The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1914-08-09
It to Establish in Mexico


would surrender the Castle Of San
Juan de Utica. The empire was at
an end, the Emperor had been muir
dered and the Governor of the city
had fled: he would never yield to the
Liberal forces, but would surrender his
charge to the American flag. The only
stipulation was that he and such other
of his officers as would be in danger
at the hands Of the Republican au-
thorities should be allowed to leave
in safety.
The American commander expressed
his thanks and appreciation OF the con-
fidence reposed in him and accepted
the charge OF the castle. He would not
hoist the United States flag over 1t, but
in due time, as soon as order could
be restored, would turn II over to the
people OF Mexico The General was also
assured that the steamer Tabasco. then
lying in the stream, would be placed
at his disposal to go where he wished.
accompanied by such officers as he
should select.
The Consuls at once organized a pro-
visional government, closed all liquor
shops. forbade placards of any kind
being posted and induced the officer In
command of she Foreign Legion to
keep them there. The assurance that
they would be paid in full and sent
away in the Tabasco aided greatly In
securing their obedience. The mer-
chants cheerfully subscribed the money
necessary to discharge the obligations
toward them. 1t was further arranged
that when everything was ready ana
the Foreign Legion out OF the way
the city should he turned over to the
remaining officials of the civil govern
ment, who should then open the gates.
Gen. Benavides was notified and was
ready to march in and take possession.
In the meantime Capts Aynesley and
Roe had sent joint word on to the
Tabasco to disarm. which was promptly
done. her guns being hoisted out into
| a lighter The Tacony also shifted
her berth 80 avoid the pestilential air
from the infected castle. In her new
position she still commanded the city
landing and the port forward gun, which
had been transported to reinforce the
! starboard battery. was shifted BACK IN
place and the starboard after gun
moved TO reinforce the port battery and
| Increase the weight of fire In the direc-
| ton OF the city.
| Early the next morning the Foreign
Legion, having been paid In full. were
marched down to the landing and boats
from the men of war, supplemented Dy
! those OF the town. were at hand ready
! to take them off to the Tabasco. Just
as they were about to embark. MI saul
nler. who with his usual energy was
there discovered that those soldiers stu
retained their arms and evidently DID
not intend to relinquish them. To allow
such a troop to go to sea armed wOuiu
seem almost equivalent to fitting out ?
pirate so he told the officers that they
must dlsarm their men. But they shook
their heads and replied They will not
submit to that"
Mr. Saulnier proved himself equal to
the emergency. without a moments
hesitation he strobe to the nearest
soldier and told him to give up his
musket: the man refused. Pointing to
the Tacony, the Consul then said in
loud tone:
THAT ship has orders to fire on this
landing If | wave my handkerchief: the
gates leading to the city are closed and
your retreat is cut off; unless you in
stantly lay down your guns l will make
the signal"
While speaking he had taken his
handkerchief in his hand. The effect
was magical; one swift glance at the
vessel showed the long threatening
muzzles pointing ominousy, with tom
pions out, and apparently ready to hurl
shrapnel and destruction on them. Down
went the arms with clash, and each
man before stepping into the boat sub
mttcd To a personal inspection to prove
that he had no arms seCreted By noon
all We're on board the Tabasco. and she
moved out ana anchored near the Jason
, to get water from her preparatory 10
going to sea.
At the consular government turned
the city over to the Mexican civil off,
GERS who Immediately opened the gates
and sent a depu;ation to walt upon Gen.
lIenavldes and invite him to enter. In
an hours time the tents were struck,
the bugles sounded their cheerful, ring.
ing calls, and the body OF rugged, half
clad. dirty, but undaunted men and
boys that we have been calling an in
vesting army got into motion with their
tattered flags and pennants flying and
about o'clock of the twenty-seventh
day of June. 1867, marched In and took
, possession of the city and Notifications.
, Mexico entire was now under her own
flag; not "A place was left under the
dominion Of the foreigner.
= Some inclination was shown to open
fire upon the Tabasco, which was Just
then heaving her anchor: but IL was
y promptly announced that she was under
- the protection of the two men Of war
and that any such demonstration would
= instantly start their broadsides. That
:. ended 1t. In a short time that steamer
}, got under way and put to sea with her
\ motley crew heading for Mobile She
reached her destination safely, and those
= Gaunt looking soldiers struggling about
the city were for a while the occasion
Of much wondering comment.
An armed schooner tried to take ad-
vantage of the general excitement, and
= hosting American colors tripped her
anchor and started to sea. But the
. Tacony's cutter was promptly called
: away and pursued her and brought her
u to. and she was turned over to the Lib
" erals the next day.
d And so the occupation OF Vera Cruz
was accomplished without a blow being
u given or "A drop of blood being spilled
II The two ships in the harbor had done
he work Of preserving order, and In SC
y doing had protected not only the live.