wn to the Emperor
the views and purposes of the government and people of the United
States in respect to Mexican affairs. Our conversation was without
reserve on either side, and with the understanding that nothing
said by me would be withheld from the Emperor.

The principal of these staff-officers was the distinguished Admiral
de la Graviere, who had commanded the French squadron in American
waters in the early part of our Civil War and in the capture of
Vera Cruz. This gallant and honest old sailor had reported to his
government the exact truth about the enterprise which Napoleon had
undertaken when he ordered the bombardment and capture of the
Mexican seaport for the alleged purpose of collecting a French
claim--namely, that he was no better able to collect that claim
after the city was in his possession then he had been before, and
that the conquest of Mexico by the operations of a large army would
be necessary before any financial return could be expected. This
unwelcome report led to the admiral's recall to France, and he was
sent to his home in disgrace. But in due time the Emperor learned
that while all others had deceived him, the admiral had told him
the truth, whereupon he was called to Paris, restored to the
confidence of his chief, and appointed aide-de-camp on the staff
of the Emperor. Admiral de la Graviere was a warm friend of America,
rejoiced in the triumph of the Union cause, understood and appreciated
the sentiments of the people of the United States, among whom he
had made many friends, and was a very willing medium of communication
to the Emperor of the exact attitude of the American people respecting
the Monroe doctrine, which the Emperor of the French had been
betrayed into violating through the influence of persons high in
his confidence, but governed by sordid motives.

NAPOLEON'S METHOD OF RETREATING WITH DIGNITY

Admiral Reno, Assistant Minister of Marine, was another of the high
French officials with whom free conversation was held.

The fidelity with which Prince Napoleon and others reported to the
Emperor the character of the unofficial message which I had to
deliver rendered it quite unnecessary that it be delivered in
person, and quite impossible that the Emperor should be willing to
receive it in that way. Hence, though I received several intimations
that I would be invited to a private interview, no invitation came,
and none was sought. My le