Page:The rise and fall of the Emperor Maximilian.djvu/85

Rh Thus spoke the Federals, at the very time when Richmond resounded with the victories of General Lee, and when the Confederates seemed menacing President Lincoln. The question of principle was clearly laid down. There was yet time for them to have shrunk from bidding an eternal adieu to the gardens of Miramar, and to the beloved billows of the Adriatic! Some weeks later, when the imperial family were sailing on the waters of the Havannah, in the direction of Vera Cruz, they crossed the track of a vessel which was carrying away the American representative recalled from Mexico by his government.

Department of State, Washington, May 21, 1864.

We beg to inform you that Mr. Corwin, our minister plenipotentiary to Mexico, is now at Havannah, en route for the United States, where he returns on leave of absence.

Notwithstanding the French intervention, Mr. Corwin had remained in Mexico, and only went away on the arrival of the new sovereigns. Such a position could give little hope of a reconciliation, especially after the disastrous overthrow of the Southerners. The simplest prudence and a regard for his own dignity should have forbidden any application by M. Arroyo to the White House.

The French army had already done its utmost to repulse the attacks of the filibusters. Colonel Jeanningros immediately strengthened the fortress of Monterey, and, by means of earthworks thrown up round Cadeyreta, protected the district with a considerable force in case of an American invasion being attempted. Higher up, General Brincourt watched the upper part of the river frontier ready for any