Castelnau was moreover instructed to hasten the departure of the French troops, now fixed for the spring of 1867, in one mass, on the ground that evacuation in detachments might expose the last division to the combined onslaught of the rapidly swelling republican armies.[1]This measure was also intended to impress Maximilian with the necessity of abdicating before his position became wholly untenable, and thus promote the installation of a new government favorable to France and acceptable to the United States.
Advised beforehand of Napoleon's desire, and recognizing that Maximilian could not sustain himself, Bazaine began to recommend abdication. The moment proved favorable. The efforts of the new conservative cabinet to collect means served only to expose their poverty; news had arrived of Charlotte's failure at Paris, and the discouraging aspect was rendered still gloomier by the delicate health of the emperor.[2] Now on the 18th of October came the
- ↑ Troops arrived at Vera Cruz Sept. 26th, ready to embark, but had to return into the interior to support the general retrograde movement. The order came in advance by telegraph, dated Sept. 12th, with injunction to defend the honor of the flag — against the U.S., explains Kératry, Max., 193.
- ↑ Affected by intermittent fever. Basch, the physician and intimate associate of Maximilian, declares that the latter frequently alluded to a letter from Napoleon imploring him to abdicate the throne, 'den er [Napoleon] nicht mehr in Stande sei zu halten,' and that in the beginning of Sept. already he had taken the resolution to liquidate the Mexican business. 'Erinnerungen aus Mexico', i. 22-3. Arrangoiz thinks a proof of the latter lies in the neglect or failure of any one to deny it, in the face of Basch's bold declaration. Méj., iv. 167. Nevertheless there are doubts, supported by the statement that Napoleon had stooped to plead considerations for his dynasty. That less committing verbal utterances had been transmitted through Charlotte or other personages is possible. Basch may not be so wrong about the date, however, for on Sept. 26th Maximilian asked Bazaine to recall a number of Austrian troops to Mexico, and on the 14th of Oct. he announced his departure for the coast 'to meet the empress,' and the desire to consult the marshal on some points of exceeding importance,' hoping that he would let no obstacle of whatever nature prevent his appearance at the interview. A note of the 19th again demanded attention to escort 'for the empress,' and to the insecure condition of the route. Now, the emperor
but it seems that he looked with more respect on Diaz. Lerdo had displayed admirable tact as Juarez' minister, and many regarded him as the controlling power, while his connection with the Lerdo law and other measures presented him to all as a leader among liberals. Ruiz, as mere occupant of Ortega's place, never had much influence; but Diaz was again assuming among Juarist generals the leading place acquired before his imprisonment at Puebla.
