenly disappeared, the evening before, leaving General Tabera, with a demoralized garrison, to bear the odium of a defence protracted far beyond the rules or necessities of civilized warfare; it was only curious that a man so plainly marked by a scar on his face, and so well known, should have succeeded in effecting his escape.
The next day came the news of that sad event, over which history bends with moistened eyes, that plunged two reigning families of Europe into grief, and many others into mourning. The premature ending of the gallant young Prince's life was heralded through the columns of the Concordia of June 20th, published at Orizaba, in the following terms:
"Ferdinand Maximilian, of Hapsburg, Archduke of Austria, in league with Napoleon III. to rob Mexico of its independence and institutions, usurper of its sovereignty, calling himself emperor, overthrown by the national will, and made prisoner by the republican forces in Querétaro, on the 15th of May, 1867, and judged by the law upon offences against the independence of the nation of the 25th of January, 1862, and sentenced by the respective council of war to the extreme penalty, was executed ​in Querétaro, on the 19th of June, 1867, at seven o'clock in the morning, together with his ex-Mexican generals, Miramon and Mejia. Peace to his ashes."
It was at an early hour of that Sabbath morning that a messenger from Camp Casa Mata brought to the "Tacony" a copy of the brief despatch that had been received. Pulling alongside of the "Elizabeth," the American commander roused the Austrian from his morning slumbers. The two officers met in the cabin, where the count, standing in his nightdress, scanned eagerly his visitor's face, and exclaimed: "My friend, you have brought me evil news. They have killed the Emperor. They have murdered my prince." It was not necessary to answer in words. The despatch was handed him in silence. For a moment the Austrian, tall, athletic, and stalwart, stood speechless, stricken dumb by the tiny paper he held in his hand. "Yes; they have murdered him; it was murder; for was he not a prisoner of war?" And that strong man wept; his passionate sense of loyalty, his affectionate devotion to the brother of his emperor, caused tears to stream down his manly face.
It was a sad Sunday for the officers and crews of the ships at Sacrificios. The sympathies of Austrians, French, English, and Americans, the hopes and fears of all, had run in a single channel of common accord, and the futility of all efforts cast a ​gloom over berth-deck and ward-room alike; while the flags displayed at half-mast expressed the official sympathy of all countries represented, for the one that had just sustained so great a loss.
Later in the day Captain Gröller came on board the "Tacony" and asked as a last favor that Commander Roe should appeal to President Juarez in his behalf and that of the Austrian court, to allow him the privilege of receiving the remains of the late Prince on board the "Elizabeth" for the purpose of conveying them to Vienna. Only too glad to do all he could for his friend, Roe immediately addressed a letter to the Mexican President to that effect, adding: "As I conceive his prayer to be one of tender humanity and of affection for his unhappy and bereaved family, I have the honor to beg also that his request may be granted."
This was immediately forwarded through the courtesy of General Benavides, and the remains did finally reach Austria, though not until Admiral Tegethoff, the hero of Lissa, came over not long afterwards to lend weight to the same request made through diplomatic channels.
The news of the fall of the city of Mexico and the execution of Maximilian caused a profound stir among the troops in Vera Cruz. The officers met in an impromptu council and resolutions were declared that the town should not be surrendered unless a heavy sum were paid each man. Bureau, ​although sick, opposed this vehemently and with commendable firmness, and, backed staunchly by one general officer, resolved that the surrender should take place. He arrested General Cuevas, the leader of the foreign contingent and an adherent of Santa Ana, and requested the United States Consul to visit the head-quarters of the Liberal army, and make final stipulations for the surrender, the French Consul guaranteeing to keep the Foreign Legion in subjection. So Mr. Saulnier, on the morning of the 23d, took advantage of the "Jason's" cutter being in the harbor, to go down to the fleet, accompanied by a parlementaire, and was then landed abreast the camp.
