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Updated: June 10, 2025
Hard by was a deserted hatto, or cattle-keeper's hut, where we rested while our horses grazed. "No sign of Mejia yet," observed Carmen, as he lighted his cigar with a burning-glass. "Shall we go on toward Tres Cruces, or return to our old camping-ground in the hills?" "I am for going on." "So am I. But we must keep a sharp lookout. We shall be on dangerous ground after we have crossed the Tio."
Mexicans! may my blood be the last blood that you shed; may Mexico, the unhappy country of my adoption, be happy when I am gone!" As soon as he had resumed his place, a sergeant came up to order Miramon and Mejia to turn round. As traitors, they were to be shot in the back. "Farewell, dear friends," said Maximilian, and crossing his arms, he stood firm as a statue.
But we met an officer who asked us a question; and though Guido said we were taking the horses by order of General Mejia himself, he did not appear at all satisfied, and if he should speak to the general something might happen, especially as it is not long since we left the camp, and we have been waiting here ten minutes.
The good priest weakened under the ordeal; he felt faint, and the prince held his own smelling-bottle to his nose. Followed by Generals Miramon and Mejia, Maximilian walked toward the open square, where an adobe wall had been erected, against which they were expected to stand.
It was the only battle I ever saw or heard of in which both sides ran away. If Mejia had gone to San Felipe he might have taken it without striking a blow, but besides having lost many of his brave llaneros, he had his unfortunate infantry to rally and protect, and the idea probably never occurred to him.
When the generals assembled in council at ten o'clock on the evening of May 13 to decide upon the final details of the projected sortie, General Mejia stated that his preparations were not quite perfected, and it was decided to postpone the venture until the following night.* * Salm-Salm, loc. cit.
Our llaneros are indifferent swordsmen; but once turn your back and you are doomed. Hurrah! There is Mejia, leading his fellows on. Don't you see him? The tall man on the big horse. Forward, señors! We may be in time for the encounter even yet."
"My good fellow," replied Maximilian, cheerfully, "a soldier has but to obey orders; his duty is to do his duty." Then, turning to Miramon and Mejia, he said: "Let me, true friends, embrace you for the last time!" He did so, and then added: "In a few minutes we shall be together in a better world." Turning to Miramon, he said: "General, the bravest man should have the place of honor. Take mine."
Mejia never listens to explanations, and never goes back on his word. If he said he would hang us he will. He would be very sorry afterward, I have no doubt; but that would not bring us back to life, and it would be rather ridiculous to escape Griscelli's blood-hounds, only to be hanged by our own people." "And that is not the worst," put in Guido. "Not the worst!
On the morning of June 15, 1867, General Escobedo presented himself in the prison, holding the sentence of the court-martial in his hand. Maximilian, who could guess his fate, said quietly: "Read it, General; I am ready to hear you." Maximilian, Miramon, and Mejia were condemned to be shot. "I understand you," said the emperor, with perfect calmness.
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