CHAPTER III.
FRENCH OCCUPATION.
1862-1363.
Napoleon's Instructions — Arrival of Forey's Army — Zaragoza's Death — Forey's First Movements — His Neglect of the Conservatives — Their Subserviency — March on Puebla — Indecent Devices — General Condition of Mexico — Bombardment of Acapulco — Siege of Puebia — Forey Offers Honorable Terms — They are not Accepted — Unconditional Surrender — Treatment of Mexican Prisoners — Affairs at the Capital — Flight of the Government — Juarez at San Luis Potosí — The French Occupy Mexico — Initiatory Policy
Napoleon and his cabinet approved the action of Saligny and his colleague; but in the chamber of deputies the republicans, orleanists, and legitimists jointly opposed the course of the imperial government in Mexico,[1] and found fault with Almonte for calling himself supreme chief and trying to establish a government. The news of the disaster of May 5th reached them on the 16th of June. Imprecations were heard everywhere against the Spanish government, Prim, and the Mexicans who had induced Napoleon to send out the expedition. After that the diplomatic functions were left in Saligny's hands. Napoleon wrote Lorencez not to be discouraged on account of the reverse at Puebla. He approved the protection afforded Almonte and other Mexicans who had sought it. He did not wish to force any form of government upon Mexico, desiring only her prosperity and independence in her relations with Europe.
- ↑ Among the prominent speakers were Jules Favre, Thiers, and Berryer.
