Page:The rise and fall of the Emperor Maximilian.djvu/314

 On his return to Europe, General Castelnau was promoted to the rank of general of division, as a recompense for his services.

The formal mission of the imperial aide-de-camp had not solved all the difficulties of the evacuation which fell upon the marshal.

The last French column went slowly down to Puebla, so as to be able to give a helping hand to Maximilian, if necessary. With this intention, the marshal remained five days in the latter town. To protect the entry of the Mexican detachments into the place, he sent out his cavalry towards Oajaca.

The Emperor of Mexico gave no sign of life. Just at this time the news of Miramon's disaster reached the bivouac. The commander-in-chief wrote immediately to Maximilian, beseeching him to return. He informed him also that General de Castagny would remain in the rear, in order to protect him. This final attempt failed; M. Dano had to make known the emperor's decision:—

M. Dano to the Marshal. Mexico, February 16, 1867. General de Castagny has written me that your excellency, still being in a position to give a helping-hand to the Emperor Maximilian to enable him to retire, would be glad to know the intentions of his Majesty after the check given to General Miramon. In a few days this chance will be out of the question.

The Mexican ministers assert that you have written in the same tenour to their sovereign.

The young emperor is less inclined than ever to accept this offer. I regret bitterly that he has decided to attempt any further hazards. It will be very grievous if any misfortune happen to him. But no one is able to check him, and we least of all.

A success, which in reality is but insignificant, has taken place, which is much boasted of. To make up for it, there is