Page:The Fall of Maximilan's Empire.djvu/87

 .—But by what authority and right do you thus proceed against my person, when I am a Mexican returning to my country after a long absence, with the intention of serving it, as I have always done, and now as a mediator for the restoration of peace?

.—It has been said in the city that the General was sent by my government, and it is my duty to prove the contrary, having an understanding with General Benavides.

.—It is not true that I said I was sent, for the government at Washington could not employ me, nor would I obey the commands of a government not my own. I heard that the American consul prevaricated for the purpose of preventing me from landing, and I thought proper to satisfy him and dispose him to a neutrality that he ought to observe; for that purpose I said to him, substantially, that my mission was one of entire peace, and that his President was not ignorant of my journey, nor of my intentions.

.—Well, but your presence prevented the surrender of the city to General Benavides, who was besieging it, after Commissioner Bureau had agreed to it.

.—And what is it to you whether the city is held by this or that Mexican, when you have no right to interfere in Mexican affairs? I doubt if your government will approve of your conduct;