CHAPTER XI.
MAXIMILIAN'S VACILLATION — REPUBLICAN SUCCESSES.
1866.
Maximilian at Orizaba — Preparations for Departure — Indecision — Persuasions of Father Fisher — Return of Miramon and Marquez — Austrian Crown Prospects — Maximilian Warned not to Return to Austria — Council of Orizaba — French Protests — Juarists Gaining Strength — United States Volunteers — Army Movements — Ortega's Party — Bazaine's Quarrels
Maximilian had meanwhile been recreating at Orizaba,[1] relieving his conscience by modifying the bloody decree of October 3, 1865,[2] and making arrangements for departure, by settling his private affairs and shipping his effects[3] on board the Austrian frigate Dandolo. But while the rumor spread at the close of October 1866, from Mexico to foreign parts,[4] that he had already left Mexico, he was still meditating what
- ↑ Making frequent scientific expeditions in the neighborhood, with Bilimek, Basch, and Fischer, and leading a simple invalid life, as Basch, Erinn., i. 117-21, describes.
- ↑ On the May to Orizaba he had asked Bazaine to arrange with the ministers to this effect, and to forbid courts-martial in political matters, even urging the stay of persecution and 'hostilidades,' the latter term very properly applied by the marshal only to political offences, for a stay of 'hostilities' was not to be thought of. See Niox, Exped. du Mex., 132. Basch, 65-8, gives extracts from Maximilian's diary to show that he placed the responsibility for the decree on Bazaine and the ministers. Kératry brings up the fact that when Maximilian in August sought to proclaim martial law Bazaine dissuaded him from the measure as needless. Max., 149-54. Arrangoiz, Méj., iv. 183-7, reproduces the modified decree of Nov. 4th.
- ↑ The shipment of his effects had begun before the news came of Charlotte's condition, it seems. Herzfeld was now sent to Europe to prepare for his arrival there. Basch, Erinn., i. 74. The account of his civil list sent in showed a balance in his favor of $180,000.
- ↑ L'Estafette, Oct, 31, 1806, etc. See also Niox, 631-3. Doubts were dissipated to some extent by a telegram announcing that his health had improved, whereby the object of his journey was achieved! This was intended merely to allay any excitement which might arise.
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