Page:The Fall of Maximilan's Empire.djvu/92

84 port, Stationed three armed schooners around the "Virginia" to watch her, until he could communicate with General Peraza, The next day, in obedience to instructions. General Santa Ana was invited to land. Captain Deaken of the "Virginia" protested against this, stating that he was a passenger in transit, and a prisoner to the United States, and was to be delivered at the city of New York. The three schooners had their guns trained on the steamer, however, and a file of soldiers came on board, which settled matters, and Santa Ana succeeded in landing on Mexican soil.

He immediately despatched a letter to the governor relating the circumstances, and adding: "Now I am at your disposal, and I hope I shall soon see you. . . . An old veteran places himself under your orders to be sent where you think he can be of the greatest service to the nation. . ." The result of this, however, was even more disappointing than the outcome of his appearance at Vera Cruz, for General Peraza's opinion of his services was such as to prompt him to place the old veteran under arrest with a view to the safety of the Republic; and for greater security he was sent off to the neighboring state of Campeche in custody, to await the action of President Juarez.

This unexpected finale caused reclamations to be made by various parties in the United States, and as it was uncertain whether or not the "Virginia"