Page:The rise and fall of the Emperor Maximilian.djvu/144

128 those for which we are already indebted to you, by authorising M. Friant to lend us the powerful aid of his remarkable administrative talents, in founding the management of the Mexican army on a solid basis.

The system elaborated by the above officer for the auxiliary division is distinguished by so much simplicity, united with such perfect security of due control, that I anticipate the most happy results from M. Friant's co-operation.

Maximilian obtained without difficulty the concession that this high functionary should be placed at his disposal, although the latter was really necessary in the administration of our expeditionary corps.

One of the most striking features in Maximilian's reign is the confidence which he seemed to feel in his work. His energy seemed only to increase under the pressure of adversity. When he had once recovered from the shock which, after the mission of Baron Saillard, the news of the approaching evacuation had given him, he coolly confronted the position in which he was placed; and, though expecting some modification of the instructions given by his ally Napoleon III. in consequence of the efforts of M. Almonte, he looked to find in his adopted country all the necessary resources for bringing his undertaking to a favourable issue. He hoped much that time would shed a softening influence on conflicting passions, and felt persuaded that in the course of time the malcontents would be induced to return under his flag. Thus, as the following letter proves, he already accepted more readily the idea of the gradual departure of our troops, and was working actively to organise his national forces. The only thing was that he often nursed himself in fond illusions, and cherished ideas which, as he himself said, breathed the spirit of the middle ages. Whilst drawing