202 Ten Years of my Life. 



* You will arrange with D. Carlos Sanchez Navarro, minister of my 

 household, that at least my claims for the expenses of my household, cal- 

 culated at 10,000 dollars a month— 'which, however, in two months and a 

 half were only paid once — may be paid. What you receive you will add 

 to the above-mentioned 28,750 dollars ; and deliver the whole sum to the 

 Prussian consul in Mexico, M. Stephan von Benecke, to cover conjointly 

 witli him, if possible, the bills 4n favour of the commander of the corvette 

 " Elisabeth," D. W. Groeler, in Vera Cruz, which M. Benecke will 

 transmit to him securely. 



Maximilian. 



The directions made in reference to the employment of the 

 money mentioned in this letter were only written to bUnd the 

 Liberals in case that it should fall into their hands, for in fact 

 I was to bring all the money that could be collected, which 

 might have been easily done by me, it travelling back in com- 

 pany of Baron Magnus and the two lawyers selectedas defenders 

 of the Emperor. 



As I had good reasons to expect difficulties from General 

 Porfirio Diaz also, who despatched me so ceremoniously out 

 of his camp, I went to General Escobedo, explained to him 

 the reason why I had to go to Mexico, and he gave me the 

 following^ lines : — 



* To General Porfirio Diaz, Tacubaya, 



*Queretaro, May 21, 1867. " 



' Much honoured Friend and Comrade, 



' Princess Salm-Salm passes through Tacubaya, on behalf of Maximilian, 

 to hasten the arrival of the counsel whom he has chosen to defend him. 

 Having regard for her sex, I have taken the liberty of recommending her 

 to your kindness, not doubting that you will assist her. 



' Assuring you of my regard, I remain 



* Your friend and comrade, 



* M. Escobedo.* 



Everything was now ready for me to start, but again I met 

 with an unexpected difficulty which came from my husband. 

 The time for the execution of his plan for the Emperor's 

 escape was drawing near, and the 2nd of June was fixed upon 

 for the attempt. If it succeeded my going to Mexico would 

 not be required, and if they should be prevented, or retaken, 

 or perhaps wounded, my presence in Queretaro, he said, 

 would be of the greatest value. I had quite a fight with him 



