Page:Letters from the Battle-fields of Paraguay (1870).djvu/500



470 CONCLUDING LETTER.

On April 14 the Comte d^Eu showed his promptitude by- hearing a salute at Asuncion, and by occupying the Cuartel General three days afterwards at Luque. Thence he ad- dressed to his men the following proclamation : —

" Having been appointed, by an Imperial decree of March 22nd ult., Commander-in-Chief of all the Brazilian forces operating against the Goyernment of Paraguay, I this day undertake the arduous task.

" Upon the heroic troops now united under my command the Brazil has reposed her dearest hopes.

" It is for us to attain, by a supreme effort, the full end which placed under arms the Brazilian nation ; to restore to our beloved country the peace and security indispensable to the full development of her prosperity.

" With such holy objects presented in our minds, each of us will ever do his duty.

"This is the anniversary of the day when, led by a general of indescribable heroism, you effected, in face of the enemy, one of the most daring of military operations.

" Numberless proofs of bravery and endurance, displayed before and after that ever-memorable date by the Army, the Navy, and the Volunteers, have shed deathless glory upon the Brazilian arms.

" The God of Armies will not allow the fruits of so many sacrifices, of so much perseverance, to be in vain. He will again crown our efforts and those of our loyal Allies ; a final triumph will secure for four nations the benefits of peace and liberty, and victorious we will see again the delicious sky of our native land.

" Comrades ! you will find me ever ready to advocate before the powers of the State your legitimate interests.

" Obliged, when I least expected it, to take the place of generals whose experience had guided them through the