The Vermont transcript. [volume] (St. Albans, Vt.) 1864-1870, 1867-07-26
THE TRANSCRIPT.
MaximiIlan's Last Hours.

The Eperanza of Queretaro of June
Goth has some further interesting par
ticulars of the closing hours in the life
OF the ill-fated Macmillan. At his re-
quest Mramon, Mejia, and himself
we're allowed to pass the night before
execution together. Father Fisher,
secretary and ccnfessor of Macmillan,
and the Bishop of Queretaro, were with
them. The Eperdnzd says
They passed most Of the night in conversation
and preparing themselves for death. Miramon
suffered great deal from the wound in his eye,
which he kept constantly bathing with fresh wa
ter. Mejia slept soundly.
At one time Macmillan asked for some writ
ing Materials these were got with some diff
Guilty, as IL was in the middle of night. He
wrote two letters the first in German, to the
Archduchoss 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 20 cut
of herself. Before giving the lock Of hair he
kissed, folded it up carefully and then slipped it
into the envelope already scaled for his wife.
About four O'Clock Macmillan wished mass TO
be said which was done by the Bishop, after
Mcjia he'd been awakend. All then received
communion together.
After mass the Emperor remained a long time
knoeng on the hard stones for they had no
prize dicu-with his eyes towards the ground
aud his head resting on his hand in n pcnsiye
attitude. II IL not known for certain whether
he was praying or weeping. Miramon was pale
and downcast Meja seemed to be quite at case.
We must bear in mind, however, that he was
Indian, and that he deemed it glory to die with
his sovereign
The next morning, while on the way
to the place of execution, Macmillan
drew from his pocket his watch, touch
el it's spring and produced miniature
likeness of the Empress Carlotta. He
brought the image to his lips, kissed
it, and then handing it by the chain
70 Father Fisher, said: Garry this
souvenir to Europe for my dear wife /;
and should she ever be able to under
stand you, tell her that my eyes were
closed with her likeness which / bear
with me to heaven" When the cor
tege had reached tho spot where the
final scene was to be enacted, the Bish-
op, advancing to Macmillan, said
"Sire, in my person, bestow upon all
Mexico the kiss of reconciliation Let
your majesty forgive all at this SUI
preme moment The Emperor, agi-
tated to the utmost, allowed the Bish-
OPP TO embrace him amid the most pro-
found silence. All of sudden, rails
ing his voice, he cried out, "Tell Lo-
PEI that ] forgive him his treason. Tel
all Mexico that 1 forgive her hel
crime" He then shook hands with
Che Able Fisher, who could not uttel
word from emotion, and who then
fell on his knees at the Emperor's feet
and shed copious tears while he kissed
Maximilian's hand.
After the execution, Gen. Corona
sent for the Bishop of Queretaro, anc
demanded the two letters which Maxi
milan had given him. The one fol-
the Archduchess Sophia, was left un
touched, AS she is the mother OF tn,
condemned Emperor, and could con
tain nothing dangerous. The letter t.
the Empress Carlotta, for reasons @
State, was opened, and a copy was ia
ken by General Corona's secretary. ]
was written in French The folowin
is copy
MY BELOVED CARLorTA-If God permit tn
touy health get better and you should read the
few lines, you will learn the cruelty with whit
fate has stricken me since your departure 7
Europe. yoa took along with you not only n
heart but my good fortune. Why did not ri
heed to your voice? SO many untoward event
Alas so many sudden blows have shattered
my hopes, so that death is but a happy deliye
ence-not an agony--to me. | shall die glo
ously, like soldier, like king vanquished, b
not dishonored IT. your snferings are too grea
and God should call you to join me, sh
bless His Divine hand which has weighed
heavily upon us. Adieu, adleul Your poor
MAX.