surrendered, as prisoners of war, they were bound by no obligation. Three officers had been won over, and everything was prepared for the flight, to take place during the night of June 2d, in direction of the coast and toward Vera Cruz, which still remained in imperial hands. That afternoon a telegram announced that two of the best lawyers in Mexico and several members of the diplomatic corps were en route for Querétaro. This sufficed to decide the ever-vacillating Maximilian for another of those unfortunate postponements that had ruined so many of his plans.[1]
Maximilian had selected for his lawyers Mariano Riva Palacio, Martinez de la Torre, Eulalio María Ortega, and Jesus María Vazquez, who occupied the foremost rank in their profession. Foreseeing the verdict of a court-martial, the two former resolved to give their attention mainly to pleading with the government for mercy, and urge the policy of lenient treatment. To this end they brought to bear a wide influence with the controlling party, for they were all stanch republicans. This applied especially to Riva Palacio in his additional character as father of the popular general, famed in letters as well as battles, and who had taken a prominent part in the siege.[2] The juridical defence was left to the other lawyers, of whom Ortega excelled for his grasp of mind and rhetoric, and Vazquez for forensic acquirements and acute dialectics. The latter belonged to Querétaro,
- ↑ 'He is not, however, the only prince who has had to mourn over a too late,' writes Salm-Salm, i. 250. This warm adherent received on this occasion his despatch as general, antedated the 14th of May, and other honors. He relates fully the efforts made to carry out the promising flight. Horses stood ready in certain houses, and promises had been issued to pay additional sums to the abettors in case of death or success. Maximilian consented only to tie up his beard and put on colored spectacles for a disguise. The fugitives were to live henceforth at Miramare, Mejía declaring that his wants were few, for he would 'nichts thun, als fischen.' Basch, Erinn., ii. 189. The display of gold, from the advance paid to the conspirators, led to a disclosure after a few days, and stricter measures and a stronger guard were the result. Salm-Salm, Diary, i. 232-58.
- ↑ It was one of his columns, under Velez, which took possession of La Cruz during the eventful morning of May 15th. He had been specially commended by Maximilian for his humanity, and this won the father's heart.