In this interview General Benavides showed a spirit of humanity worthy of all praise. Orders had been received from General Diaz not to treat with the Imperial forces further, unless they laid down their arms and surrendered at discretion; but knowing the temper of the besieged, and desirous of avoiding all unnecessary bloodshed, he took upon himself to remain bound by promises made before the receipt of the order. There was indeed no shadow of reason for any longer hesitation on the part of the Imperialists. Vera Cruz was the only place in Mexico now held by them; their Emperor was dead, and the regency that had been appointed was scattered and powerless. In point of fact the general disposition was at last to yield, but ​there remained that Foreign Legion. Mercenaries are ever apt to be treacherous and turbulent, and the hirelings in Vera Cruz remained true to the traditions of their cloth. On the 24th Captain Roe received the following letter from the consul:
Consulate of the U. S. A.,
Vera Cruz, June 24, 1867.
Commander F. A. Roe, U.S.S. "Tacony."
Dear Sir:—At the request of Don Domingo Bureau I beg of you to come up with your ship immediately into the harbor; the difficulty is with the foreign troops. Bureau sends out a flag of truce at 11.30 o'clock, a.m. As this is secret I dare not ask a pilot.
Yours truly,
[Signed,] E. H. Saulnier,
U.S. Consul,
Such a letter spoke volumes. Fires were immediately spread in the boilers, and the stream anchor was weighed; the drum sounded to quarters, the battery was cleared for action and the guns loaded. While these preparations were being made, Captain Roe recognizing the fact that the fighting power of the "Tacony" was none too great, and that more harm than good might be done by their going up alone, went on board the "Jason" and represented to her captain that it was now a question of acting up to the spirit of their orders and taking steps to protect life and property. The delay in ​surrendering the city was contrary to the usages of war and the scenes that might be enacted by rioters were repugnant to enlightened humanity. Furthermore, apart from the desirability of displaying the additional force vested in the "Jason," the fact of a ship taking such action flying the flag of a country which had recognized the Mexican Empire, and Prince Maximilian as its emperor, would be the more apt to cause reflection among any officers that might have a vestige of authority remaining. As the United States had never ceased to recognize and entertain and express friendly feelings for the Juarist government, the advance of the "Tacony" alone might be construed as simply one of national offence and might add to the probabilities of a conflict.
It did not take long to persuade the gallant Aynesley; he consented to co-operate with the American gun-boat, and at four the two vessels got under way together and stood up for the harbor, the stately "Jason" leading. Entering by the north passage, the Englishman came-to within easy range of the northwest bastion of the castle. The "Tacony," drawing much less water, being only of about half the tonnage of the "Jason," rounded the latter's stern and passed on southward into the inside channel and harbor, between the castle and the city landing; a hawser was run out from the starboard quarter and secured to a heavy ringbolt in the castle wall ​for the purpose of keeping the ship broadside to the castle, and also to the cooling breezes from seaward. In this position the "Tacony's" battery bore on the north bastion, Vera Cruz, and on the city, covering the "Jason"; and the "Jason" flanked the castle. No guns then mounted in San Juan could command them, but the infected air from the castle, where "Yellow Jack" was holding high carnival, came direct to the "Tacony" and presented a danger well appreciated by her commander, but one that had to be faced.
Both ships kept steam up all night, and their chains ready to slip, and every preparation was made to meet any emergency that might arise. The "Barracouta" also weighed anchor and took up a position about a quarter of a mile outside the "Jason," but within range.
