Page:Vol 6 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/233

Rh La Voz de Méj., Mar. 14, 1880, and in 1885. The rumor is current among certain classes in Mexico that she was poisoned with juice from the dreaded palo-de-leche tree, and by the orders of Napoleon or Bazaine. Alluding to this subject, Hall writes: 'Her physicians have lately attributed her insanity to the effect of poison. In the fall of 1866 his majesty Maximilian received an anonymous letter, stating that the empress had been poisoned in Cuernavaca.' Her insanity, as emanating from such a source, had been talked about in Mexico before the news of its actual occurrence.' Life Max., 56-7. What object Napoleon might have in poisoning her is not mentioned. Others state that she was sun-struck while promenading with a crown on her head. Velazquez de Leon spoke of peculiarities during the trip to France. Masseras, Essai, 79-80. Arrangoiz publishes extracts from notes made at Rome, showing the extreme form taken by her fancies. Méj., iv. 130-5, 157-9, 220. The emperor was moved to tears or learning the truth, as Basch minutely relates. Erinnerungen, i. 45–51, 71. This occurred Oct. 18th. Before this news had come of her leaving Paris indisposed. The public manifested for her great sympathy, and public prayers were offered by request. See Diario Imp., Oct. 18, 1866, et seq.; La Voz de Méj., id., also Feb. 18, 1876. The truth is, that while Charlotte was yet a girl, it was understood that she was precocious, having had a joyless childhood, in which may have been sown the seeds of her disease. The death of her father, the murder of the envoys from the new king, the irritating attitude of Napoleon, and the beginning of military reverses, all shocked her sensitive mind, and inclined it toward disease, fostered also by distrusting self-restraint and reserve. Before her appearance at Paris there were fancies and acts which struck many as peculiar, and have since been recalled as clear symptoms, especially those manifested during the trip to Vera Cruz and across the ocean.