Page:The rise and fall of the Emperor Maximilian.djvu/92

76 Roads in the James River, between the rebel plenipotentiaries and President Lincoln. In this interview, which was described as being of a cordial nature Stephens, in the name of President Jefferson Davis, now hard-pressed, had demanded the temporary recognition of a Southern Confederation, until a favourable time arrived for the reconstruction of the Union. Waiting this, the South, in conjunction with the North, pledged themselves to effect the triumph of the 'Monroe doctrine,' by freeing Mexico from the French occupation, and by wresting Canada from the English rule. The Confederates proposed in this way to avenge themselves for the overthrow of the secret hopes which had been encouraged from the very outset of the contest by the cabinet of the Tuileries, which had accorded to them the belligerent character, and had after all abandoned them. The Mexican dynasty had therefore a powerful motive for neutralising this hostile movement by at once coming to an understanding with Slaughter's soldiers.

This check was felt by our head-quarters authorities, who had flattered themselves on the accession of this considerable reinforcement, so necessary to complete the pacification of the country now in danger. Everything was imperilled that was left in Mexican hands. The marshal, in the meantime, did not hesitate to point out freely to the emperor the necessity that existed for granting extensive powers of command, which, in the first instance, must be exercised by French generals. He also apprised him in writing as to the urgency of the situation. He begged of him not to neglect any precaution. We had already established a line of telegraph from Vera Cruz to Mexico. It was also important that the north should be connected with the capital by a telegraphic line, which should reach at least as far as San Luis; and in order that there