as a whole they presented a fair average enough, even among the officers, though too numerous, and of whose ability Salm-Salm and other foreigners speak slightingly
The brave and dashing Miramon, handsome in face, with mustache and imperial, and with a career almost unequalled for brilliancy at so early an age, for he was only in the middle of the thirties, made a good impression; but his military science was indifferent. So they said was that of Marquez, a keen-eyed little fellow, with sinister, swarthy face and full beard, and known for his cruelty as the Alva of Mexico. The loyal Mejía was a tawny, unprepossessing Indian, with high cheek-bones and an enormous mouth, surmounted by scanty bristles. He was a god among the natives of the adjoining Sierra Gorda, who called him by the endearing name of Don Tomasito. Mendez was also classed as an Indian. He was plump and rather handsome, devoted to the emperor and beloved by his soldiers, yet not free from cruelty. Unimposing in stature but daring in character, these men formed with Maximilian the so-called five magic M's of the empire.[1] The only soldier of acknowledged education was Severo Castillo, a thin, delicate man, almost deaf, cool in battle, and the best strategist among the Mexican generals. Good in his line was also the artillerist Arellano, a dark young man, agreeable and well educated. The most distinguished-looking of them all was Minister Aguirre, stanch and well-meaning, with a bent for religion. Their devotion to the emperor was not doubted, save in the case of Miramon, who stood suspected of ambitious plans.[2]
- ↑ Basch, i. 176. Maximilian had nicknames for all, partly to avoid uttering names. Miramon was known as the young general; Mejía, as the little dark one; Mendez, as the little stout one, etc. Salm-Salm, i. 124. Arias speaks highly of Mejía's military talent, of Mendez as a rude, severe soldier, and of Marquez as ferocious and persevering. Reseña, 107-8. See also Lefévre, Doc., i. 398-403. Peza, 13, objects to Salin's statement that Marquez figured best as an organizer of troops.
- ↑ Maximilian is also said to have remarked at this time that Miramon needed watching. D'Héricault, Max., 114.
