gloom over berth-deck and ward-room alike; while the flags displayed at half-mast expressed the official sympathy of all countries represented, for the one that had just sustained so great a loss.
Later in the day Captain Gröller came on board the "Tacony" and asked as a last favor that Commander Roe should appeal to President Juarez in his behalf and that of the Austrian court, to allow him the privilege of receiving the remains of the late Prince on board the "Elizabeth" for the purpose of conveying them to Vienna. Only too glad to do all he could for his friend, Roe immediately addressed a letter to the Mexican President to that effect, adding: "As I conceive his prayer to be one of tender humanity and of affection for his unhappy and bereaved family, I have the honor to beg also that his request may be granted."
This was immediately forwarded through the courtesy of General Benavides, and the remains did finally reach Austria, though not until Admiral Tegethoff, the hero of Lissa, came over not long afterwards to lend weight to the same request made through diplomatic channels.
The news of the fall of the city of Mexico and the execution of Maximilian caused a profound stir among the troops in Vera Cruz. The officers met in an impromptu council and resolutions were declared that the town should not be surrendered unless a heavy sum were paid each man. Bureau,