The sun. [volume] (Morris, Stevens County, Minn.) 1882-1895, 1888-08-09
A ThuriOW Weed Story.

1t will be remembered that early in
the war Mr.. Weed was dispatched to
Europe on a special diplomatic mis-
sion connected with the capture of
Slidell and Mason, the fitting out in
foreign water of rebel cruisers, the
blockade of Southern ports, &c.
His first objective point was the
French court, and he landed at
Havre. He remained in Paris some
time in consultation with our minis
ter and others. Then he crossed the
channel, and while in London was the
special guest of the great American
banking firm of Peabody, Morgan &
Co.
One morning, while sitting in the
private office of the firm, Mr. Morgan
showed him copy of what purport-
ed to be q circular letter, which was
obtained by Mr.. Morgan at the for
eign Office.
This letter which had been surrepti-
ously sent from Paris, foreshadowed
the position which Louis Nepoleon
was to assume in his message to the
chamber upon American affairs. Mr..
Weed quietly pocketed the copy,
packed his bag, and Immediately left
for Paris.
He was we'll acquainted with one OF
the prominent bankers in Paris,
whom he had known while the latter
was a merchant in New York. The
banker was a favorite at court, and
on his arrival Mr.. Weed proceeded to
the bankers chamber. He showed
him the copy, which included this
passage in the forthcoming message:
''The filling up of the harbor OF
Charleston, S. c., is an unparalleled
instance of civilized barbarity, and
it is time the European powers
should intefere," &C., &c.
The banker read it carefully, then
paused. All at once he exclaimed:
II have it! You know that the en-
peror prides himself upon following
directly in the steps of his illustrious
uncle. Now in the great Napolean's s
reign precisely the same thing oc-
Cured by order of the emperor"
"But have you proof of this?'
asked Weed. "Here it is," replied
the banker, as he took down book
and opening to the page where the
order was given by Napoleon to fill
up the harbor of Cherbourg in order
to prevent the approach of an
English fleet.
"Nowt," continued the banker, II
will arrange for a meeting between
you and the emperor tomorrow at
10 o'clock. You take this book with
you and keep your finger on the page,
but look out for Morny.''
"Will you not accompany me?"
asked Weed.
"No, that would destroy the ef-
feet"
The next morning Mr.. Weed pre-
sented himself before the emperor,
who was surrounded with officials,
whom he dismissed, saying: 81 have
special business with a foreign minis
ter" All retired but Morny.
Louis Napoleon could talk English
'as well as French, and Weed at once
plundged into the matter by showing
the emperor the copy he had brought
from London. Turning to Morny,
the emperor said: "We have been
betrayed" 1t proved so, as an under
secretary had been paid the sum of
10000, to furnish a copy to the
English.
Napoleon then proceeded to justify
his proposed measure by saying
that sinking stone barges in the har-
Dor of Charleston, thus shutting out
the port from the commerce of the
world, was unprecedented in the his
tory of civilization
"No, SIRE" remarked Mr.. Weed.
"Your illustrious uncle did the esame
thing
"When and whcre?" demanded
Napolean.
Weed then opened the book and
pointed out the paragraph.
The emperor was silenced. Weed
saw his advantaged and pursued it.
"Sire," he said, "there are four
cruisers fitting out in French waters
to carry the rebel flag"
Napoleon paused for q few mo-
ments; then, turning to Mr.. Weed, he
remarked: "Not one of them shall
have a French port"
Mr.. Weed retired from the presence
of his majesty, well satisfied with the
result of his visit, and returned inn
mediately to London. The obnox-
ious clause in the emperor's speech
was stricken out and the would-be
rebel cruisers neverleft O French port.