Bellows Falls times. [volume] (Bellows Falls, Vt.) 1856-1965, 1867-07-26
Maxinailian's Last Hours.

20, has some further interesting particu'
lars Of the closing hours in the life Of the
ill-fated Macmillan. AT his request
Miramon, Mejia and himself were allowed
to pass The night before the execution TO.
gether. Father Fisher secretary and con-
lessor Of Macmillan, and the bishop Of
Queretaro were with them. The Esper-
ANA says:
@They passed most Of the night in con-
versation and in preparing themselves for
death. Miramon suffered great deal
from his wound in the eye, which he kept
constantly bathing with fresh water. Me-
jia slept soundly.
AT one time Macmillan asked for some
writing materials; these were got with
some difficulty, as it was in the middle Of
night. He wrote two letters, the first in
German, to the Archduchess, Sophia, his
mother; the other TO his wife. He gave
both letters to the bishop, requesting him
to see that they be delivered. He gave
him also lock of hair which the wife Of
one of his guards requested permission to
cut off herself. Before giving the lock OF
hair he kissed it, folded it up carefully and
then slipp' d it into the envelope already
sealed for his wife.
About four o'clock Macmillan wished
mass to be said, which was done by the
bishop, after Mejia had been awakened.
All then received communion together.
After mass the Emperor remained a
long time kneeling on the. hard stones
for they had no prize deiu-wilh his eyes
towards the ground and his head resting
on his hand in a pensive attitude. 1t is
not known for certain whether he was
praying or weeping. Miramon was pale
and downcast. Mejia seemed to be quite
at ease. We must bear in mind, however,
that he was an Indian, and that he deemed
it glory to die with his sovereign.
The next morning while on his way to
the place of execution. Macmillan drew
from his pocket his watch, touched its
spring and produced miniature likeness
of the Emperor Carlotta. He brought
the image to his lips, kissed it, and then
handing it by the chain to Father Fisher,
said; Carry this souvenir TO Europe for
my dear wife; and should she ever be
able to understand you, tell her that my
eyes wese closed with her likeness which
bear with me to heaven. When the
cortege had reached the spot where the
final scene was to be enacted, the Bishop,
to Macmillan, said: "Sire, in
my person bestow upon all Mexico the
kiss of reconciliation, Let your Majesty
forgive all at this supreme moment" The
agitated to the utmost, allowed
the Bishop to embrace him amid the most
profound silence. All of sudden, raising
his voice, he cried out, " Tell Lopez that /
forgive him his treason. Tell all Mexico
hat forgive her her crime" He then
shook hands with the Able Fisher, who
could not utter word from emotion. and
who then fell on his knees at the Empe-
'or's feet and shed copious tears while he
,issed Maximilian's hand
After the execution Gen. Corona sent
or the Bishop of Queretaro, ard demand
ID the two letters which Macmillan had
given him. The one for the Archduchess
Sophia was left untouched, as she is the
mother of the condemned Emperor, and
could contain nothing dangerous. The let.
er to the Empress Carlotta, for reasons
If State, was opened and copy was
aiken by Gen. Corona's secretary. 1t was
written in French. The following is
copy:
My BELOVED CARLoTTA.-If God
permit that your health get better and you
should read these few lines, you will learn
The cruelty with which fate has stricken
ne since your departure for Europe.
You took along with you not only my heart
put my good fortune. Why did not give
need to your voice? So many untoward
events Alas so many sudden blows
nave shattered all my hopes, so that death
5 but happy deliverance-not an agony
Ito me. | shall die gloriously like SOL
lier, like king vanquished and not dis
If your sutferings are too great
md God should call you soon to Join me,
shall bless His Divine hand which has
Weighed so heavily upon us. Adieu.
Adieu. ,,,
HE ATLANTIC MONTHLY for August
ontains, of serials, the Guardian Angel.