New-York tribune., 1871-05-06
NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS. III.

A Biography or Gen James watson WeDD,
"by Il. A. Parmelee,n which has just met our
eye, repeats cerbdtim the crcumstantial narra-
ton, in The ". y. Times of April 10, 1869, Of
Gen. Webbs personal dealings with Napoleon
ILL.,, whereby the latter was induced to prom
ise an early withdrawal of his troops from
Mexico if this country would forbear to men
ace him, and thus render difficult such with
drawal The narrative gravely impeached
the honor and magnanimity of Gov. Seward,
whom it accused of sending to the French
Government bullying dispatch regarding the
French armed occupation of Mexico, when he
already knew that this occupation was about
to cease by arrangement; thus creating false
impression that Napoleon had recoiled before
the eagle-scream of Gov. Stewards dispatch.
In copying from The Times this remarkable
revelation, we questioned its accuracy; but,
as Gov. Seward has never alluded to it, and
it is now reiterated, evidently on Gen. Webb's
authority, we are forced to conclude that it
was substantially true. We copy from this
Biography the following letter from Napoleon
ILL., to Gen. Webb which seems an interesting
if not important contribution to the history OF
our time
lTranslofion.l
PARIS. March %, 1863.
Ny DEAR GENERAL: received your letter Of March g,
and the interesting ncosed therein, which. after
persa burned Immediately according to your wishes,
and without mentioning the subject to any one The
questions you Of very important and very deli
cate STILL will them in all frankness. You are
greatly mistaken If you believe that any motive OF
biton or cupidty has led into Mexico. Engaged in
this enterprise by Span and led by the doings of Juarez
reluctantly sent first 1900 men afterward, the national
honor being compromised my troops were Increased to
5000 finally the repuse at Pueba having engaged our
military honor sent over $4,000 men, IL Is therefore,
much against my inclination that am compelled to
wage such distance from France; and 1t is in
way for the purpose OF taking possession Of the mines
Of the Sonora that soldiers are fghting. But now
that the French flag Is in Mexico, it Is difficult for me
TO foretel what may happen; at all events, my
intention Is to withdraw as soon honor and the
interests now engaged allow me. 1t would be wrong
in the United States therefore, to make being there
a subject OF dispute; for would then change all
my plans which now disinterested As regards the
which desoates your country, profoundly regret
it, for do not see how and when will end and is not
the interest OF France that the United States should be
weakened by struggle without any good results pos
sble In country sensible America, il is not by
that domestic quarres should be settled, but by
votes, meetings, and assemblies In Europe, too,
have many Of dsturbancemany grave questions
to solve For this purpose France needs the alliance OF
England; hence my efforts have always been directed
toward maintaining the ties of good understanding Of
ten in spite of the illwll OF the English Government
have sincerely explained my position you and
in that way you see recprocate the perfect frankness
Of your communication. Be always persuaded my dear
General, Of my interest in your country well as my
friendship and the high esteem which profess for your
character. With these sentiments remain yours very
afectionately, NAPOLEON.
.Th. .udss to copy Of an O p,tc from Gen Webb to Mr.
the giving motto. that his remaining MEXICO would be considered by
the United States act Of