spoke about cutting their way through. "It is useless, sire," replied the latter in a disheartening tone, as he surveyed the dense lines of besiegers; "yet if your Majesty commands, it can be tried."[1] A moment later the white flag was hoisted by the imperialists, and Pradillo sent to negotiate with Escobedo for the good treatment of the army, Maximilian offering himself if a victim must be had.[2]
The firing having ceased, the republicans bethought themselves only of making matters sure by advancing close upon the Cerro, heedless of the white flag and the messenger to Escobedo, and General Echegaray stepping forward declared the emperor his prisoner.[3] Soon the commander-in-chief came up. Maximilian surrendered his sword, and repeating the messaye sent, he announced that his abdication had already been sent to Mexico. He stood otherwise prepared to leave the country. Escobedo answered that the republican government could alone decide in the matter.[4]
In charge of Riva Palacio, he was now conducted back to his old quarters at the convent, together with his favorite officers, the cazadores and citizens, especially the women, mutely greeting him with bent
- ↑ Miramon would probably have attempted it, but Mejía had long been discouraged and was still suffering from sickness. A tradition has it that a French officer did offer to save the emperor. He declined, and the officer cut his way through at the head of a small force. D'Héricault, Max., 264.
- ↑ See Peza and Pradillo, 97-8, wherein it is also stated that Maximilian found only 150 infantry on reaching the Cerro. Mejía brought a small mounted escort. Salm-Salm declares that under pressure of sharp firing white flags had already been hoisted at two points on the Cerro before Maximilian consented to yield. The enemy continued to fire for at least ten minutes after the hoisting.
- ↑ 'In a polite manner and bareheaded, addressing the emperor, Vuestra Majestad.' Salm-Salm, Diary, i. 200. On descending the hill to meet Corona he was embraced by an excited republican who expressed admiration for his brave defence. Another seemingly drunken officer flourished a pistol in his face. Hans, Quer., 194, calls him Dávalos, formerly serving under Marquez.
- ↑ Both Corona and Escobedo report that Maximilian declared he had abdicated and was no longer emperor. He desired an escort to the coast, there to embark, promising never to return. Escobedo said he could concede nothing. 'I at least hope to be treated with the considerations due to a prisoner of war,' he resumed. 'Eso es V. mio,' was the affirmative answer. Arias, Ensayo, 233, This promise having been denied by many, Salm-Salm solemnly asserts that it was clearly made. Diary, i. 203; Masseras, Essai, 251-4.
