The New York Herald Newspaper, January 22, 1855, Page 2

162 NOTICES OF NEW PUBLICATIONS. Wy Courtship and its Consequences, by Henry Whikoff—Derby & Co. Were the elder d’Ieraeli still living, he ‘weuld bave found in the work before us ma- terials for a piquant addition to his “Curiosities of Literature.” No publication that we know of presente a fairer field for the exercise of the ana: Jytical skill and caustic humor of the professional @xitic. A mere autobiographical episode—and that, teo, not of the most creditable kind—in the career of ove of those fashionable idiers whose ecventriol- ties but too frequently obtain for them an equivocal notoriety, it has surprised the world by the exhibi tion of talents which, if they had been seriously di- rected, might have placed within the reach of their poeseesor almost any of the prizes of an honorable and useful ambition. With the abuse of men’s gifts nd opportunities, it is not, however, our business to deal, more eepecially in the case of a man who pre- rents himeelf before the public, smarting under a fense of real or fancied oppression, and whose wrongs, ashe seserts, having been prejudged on <zparte and, fa'sified testimony, demand an honest and unbiased consideration at our hands. And yet, had the interest of this curious publica tien been confined to the issues which the author so eonfidently submits to our judgment, we question whether its circulation weuld have extended mach beyond the circlea in which the personages who figure in it move. The grievances of which it is made the vehicle are too strictly personal to excite for them imdependently any very general attention or sym pathy. The age of sentiment is past when the sorrows of disappointed lovers found a responsive echo ia the breasts of a romantic generation, The world has, in fact, become so hardened in materialism that is ia more disposed to ridicule than commiserate the tor ments which the fickle god delighta to inflict upon hie votaries. The ‘‘ History of a Courtship and ita Conse uences,” therefore, required some more novel and highly seasoned elements of attraction to ensure fer it apy large share of popularity. EaThe extraordiusry sensation that has been created by this book—evidenced at once by the unprece- dented]y large sale that it has already had, and ths at- tention that has been devoted to it by the press—hag natar sly led to a good deal of controversy as to w grounds of the favor it has met with. It wonld be abeurd to pretend that there existed in the publio mind any very general feeling of sympathy or regret for the misfortunes of its author, brought upon hia, as they unquestionably were, by his own levity and folly. Still Jess did tne conduct of bis fair opponent, presented to us, even as it was, under all the advanta: gee of powerful protection, and all the prestige of a successful prosecution, appear in such a favorable Mght aa to excite in us any very parti-ular desire to make her farther acqnaiatance. Whatever interest bad been originally created by the melodra- matic character of the whole affair, had, ia fact, died out, and therefore it cannot be said that it ia to either the freshness of its inci- dents, or to any great faith in the new version of tha care, which thejpook might put forth, that the raa winch it bas had is to be attributed. The truta is, that the interest of the work 1ies entirely in iis lite- vary merits. It is at once one of the most origiaal apd eccentric productions that has ever emanated from the pen of a comparatively unpracticed writer, ¥t exhibits a strange combinatfon of natural talent, social tact, hu nor, and gantiemanly breeding, wita ‘an egotism and andacity withoutexample, and we need ecarcely add, saa consequence, a deplorable apeence of judgment anidiscretion. These latter de- fects are, however, in some degree atoned tor by the imperturbable good humor and philosophy wiih which its author regarje misfortunes tnat would have soured the tempers, as well as blasted the pros: pects, of moet other men. There ia also this exvel- Jent feature in the book—that it manifesta bas litéle Vindistiveness towards the psrsons whom the ‘writer cox ceives to have been instrumental to hia gefferings; 80 that one 1s cisposed to look indalgent dy on much that is reprehensible, in considera tion of ‘beee better qualities of his nature He bas }»0 the good sense, too, to diacard all af feetation of seiriment, which he knew in his carg ‘would b2 only laughed at; and, in giving fall play to the buoyancy and liveliness of his temperament, he bie attained a literary success which a more elabo rate effort could not have achieved. By making a clean breast of it with the world, he felt that he had nothing to loge, for the tongue of s:andal had alraa @y done its worst with his reputation—and on this point he certainly deserves credit tor discrimina- ‘tion. Few men would have had moral courage enough sgain to run the gauntlet of criticism after time had consigned to a partial oblivion such odious @barges as thoee with which the writer was as. wailed; and his