Page:Vol 6 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/318

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298
IMPERIALISM CAGED.

guns.[1] Mejía promised to use his influence among the townsfolk for enrolling sufficient men to protect the rear for a few hours. He did not succeed so well as expected, partly owing to lack of arms,[2] and the departure, already fixed for the 12th of May, was deferred till the night of the 14th. At the last moment came another postponement for the 15th, at the suggestion of Mendez,[3] which found ready acceptance with the too sanguine Miramon and the vacillating Maximilian.

All stood prepared for departure. The last scanty distribution had been made of beans, with some maize, horse-meat, and red wine, other effects being reduced to the smallest compass so as not to impede the march. Only light field-pieces were to be carried away on mules, and nineteen portable bridges. Picked men formed the escort of the emperor. Although the departure had been deferred, all were ready on the night of the 14th to fall in line, the horses remaining saddled.[4]

  1. This document, reproduced in Arellano, Arias, Arrangoiz, etc., is dated the 11th of May, although adopted several days earlier. Mejía signed it also, although he is said to have favored capitulation. The phrase 'if defeated' appears to have been added for saving appearances.
  2. Arellano states that he pretended to have obtained only 160 men, intent as he was to force a capitulation; but this is open to doubt. Hans, Quer., 172, also writes that only a small number volunteered, but other witnesses declare that 1,000 or more were enrolled, the lack of arms and organization proving the main obstacle. Peza and Pradillo, Max., 80; Quer., Caida, 88, 108, 117; Basch, Erinn., ii. 132.
  3. So Basch, Peza, and Arellano declare the professed object being to rise from his sick-bed and animate his brave battalion, so as to promote the success of the break. Salm-Salm attributes the delay still to Mejía, who had not finished the organization of his recruits. Castillo supported the proposal, whatever it may have been, and it was adopted, unfortunately for Maximilian. Miramon was ready enough to delay, filled as he appeared with illusive beliefs in sorties and in the resources of the place; and Maximilian still had his scruples of honor and duty about abandoning the inhabitants and yielding a valuable place, for Marquez might yet com. See Basch, ii. 128-9; Salm-Salm, i. 165, etc. He expressed a preference for the 15th as being the nameday of his mother, and therefore of good import for him.
  4. Basch, 127-8, gives the composition of the escort. Mogaña adds important details. Quer., Caida, 88; and Hall, Life Mar., 85, speaks of magazines to be flooded, etc.