Page:The rise and fall of the Emperor Maximilian.djvu/311

Rh they were in a place of safety. With regard to the siege-guns left on the ramparts, their great weight was a sufficient protection against any sudden removal.

The instructions of our minister-of-war had directed that all our artillery should be brought away.

The projectiles, both hollow and solid, which would have cost too much to convey to France were destroyed; they were absolutely useless to the Mexicans, whose smooth-bore cannon could not be loaded with the rifled shot.

As to the powder belonging to the expeditionary corps, General Castelnau ordered it to be thrown into the Sequia. Mexico was now in so complete a state of defence, and so thoroughly provided with stores and provisions, that it was in a position to stand a long siege by a force more powerful than its own garrison. In fact, the death of Maximilian was the real cause of the capitulation of the place.

At the moment when we were breaking up our projectiles, two Mexicans, dressed in civil costume, presented themselves at the gate of the citadel, which was still occupied by our soldiers; notwithstanding the opposition of the sentinel, who forbade the entry of these unknown intruders, they made their way in. These two strangers were the Emperor and General Marquez. This was the first visit during his whole reign which Maximilian had paid to the fortress, notwithstanding the repeated offers of the commander-in-chief. This mysterious visit (the marshal complained that he was not advised of it, for his proper place was by the side of the sovereign) was an act of mistrust.

On the morning of the 8th of February, the tricoloured flag, which floated over the head-quarters at Buena-Vista, was lowered, and Mexico city was now freed from the French occupation. The marshal, who