Page:Vol 6 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/326

306 and his companions, carried out under Maximilian's unfortunate decree of October 3, 1865. Other leaders were kept on thorns by broad hints that Juarez' similar decree of January 25, 1862, might at at any moment send them as well as Maximilian after Mendez.

The republicans gave little heed to the exalted rank and pretensions of their captive. He was unceremoniously transferred from one abode to another, among them the grave vaults of the pantheon, with the atrocious reminder that his end was at hand. Finally he was lodged in a scantily furnished cell in the Capuchin convent, together with his generals, Miramon and Mejía, Dr Basch and two servants occupying adjoining cells. Although exposed to the intrusive gaze of visitors, and the eyes of numerous even enjoyed the importance attached to his person.