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This unpardonable error as to the historic origin of the independence of Mexico, is repeated by Cesar Cantú in his biography of Maximilian. It would be difficult to explain this error of judgement on the part of the eminent historian otherwise than by attributing it to the lack of authentic data respecting a matter so well known, and so different from the account presented in the History of the last thirty years. But be it as it may, and even admitting every attenuating circumstance in his excuse, the fact remains that Cesar Cantú has persisted in errors which are foreign indeed to his general impartiality, when, in the biography of Maximilian, he formulates his charges against the great reformer, the great defender of the independence and autonomy of Mexico, Benito Juarez. The charges against that spotless patriot, are as follows:
"Juarez promised the territory of Sonora to the United States, and by these means he secured his recognition (as "President)."
"The body of Maximilian, which the butchers of the Prince had solemnly promised to deliver, had to he ransomed from that dishonorable and heartless oligarchy at the cost of entreaties and of money."
We may casually remark, that in the biography of Maximilian there are some other historical errors which we do not contradict, because they really possess no great importance, and have no bearing upon the principal subject of this refutation. Still, some of them deserve to be pointed out, because they indicate, at least, the incomprehensible carelessness of that historian when discussing the men and affairs of this country.
