When the sovereign gave this fresh proof of his confidence in the marshal, in whose safe-keeping he left his personal property, it seemed as if he plainly announced his abdication. The representatives of France received with joy this tardy manifesto, which would quickly put an end to the constantly increasing confusion in the kingdom and to the panic in the capital. They hastened to assent to all the emperor's wishes (who was certainly bound to fulfil all the engagements entered into by the crown), and the collective note, intended to do away with Maximilian's last scruples, was forwarded to Orizaba.
His majesty the Emperor Maximilian having expressed the desire to obtain a document signed jointly by the marshal of France commanding in chief the expeditionary corps, by the envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary of France, and by the General Castelnau, aide-de-camp to the Emperor of the French, regarding the solution of several questions explained in an imperial letter dated Orizaba, November 12: The undersigned, who are glad of this opportunity to testify, as much as in them lies, of their good will to his majesty, have agreed to transmit to him the following declaration:—
The French government engages to convey home the whole of the men composing the Austro-Belgian Legion. This operation will be carried out as soon as circumstances permit, and at all events the Austro-Belgians shall have evacuated Mexico before the departure of the last French brigade.
The details relative to their being sent home shall be arranged by two persons, one of whom shall be designated by the Emperor Maximilian and one by Marshal Bazaine.
The undersigned engage to pay an allowance of half pay to the wounded and disabled of the Austro-Belgian Legion, and to grant the officers and soldiers of this legion an indemnity at the port where they land.
The settlement of the half pay allowances and indemnities specified above shall be confided to a commission to which the Colonels Kodolich and Van der Smissen shall belong.
