As soon as the main posts were secured Lopez hastened to send warning to the emperor, for whom he seems to have entertained a certain consideration. Similarly advised, Salm-Salm, Castillo, and some others rushed in soon after and found Maximilian dressed and calm. He bade them summon the hussars and body-guard, and ordered all to hurry to Cerro de la Campana, there to decide on further action. Not a guard or detachment of imperial troops could be seen round the convent; but as they issued from it to cross the square a republican body appeared, guided by Lopez. Escape was impossible, but a whisper from the traitor to the officer in command of the troops caused the latter to turn aside his men, saying, 'Let them pass, they are civilians!' Yet they wore nearly all their full glittering uniforms. It was evidently agreed that the emperor should be allowed to escape.[1]
- ↑ The officer in command was Col Rincon Gallardo, on whose family the empress had conferred many favors. Maximilian attributed his conduct to gratitude, for the recognition was mutual. Indeed, the monarch was too striking a person not to be readily known. His companions were Salm-Salm, Gen. Castillo, Lt-Col Pradillo, and Sec. Blasio. Basch states that he had
warning convicts him; for by the same opportunity he could have roused his ready comrades and army. His professed reason for surrendering the posts was to save bloodshed. Tender-hearted consideration in a soldier, truly! Toma Quer., 14 et seq. Arias, adopting this, intimates that Escobedo assumed Maximilian to be disinclined for further resistance, and ordered the assault in accordance. There was a pretended arrest of the traitor, of course. Ensayo, 227-8. Lopez points out that more than a dozen commanders of posts had to be seduced for a case of treason. Seduce them he did not. Why, then, did none of them give the alarm? These very men came out in a joint protest, revealing step by step his treason as it became clear to them afterward, and showing that but for his directing the enemy and issuing orders the alarm must have been given. Quer., Caida, 43 et seq. Hans, who was stationed among the foreposts, gives a minute account of Lopez' removal and changes of troops, abstraction of their arms, displacing of cannon, etc. Quer., 175 et seq. Salm-Salm enumerates a long list of points condemning him, Diary, ii. 250-63, adding that he removed even the guard at the emperor's quarters; that he moved freely about after leading round the republican commanders, who were in citizens' dress, and afterward rifled Maximilian's room. Several liberal officers pointed him out to the besieged as the traitor. See also Arellano, 141-2; Peza and Pralillo, Max., 9S et seq. A report from more than one republican officer appeared in Restauracion, no. 23, 1867, admitting that the place was surrendered by the chief in command at the convent. A report in Méx., Col. Leyes, 1863-7, 210, places the capture at 3 a. m. Lopez, Refut., 1-24; Mex. Legac., i. $2 5, etc.; Doc. Hist. Mex., 1832-75, pt vii. 3-19; Pap. Var., cxxxv. pt ii.; Sociedad, Sept. 9, 11, 15, 1867, etc.; Bol. Rep., June 26, 1567, and other journals.
