Page:The Fall of Maximilan's Empire.djvu/41

Rh Having succeeded in establishing intercourse and pleasant relations with the Liberal officers, Commander Roe appreciated that a next desirable move would be to gain the entire confidence of the commanders of the other men-of-war present. They were all courteous in their manner, but seeing this frequent communication with the besieging army, coupled with the known and greatly exaggerated sympathy of the United States government for the Mexican Republic, they were naturally inclined to let the Yankee act on his own initiative, distrusting his orders somewhat, and certainly feeling no desire to become entangled in the complications he might bring about. Complications were the last things that the American desired; while, on the other hand, there was no telling when concerted action by all might be needed to preserve life and property of foreign residents in Vera Cruz. This could not be without perfect accord, and to favor this he hit upon a step that was singular but successful. Pulling alongside the "Jason" one fine morning, he asked Captain Aynesley if he would allow him the use of his cabin the next day, and invite all the other captains to meet him there. "Why, yes, certainly, my dear fellow," was the Englishman's hearty answer, although he certainly could have had no idea of the object of the request. The invitation was sent out, and the next morning at the appointed hour the various gigs of the little