Page:The rise and fall of the Emperor Maximilian.djvu/105

 allow the Mexican treasury to be ruined, in the conviction that the French finances would provide for everything. This letter proves also that palace intrigues, hostile to the French officers, had been fermenting round the throne since the beginning of the monarchy.

Mexico, September 16, 1864.

General,—My opinion is asked on the subject of the enclosed letter, but, as it has to do with generals, I want in the first place to know your opinion. For my part, I believe it is nothing but an intrigue which proves the very contrary of that which is sought to be shown.

Be kind enough to give me the requisite information, and send me the paper after you have read it, for M. Velasquez wishes me to give him an answer to-morrow.

It will fall upon you to deal with various questions with which we are occupied in the council. The most important is the pacification of the Sierra. The prefect of Talancingo has some ideas about it which are not bad. It seems to me that by sending some detachments to a fixed post, and some others to make expeditions, good results will be produced. Only in this case, I would ask you to give me notice, so that the civil authorities may arrange measures to co-operate with yours in helping on the undertaking.

If it were possible to arrange beforehand certain movements, keeping them in the meantime as secret as possible, I think it would produce great results, and the passage of the troops might be followed by some kind of organisation.

As for the Indians who are desirous to defend themselves against the Plateados, you must tell me if you think that it is necessary to provide them with arms. This sort of thing begins to get too frequent, and as for money, the government have resolved not to give any to anyone.—Believe, general, &c.,

I hope that you know all about the army for the 16th, and also that it will be reviewed as soon as I return to the palace, and before the reception of the authorities. You did not give me any memorandum as to it on Sunday.