Page:The Fall of Maximilan's Empire.djvu/131

Rh subsequent departure; and no history records her fate.

The armed schooner, of which mention has been made, tried to take advantage of the general excitement, and, hoisting American colors, tripped her anchor, and started to sea. But the "Tacony's" cutter was promptly called away and pursued her and brought her to, and she was turned over to the Liberals the next day.

And so the occupation of Vera Cruz was accomplished without a blow being given, or a drop of blood spilled. The two ships in the harbor had done the work of preserving order, and in so doing had protected not only the lives and interests of their fellow countrymen, but those of the citizens of Mexico as well. The two captains could at last sleep the sweet sleep of peace and approving consciences.

The rejoicings that followed can be well imagined; decorations in the daytime, illuminations by night, testified to the universal joy at the final expulsion of the foreign enemy from his last foothold. The day after the occupation General Benavides gave a handsome breakfast to the principal actors in the recent scenes. Joy was indeed unconfined at that repast, and they do say that the feelings of one member of the gallant body of consuls (not the American), were so wrought up that he required the services of a friend afterwards to guide him home; and being propped with careful solicitude against