The National tribune., 1897-11-11

as soldier, he would eVacuale at some
time before November 1867, alt at once,
and not by detachments.
Lieut. Clarin telegraphed Bazaine at
the City of Mexico the fact of our
arrival, and he sent me most courteous
and pressing invitation to come up to
the city; but, as we were accredited to
the Government of Juarez, it was con-
sidered undiplomatic to establish friendly
relations with the existing authorities.
Meantime we could not hear q word of
Juarez, and concluded to search for him
along the coast northward.
when | was in Versailles, France,
July, 1872, learning that Gen. Bazaine
was in arrest for the surrender of his
army and post at Metz, in 1870, L
wanted to call on him to thank him for
his courteous invitation TO me at Vera
Cruz in 1866 | inquired of President
Thiers if | could with propriety call on
the Marshal. He answered that 1t would
be very acceptable, no doubt, but sug-
cesced for forms sake that should con-
suit the Minister Of War, Gen. de Cissey,
which / did, and he promptly assented.
Accordingly. | called with my Aid,
Col Audenried, on Marshal Bazaine,
who occupied a small, two-story stone
house at Versailles, in an inclosure with
high garden wall, at the front gate or
door of which was lodge, in which was
military guard. We were shown to a
good room on the second floor, where was
seated the Marshal in military half-dress,
with large head, full face, short neck,
and evidently man of strong physique.
He did not speak English, but spoke
Spanish perfectly. We managed to
carry on a conversation in which /
endeavored to convey my sense OF ms
politeness in inviting me so cordially up
to the City Of Mexico, and my regret
that the peculiar duty on which | was
engaged did not admit of compliance,
or even of an intelligent explanation, at
the time. He spoke of the whole Mexi-
can business as a sad affair" that the
Empire necessarily fell with the result Of
our civil war, and that poor Maximillan
was sacrificed to his own high sense Of
honor.)
While on board the Susquehanna, on
the 1st day of December. 1866, we re-
ceived the proclamation made by the
Emperor Maximilian at Orizaba, in
which, Notwithstanding the near with
drawal of the French troops, he declared
his purpose to remain and "shed the last
drop OF his blood in defense of his dear
country"
Undoubtedly many of the most sub
stantial people OF Mexico, having lost
all faith in the stability of the native
Government, had committed themselves
to what they considered the more stable
/ Government of Maximilian, and Maxi
milan, man Of honor, concluded at
the last moment he could not abandon
them. The consequence was his death.
Failing to hear Of Juarez, we steamed
up the coast to the Island of LobOs, and
on to Tampico, off which we found the
| United States steamer Paul Jones, which,
drawing less water than the Susquehanna,
carried US over the bar to the city, then
in possession of the Liberal party, which
recognized Juarez as their constitutional
President, but Of Juarez and his where
abouts we could not hear word SO we
continued up the coast and anchored of
! Brazos Santiago, Dec. Z.
Going ashore in small boats, we found
a railroad, under the management OF
Gen. j. r. West, now one-of the Com
missioners Of the City Of Washington,
who sent us up to Brownsville, Tex. We
met on the way Gen. Sheridan, return
ing from tour Of inspection OF the Rio
Grande frontier.
On Sunday, Dec 9, we were all al
| Matamoras, Mexico, where we met Gen.
Escobedo, one of Juarez's trusty lieu
tenants, who developed to us the general
plan agreed on for the overthrow OF the
Empire, and the re-establishment Of the
Republican Government Of Mexico. lie
asked Of us 10 assistance, except the loan
Of some arms, ammunition, clothing, and
camp equipage.
1t was agreed that Mr. Campbell
should, as soon as he could get his bag
gage off the Susquehanna, return tC
Matamoras, and thence proceed to Mon
terey, to be received by Juarez in person
as the accredited Minister OF the UniteC
States to the Republic Of Mexico. Mean
time the weather off the coast was stormy
and the Susquehanna parted cable, 81
that we were delayed some days at Bra
zos but III due time Mr.. Campbell 90
his baggage, and We regained the decl
Of the Susquehanna, which got up steam
and started for New Orleans.
We reached New Orleans Dec. 20
whence | reported fully everything t
Gen. Grant, and on the 2lst receives
the following dispatch;
WASHINGTON, Dec. 81, 1866.
Lieut-Gen. SHERMAN, New Orleans
Your telegram of yesterday has been sui
mitted 10 the President You are authorize
to proceed to st. Louis at your convenience
e Your proceedings in the special and delicat
duties assigned you are cordially approve
. by the President and Cabinet and this ID,
partment. EDWIN NJ. STANTON.
And on the same day received tn
dispatch: