The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1851-06-17

BARsrM's Mission TO EURorE-fair SERVICE
OF PLATE IN THE WORLDS FAIR.-BarLam will sail
to- day, in the North America for Europe, and, per-
chance, in eight short days-perhaps sooner-will
land at Galway, in Ireland. The purpose of Napo-
Icons mission is very different from anything in
which he has hitherto been concerned 1t is to fulfil
n contract Of high souled generosity, made some
years ago in London, when he commenced making
his fortune with General Tom Thumb. That con-
tract was one involving so much honor, as we'll
pounds, shillings, pence, and gratitude, that we
shall only do justice to the vastness of the subject,
and to its present Importance by rectng the great
points of history connected with Napoleon's and
Tom Thumbs career in Europe.
When Barnum and the little General went to
Europe, the former had letters to Mr.. James Mark
well, then the proprietor of Longs Hotel, who was
supposed to be-an wss-the most likely person to
put Napoleon in the right path to the palace, from
which for success it was necessary General Thumb
should issue upon the astonished and anxious mul'
titude. Instead of doing as he directed, ar
irving at Liverpool Barnum listened to others,
who prevailed upon Napoleon to show the General
at the Princess theatre, of which Maddox was then
proprietor. This was a great mistake, and would
have ruined the whole speculation but for MIR.
scure and humble lodgings near Euston square, for
needful advice and assistance. Maxwell, nothing
daunted, however, set his genius to work in behalf
of Napoleon. He gave up to him, at n nominal
rent, his splendid private mansion in Grafton street,
introduced him to the celebrated Mitchel-who is
the grand caterer for the amusement of the nobii-
ty, and favorite manager for the Queen herself
and advised that some elegant cards for receptions
~; raj
was soon eat home," at - Grafton street.-the
drawing room of which was spacious, and elegantly
furnished. There the General received the nobility
gratis but it valuable piece of diplomacy.
Presents were showered upon him, and he was
made the pet of the arstocracy but all through
the influence Of Mr.. Maxwell, who first made
application to the late Hon. Col Arson, Keeper of
the Priyy Purse, then to the Hon. Charles Murray,
Of the Household, and to Mr.. Halse, Page of the
Presence. He induced, also, Lords Augustus and
Adolphus Ftzclarence, and the Earl Of Aboyne,
then in waiting on the Queen, to visit the little
General. All this succeeded well. Crowds Of the
nobility went to see him. Grafton street was lined
with carriages, All this excitement became the
gossip Of the palace, and acted upon the Queen and
Prince Albert, who commanded" the General into
their presence. This was proud day for Barnum.
Icons fortune.
After brief season, the excitement aba.ed; bat
it was soon revived. Lady Macdonald had per-
manent apartments at Markwells London hotel,
and she invited party to the diminutive hero,
who was introduced to Lords Clarendon Viceroy Of
Ireland Clanricarde, Postmaster-Genera, and a
host Of other notables This thoroughly p lved the
way for the public exhibitions at Egyptian Hall,
i bup a hup drad anil
fifty pounds day. Barnum, astonished at his sue
cess, knew not what to do. He ran to Maxwell
every day with his silver and gold who gave him
cheques for it, till finally Maxwell introduced Ma
poleon to his bankers. How grateful was Barnum
at this hour He acknowledged the depth of his
obligations, and insisted upon it that when he got
Hundred thousand pounds-yes, fifty thousand
pounds-he would present to the man to whom
he owed so much gratitude, splendid service Of
plate When be got this amount, however, he wa:
very busy with gigantic specuiations, and seemed
to have forgotten all about the corner stone Of hi:
fortune.
Time, however, brings about reflection. No soon.
or had Napoleon ard the Nightingale severed the
bonds Of their contract, than the former remem.
bered his promise, which is contained in his own
doubtless well preserved copy of the annexed
IIorrL DE- BrproRp. Rrr ST. HoSoKr, 323,
PASS, March - ls45. I
My dear sir-lIere we are. General and equpage and
setting the whole city In fever of excitement To
morrow night before the King and Queen Of the
French and the Royal Family, We open our exhibition
on Tuesday next and will set them all crazy,
shsll not forget the silver plate when get the
1l0oCO0.
Any papers letters which hereafter arrive for me
you win have the kiGdnes, to send to above address
and oblige Truly, your obedient servant,
JANIS NsRKwELI- Esq. T. I. BARNUN.
u. =. 4. L. Al.
that Mr.. Barnum now sails for Europe. lie will
take out the service Of plate. of American manu-
facture, in several trunks-not those belonging "a
his elephants, but in his own trunks-and We shall
not be surprised if he should exhibit the brilliant
present for few days, a an oasis in the American
desert, at the Worlds Fair, where Napoleon will
place record his remembrance of /" benefits for
got" for the admiration Of the world in general for
Mr.. Maxwell in particular, and for the comments
Of all who have doubted his generous remern brance
Of kindness conferred. Whatever may be The
doubts with respect to the highmr dc dness OF Bar
NUNS previous visits to Europe, no doubt
that in his present mission, the dazzling merits Of
his own SENSE Of gratitude will only be eclpsed by
the lusre Of the service Of plate itself This is in
deed, an important and glorious mission.
\ NEw DIPLOMATIC PROJECT FOR CENTRAL AME.
RIGA AND llAYrI.-One Of our contemporaries, who
deals very extensively in Slievegammon intelligence,
announces o. intelligence from Washington, that
Mr.. Webster Is about TO make a proposition to
England and France, to enter into joint protec
torac Of Central America and IIayti, for the pur-
pose Of settling the difficulties that exist in those
countries recognizing their existence among the
family Of nations, and receiving their ministers in
diplomatic form in Washington.
We rather think that this new scheme Of dipo-
macy originated in the fertile brains Of the black