THE · PLIMPTON · PRESS
[W·D·O]
NORWOOD · MASS · U·S·A
Translator’s Preface
The life story of Maximilian First in Mexico is one of the saddest of tragedies. Admitting that he was in some respects a weak sovereign and incompetent for the task he undertook, the tragedy is none the less sad. The dreadful fate which overtook the Empress Carlotta only adds to the gloom of the situation, and, if all reports are true, serves to emphasize Mexican cruelty and treachery, for in official circles it is generally believed she was made insane by a poisonous herb secretly mixed with her drink. Maximilian himself was a gentleman in the best sense of the term, gentle, courteous, refined, and scholarly; unfitted for the position he held, inexperienced in political matters, and ignorant how to contend with guile and treachery of the basest kind. He was virtually forced to ascend the Mexican throne, and consented only when he was assured that the Mexican people had enthusiastically elected him. Once there, he found himself the victim of treacherous plots and deadly hatred. He had but few friends upon whom he could rely, and they were unable to aid him in the hour of greatest danger. Louis Napoleon, who was chiefly instrumental in sending him there, violated his agreements, withdrew the French troops from Mexico, and abandoned him as a prey to his vindictive enemies, at whose hands he died like a gentleman and a hero, leaving the Empress to suffer the tortures of living death in a European asylum. History recalls few sadder tragedies than the one contained in the story of Maximilian’s three years in Mexico.
G. P. U.
Chicago, May, 1911
Contents
Chapter Page I [Archduke Ferdinand Maximilian] 11 II [The Mexican Empire] 15 III [Arrival of the Emperor in Mexico] 24 IV [Maximilian’s First Measures] 28 V [Church Affairs in Mexico] 37 VI [Enemies Within and Without] 40 VII [Bazaine’s Position in Mexico] 44 VIII [Fruits of the New Government] 48 IX [Louis Napoleon’s Attitude] 52 X [The Empress’ Journey to Europe] 56 XI [Events in Mexico After the Departure of the Empress] 62 XII [The Emperor at Orizaba] 73 XIII [Departure of the French] 79 XIV [The Siege of Querétaro] 86 XV [Downfall of the Mexican Empire] 99 XVI [The Emperor’s Imprisonment] 113 XVII [Death of Maximilian and His Generals] 124 XVIII [Conclusion] 129 [Appendix] 133
Illustrations
Page [Emperor Maximilian]Frontispiece [Empress Carlotta]56 [Last Moments of Emperor Maximilian]124