The next morning peremptory orders were received through the consuls from the officer in command of the castle, for both vessels to move from their positions and leave the harbor under penalty of being sunk at their moorings. The order was politely but firmly rejected. The commanders claimed the rights of treaties which had not been abrogated by the late Imperial government, and alleged the dangerous attitude of the excited populace in the city towards all foreigners, in view of which they deemed their presence necessary; and therefore they could not change their anchorage. ​No special preparation seemed to be made to carry out the threat. An armed schooner, flying the Imperial flag, changed her berth, and anchored off the "Tacony's" port quarter, but that was not very alarming. Every thing seemed placid, and as the evening came and wore on, the officers sat on deck with their pipes in the moonlight, enjoying the light airs coming in from the eastward, the last dying efforts of the sea breeze, which alone makes the summer heat of Vera Cruz tolerable. The watch were sleeping at their guns. Suddenly the quiet was broken by a low creaking sound coming from the castle, so faint that it might not have been heard had the breeze been stronger, but loud enough to be recognized by a seaman's ear as the straining of a heavy tackle. Night glasses were quickly brought into play, and the parapets swept, finally leading to the discovery of groups of men collected and apparently at work in the northwest angle which commanded the "Tacony." Not a voice was heard, not an order given, but the irregular, peculiar sounds of blocks creaking and ropes surging with heavy weights were unmistakable.
No. 2 port gun was immediately transported over to the starboard side, and that whole battery, thus reinforced, trained on those groups of men. The gig was called away, and Mr. McGowan was sent to the "Jason" to notify her commander of what was transpiring. In his laconic note. Captain Roe ​said: "They are mounting heavy guns on the inshore parapet. I shall be at my lock-strings at day break, not daylight." The answer came back, grand in its simplicity: "A shot fired at one ship will be answered by both."
It was a dangerous position, especially for a sidewheel steamer, with the machinery above water, exposed to a plunging fire that might instantly sink her, or at least cripple her beyond repair. To a certain extent remaining there involved a cool calculation of chances; the experiences of a long war at home had led the officers of the American vessel to think that a first shot rarely takes effect, and the shower of grape and canister that their five heavy guns and as many howitzers were ready to belch forth at the flash of the enemy's pieces, would probably cause such havoc as to make the second shot, if ever fired, as harmless as the first.
The chain was hove in, until the anchor was "up and down," so that a turn of the engines would drag it off into deep water until opportunity should offer to lift it. The steepness of the shore aided in this, as every fathom of movement deepened the water. A sharp axe was also laid near the bitt where the hawser was belayed, ready to sever it at a stroke.
And so the night wore away, officers and men anxiously awaiting the approach of dawn, and keeping the guns pointed at suspicious-looking prominences on the uncertain silhouette of the northwest ​bastion. As the first gray streaks of daylight appeared and grew in the east, these threatening objects began to loom out more distinctly from the dark edge of the castle wall; and soon two guns were discerned pointing on the deck of the "Tacony," and a heavy rifle at the "Jason." These were fully manned, the crews standing with lock-strings in hand and rammers and sponges ready. The gunners there certainly realized that a similar state of preparation existed on board the two ships; and the minutes seemed to lengthen to hours as the adversaries looked at each other through the sight bars, occasionally touching an elevating quoin, or giving a slight heave with a handspike to keep perfect their aim. All seemed to depend upon the caprice or pride of General Gomez, the commander of the castle, who, now that the Imperial cause was at an end, had nothing to gain and nothing to lose by a conflict, and upon whose voice or gesture depended the fate of probably one ship and the lives of many men. To his honor, be it said, his pride did not succeed in leading him to pursue the desperate course which it had prompted. His adversaries were not to be daunted, and he apparently accepted the situation. As by a common impulse, though probably in obedience to a silent order, the gunners of the castle finally broke from their pieces and dispersed, and the great tension was relieved. The battery was kept loaded and trained, but the ​crews could "relieve their quarters," and proceed to the routine work of the morning watch.
It was not long before messengers from the English and American consuls brought word off that Señor Bureau, finding that the control of affairs was slipping from his grasp, had deserted his post, and fled—no one knew how, nor when, nor where. It was thought that he had gone on board the "Elizabeth," and Mr. Saulnier, in his report to the Department of State, said that such was the case. The only circumstance to throw any doubt upon that was that the Austrian vessel had gone to sea, to New Orleans, the evening before, at 6.30, and if he had sought refuge on board of her, it must have been in broad daylight, and the fact must have been known to some of his subordinates. It seemed possible that he might have gone on board the Phlégéton, and afterwards, when affairs had become more settled. Captain Roe said, jokingly, to the French commander: "Come now, Pritzbuer, where have you got that fellow stowed? and what are you going to do with him? "But the only answer to be elicited was: "Ah, well, now, capitaine, nevair mind, nevair mind."
