The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1849-09-22
Mr.. de 7bcqueUiile to Mr.. Rush.
Translation.

PARIS, August 9, IS49.
Sir: have received with the letter which you
did me the honor to write TO me the It'll of last
month, the copy of the correspondence which has
ken place between the Secretary of State for For
eign Affairs of the United States and the Minister
OF France at Washington, upon the subject OF two
claims, which the latter had been charged to pre-
sent to the Federal Government; one against the
irregular detention of the French ship PEugenie,
by Commodore Carpenter, off Vera Cruz and the
other for the purpose of asking for an indcmnifca
ton in favor Of Nj. Port, French merchant, for
the abrogation of the sale of certain quantity of
tobacco struck off to him by the commander of the
American forces at Puebla
These two affairs having hitherto been discussed
at Washington, where they are to be concluded, it
is not my province to examine their merits. Be-
sides, am too certain of the integrity of the Gov
ernment of the Union to doubt that il will ulti-
mately acknowledge every claim founded in right;
and, on its part, II cannot think that the French
Government allows itself to be drawn by the desire
of protecting Its subjects to support pretensons the
justice Of which has not been demonstrated to it.
These sentiments of reciprocal confidence being
OF nature TO avert and prevent, in the discussions
of private interests, those susceptbiities and mis-
understandings which cannot fail to complcate
them, we have seen with much astonishment as
regret the turn which the communications
changed between our envoy and Mr.. Clayton have
taken. Even before had received the letter which
you have written me to call my attention to them,
M. Poussin had transmitted copies of them TO me.
had been painfully impressed TO fnd in that cor
little conformable the friendly relations between
the two countries but ought TO say, without en-
tering into useless rccrminations, without seeking
for the side whence the first injuries proceeded, Il
had appeared TO me that this observation was not
alone applicable TO the letters written by the Min
lister of France.
M. POussin, doubtless misconstruing some ex-
pressions in those which have been addressed to
him by the Secretary of State, believed he in
them want of respect, for which he may have
manifested his resentment with too much spirit;
but II passage of his letter of the - of April may
have hurt Mr.. Clayton, it seems 10 me that there
is no longer any ground TO take advantage of it
against him after lac has consented 10 withdraw IL !;
and he has given pretty signal proof Of his con-
ciliatory spirit in abstaining from animadversion
upon an expression in the answer addressed to him
by that minister the 2lst Of April, which, esti-
mated with certain degree Of susceptibility might
have seemed 10 be rather an imperious summons
than diplomatic invitation.
Furthermore, SIR, il is not necessary for me 10
tell you that | entirely concur in the opinion which
you express upon not deviating, in negotiations,
from the obseryances and forms Of benevolent
courtesy.
his intercourse with the Government Of the United
States and am sure that, If il be recprocated, the
observance of IL will be rendered easy 10 him.
Receive sir, the assurance Of the high consid-
Grafton with which have the honor 70 be, your
very humble and very obedient servant,
ALEXIS DE TOCQUEVIIIE