Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1849-1856, 1849-09-27
SatH' day, Sept. 22.

| u7The Courier e. Enquirer gives the fol-
lowing explanation in regard to the dismissal
of the French Minister by President Taylor
The French Minister Is alleged to have US
ed language of insulltrabIe insolence towards
our Government, not only once, but repeated
ly and this insult instead of being disavow
ed and atoned for, has heen grossly aggravat-
ed by the Government of which he is the ac-
credited agent. During the progress Of The
! Mexican war, Frenchman in Mexico named
Porte, purchased quantity of tobacco which
had been seized and sold by agents Of the
American army, knowing it to be private
property, and as such suhjcc, to the rules of
war. The facts o. the purchase coming to
the knowledge of Col c lids, the command
il ing officer, he Immediately caused the tobacco
to be restored 20 lis proper owner, and the
purchase money TO be refunded 10 Porte. 4
commission was Immediately appointed, com
posed of officers of the Army, to investigate
the matter, and having done so il sustained
Col. Chlds IN the action he had taken. This
decision WAS sent to General Scott, by whom
i; wa, confirmed.
! This ended the matter at that time. But in
February last Major Poussn presented to Mr..
Buchanan, then Secretary of State, clIim
on behalf of Porte for damages, to the amount
of the difference between the price al which
he had purchased, aud that al which he had
sold, tho Tobacco. A Corrt of Inqriry was
Immediately convened, before which Colone
Chids was summoned a. witness His
testimony was the main evidence before the
Court, and decision was rendered unani-
mousy, that the claim was uuiounled. This
decision was transmitted to the State Depart
N cnt, but before any final action was taken
upon the case, Mr.. Buchanan went out o. Of
fee. Mr.. Clayton gave it his attention very
soon after taking his seat as Secretary of State,
and after due examination, affirmed the decls-
ion, aud in answer to note Of inquiry from
the French Minister, conveyed to him his ap-
proyal of the verdict and his refusal TO allow
the claim.
To this letter Major Poussin replied in a
very naughty tone, charging Colonel Childs,
as he had frequently done before in converse
ton, with the basest motives, intlmating that
he had perjured himself under their influence,
and using other most offensive and insulting
language. At the time this letter was receiv-
cd at the State Department, jor Poussn
vas not in Washington but in New York
lie was Immediately apprled by the Secre'
tary of State that his presence at Washington
was necessary. On repairing lhthcr, and
calling at the State Department, his letter
was produced, aud he was told that although
such a privilege WAS entirely out Of the ordl-
nary course, and was to be deemed a special
favor, prompted by the earnest desire Of the
Government of the United States 10 prevent
any misunderstanding with the French Minis
ier-he was at liberty TO irithgra,c or 10 modl-
fy The documclt, or 10 replace 1t IN the ar
chves Of The Department-as he might see hi,
He offered TO argue the matter and to defend
the proprieiy of the charges he had made and
the language he had used but he was in.
| formed by the Secretgry that the Presiden,
did not deem tho poiLt one for argnmcn, at
! all. 1t wasa matter OF etiquette, aud he had
only TO decide whether he would Withdraw
the letter or permit 1t TO be replaced on file
| Major Poussin then withdrew the letter, and
| erased some of its most offensive expressions
! lie then again transmitted 1t to the State Do.
| Ipdrlment and it was placed on fe. And her,
it was supposed that all difficulty would end
]. Soon however, smother case occurred II
l which tho action OF the French Minister mad
j., evident that the dlscounesy with which h
had tire ted our Government was not eIcusa
bic on the ground ofinad'onenco. The cir
/ cumstancos Of he case were these -
III During the Mexican war Commander Car
pcu,ci, in mmand of The sloop of war IIus
ton, forming part Of tnc United States block
} ade squadron of The haibor OF Vera Cruz, wa
called upon by the cap,aIn Of the French bat
{ Eugenia to re- cue her from shpwrcck a
she had struck upon a reef. Amer sIrenuou
and labofous eIeriious, on TIE part Of hlm