The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1872-01-06
WESTMINSTER, MD, SATURDAY MORNING, JANUARY 6 1879

themanhad passedinto history, aud his deeds
aud marvellous exploits had already been
made the subject Of romance aud story in
France and Spain. In Paris aud Brussels
he waited for the wheel of fortune to turn
in Mexico, as he knew it soon must. He
did not wait long. In less than a year he
was summoned homo, and again engaged
with vgor and spirit ia the troubles and
wars Of the Republic. He fought at Puebla
and Vera Cruz, and was again entrusted
with the command Of the National Guard,
and became chief adviser to Santa Ana.
This ambitious and able General offered
him position in his cabinet, but he declin
ed the honor. He remained in the army,
aud subsequently, held important places
under the Government. Same time pre-.
yious TO the Mexican War he retired from
the service of his adopted country, spend.
ing the winters in the capital and the sum
mcrs upon his estate.
One other fact verify of mention we
must not omit. During the winter Of 1880
he visited the United States upon a secret
mission, travelled over most of the country,
and became the guest of many Of the lead
ing statesmen at the time. Before leaving
his native land he made pilgrimage to his
early home, and bowed his head with heart.
felt sorrow over the graves of oil his kin
dred. There was, indeed, little left to bind
him to his fatherland, now that his family
and kindred had all been laid away in the
grave. He visited all the great cities, the
forts, military schools, and arsenals, aud
confessed as he went aboard homewari.
bound vessel that the country was never
dearer to him than at that moment.
At Vera Cruz he was welcomed as we
welcomed Lafayette upon his first visit after
the war of Independence. He then con-
tinued in the public service up to the period
when his health admonished him to retire,
exposure and privation having brought on
premature old age. He took no part in the
contest of 1916, and used all his influence
to prevent the war. A talented son of his
fell, gallantly lighting at the Molino del
Rey, and was buried with the Mexican flag
around him; while younger son, q mere
boy, joined the army under Scott, and was
assassinated by Mexican rufian while
serving in Walkers Texas cavalry. At n
period anterior to the equalization of the
city of Mexico, Ellis had removed to that
place. He was gray headed and an invalid,
vastly rich in Mexican dollars and honcrs,
but rapidly drawing to the close Of his
strange career.
It was perhaps a week after the entrance
Of SCOTS army that grand funeral cortege
passed out Of one Of the principal streets
and into the central plaza Of the city, The
procession was preceded by solemn music,
and moved slowly to the great cathedral.
Hundreds Of notabes, government officials,
ehurchmen, warriors, learned men, and
foreign ENJOYS were present to do honor to
the dead, and rode in the vast concourse of
t4pAAhttas AhlhullNhh bAAlttlH anu aDlhltIh
were drawn thither by the unusual specta.
Gle, and witnessed with solemn interest the
imposing ceremonies of the Church over
the body Of this most distinguished and
honored man Of the nation. 1t was more
curious sight still to him who knew the
birth place and history of the dead
That was the funeral of james Ellis,
Duke of the Empire, Envoy Extraordinary,
Minister Of War, and Fomento, and Com.
mander Of the National Guard. In stately
Andalusiau mansion, near the town of
Cuernavaca, forty miles from Mexico City,
in princely style, yet reside the surviving
descendants of this adventurous Soldier Of
Fortune.