Maximilian was not greatly shaken, however, for he appointed him to command the chosen escort, and decorated him, on the eve of the projected departure, with the bronze medal, although little or no claim existed for the distinction, or for the cross of the French legion of honor already hanging on his breast.
Lopez did not forgive those who had stood between him and promotion. He was not wholly devoid of gratitude, but gratitude was not his ruling passion. He could love a little; he could hate a great deal. Moreover, this empire was doomed; and for himself in this company he was a branded man.[1] What other motives may have influenced him is difficult to say. At any rate, on this night of the 14th of May, 1867, this man Lopez stole away to the headquarters of Escobedo, and in a private interview disclosed the condition and plans of the besieged, and arranged to betray them to the enemy.[2] To accomplish his object
- ↑ The commission as general had been prepared on the late anniversary of the emperor's acceptance of the throne. Lopez claims that it was to be conferred after a successful departure from Querétero. Basch, ii. 123, relates that the favorite setter dog of Maximilian showed an intense aversion for the man.
- ↑ For the sum of 2,000 ounces of gold, according to Baron Lago, of which he received only some $7,000, it is said. Domenech, Hist. Mex., iii. 438. Eleven reales a head, was the bitter observation of Maximilian on hearing of it. Other estimates vary. Salm-Salm, i. 239, ii. 32, has 3,000 ounces. The money obtained was probably gambled away before he left Querétaro. He preferred gold and life to death, says Hans, Quer., 174. Maximilian alluded to his act as due to cowardice. Yet he had given proofs enough of courage. The removal from command of certain friends, like Casanova, had offended him. Peza and Pradillo, Max., 75-6. In the brazen-faced defence issued by Lopez in La Toma de Querétaro, Mexico, 1867, and other forms, he declares that the demoralization among the troops, the growing desertion, officers being retained only by honor, the lack of food, of good ammunition, and the faithlessness of Marquez and others, had thoroughly discouraged the emperor. He vaguely accuses Arellano of speculating with the ammunition and artillery funds. Thus disheartened, Maximilian had, on the night of the 14th, sent him to Escobedo, asking permission to leave Querétaro with a few friends, escorted by the Emperatriz regiment. He was formally received by the republican commander-in-chief, who told him that he had no power to grant the request. Maximilian and his army must surrender at discretion. A plea for the emperor's person met with no better result. Arias, the biographer of Escobedo, repeats this story, Ensayo, 224-6; yet he admits that Lopez revealed the forlorn condition of the besieged-proof enough of treason. So does Rivera, Gob. Méx., ii. 673. A number of writers take pains to refute
an ensign. He acted as spy for the Franco-Mexican armies, and in May 1863 led Bazaine by little known paths to San Lorenzo. Documents in Quer., Caida, 125 — 7, 183; Hall's Life Max., 193.
