Page:The rise and fall of the Emperor Maximilian.djvu/197

 CHAPTER XIV.

HE commander-in-chief thought it right, for fear of thwarting Maximilian's projects whilst at a distance from him, to wait for his own return to Mexico before he came to any decision as to the selection of MM. Osmont and Friant as ministers. When he arrived, the new cabinet was not completely constituted; but as soon as its organisation was finished, the marshal gave the above high functionaries to understand that the presence of French officers in the Mexican council might give rise to incidents which would be annoying in a political point of view; but that it would be preferable, if they wished to connect themselves with the imperial fortunes, to resign their military positions, their prolonged absence from which might endanger the interests of the expeditionary corps. Notwithstanding their natural sympathies for the court of Mexico, the French officers could not consent, without the leave of their government, to forthwith quit their flag. This important question caused the following correspondence between the Palace of Mexico and our head-quarters:—