Salm and the Mexican Army. 119 



,would not permit the establishment of a monarchy so close to 

 their frontiers. Salm, who had served in the Austrian army, 

 had a personal love for the Emperor Maximilian, and did not 

 doubt that he, having been a general during the war in the 

 United States, would be received by him favourably. 



He communicated his intentions to the German minister, 

 Baron von Gerolt, and also to the French ambassador, Mar- 

 quis de IMontholon, and the Austrian minister, Baron von 

 VVydenbruck, who all approved of his plan, and promised him 

 strong recommendations. Even President Johnson, though he 

 could not give him letters of introduction, did not disapprove 

 of it, and on his request gave him a very flattering testimony, 

 in which his services were fully and favourably acknowledged. 



Captain von Groeben, who had become much attached t(> 

 my husband, would not part with him, and resolved to accom- 

 pany him and try his luck also in Mexico. I was to remain 

 with the Corvins until I should hear of Saim's success. 



In the middle of February all his preparations for the voyage 

 were made. Baron Gerolt had given him letters of introduc- 

 tion to the German minister in Mexico, Baron von Magnus ; 

 Marquis de Montholon gave him a letter to Marshal Bazaine, 

 and the Austrian minister oiie to the Emperor, to be delivered, 

 by Count Thun. 



I had gone with Groeben to New York to secure a berth on 

 board the * Manhattan,' which was to sail for Vera Cruz on 

 Saturday, the 24th February, 1866. Salm arrived in the morn- 

 ing in Everett House, New York, where he, met me and Groe- 

 ben and many friends who came to take leave of him, perhaps 

 forever. 



I went with Salm and Groeben on board the * Manhattan,* 

 which was to start at half-past three in the afternoon. I shall 

 not dwell on our leave-taking. I felt very sad and lonely 

 when I returned to the hotel, and soon afterwards to George- 

 town. , 



The Corvins had to give up their house to its returning pro- 

 prietors, and we rented another in Massachusetts Avenue, 

 Washington. Time passed there very quietly and pleasantly. 

 Though we did not entertain much company, we received now 

 and then visits from some friends, and amongt them was Colo- 

 nel Moore, who had charge of the military cemeteries around 

 Washington and in Virginia. He was an agreeable man, and 



