Page:The rise and fall of the Emperor Maximilian.djvu/325

 Here there has been a change in the cabinet. O'Donell has fallen, and we were on the point of seeing the progressive party get the upper hand. In the end, Miraflores and Concha have come into power; both of them taking the French side in the Mexican question. But wherever and whenever you hear it said that the Spanish are coming back to Mexico to help the French, deny it at once. That which is done is done, and no one can undo it.

The following despatch, dated in July, and addressed to President Juarez by Ramon Diaz, a Mexican, and agent to his government at Havannah, may throw a certain light on General Prim's letter.

Despatch from Ramon Diaz to Benito Juarez, President of the Republic at Mexico. Havannah, July 19, 1863. Very dear Sir and Friend,—Being still impressed with the repulses which we have just met with, at a time when we least expected them, and our success seemed almost beyond doubt, I write these lines to inform you that I am forming a subscription in this island, which affords satisfactory results, for the purpose of buying a portion of the arms which I mentioned to you in my last letter. For I suppose that you are unable at present to send me the funds necessary for this purchase.

I am working with great activity, and it is probable that, about the middle of next month, I shall have finished the business I am so occupied with. I therefore hope that you will give me the order to send you this parcel of arms as soon as possible. I can easily send it to Tunpan by steam with tolerable security. Tell me, therefore, if this point will suit you, or acquaint me with some other safe place for landing them. As this is a rather delicate business, I shall entrust it to no one, and shall myself accompany the arms in question. If you do not make any other arrangements, I hope that you will send me the necessary license for entering the republic.

It is probable that Napoleon will withdraw his troops as soon as the trumpery government is formed in the capital of the republic. Events in Poland are becoming more complicated, and the Confederates have just experienced some terrible reverses.

In Spain, things are much in the same state as they were. It is said now that O'Donell is going to join the ministry; but this is