At all events the Imperial Commissary had not stood upon the order of his going, but had gone; and the city was without a municipal government. The senior military commander was General Gomez, and there was much speculation as to the line of ​conduct he would pursue, as, under the circumstances, no civil officer would, at that juncture, have undertaken to set up authority against him. He did not leave the community long in doubt. Immediately upon hearing of the flight of Bureau, he sent an officer to the American consul to request an interview. By this time the English, American, and French captains had gone on shore to see what could be done to arrange matters, and had met at the English consulate, where they found all the consuls, except that of Spain. The situation was rapidly but carefully discussed, the danger of the situation being fully realized. There was intense excitement throughout the city, and the lower classes of both parties were ready to break out at any moment. The members of the Foreign Legion, too, were wandering about the streets, armed and ready for any deed of rapine and violence.
When General Gomez's request came, it was hailed with joy, as it seemed to foretell some solution to the problem. He was at once invited to the British Consulate, and soon appeared, with some twelve or fourteen officers. Marching up the long, wide hall at the head of his staff, he presented himself in ceremonious form to the civil and naval officers assembled. He was a stately soldier, and a gentleman by birth and education; his hair and close-cut beard were plentifully sprinkled with gray, and to have seen his stern and massive features ​one would have thought to behold a Spanish soldier of the time of Charles V.
After the presentations, which were conducted with a formality that seemed strangely at variance with the surrounding scenes and circumstances, he announced that he had come to offer up the town to the body of consuls, whom he requested to form a provisional government, and turning to Captain Roe, said that to him would he surrender the castle of San Juan de Uloa. The Empire was at an end, the Emperor had been murdered, and the governor of the city had fled; he would never yield to the Liberal forces, but would surrender his charge to the American flag. The only stipulation was that he and such other of his officers as would be in danger at the hands of the Republican authorities, should be allowed to leave in safety.
The American commander expressed his thanks and appreciation of the confidence reposed in him, and agreed to accept the charge of the castle. He would not hoist the United States flag over it, but in due time, as soon as order could be restored, would turn it over to the people of Mexico. The general was also assured that the steamer "Tabasco," then lying in the stream, would be placed at his disposal to go where he wished, accompanied by such officers as he should select. With thanks and stately courtesy he withdrew and embarked immediately. ​The English, French, American, and Prussian consuls at once organized a provisional government, closed all liquor shops, forbade placards of any description being posted, and induced the officer in command of the Foreign Legion to make them "fall in" at their barracks and keep them there. The assurance that they would be paid in full and sent away in the "Tabasco" aided greatly in securing their obedience. The merchants cheerfully subscribed the money necessary to discharge the obligations towards them.
The English and United States consuls rode out to General Benavides, informed him briefly of all that had transpired, and requested him to be ready to march into the city and take possession as soon as the gates were opened, which, it was expected, would be done on the following day. Apparently not realizing the exact state of affairs, the general replied that he had received fresh orders to enter into no more negotiations, and that General Porfirio Diaz was on the way there with fresh troops to assault the town. This seemed an extraordinary position to assume, evidently based upon a misapprehension of facts, but none the less embarrassing. They assured him that his evident doubts regarding the genuineness of the overture had no foundation in fact; the city was held by no enemy of the Republic, but by the consular corps, supported by the guns of the English and American ships. This ​apparently silenced his scruples, and he acquiesced. It was agreed, however, that when every thing was ready and the Foreign Legion out of the way, the city should be turned over to the remaining officials of the civil government who should then open the gates.
