Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1863-11-26

place and lead us into Canaan, if that place were
Rendered vacant 1t is useless to disguise the fact
that the men around you do not inspire conn
dence and that chaos would come were your hand
withdrawn from the helm. Military ability OF the
highest order revolution has produced but OF sip
onatis talent it has been most siBgaary barren The
old men of the old regime like the Bourbons, seem
have learned nothing, and forgotten nothing, and mol
younger ones sprngiDg up to supply their places
Radical democracy which levels down instead OF grading
up, almost as strong with with the North,
though not in such repulsye shapes and after this war
is We shall have to fight the old foe with a
new face. may seem to speak bitterly; but see on
this side so much ptiful selfseekrg and worthless
greed ia the OF spectators and blockade break
ers and staggering shutters from danger who call
themselves Confederates that my soul sickens as con-
template our future. No one appreciates more than
myself the heroic virtues of home population, and
turn my face towards them for purer air and more
hopeful presages.
AS ventured to give counsel with reference to an
important pubic movement, feel bound frankly to say
to you what am not warranted in embodying in
despatch especially sine being informed by MIR. 3.
that there reasons and proceedings out here OF
which had not been informed. In despatch to him
therefore have only diated upon these points by the
lights before me, there may be reasons beyond my
ken.
By reference to my despatch and my letter to your
sel it will be found that my suggestions have been
treated the prayers of Homers heroes by Jupl
ter-one half accepted the rest dissipaed empty air
suggested policy by which you would have admins
tered grave rebuke to Europe, and have appealed to
the conscience Of Europe. This think would have
produced most happy effect. The isoatory action
which has been taken has not the same weight and
gravity, and has been attributed more to personal
pqae against small minister, and to impotence of re-
cognon than to the calm consciousness of strength or
to deliberate and settled policy.
| general measure would have sown suspicion be-
tween the two great powers Each would have feared
secret negotiations with the other. Now it is an open
game and Louis and Pam both each others hands.
am not prophet and may be deceived but as far
know and can see there has been and Is TIC day. as
little real intention Of speedy recognition by France as
by England.
| That we may be made pawn in the Mexican game,
think very probable; but the detected intrigue in
Texas, (Mr. BIS denunciaton OF which was intercepted
and published in New ork aid English papers, does
not inspire confidence in that very asute gentleman,
who now is an arbiter of Southern and Mexican des-
tinies the retention of Mr. Mann in Belgium not be-
ing remembered by the public.
Judge R0st, who is here now, entirely concurs in my
views and he adds further that Mr. Dayton declares he
had had any complaint from Washington, regard
ing French intervention in Mexico. If Seward there
fore, acknowledges Maximians empire, the ground Oh
which action seems to have been predcated, Cut
away from under cur feet Even should S. make pro
test (tor he cannot mediate with Franco, we
still will be held power, and have the shadow Of
favor, while enemy enjoys the substance of
inter ventiOn
Before this letter reaches you events will have proved
their correctness on lastly Tor we are all grOpIng 10
! the dark at this moment God grant may be unduy
suspicious and dstrusuI, and that we may get more
substantial " aid and comfort - from Napoleon than l
either hope or expect.
At the risk Of being tedious | have exposed my in
most thoughts to you. What is past is irrevocable ;
but feel future is safe in your hands. | cannot
volunteer any advice new that you know my Utmost
ideas. 1 am working hard and necessarily, personally
and by proxy and charging the sphere OF nay oper
ation for the exigencies of the hour demand. abhor
asking for money but, as | do not appropriate
penny for myself, have given Mr.. B. reminder that
small sum in treasury drafts is not a Fortunatus
purse, filling and ever full At the expiration of
eighteen months, " France wants money" literally
and not fguratively. They far more mercenary
than the English and must buy golden opinions
from them if at all Such the secret of DR..
Franklin's success. Mrs De Leon was very much
gratifed by your very kind mention and remembrance
of her. Believe when say that she fully shares in
my feelings towards yourself and Mrs. D. and heartily
echoes the wish of meeting again. and under hap
pier auspices. AS souvenir of old friend, send
Madam, for her album, the portrait of gentleman,
as they Say in exhibitions So soon as good one is
taken of Madam it snail also be sent.
With the warmest wishes for your health and hap
piness, your obliged, sincere friend,
E. De LEON.