as Emperor. Maury resolved to offer his services; and he followed the letter in person, without waiting for a reply. He reached Mexico in June, 1865.
The illustrious American hydrographer was warmly welcomed by the Emperor and Empress. They at once offered him a position in the Ministry, which he declined. The appointment of Director of the Imperial Observatory was, however, accepted by him.
In this letter to his constant friend, the Rev. F. W. Tremlett, Maury explains his reasons for surrendering his sword, and his subsequent action in Mexico:—
| My dear Friend, | Mexico, August 8th, 1865. |
I have been a "looker-on here in Venice" for just two months. I came in search of country and home; for the fortunes of war have lost me both. The "Ides of May" found me, as you remember, on a voyage from happy England, that rightfully rejoices in the best Government on the face of the earth. Bound for some port—I knew not what—of the unhappy Confederacy, disastrous news from Virginia met me by the way. All was lost. But not knowing how the brave men and noble women of that gallant State would take it, and believing further resistance to be useless, I thought it becoming so to confess.
The quickest way of making my opinion known to friends at home was, though not in presence of the enemy, to lay down my arms and so inform him. I did so. The note fell into the hands of acting Rear-Admiral Sylvanus W. Godon of the United States Navy. . .
Early in the war, before a battle had been fought, an unknown hand was found to have written, in the darkness of the night, upon the walls of Richmond, the words "Væ victis!" The time has come, and the doom is now resting upon that fair city, and spreading over a goodly land. Who that can find rightful and honourable means, would not invoke their aid for the rescue of kinsmen and friends so situated!
In contemplating this shipwreck of country, kinsmen, and