In the meantime Captains Aynesley and Roe had sent joint word off to the "Tabasco" and to the schooner to disarm, which was promptly done, their guns being hoisted out into a lighter. The "Tacony" also shifted her berth farther out to the northward to avoid the pestilential air from the infected castle. In her new position she still commanded the city landing, and the port forward gun, which had been transported to the starboard side when in danger of being fired at from San Juan, was shifted back in place, and the starboard after gun moved to reinforce the port battery, and increase the weight of fire in the direction of the city
Early the next morning the Foreign Legion, having been paid in full, was marched down to the landing, and boats from the men-of-war, supplemented by those of the town, were at hand ready to take them off to the "Tabasco." Just as they were about to embark, Mr. Saulnier, who, with his usual energy, was there, discovered that these soldiers still retained their arms and evidently did not intend to relinquish them. To allow such a troop to go to sea ​armed would seem almost equivalent to fitting out a pirate, so he told the officers that they must disarm their men. But they shook their heads and replied: "They will not submit to that." Mr. Saulnier proved himself equal to the emergency. Without a moment's hesitation he strode to the nearest soldier and told him to give up his musket; the man refused. Pointing to the "Tacony," the consul then said in a loud tone: "That ship has orders to fire on this landing if I wave my handkerchief; the gates leading to the city are closed and your retreat is cut off; unless you instantly lay down your guns I will make the signal." While speaking he had taken his handkerchief in his hand. The effect was magical; one swift glance at the vessel showed the long threatening muzzles pointing ominously, with tompions out, and apparently ready to hurl shrapnel and destruction on them; down went the arms with a clash, and each man before stepping into the boat submitted to a personal inspection to prove that he had no arms secreted.
By noon all were on board the "Tabasco," and she moved out and anchored near the "Jason" to get water from her, preparatory to going to sea.
At three the consular government turned the city over to the Mexican civil officers who immediately opened the gates, and sent a deputation to wait upon General Benavides, and invite him to enter. Out behind this deputation streamed an army of hot ​and weary men, women and children, who swarmed into the fields to get a bit of grass or a branch of green bush once more in their hands after the dreary captivity of over three months within the walls of the beleaguered town. In an hour's time the tents were struck, the bugles sounded their cheerful ringing calls, and the body of rugged, half-clad, dirty, but undaunted men and boys that we have been calling an investing army, got into motion, with their tattered flags and pennons gayly flying. At about five o clock of that 27th day of June, 1867, the patriot army marched in and took possession of the city and fortifications. Mexico entire was now under her own flag; not a place was left under the dominion of the foreigner.
Some inclination was shown to open fire upon the "Tabasco," which was just then heaving up her anchor; but it was promptly announced that she was under the protection of the two men-of-war, and that any such demonstration would instantly start their broadsides. That ended it. In a short time the steamer got under way and put to sea, with her motley crew, heading for Mobile. She reached her destination in safety, and those hungry, gaunt-looking soldiers, straggling about the city, were the occasion of much wondering comment. The vessel herself disappeared from sight; entering the port under the pretension of being a man-of-war, no custom-house return noted her arrival nor her ​subsequent departure; and no history records her fate.
The armed schooner, of which mention has been made, tried to take advantage of the general excitement, and, hoisting American colors, tripped her anchor, and started to sea. But the "Tacony's" cutter was promptly called away and pursued her and brought her to, and she was turned over to the Liberals the next day.
And so the occupation of Vera Cruz was accomplished without a blow being given, or a drop of blood spilled. The two ships in the harbor had done the work of preserving order, and in so doing had protected not only the lives and interests of their fellow countrymen, but those of the citizens of Mexico as well. The two captains could at last sleep the sweet sleep of peace and approving consciences.
