At length, however, the Emperor was forced to abandon all hope of Marquez’ return and as a last resort began seriously to consider the possibility of breaking through the enemy’s siege lines to the western plain whence they might be able to reach the mountains beyond. Once there they would be safe—for these were the native haunts of General Mejia, who knew every foot of the country and was certain to find support among the sturdy mountaineers—always a loyal race. Thither, too, the Juarists would be slow to follow. Being unwilling to leave the city without any military protection, Maximilian’s first step was to issue a call for volunteers, to which hundreds of the townsfolk responded and were enrolled as recruits by Mejia, to whom their organization was entrusted. Meanwhile Prince Salm selected a body-guard of picked men for the Emperor. The attempt was to be made early on the morning of the fourteenth of May,—the chief command of the expedition being intrusted to Colonel Lopez, a proof of Maximilian’s unbounded faith in this scoundrel. As to the sequence of events, Dr. Basch, who was an eye-witness, writes as follows: “At eleven o’clock on the night of the thirteenth, a council of war was held at which it was decided to defer our departure till the following night. This was at Mejia’s request, the number of volunteers being so great he had been unable properly to arm or organize them in so short a time, and it was upon their help he largely depended for the success of the undertaking. Preparations had all been completed. We were ready for the march. Only such effects as could be carried with us on our horses were to be taken. The Emperor himself was very hopeful. ‘I am glad,’ he said to me on the afternoon of the fourteenth, ‘that the end has come at last and feel sure we shall succeed, partly because my good fortune has never yet failed me and also—call it superstition if you will—because to-morrow is my mother’s name day—which is a good omen.’ “The Emperor’s luggage was divided among the escort—members of his suite each taking a part of his papers among their effects. The contents of His Majesty’s privy purse were distributed between Salm, Lieutenant-colonel Pradillo, the Emperor’s secretary, Blasio, Colonel Campos, commander of the body-guard, myself, and Lopez, the latter of whom expressed dissatisfaction on being handed his share because it was in silver and small coin instead of gold like the rest.