Page:The rise and fall of the Emperor Maximilian.djvu/250

 given up to the imperial generals, who were already in possession of all the military establishments. As before, all the towns would be placed under the Mexican authorities, who would have proper warning given them of the departure of our detachments. The French troops would continue to protect the officials and the inhabitants in the districts occupied by our soldiers, but no expedition would be undertaken.

'As to the last article,' it was replied, 'it was impossible to state the measures which would be taken if the supposed case occurred; but we can give the assurance that their especial aim will be to maintain order, to respect the wishes of the population, as well as to protect French interests.'

The above language, which was not devoid of artifice, was far from satisfying Father Fischer. Maximilian also drew up a letter which, although it was addressed to the marshal, called for a collective reply from the representatives of France. Under the pretext of settling certain questions, and, among others, the sending home of the Austro-Belgian Legion (whose interests had already been fully entrusted to the care of Colonel de Kodolich), he sought to provoke a more explicit declaration.

November 12, 1866. My dear Marshal,—Before I decidedly resolve what I must do, and in case my determination should be to leave this country, I must ensure the settlement of certain points which are strictly just and deserve my especial attention. For this purpose I have no doubt that you will be kind enough to send me a document signed collectively by yourself, the minister of France, and General Castelnau; and in this document the following points should be stipulated:—

1. That the French government shall convey to their respective countries the individuals forming the Austro-Belgian Legion, by granting them a passage and the resources necessary to effect their return home. The individuals of the