Page:The Fall of Maximilan's Empire.djvu/119

Rh the city was contrary to the usages of war and the scenes that might be enacted by rioters were repugnant to enlightened humanity. Furthermore, apart from the desirability of displaying the additional force vested in the "Jason," the fact of a ship taking such action flying the flag of a country which had recognized the Mexican Empire, and Prince Maximilian as its emperor, would be the more apt to cause reflection among any officers that might have a vestige of authority remaining. As the United States had never ceased to recognize and entertain and express friendly feelings for the Juarist government, the advance of the "Tacony" alone might be construed as simply one of national offence and might add to the probabilities of a conflict.

It did not take long to persuade the gallant Aynesley; he consented to co-operate with the American gun-boat, and at four the two vessels got under way together and stood up for the harbor, the stately "Jason" leading. Entering by the north passage, the Englishman came-to within easy range of the northwest bastion of the castle. The "Tacony," drawing much less water, being only of about half the tonnage of the "Jason," rounded the latter's stern and passed on southward into the inside channel and harbor, between the castle and the city landing; a hawser was run out from the starboard quarter and secured to a heavy ringbolt in the castle wall