There the emperor and his generals were shut up at once in a dark cellar, and not only had to sleep upon the damp earth floor, but were left to suffer from hunger.  In a few days, however, Princess Salm-Salm brought them some relief.  They were then transferred to the convent of La Capuchina, and their friends obtained permission to send them wine, clothes, and provisions.

Princess Salm-Salm, in the last act of this tragedy, showed herself to be a brave and generous woman.  When her husband left the capital she had crossed the enemy’s lines in order to get out of Mexico, but was twice in danger of being shot by the soldiers of Diaz.  She was accused of supplying money to a troop of Austrian soldiers who, having been captured, were confined at Chapultepec, and she was imprisoned at Guadalupe.  After a short detention, however, she obtained leave to quit Mexico for Europe; but changing her route, she managed to rejoin her husband at Queretaro.  Thence, hiding by day and travelling by night, she made her way back to San Luis de Potosi, where Juarez had his headquarters.  She threw herself at his feet, and implored his mercy for the emperor; but Juarez told her (not without some signs of compassion) that he felt no inclination to spare his life, and that if he were willing to do so, he would not be permitted by his followers to show him any clemency.

When Maximilian heard of this brave enterprise on his behalf, he could not refrain from tears.

The prisoners were three weeks at La Capuchina, in complete uncertainty as to what would be done with them.  Indeed, the Juarists seemed much embarrassed by their prize.  On June 10 they were informed that Juarez had sent an order to have them tried by a court-martial, which would be held on the 12th of June.

“Where are you going to take me?” asked Maximilian on that day of the officer who came to escort him.  “To the court-martial,” was the reply.  “Where is it held?” said Maximilian.  “In the theatre.”  “Then I refuse to accompany you.  I will not be made a public spectacle at a theatre.  You may go alone.”

The officer, not being authorized to use force, went away.  The trial proceeded without the presence of the prisoner.  Generals Miramon and Mejia, however, were dragged upon the stage where the court-martial was sitting.  The play-house was crowded with spectators.  It was a tragedy with no admission-fee.  The proceedings lasted three days.  The emperor was accused of usurpation, of instigating civil war, and of causing the death of forty thousand patriots, hanged or shot in consequence of his order of October 3, intended to operate only against armed bands of robbers.

On the morning of June 15, 1867, General Escobedo presented himself in the prison, holding the sentence of the court-martial in his hand.  Maximilian, who could guess his fate, said quietly:  “Read it, General; I am ready to hear you.”

Maximilian, Miramon, and Mejia were condemned to be shot.