The following is a glimpse of Maximilian on the day of his execution:
Miramon slept three hours; he then arose, drank a cup of
chocolate, and drest himself with care; at six o’clock he was
ready to start, accompanied by a priest, M. Ladron de Guevara.
In the corridor he found Maximilian bidding his lawyer, Eulalio
Ortega, farewell. The sun was already high in the heavens, and
his warm beams shot down brilliantly on the Quaretaro Valley;
flashes of sunlight penetrated into the narrow courtyard of the
convent. “What a splendid day, Don Eulalio!” said Maximilian;
“it is on such a day as this I should have chosen to die.” A
few bugle-notes were heard, and Maximilian, not knowing how to
interpret them, questioned Miramon: “Miguel, will that be for
the execution?” “I have not the slightest idea, sire; it will be
the first time I shall ever have been shot.” This reply brought
a smile to the Emperor’s lips.--Paris _Figaro_.
(683)
* * * * *
The officer in command of the file of execution approached
Maximilian and asked his pardon for having to fulfil his duty.
The Emperor distributed several pieces of gold bearing his
effigy to the soldiers, recommending them not to aim at his
face. He then embraced the Generals Mejia and Miramon, and,
as the latter had placed himself on his right, he said to him
aloud: “Brave men should be respected by their sovereigns to
the brink of the grave. General, pass to the place of honor.”
Miramon stept to the center. Then, with a firm voice, the
Emperor addrest the crowd: “Mexicans! Men of my race and origin
are born either to make a people’s happiness or to be martyrs.
God grant that my blood may be the last shed for the redemption
of this unhappy country. Long live Mexico!” Immediately General
Miramon, at the top of his voice, as when he commanded his
troops on the battle-field, cried: “Mexicans! Before the
court-martial my defenders only sought to save my life. At the
moment I am about to appear before my God I protest against the
name of traitor, which they have thrown in my face to justify
my condemnation. Let this spot of infamy be removed from my
children’s name, and God grant that my country may be happy.
Long live Mexico!” General Mejia raised his eyes toward the
heavens: “Very Holy Mother, I beseech thy Son to pardon me, as I
pardon those who are about to sacrifice me.” A volley rung out
from the file of soldiers, and amidst the cloud of smoke, which
slowly drifted away, Maximilian appeared writhing convulsively
in a pool of blood, and groaning, “Hay Hombre!”--Paris
_Figaro_.
(684)