The rejoicings that followed can be well imagined; decorations in the daytime, illuminations by night, testified to the universal joy at the final expulsion of the foreign enemy from his last foothold. The day after the occupation General Benavides gave a handsome breakfast to the principal actors in the recent scenes. Joy was indeed unconfined at that repast, and they do say that the feelings of one member of the gallant body of consuls (not the American), were so wrought up that he required the services of a friend afterwards to guide him home; and being propped with careful solicitude against ​his own door, soon gave an unwonted embrace to the dusky servant opening up from within.
At noon of the 29th, the thunders of the "Tacony's" guns sounded forth in national salutation of the Mexican flag displayed at the fort, the last echo being prolonged by answering peals from the south battery, where, gun for gun, the salute was immediately returned. Not many days elapsed before an opportunity was afforded to return this courtesy. On that glorious day of July, the advent of which makes the American heart beat proudly and fast, the "Tacony" "dressed ship" with festoons of signals and pennants all aloft, and fired the twenty-one gun salute with the stars and stripes floating from the masthead; in this she was accompanied by the guns of the Castle of San Juan de Uloa which, only nine days before, had threatened to sink her where she lay.
There was no other ship present to take part in these expressions of friendship. The Austrian had left on the 25th, as stated; the "Jason" had sailed for Jamaica a couple of days after the surrender, to coal and provision ship; and the "Phlégéton" had followed suit the next day.
Captain Aynesley, before leaving, sent a note, couched in very complimentary terms, to Captain Roe, asking him to care for British interests during his enforced absence. These two officers had formed quite an intimacy, not unnaturally, during ​the progress of events, in the shaping of which they had borne so conspicuous a part, and it was with sincere regret that they parted. Captain Aynesley is still alive, passing his old age in the official retirement irrevocably brought about by the flight of time.
Commander de Pritzbuer, being a younger man, is still able to wear the harness; and an American man-of-war entering the vast dock-yard of Rochefort is sure to meet with a pleasant welcome from that gray-haired veteran who, as Vice-Admiral and Préfet Maritime of the Department, is an important factor in the maintenance of that superb navy.
Perhaps the most cordial leave-taking was with Captain Gröller, who returned in the "Elizabeth" on the 12th of July. He had cause to feel grateful to Captain Roe for the efforts made to save his Prince. A letter from him a month later (written in English) will perhaps indicate his regard better than in any other way, and the close of it is here transcribed:
No, dear captain, I shall never forget you, nor your exquisite kindness towards me, and your noble feelings in the disastrous days of Maximilian's murder. I have send your letter to Vienna; now they have been published in all the newspapers of Europe and America. I hope that you shall some day take a leave for Europe or be there as a commodore,—then be sure that I shall do all to persuade you that our land is quite a paradise.
May you be happy on your ways.
Believe me, dearest captain.
Your friend,
[Signed,]Gröller.
The "Tacony" had to remain some days after affairs had become quieted down, as her orders were to stay there until relieved. The time was well put in overhauling and repairing the equipment and battery and materiel of every kind. Up to the moment of occupation of the city by the Liberal forces every thing had had to be subordinated to readiness for immediate action; now the guns could be dismantled, one at a time, and their iron carriages scraped, cleaned, and painted; holds and store-rooms were "broken out" and swept; and even the outside of the hull soon shone bravely in a glistening coat of black.
There were few incidents to punctuate the four weeks that that gallant ship's company had still to pass in that dreary, almost provisionless region; and such as did occur were now all of a pleasant character. One may bear recital as formings charming epilogue to the loyal persistence with which our country had recognized Señor Juarez as President of the Republic of Mexico, even when so hard pressed that the United States Minister accredited to him could not find or reach his head-quarters. On the evening of the 14th, rockets were seen ​in the offing, and as the flag-ship "Susquehanna" was expected daily, the navigating officer of the "Tacony" was sent out to put his well-acquired knowledge of the ground at the disposal of the captain to bring her in, the pilots being such that no great reliance could be placed on their professional skill. It proved to be not the "Susquehanna," however, nor any vessel of the Gulf Squadron, but the U.S. Revenue Cutter "Wilderness," bringing the wife and family of President Juarez back to their beloved country after a long exile in the United States. Early in June, Mr. Seward had expressed a desire to Mr. Romero to place a government vessel at the disposal of that lady to carry her to Mexico. The offer had been gratefully accepted, and in obedience to instructions from the Hon. Hugh M'Culloch, Secretary of the Treasury, who gladly acquiesced in the wishes of the Secretary of State, the "Wilderness," was put in readiness for that pleasant duty, and every effort made to ensure the comfort of the august party.
