The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1869-10-05
MAMMALIAN.


al had long sought TO convince the EN-
peror of the necessity of treating with the
commanding officers rather than with their
subordnates il he would effect an escape
One of these had already won over, Colonel
Villanueva, who was in command of the
troops guarding the city Vianueva took
deep interest in the fate of the Emperor and
Thought it would be a misfortune for the
country if the Government did not spare his
life For this reason he was ready TO render
us all the assistance in his power. He refused
TO accept money for himself although he was
poor and had to provide for dependent rela-
lions, and trusted to the Emperor taking
him to Europe and securing him some posi-
tion there.
Colonel Villaneuva told me, however. that
he alone could do nothing; that it was neces-
sary to win over Colonel Palacios, who had
immediate command of the prisons.
'To this end L asked the Emperor TO de-
post one hundred thousand dollars in gold
with Messrs. Rubio, to be drawn as circum-
stances should require. Ready money, told
the Emperor, / had learned by experience
was the first necessity if one would treat with
Mexicaus.
''He replied that money was the least of
his cares, as Baron Magnus, together with the
other ministers, had assured him that any
sums he might require were at his disposal.
81 now informed him that had arranged
everything with Villaneuva, who was to open
his prison-doors, and provide an escort of "A
hundred men to conduct him to Cerro GOrdo,
and thence to the coast.
''The Emperor approved the plan, but in
sisted that !, with DIR. Basch, should accom-
pany him on horseback. He feared that he
might be betrayed and murdered, and thought
that the presence Of lady might serve rs a
protection.
81 told him that 1 would undertake the
negotiation with Colonel Palacios, who had
charge of the convent guard and was in the
habit of spending the entire night walking
up and down the hall before the emperors
room, but that could do nothing without
money.
with horror the Emperor now saw his
position in its true light, and regretted bit
terly that he had lost 50 much time, and had
not sooner supplied himself with money He
had none at all, but said he would do his
utmost to obtain what might be required
''The next time l went to him found him
in despair He found it impossible to obtain
the money to bribe the colonel, but he offered
me two bills of exchange, each for one hun
dred thousand dollars, on the Emperor andim-
perial family of Austria. He said he would send
me five thousand dollars by nine o'clock in
the evening, at the latest, as it was impera-
tive that / should have that amount to hand
to Palacios for distribution among the sol
II.
Up to that moment, 1 had made no overtures
to Palacios. 1t was arranged between Villa
nueva and myself that l should leave the
prison at eight o'clock, accompanied by Pala-
clos. whom 1 should endeavor to keen with
me till ten o'clock.
81 was not lodged at that time in an hotel
but with Madame Pepita Vicentis, the widow
of gentlemon of our party, who was killed
during the siege General Echegarry lodged
in the same house. This old lady was ex-
tremely kind towards the imprisoned, and
during the whole time provided for fifteen of
them.
81 remained with the the Emperor until s
o'clock, and had long and interesting con-
versation with him. He confded to me his
secret cares and fears, and talked Of his plans
for the future should he return to Europe
He spoke most feelingly of his mother, for
whom he gave me tender messages and other
commissions, in case | alone should return to
Vienna. This interview made me very sad,
and felt fearful presentiment that l should
never see him again.
''Just before o'clock he handed me his
seal ring, If l succeeded with Palacios, the
colonel was to return the ring to him that
evening. 1 left him with heavy heart and
little hope, for L was about to undertake q
very difficult task with very slender means
two pieces of paper, the value of which the
person with whom had to treat would pro-
badly be ignorrnt.
Colonel Palacios was an Indian, who could
hardly read or write. He was, however, a
brave soldier, had distinguished himself on
more than one occasion, and had won the
special confidence of his superiors, who had
made him kind of provost marshal, and in
trusted him with all the executions. He had
young wife, who had recently presented
him with their first child, which was the
fathers idol. AS he was poor, hoped that
the thought of securing independence for this
child would incline him to accede to my pro.
posal.
1.-The colonel accompanied me home, and |
asked him into the parlor. began immedi
ately to speak of the Emperor, in order to see
how he stood affected and if there was any
room to hope for success.
''He told me he had been one of his mos
bitter enemies, but since he had been SO much
about him, had seen how nobly he haC
borne himself in his misfortunes, and since
he had looked at his loyal, manly face, witt
its clear blue eyes, that he felt for him the
greatest compassion, if not love and admi
ration.
''After thus feelingmy way for some fifteen
or twenty minutes, came, with palpitatin(
heart, to the matter. The moment upol
which all depended, had arrived-the momen
on which the life and death of a noble anC
good man, who had honored me with his
friendship, and who was my sovereign.
said to the colonel that had communica-
ton to make to him that was of the greatest
moment to him as we'll as to myself and
others; but before proceeded he must give
me, not only his word of honor as a soldier
and gentleman, but swear by all he held
l1,okh ho ~ hot. k1,o