doing so argues a consciousness ‘that the more serious of them are undeserved. Asto ‘the follies to which he pleads guilty, they are of too ommon occurrence to call for heavier censure in his ease than in that of thousands of others, who have maintained in spite of them, their position in society. Besides, the world, in consideration of the severe Teason that he has received, will be disposed to give him the benefit of the charitable doctrine inculcat- ed by the poet— He that hath all his sins confesred, ‘Stands next to him that never has transgressed, From this curaory description, a tolerably sorrect idea may be formed of the general merits and pe. ealiarfiies of the book. In point of mere style, it is wuperior to ninety-nine out of a hurdred of the more pretentious works that issue from our press. It beara on the face of it the stamp of a highly culti. wated and observant mind, which has seen and read wueb, although it has failed to profit by it. It com- Dimes something of the colloquial ease and vivacity ef Horace Walpole’s writings with the precisionand @legance which characterize Lord Cheaterfield’s let- ters. Taken as a whole, however, it offers, both in ts subject and mode of treatment, more general points of resemblance to Hamilton’s lively “‘ Memoirs of De Grammont” than to any other work of a simi- Jar character that we are acquainted with. The azalogy between the careers of the two chevaliers— beth alike renowxed in the lista of fove and diplo. ‘macy—ie not more striking than that which existe ‘Detween the records of their adventures. La Harpe’s description of Hamilton's book applies with aimost equal felicity to the publication bofore us: “Of all frivolous works,” said that discriminating judge, “ it is the most agreeable and the most ingent- us. It is the production of a light and subtie mind, babituated in the corruption of courts to acknowledge no other check than ridicule; to cover the loosest manners with o varnish of elegance, and to render all thirgs subordinate to pleasure and gaiety. There ia cometbing of the style of Voiture about it, batit ia fer more highly finished. The art of narrating trifies so as to make much of them is to be found in erfection in its pages.” That s man who has the capacity and the eourage to write a book of this description should Jay claim to any great ardor or sincerity of feel, img, was of course too absurd a pretension even for ® person of Wikoff’s mental calibre to seek to im. pose upon his readers. His professions of attach. ment to the fair object of his pursuit are accord. NEW YORK HERALD, MONDAY, JANUARY 22, 1855. Pizuant exposures, to confirm the idea now gene rally entertained, of the ridiculous disproportion that existed between her admirer’s offence and its punishment. On a candid review of the whole circumstances of the case, it is almost impossible to avoid arriving at the conclusion that of the two the conduct of the lady was the most cen- sureble. If Wikoff deserves to be stigmatized as an unscrupulous fortune hunter, what shall we say of the woman who, for the gratification of an idle vanity, encouraged the attentions of a man of a no- toriously equivocal reputation in such matters, and whom no prudent fema’e, in a mere spirit of trifling, should have admitted to such intimate relations with ber? It must be borne in mind that she had neither youth nor inexperience to plead in extenuation of her wraccountabie folly. She cannot even lay claim to that infatuation of passion or sentiment which forms a palliation for most female errors. The whole context of her correspondence and her conduct im- mediately previous to and subsequent tothe trial, to say nothing of the conversations detailed in this book, show that her heart was never for a moment touched by any real feeling of love or even regard for her admirer. She was flattered by having, as she supposed, caught in her toils one of the gay Lotharios of Paris and London society, and she felt disposed to amuse herself at his expense, without siving him apy real hold over her. Is it to be won- dered at that a woman who should propose such a dangerous game to herself, should reap bitter fruits from her imprudence. Question- able as may be the taste which under ordiaary cir- cumstances might prompt a man to lay bare rela- tions which are usually considered sacred trom public observation, some jastification is to be foand im the preeent instance, in the fact that not only tbroughout the whole of the proceediogs before the Genoa tribuna!, but throughout the entire of Wi- keff’s long and weary captivity, a remorseless vindic- tiveness was exhibited by Miss Gamble, which dis- entitles her to any very de'icate consideration at his hands. Not satisfied with crushing him by the weight of a public condemnation, she sternly op- posed all the efforts made by his friends to shorten the term of his imprisonment, Had this relentless. ness of feeling arisen from any keen souee of serious ipjary on ber part, some paliation might be founi for it, bat her conduct immediately atter the offence of which her quondam lover was charged, as well as her subsequent declarations, show that in reality she attached but little importance to any effect whizh it might have upon her reputation. Uofor- tuna‘ely she fell into the hands of persons who instead of using efforts to soothe her wounded prile, only confirmed her in her revengefal impulses, and for motives bezt known to themselves, who urged her to proceed to extremes which all must aimit were cnwortby of a kind-hearted and high-minded woman. There are some curious circumstances connected with the Genoa trial which have never been satis” factorily explained, and which suggest the suapicion that high political influences were employed to en- sure a conviction. The fact, though long doubted, is now pretty well established that Wikoft, previous to this unfortunate affair, had been in tha pay of the English Foreign Office, either as a political writer or @ secret diplomatic agent, and had quarrelled with or been dismissed by Lord Paimerston. From the moment when Miss Gamble’s complaint agains’ him was brought wishin tae cognizance of the Eng lich Coneul, Mr. Timothy Brown, the mater, whica might have been easily hushed up, was made to aseumo @ serious aspect, ard every effort was used by him to inflame and exaspera‘e the feelings of the lady. Throughout the whole of the complicated pro- ceedings with which the unfortunate delinquent waa herassed belore his offence could be shaped by legal ingennity into a definite c:iminal charge, tue evil influence of this man is everywhere visible—stimu- lating, encouraging and advising the harshest mea- sures, and eupplying extraneous evidence to blast the character of the accused where it was appre. hended that the weakcezs of the direst testimony a¢duced might have failed in ensuriog the desirad result, Owing to recent political circumstances British inflaence was in the ascendant with the Sar- dipian government at the period when the trial took place, and Consul Brown seems to have sretched to the uttermost the advantages which he derived from this circumstance for the purpose of crushing the accused. As a specimen of the groes partiality with which judicial investigations are conducted uader the constitutional government of Sardinia, we wiil quote from the book a eketch of the second day’s pro- ceedings :— I roxe betimes next morning, greatly refreshed by a sound sleep, and was cheered during my breakfast by the news that the tide of opinion had turned strongly in my favor. The general impression amongst the officials of the prison was that I must be acquitted, from the absence of all proof showing criminality, either as to in- tention or ast. L set off, as before, with Roquino, a little after nine o'clock, tor the Tower prison, where I found the courier and Pietro in a better state of mind than on the previous day. I heard that the multitude aboat the doors of the ducal palace was denser than on the firs: day; for the noise of the trial had spread tarough the town, and curlonity as to the result had vastly increased the throng. I felt less mauvaise honte, now that the real nature of the case had become better known; and, on retting out for the Court, I decliaed the offer the sedan-chair, and no longer soug’st to conceal my- self from public view. As Imade my way, under the ercort of two carabiniers, through the crowd that dlled the courtyard, and lined the splendid staircase of the old alace of the Doges, now converted into halls of justice, received numerous marks of sympathy, and waa hailed by occasional cries of * viva !”” for I was generally looked upon by the public aa the victim of th ist Consul, who hed taken no pains to disguise his hostile proceed- ings against me. Pewas generally suppored that he was acting under the instructions of his goverament, and that I was, in fact, the object of a secret political in- trigue, which was carried ov under cover of @ mook-trial for the abduction of my affianced bride. 1 entered the court room about ten o'clock, ani took my seat ax before with the courier and Pietro in my neighborhood. Miss Gamble was already in her place, attended, as yesterday, by Miss Bennett and Mary, My astonishment was even greater than the day be- fore, to find that not a single lady was to be seen in any part of the courthouse, The men had it all to them selves, and the throng was extraordinary. Miss Gam- dle, however, seemed perfectly at her esse, though her manner gave tokens of irritation I had not observed on the previous day. I soon learned that she was in great apprehension at my possible acquittal, and it was natu- oa after having been urged to go so far to prevent it, that ane should feel disturbed at the chance of being de- feated. Before the judges cames in, I remarked that Mr. Timothy Brown was bustling about with » paper in his Band, that he flourishe:t aloft ever and anon as though it contained matter of importance. should not om't to say that the behavior of this eccen tric gentleman during the previous day had beea of « kind to attract general attention, which was, doubtless, his object; but it brought down upon him no small amount of blame and jeering, Hie had been requested to withdraw, along with the other witnesses, frum the court; bat not long afterwards he made hia way back again, and forcing himself through the crowd, in spite of the be ge trand of the huissiers, he got within the rail- fog, avd strode \owards the tribunal. This irregular proceeding provoked the murmurs of the pablic, and tue dent called on him, in a rough voice, to retire, bat, quite unconcerned, he approached and whispered {a his ear, and then clapping on his hat, as if to show his con- sular Rog 2 for the exception taken to his conduct, he shoved boldly through the crowd again, regardless of the laughter and sibilations that followed him, I saw no more of him for the rest of the day. But, as I was just saying, his manper on the prevent occasion showed that be coasidered the fortunes of the da rested entirely on his own shoulders, and th which he regarded me, as well as the sternne: demeanor, indicated he would unsparingly employ every means at his command to carry out hisobject, I was curious to know what was the new engine of destruction that he had to unexpectedly unmasaed, and I was in formed by my lawyers and Consul that, fearing my ac- Pky from the failure of the evidence against me, Mr. wn had thought it judicious to bring forward a doou- ment that he hoped would compromise me in public ngly merely used as a sort of decent vell to the more mercenary purpose which he had in view, and gthey are coupled with so many side whispers and imuendos regarding the lady’s age and absence of attractions, that they intimate prety plainly that no one is expected to believe them. To do him justice, there is very little hypocrisy about his book. According to his own portrait of bimself, hee stands confessed one of the most heartless and unscrupulous, but at the same time, it must be admitted, one of the liveliest and most amusing of gallante. It is not our purpose to follow him through the delicate intricacies of the liaison which he has thought it necesary to lay bare to the public eye, ia order to extenuate the effect of the Genoa verdict, Our of that decision have been long since forme d, and it did not require the evidences of the Jady’s folly snd indiscretion, furnished by thes e opinion, and afford a pretext to the tribunal fer my condemnation, if that were really their purpose, as sup- pored. “A well contrived trick,’’ I replied; ‘‘ but what is the nature of this document ?’’ “T have just glanced over it,’’ said my Con- sul, ‘and it seems to be a letter addressed to Mise Gamble by « former acquaintance of yours, and contains merely some sweeping expressions of avery abusive character.’’ [I may as well state here that the who was declared to be the writer of this ealumnious epistie was Mrs. —; but, happy to say that I received afterwards a writ! denial tr Mrs, —— that she ever penned anything of the sort. Mr. Brown was therefore guilty of a falsehood in as- signing Mrs. —— as the author of » lampoon he had ‘ibly concocted. PeBut bas ital Fthing to do with the ease in hand!’ [ ed. asked. ‘Not the loast in the world,” returned the American Consul. “Then, the object,” I continued, ‘is plainly, ay you suggest, to lower my character in the public view, and afford the tribunal, if so inclined, a justification for an | adverse sentence. ' Well, let them play the'r game out. Tpbeltzet.oppose the reeling of MMasrrelovant matter.” “But we shall,” said my lawyers, who were standing by; ‘for suah o-genseets is earn Seminal.” Tt was half-past 100’ before the judges entered and took their seats. The la of Miss Gamt Cabella immediately arose, and stated that Mr. Brown, the Eng- lish Consul, had brought ® document into that morning which threw jubts on the character of the ac- cused, Mr. Wikoff, therefore, in the and he ia interest of his client, Mise Gamble, that the sald docu- ly ment should be read. I gave m, assent to its readin, as deeaetads but Mow Maurislo arose, ee ioe vs citement, beg ei : ton “That just accor: by his al nt, Mr. snadig® would, on his ra responsi- bility, protest againet the ity of this singular roceeding. It is a well known enactment of our law,’’ the kind in questioa can be used on trial without five days previous no- tice to opposite party; and here, on wecond day of a trial, when the evidence is nearly closed, we find a con- cealed batt suddenly opened wy not in the sbape of Ppl oc vinoens but ie the uivocal one of a calumpious letter that says nothing the case in hand; and which, I may add, does little credit to its os- tensibleauthor. What motive can Mr. Conaul Brown have for this illegal and unfair manoeuvre other than to preju- dice the tribunal, and to justify the condemnation of wy client in the public eye? In a word, I protest against the admission of ths said document; first as illegal, and vext as irrelevant, bavi nothing whatever to do with the offence wy client is here to answer.’