The Columbia herald. [volume] (Columbia, Tenn.) 1850-1873, 1871-06-02
SEWARD AND NAPOLEON III.
Napoleoa Deanes HIS Mexiean E6si-
From the N. Y. Tribune.

=. From the N. I. Tribune.
A biography of Gen. James Wat
son Webb, by 7. A. Parmelee,e which
has just met our eye, repeats ccrtattm
the ciicumstantial narration, in the
New York Times, of April 10, 1869,
Of Gen. Webb's personal dealings
with Napoleon I'LL, whereby the lat
ter was induced to promise an early
withdrawal of his troops from Meyi-
CO if this country would forbear to
menace him, and thus render difficult
such Withdrawal. The narrative
gravely impeacted the honor and
magnanimity Of Gov. Seward, whom
it accused of sending to the French
Government bullying dispatch re-
garding the French armed occupation
Of Mexico, when he already knew
that this occupation was about to
cease by arrangement, thus creating
q false impression that Napoleon had
recoiled before the eagle scream of
Gov. Stewards dispatch.
In copying from the Times this re.
markable revelation, we question its
accuracy; but, as Gov. Seward has
never alluded to it. and it is now re.
iterated, evidently on Gen. Webb's
authority, we are forced to conclude
that it was substantially true. We
copy from this biography the follow
ing letter from Napoleon Ill. to Gen.
Webb, which seems an interesting, if
not important contribution to the
hscfnrxy ~ pr,r <sv,aoe.
[Translation.] 'e'' =
g.. - PARIS, March %, 1863.
Ny Dear General-I received your
letter of March s, and the interesting
note inclosed therein, which, after
perusal, 1 burned immediately ac-
cording to your wishes, aud without
mentioning the subject to any one.
The questions you treat of arc very
important and very delicate, still 1
will answer them in all frankness.
You are greatly mistaken il you boz
lieve that any motive of ambition or
cupidity has led me into Mexico.
Engaged in this enterprise, by Spain,
and led by the doings of Juarez, 1 re-
luctantly sent. first, 1000 men; after
ward, the national honor being com.
promised, my troops were increased
to 5000; finally, the repulse at Pu.
eblo having engaged our military
honor. l sent over 10000 men. 1t fs,
therefore, much against my inclina-
ton that l am compelled to wage war
at such distance from France and
it Is in no way for the purpose OF
taking possession of the mines Of the
Sonora that my soldiers are fighting.
But now that the French flag is In
Mexico, it is difficult for me to fore
tell what may happen; at all events,
my intention is to withdraw as soon
as honor and the interests now en-.
gagged allow me. 1t would be wrong
in the United States, therefore, to
make my being there a subject of dis
pute; for menace would then
change all my plans, which now are
disinterested. As regards the war
which des0lates your country, l pro-
foundry regret it, for do not see
how and when it will end, and 1t is
not the interest of France that the
United States should be weakened
by a struggle without any good re-
suits possible. In a country as sen.
sible as America, it is not by arms
that domestic quarrels should be
settled, but by votes, meetings and
assemblies. In Europe, too, we have
many causes of disturbance-many
grave questions to solve. For this
purpose France needs the alliance of
England; hence my efforts have a.
ways been directed towards MAIN
tanning the ties of good understand
ing, often in spite of the ill-will of
the English Government.
l have now sincerely explained NY
position to you, and in that way, you
see, l reciprocate the perfect frank
ness of your communication. Be
always persuaded, my dear General,
of my interest in your country, as
well as the friendship and high es.
TEEN which profess for your char
acter. With these sentiments,
remain, yours, very affectionately,
NAPOLEON.
This alludes to a copy Of an Official dispatch
from Gen. Webb. to Mr.. Seward, urging the
application of the Monroe doctrine to Napo-
leon, and the giving notice that his remaining
in Mexico would be considered by the United