The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1862-05-03
Highly Important Diplomatic Move
ments In Washington.
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Results Of NJ. Mercier's Visit to
Richmond.
Reported Consultation Between the Cabi.
net and the Diplomatic Corps.
AN AMNESTY UNDER CONSIDERATION.
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NAPOLEON'S SECRET DESIGNS.
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Another Effort to be Made 10 Secure the Re.
cognitlon Of Southern Nationality,
Gc., &C., he.
Our Washington Correspondence.


WASHINGTON, May 1862.
About two months ago stated that there in
temptation by the government an "amnssty" measure;
that then proposed TO offer said amnesty
as our power extended Richmond and few other
specified places. Now, learn-not In SO many words
directly. but in inference indrscty-that the "snbecs
matterp Of such "amnesty measure is actually under
consideration, and may soon be issued, the whole do
pending the immediate defeat Of
Twas told time ago that such amnesty would DO
extended all except Davis and his Cabinet and the
Confederate major and brgadier generals, with few
prominent and eminent civlisns
This 10 all that the subject. and this learned
by careful, covert and NOT direct inquiry.
WARRINGTON, May l, 1862.
Tho evening before last aat eight o'clock there was an
extraordinary gathering, not in the form Of dinner
party Official reception but in the shape OF grave
consultation national Toubss, between tho Prcs
dent his Cabinet and the diplomatic corps Tho impress
sion given Is that the business in hand drawn
from tho late viRt Of the French Minister TO Richmond
and that the bottom Of lies the question Of an arn
tce II In believed that Mone Mercsr and Lord Lyons
are worry anxious TO the cotton and tobacco Of the
South and they think be saved through An srIns
tce with Je Davis nrst stop 10 treaty Of peace.
It Is believed too that Mons. Nercer, with the ocoupa
tion New Orleans by the United States forces, has
concluded that the time has come when, under the
instructions Of the Emperor he may step forward asa
mediator.
WASHINGTON, May I, 1852
I have deemed Il best 70 communicate the following
you that they may be used not at your dis
cretion. Some Of them somewhat in conflict With
the views edorsy expressed In tho HERALD but IRE
sent them Just as learned them.
intelligent FrOnch residents here are positive
that the visit Of N. Morcsr to Richmond Of the
gravest diplomatic character. ! am convinced, from
what have learned from thege French people that the
Empsrors designs Mexico at the bottom OF the
whole AFFAIR and that in regard to this war all his sym.
pathies with the South, and not with the United
States government These French people becvs that NJ
Mercier has made secret treaty with the Confederate
government, which both political and commercial In
It's character According to advlcss received here from
Paris is believed by the French government that the
turning point in the has been reachsdthat the
tide will now turn and that the summer cam
paign viii result disastousy to the federal arms SO far
AZ learn, this view is ratly based upon tho fact
that Union forces will have TO operate mach
further from thoir base OF operations, IN hostile -
try generally whore their glnboats cannot coopsseA
and will also have TO encounter the dreaded climatic
features OF tho South. They inform aso that they
know that within few days assurances have bosn sent
10 the French government from the highest authority
both hero and in Baltimore, that viii confirm this view
and that foreshadow certain Union defeat, both ~
Yorktown and at Corin.h They boicve that tho ratia
cation OF this treaty may depend upon the result OF hess
two engagements But they believe that, in considera
ton Of monopoly OF commarcal advantages, and also
IN consideration OF aid or kind In his Mexican
sceme Napoleon has agreed to his good Offices with
tho United States government in putting end Tho
war which will 10 the Southern states
independent nationality, and that ths failure Of the
United States accept his mediation he will himself
acknowledge tho Independence Of the Southern confcds
raey.
From tho Richmond Dispatch, April 2s
''rHE sECRET.n
The Charleston Mercury is informed, on undoubie~
authority that Monsieur ksrcisr visited Richmend for
the purpose ascertanng the truth in regard TO the
Yankee promises to conquer tho Confederate States IA
sixty days. Tho Mercury learns that he Is pretty weA
satisfied Of the absurdty Of Yankee expectations, and
OF the ability or the Confederate States to maintsia
themselves. His visit made at the suggestion of
Mr.. Slidell.
rIy>A - ~.