The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1849-09-20
The Dlme.lty with France.

The Washington correspondent of the Philadelphia
North American gives the following account:
WASHINGTON, Sept, IS, 1s49.
As long ago as in February, M. Poussin, the French
minister, presented TO Mr.. Buchanan then Secretary
State a claim in behalf Of NJ Porte a Frenchman re-
siding in Mexico Porte had purchased tobacco, sold By
the agents OF the American army knowing il to be pr
vate property, and subject to the rules OF war. The
tobacco was restored to its proper owner by Col Chds
the commanding ofcer and the purchase money refund
ed TO Porte.
French minister for damages, being the difference be-
tween the price at which Porte had purchased and sold
court OF inquiry held, and decidedly unanimously
against the claim, and the decision was approved BY
Mr. Buchanan went out of Office without examining
the case and then it came before the present admins
tration The finding was reaftirmed BY Mr.. Clayton
and in TO note OF NJ Poussn, the Secretary OF
State sustained the verdict OF the court and his APP
prevail.
M Poussn reioined, charging Colonel Childs virtually
invited to Washington, being then absent, and the
alternative OF Withdrawing adopting his offensive note
was offered He withdrew it, expurgated the offensive
terms, and renewed the communication, which was &C
Here it was supposed all difficulty would end Sub
sequeny, however, Poussin presented another note,
claiming the punishment OF Commander Carpenter, under
Commander Carpenter, while forming part of the
bockadng squadron on the coast OF Mexico was called
upon by the captain of the French ship Eugena to
cue her from shpwreck He, with his crew, succeeded,
after much labor and afterwards requested the legal sal
wage This was refused; whereupon Com Carpenter
restored the vessel her captain she having laid along
side the Iris for thirty hours Mr. Clifford, the minister
at Mexico, approved of Carpenters conduct.
When this subject was submitted to Mr. Clayton, il
referred to Mr. Preston, who furnished Carpenters
statement of the facts M Poussin instead Of referring
the correspondence to his government, wrote insulting
letter. in which he reflected grossly upon the character
and honor OF the American marine.
The President then directed the whole correspondence
to be laid before the French government, expecting i'm
mediate and voluntary redress Instead of atonement
the French Minister Of Foreign Affairs attempted to in
cupae government, and to divide the responsibility
As soon this information was received, the President
ordered no further correspondence to be held with M
Poussn and his passports to be placed at his disposal
The future is shrouded in doubt M. de Tocqueyile,
the Minister OF Foreign Affairs, must resign; M Pons-
sin must be kicked aside, and the French government
must apologize, rupture must ensue The admins
tration here will not advance inch retract word
and if France wishes there is good reason to sup
pose she does, the responsibility is her shoulders
This case admits of no diplomatic cobbng is ques-
ton OF honor in which the United States cannot abandon
its high position, More particulars IN my letter by mail
INDEPENDENT.