Page:The rise and fall of the Emperor Maximilian.djvu/261

high state authorities, he was going up to Mexico to add fresh vigour to his sovereignty by means of a popular vote. The American minister and the general, who had flattered themselves that they should see on their arrival the republican banner floating on the custom-house buildings of the port, ordered that the frigate should tack about and anchor at the 'Ile Vert,' some miles from Vera Cruz: there they waited events. The next morning an officer of the French fleet came, according to usual custom, to pay his respects to the commander of the American frigate. Lieutenant-general Sherman was advised by M. Ottenbourg from Mexico, that the marshal would receive him with all the respect due to his rank and with the most sincere cordiality; indeed, that he would even give him the opportunity of witnessing a review of the French troops; but Sherman replied that he would not proceed to Mexico except at the pressing invitation of the head-quarters authorities. It is very certain that the spectacle of a review of our troops was not the aim and end of the American mission.