EXECUTION OF MAXIMILIAN AND HIS GENERALS.

Hawke's Bay Times, Volume XII, Issue 505, 2 September 1867, Page 2

EXECUTION OF MAXIMILIAN AND HIS GENERALS.

New York, July 10. Late intelligence from Mexico says that Maximilian, Mejia, and Miramon, were tried by court martial on the ultimo, and sentenced to be executed ou the 19th. President Juarez suspended the execution lor three days, and they were shot on the 19th, at 11 o’clock in the morning. The details of the execution are thus given : “ At o o’clock on the morning of June the 19th, the troops of General Escobedo formed a short distance from the city for the execution of Maximilian and his Generals, the people ol (Jueretaro flocking by thousands to see the closing scenes in the lives of the men they loved. As the clock strikes seven, the bells toll and announce that the prisoners have left their prisons lor the last time, and are ou their way to their execution. Alter a few moments they were drawn in carriages, and a large guard around them, the Emperor first. Miramon next, and Mejia last. As they near the place of execution, convulsive sobs break trom the crowd. The carriages stop, and the prisoners get out. Among the conclave you can hardly sec a dry eye. Tokens oi dissatisiaciion are manifested. -Maximilian, on alighting, is saluted by the people. In an easy and graceful manner, and with an elastic step, he marched to the fatal spot. The prisoners were dressed in a plain manner. They were not bound nor blindfolded. In taking his position, tne Emperor spoke in a clear manner, and without, bravado. He seemed to feel his situation, and said when he was first waited ■upon at. home by the deputation from itcxieo who came with credentials, oilering mm tne Government of the country, he retused. At a subsequent meeting the pr.iposition was again presented, and he replied that it convinced that the majority thought that it was to their interest to pmee him at the head of tne Government, ne might, consent. Another deputation waited on him, and brought additional testimonials. Upon advice from the powers oi Europe, who advised Idm that there was no other course to pursue, he accepted the call. He denied that the Court that tried him had a right to do so. His was a case of good faith. The nations ot the world had pledged their faith to him. He never would have done the act had it not been for the good of Mexico, in conclusion he hoped his blood would stop the effusion of blood in the country. Miramon spoke from a paper. The only regret ho felt in dying was, that, suouid the Liberal party retain the Government, his children would be p'ointod out as the children of a traitor, lie (old that he was no traitor, but bad always opposed liberal principles, and always been against the disorder of the country. The fame of his aeis would live, and posterity judge whether be was right or wrong. He closed with the words, ‘■■Viva el Eit'.pcrador I Viva la Mexico ! ”

Alter Miramon ceased speaking, the guard was drawn up. The prisoners were ! standing facing them. Ti'.e Emperor called the sergeant, and drawing from his pocket a haudfi.il of 29 dol. pieces, lie gave them to him, aud requested that uf er his death ho would divine them with Ins company, asking, as a favour, that he -would aim his bullet at his heart. His last touching words were, “Poor Carlotta!” The olllcers gave the signal, the volley was fired, and the prisoners lay stretebed on the ground. The Emperor was not quite dead. Thera was considerable quivering of the muscles. Five bads had entered his breast. Two soldiers were then called out, who shot him in the side. Miramon and Mejia were killed by the first volley. Each of the five balls entered in the breast. A sheet was thrown over the Emperor by the doctor, who was to embalm his body. The bodies were (hen taken by their friends, and the troops moved back to their quarters, while thousands remained, kept by a supernatural agency.

Tho Prussian Minister made a last, bn* - ineffectual, appeal to President Juarez, oa tae very day of cue executions, impiorino l him in tbs name of humanity and honor to spare the lives of Maximilian and the other prisoners, and saying that all the crowned heads in Europe would give security that none of the prisoners would j nr : :! ai/di 11 ucttU dl/xx* The most prominent man in Mexico just now, the hero of tho moment, mom popular, even, than Juarez, is the wretch Escobedo. In one of his despatches ho says : * ’’X nave niauC terror the Order of the day everywhere. I have imposed harm contributions on the rich, and con-li-.eatc-d their all. When I could not do it in person my delegates have strictly complied with my orders. I hope, before closing my military career, to see tho blood spilt of every foreigner that resides iu my country.” The Empire of Mexico may now be said to be at an end, as tho city of Mexico sur» rendered to the Liberals on the 21st, and the city of Vera Cruz on the 27th of June. It has been ascertained that after General Santa Anna had been taken by force by the Liberals from the deck of the United States steamship Virginia, he was speedily carried from Sisal into the interior, where a court martial was convened to i! ry him, and that he was found guilty of !being a traitor to his country, and sentenced to be shot on the 25th June, which |sentence was faithfully carried out on that I day.