The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1849-09-22
The Secretary Of State to NJ. Poussin.
The Secretary Of State 10 The Minister Of the United
States at Paris.
DEPARTMENT OF STATE,
WAgHINGToN June a. 1910

DEPARTMENT OF STATE, !
WAsHINGToN, June 8, lS49.
SfR You will receive with this despatch copy
of correspondence that has recently passed be-
tween this Department and NJ. Poussn, the tone Of
which, the Minister'S part, is regarded often
sive TO the American Government, and cannot, ii
is presumed, meet the appreciation Of the Govern
ment Of the republic which he represents.
From these papers you will learn that, in October
Of last year, Commander Carpenter, Of the United
States Navy, commanding the United States
steamer Iris" had the good fortune TO the
French barque "EugCnie," Of Havre, which had
struck on the bank Of Riso, near the anchorage Of
Anton Lizardo, on the coast of Mexico. Under the
belief that the case which justly entitled
his officers and men to salvage, the commander
caused the rescued vessel to be moored in safety
near the " Iris" until he could communicate with
the consgnee, Senior Gomez, at Vera Cruz but,
after waiting thirty hours, and receiving
swer from the consgnee, he determined TO deliver,
and did deliver, the barque over to the charge of
her captain. In the opinion he entertained respect
ing the right TO salvage, Commander Carpenter
was supported by Mr.. Clifford, our Minister in
Mexico, and his whole conduct was approved by
that Minister.
from his government, addressed representation Of
this subject in note to this Department, complain
ing, in strong terms, of what he considers TO be
bitrary and illegal conduct on the part OF the com
mander of the IRIS suggesting that that officer
should be severely blamed and asking that speedy
satisfaction should be given 10 the just complaints
of the French republic.
The Department lost no time in placing in NJ.
Poussins possession the explanations OF Commander
Carpenter, which had been obtained from the Navy
| Departments and, in communicating them, the hope
was expressed that they would remove all misap-
prehension the part OF the French government in
! regard TO the conduct Of the American officer.
| Commander Carpenter and his crew had actually
saved the French barque and her crew from immi-
nent peril if not certain destruction and for this
! signal service Commander Carpenter has received
not meried thanks, but cepsure and indignant ami
madycrson from the minister of the nation TO which
| the vessel belongs.
But NJ Poussin himself was not satisfied with the
explanations furnished, and without cOndescending
| TO refer the matter 10 his government, and await
their Instructions, he declared the explanations 10
be not Of nature calculated to dispel the discomfort
ofhis government. Having also failed 10 bring upon
| Commander Carpenter the severe reproof Of this
| Government for an alleged error COMMITTED" rs
! NJ. Poussn rashly asserts, con point involving
| the dignity Of your Gourl national marine," the
minister taunts the Government Of the United
States with subscribing TO the erroneous "doc-
trines" Of the commander, against which doctrines
he therefore proceeds 10 protest in the name Of his
! Government
! The attention of this Government would not,
perhaps have been strongly attracted 10 the tone
and temper Of NJ Poussin, excepuonabe az they
are, had not that minister, on previous occasion,
and that quite recently, made Of highly insult
| ing language in a note nc addressed 10 this Gov
eminent under date Of the 18th April last the often