The day after her arrival Señora Juarez was escorted to the shore by the naval boats amid the tumultuous ringing of bells, displaying of flags, and booming of cannon. And it is perhaps safe to say that that last act of courtesy on the part of Mr. Seward resounded gratefully in the hearts of many Mexicans who had continued to ​look askance at the country that had befriended them.
American men-of-war soon began to drop in; the "Susquehanna" arrived on the 20th, and the "Glasgow" on the 22d. The latter came from Tampico with Don José Maria de Lacunza, quondam prime-minister of the late pretender to the Mexican throne, and Adrian Dufau, his secretary. They had sought final refuge under the American flag, and were now transferred to the double-ender for passage to the United States.
It was on the 24th of July, at daylight, that the "Tacony" finally bade good-bye to the ancient city of Vera Cruz, which owed so much to her,— to her guns, to her flag, and to the intelligence and determined action of her commander. Steaming along at a moderate speed she made a four-days' passage to Pensacola, but did not then escape the discomforts of a ten-days* quarantine. Many of the officers were detached and went to their homes to recover from the effects of exposure to tropical suns and diseases. Some, it is a mournful fact to record, were claimed by the Giver of all good, paying with their lives for their devotion to duty.
Navy Department,
Washington, August 3, 1867.
Sir:—Your letter of the 20th ultimo reporting your arrival at Pensacola is received.
You are to-day detached from the "Tacony" and ordered to duty on the U.S.S. "Piscataqua," as Fleet Captain under Rear-Admiral Rowan, appointed to command the Asiatic Squadron.
In relieving you from the "Tacony" the Department embraces the opportunity of conveying to you its approbation of the manner in which you have discharged the responsible and delicate duties which have devolved upon you as the commanding American naval officer off Vera Cruz at an interesting and eventful period, when important occurrences were transpiring and decisive and correct action were required. For the discretion and zeal manifested by you, the Department takes this opportunity to express its acknowledgment, and the new and more enlarged duties assigned you indicate the confidence reposed in your intelligence and judgment.
Very respectfully,
[Signed,]G. Welles,
Secretary of the Navy.
Commander F. A. Roe,
A proud moment must it have been for the commander when he read that letter from the head of the department, to whom he was directly responsible for correct interpretation and faithful execution of orders. Nor did the meed of praise flow only from that high source. On reaching Washington the Secretary of State introduced him to Mr. ​Johnson, in cabinet meeting, saying: "Mr. President, this is the commander who saved us so much trouble in Mexican affairs." And the Executive of the nation thanked him.
That officer is now a rear-admiral on the retired list, enjoying the rest to which advancing age entitles him, after an active and honorable career.
Many years have elapsed since the sad ending of Emperor Napoleon's unfriendly enterprise. But it will always remain a subject of interest to Americans; and the memory of it may in the future help to nerve the hearts and hands of our statesmen in the improbable event of the Old World again attempting to guide the destinies of the New. The example set by the little "Tacony" is also well worthy of emulation by those whose duty and privilege it is to sustain the fair name of the United States Navy.
* ↑ Before accepting the Mexican throne the Archduke had to abdicate his eventual right to that of Austria.
* ↑ Referring to Maximilian's last decree, dated June 10, 1867, in view of his possible death, appointing a regency of three persons, Don Theodosio Lares, Don José M. de Lacunza, and General Leonardo Marquez, to carry on the Empire.
* ↑ Now President of Mexico.