made the attempt early one morning to break through the lines in the direction of Sierra Gorda, but seemingly informed of the project, the republicans mustered in such force as to defeat it.[1]
This failure increased the discouragement, and several officers manifested it so far as to write to Mejía, urging negotiations for surrender. The prompt arrest of the leaders served to check a desire which seems to have been wide-spread.[2] Shortly after, as if in accord with the other, came a proposal from Escobedo for capitulation, offering to let Maximilian depart; but it was rejected,[3] with the assurance that there was no lack of resources, of which proof was tendered in a lively reply to the bombardment.[4] This was intended also to distract the attention of the
- ↑ Salm-Salm suspects that the traitor Lopez had already begun his machinations, but he blames especially Moret, who led the van, for his indecision at a moment when the break might have been effected, and he hints at more than carelessness in Miramon for selecting him. A daring guerrilla named Zuazua did penetrate with about 50 men, and Peza and Pradillo point to this as proof that the prince failed in energy and duty on the occasion. Max., 59-60. There seems to be some truth in what they say. Salm-Salm indicates that the attempt was made after midnight on the 18th, but Basch says the 220; others are divided.
- ↑ Mejía and Mendez are said to have been in favor of capitulating. Arellano, 128. The object of the letter to Mejía, sent by 15 officers, says Salm-Salm, may have been to sound the prospects. Those arrested were Gen. Ramirez, Col Rubio, and Maj. Adame. At this time Maximilian was startled by the report that Miramon intended to arrest him; but even Salm-Salm doubts it.
- ↑ Made on April 1st. Basch, ii. 102-3.
- ↑ Especially on April 24th, from the new fortifications at the convent, attended by a sally. Ammunition was plentiful enough so far, thanks to Arellano's energy.
had desired the emperor to leave Querétaro with all the cavalry. Mexico should be abandoned if all the troops there were needed for the relief. Salm-Salm might negotiate with the republican leaders. Decorations and a mass of private effects were to be brought. Salm-Salm, Diary, i. 133-40. Basch, who wrote out the instructions, gives them less fully, Erin., ii. 97, 102, but he adds at length a letter to the U. S. consul Otterburg, presenting certain cruel deeds of the republicans, and urging more humane treatment, like that accorded to the 600 prisoners at Querétaro. The letters are dated April 16th and 17th. See also Arrangoiz, iv. 291-7; Globo, July 28, 1867; and Arellano, 114-24. The latter adds that the proposal for Maximilian to leave, made on April 11th, was intended to save him. If no aid could reach the remaining troops, they would then break through. The illness of Mejía delayed the project for eight days. On the 19th the council finally determined as above, the town having to be held till news came from Mexico, or till all resources were exhausted. Marquez accuses Miramon and Arellano of a desire to get rid of Maximilian at any cost, exposing him to rout and death in the effort to break through the lines. Refutacion, 121-8.
