Page:The rise and fall of the Emperor Maximilian.djvu/167

Rh Her departure, which was considered as the last effort of the monarchical régime, was the signal of important Juarist demonstrations. Symptoms of dissolution openly showed themselves in the imperial army; and the Belgian legion, already weakened by desertions, began to mutiny just at the time that the northern frontier was lighted up with all the fires of revolt. General Douay announced that the whole country was cut up by the republican cavalry. General Olvera allowed a convoy to be taken from him, defended by 250 Austrians and 1,500 Mexicans, and a portion of the latter went over to the victorious Escobedo. General Mejia had given way, losing definitively the port of Matamoros, and was compelled to return to Vera Cruz by sea almost alone. In the south, Parras' troops had deserted and gone over to the enemy. Colonel Medina had betrayed the empire by raising into rebellion the central town of Tula, and the empty coffers of the state having failed to furnish pay for the troops of Lopez and Quiroga, they had disbanded. Moreover, the French treasury had received orders not to give another piastre to the battalions of cazadores, which the commander-in-chief had hitherto taken the responsibility of paying. On hearing of all these disasters, the marshal thought it prudent to proceed personally to the northern frontier, where the storm was principally gathering. He immediately formed a light column which, in conjunction with the French contra-guerillas, were commissioned to operate across the zones of the revolt. Before quitting Mexico, the commander-in-chief had presented himself at the palace in the hope of taking his orders from the emperor, but he was not received.

With what kind of feelings was it possible for Maximilian to look at the representative of France?