West Virginia argus. [volume] (Kingwood, W. Va.) 1877-1946, 1879-01-11
How Macmillan Died-The Story of
the Execution RetOld by m
Eye itness.

n correspondent of the St. Loui
Globe Democrat writes as follows con
cerning the execution of the Emperor
Maximilian:
The troops, under command of Gen
eral Escobedo, formed n short distanc,
from the city, where the execution oi
the captive Emperor was to occur
Thousands poured out of Queretaro tC
the scene, MI eager To catch a glimpse
OF the distinguished prisoners. Al
seven O'Clock the bells of the city tolled
Ii WAS the signal that the prisoners had
lett their prison for the last time. and
deep silence fell upon the expectant
multitude as the cortege containing the
Emperor and his late Generals ap.
peared. The carriages in which they
sat were surrounded 10y strong guard.
MaNimilian came first, MiramCn next.
lastly Mejia. The carriages stopped
and the prisoners alighted, while sobs
burst from the crowd, and there was not
dry eye i'm that vast assemblage. The
three doomed men were neither bound
nor blindfolded. The Emperor, in an
easy and graceful manner, made a regal
bow to the multitude, and, with light
step, led the way 10 the fatal spot.
The Emperor, like the other prison.
ers, was attired i'm plain manner. lie
addressed the crowd in clear voice and
firm manner, which partook not of bra
yado. He stated that when first waited
upon at home by deputation of Mexi-
cans, who came with credentials offering
him the throne of Mexico, he refused.
subsequently the proposition was re-
moved. He replied that if convinced
that majority thought it To their in
terest to place him at the head of the
government, he might consent An
other deputatiOn brought him additional
testimony, and, upon advice of the
Powers of Europe, he had accepted the
call. Said the Emperor: deny that
the Court that tried me had the power
To do so. Mine has been a case of good
faith. The nations of the world have
pledged their faith to me. would
never have done the act had il not been
for the good of Mexico. hope my
blood will stop the efusion Of blood in
Mexico"
Miramon spoke, and when he ceased
there was murmur and a buzz among
the crowd. The guard were drawn up
IN line. The prisoners faced them. The
Emperor called To HIM the sergeant.
lie then drew from his pocket handful
OF 500 gold pieces. Handing them to
him, he requested that after his death
the money be divided among the SER
Reants companions. In return, the
Emperor requested as favor that the
sergeant would aim his bullet at his
heart. A moment of deep and dreadful
silence ensued. The officer was about
10 give the signal The military figures
of the prisoners were erect, motionless-
not q muscle quivering their faces
calm as though death were still far off.
Maximilian, the central figure, main
tanned 10 the last an imperial composure
which eminently became that unfortu-
nate prince. The soldiers pieces are
aimed The word is given. Bang! The
Emperor, Mejia, Miramon, have all
fallen to the ground, on which each
lays stretched. Miramon and Meiia
were killed at the first volley. Four
balls have entered the breast of each
The Emperor did not instantly expire,
though he had fallen unconscious. Five
balls had pierced his bosom. There
were some convu sive movements of the
muscles and quiyering of the flesh.
Seeing this two soldiers were ordered TO
step from the ranks. They each aimed
their pieces at the fallen Emperor, and
two more balls were sent into his pros
trate body. Then he was still. The
physician who was 10 embaln his body
approached and threw a sheet over the
face Of the dead monarch The troops
returned to their quarters, but the mul.
titude for some time, and as if by su-
Pernatural instinct, remained rooted 20
the spot.