fields and slopes, bore evidence of devastating batteries and cruel conflict. Turning to Miramon, who stood to the right, Maximilian remarked, "A brave soldier is respected by his sovereign; permit me to yield to you the place of honor;" whereupon he moved him to the centre and embraced him. He also pressed Mejía to his breast, saying, "General, what has not been rewarded on earth will be in heaven." After distributing some gold pieces among the soldiers detailed for the execution, and bidding them fire straight at his heart,[1] upon which he placed his hand, he spoke with firm voice, "May my blood be the last shed in sacrifice for the country, and if more is required, let it be for the good of the nation, never in treason."[2]
With equal composure Miramon read a brief piece, protesting against the imputation of treason. Mejía, at first unnerved by the effect of sickness and the sight of his wife frantic with grief, had now recovered himself and exclaimed firmly, "Viva México, viva el emperador!" The signal to fire was then given, and the three fell simultaneously. Miramon died instantly, Mejía had to receive a final shot, and also Maximilian, who received a bullet in the heart as he faintly whispered, "Hombre."[3] It was the hour of seven.
- ↑ He gave each of the seven men in his squad a Maximiliano de oro, about $20. The captain in charge had with tears in his eyes begged his pardon. 'You are a soldier, and must do your duty,' was the answer in a kind tone. The men belonged to the first battalion of Nuevo Leon. Maximilian noticed with regret the absence of a friend to whom he might give a last message, but Basch had remained behind wholly overcome with grief, and Baron Magnus stood behind the line of guard. He accordingly gave his hat and handkerchief, after wiping his brow, to the valet Tüdös, requesting him to give them to his mother. Simon Montemayor, who commanded at the execution, died Jan. 1881. Diario Ofic., Jan. 21, 1881.
- ↑ This is the version given in Basch, ii. 220, by Dr Reyes, who attended the execution. Others vary. The most commonly accepted is: 'I die for a just cause, the independence and liberty of Mexico. May my blood seal the misfortunes of my new country. Viva Mexico! This is given in the official Causa Max., 451. Yet a longer speech circulated among the public: 'Mexicans, persons of my class and origin are appointed by God either for the happiness of peoples or to become martyrs.' He had come to promote their weal, he continued, and thanked those who had sought to aid him. He hoped that his blood might 'regenerate this unhappy country.' Max., Mem., 88. Hans, Quer., 222, differs somewhat from the former version. Some republicans claim that he begged pardon for the blood he had spilled. See also D'Héricault, Max., 362-5.
- ↑ 'Man.' Others say that it was, 'Poor Charlotte.' Arias, the official