? ‘The Tribunal then called upon Mr. Brown to deposit the document be hela in their handa, and they retired 10 reflect upon what course it was best to adopt under he cireamstanres. It appears that the libellous letter in question had ecn dwy translated into Italian, and was meant to perate, therefore, upon such of the judges and the pub- lie who'did not understand the French and English anguuger, ‘The Court remained absent for near an hour, and, of ‘ourse, perused the invidious paper they had carried with them. Inasmuch ax the law clearly forbid its ad- mirsion as evidence, their duty was to overrale it at once, without leaving the bench. I merely instance this act of President Malaspina and his condjators to show how small therr deference for law or justice, On the return of the Tribunal, it was pronounced with much learged verbosity, that, according to the Sardinian code of procedure, no documents could be produced on {rial without five ‘days previous notice to the opposite party; andas this requisition had not been complied with in this instance, the document brought forward by Mr. Corsul Brown was inadmissible. One of my counsel then rose and objected to Mr. Brown being heard as witness, since article 304.0f the code declared that the name of every witness, iogether with a summary of the facts on which he ia to be inter- rogated, must be deposited at the secretary’s office at least twenty-four hours before the trial ; ani as this necessary formality had not been fulfilled in Mr. Brown’s case, he could not legally be admitted as a witness. ‘The Tribunal deciced that, although due notice had not been given as stated, according to the law, yet they considered themselves vested with a discretionary powor in the case, ond they would therefore grant their consent to the examination of the witness! Mr. Consul Brown was then called forward, and took his seat on a chair in front of the Tribunal. He had the complacent air of a man who ssemed to relish his work. Imagine the astonishment of the public when the Presi- dept declived to put him on oath, He was simply re- quested, as Mits Garcble bad heen on the day betore, to give his’ testimony on his honor. Now, it may have been a stretch of politeness to a lay, though she was both a plaintiff! and a witness, to allow her to testify ‘without being aworn; but what reason could President Malaspina give (and I here publicly demand it), for suffering Mr. Timothy Brown, a wit ness for the prosecution, and, aa shown, an ill witness besides, to give his testimony without being put oneath, according to law, both in Genoa and all the world over? Have I not the right to denounce my trial as a mockery, after such a barefaced violation of justice as this? ‘As the examination of Mr. Brown, by the President, was as curious as the rest, I ubjoin ft in full PResipxnt—Do you know Mr. Wikoff ? Brrmsit Consvt—I do. Prestpest—How long have you known him ? Brimsn Consvt—About four months. Presipent—What is bis moral character ? Bruns Consvr—Detestable. Prestpent—How do you know this? Brmsa Consur—I infer so from his conduct to Miss Gamble, and from what I have heard. Paesibext—Do you know whether he had any employ- ment under the British government? Brmisn Consut—! do not know, but I believe not. have, besides, spoken to the English Ambassador, who told me that it was imponsible. PrusipExt—Since the alfair between Mr, Wikoff and Mies Gamble, was there any negotiation through the medium of the American Conaul? Brinsu Consur— Yes. Prosipxst—Relate what you know respecting it. Brite Coxsvr—Wishinig that the name of a Indy should not be brought beloze the public, I dosired to negotiate with him to come to an understanding that Mr. Witoff should leave the country. Puesipxxt—Why eid Mr Wikoff refuse? Brien Coxsvt.—He did not refuse; but, in conse- quebce of delay or the part of the American Consul, the affair was divulged; besides, there was not time suflici-nt. Lafterwards saw the advocate general, for the purpose of speaking to him, but he replied, * It'is too late,”” Prrsipxxt—In the negotiation which took place, and in which you were engaged, what opinion did you form in regard to the transaction ? Brrnsn Coxsvt—I am persuaded that Wixoff was de- termined to ob ain Miss Gamble’s fortune either by love or force. At the close of his testimony Mr. Brown left his chair, and, instead of returning to his place he seated himself, to the surprise of all, alongside of the President, an: continued to supervise the proceedings with an air of au- thority that seemed to fe that his dicta was para- mount over both law and judge. He chatted familiarly with the judges, and must have said som things, from the giggling that frequently ens was not very decorous in so grave a place rt of justice ought to be; but the way judicial business ia managed in Genoa, taking this as a sample, is different from what I had ever seen in any other country before. Notwith- standing the inattention of my judges, I rose immedi- ately after Mr. Brown bad finished, and begged to ad- drers a few observations to the Court, I said: “It is not my dec to bandy words with Mr. Consul Brown, and I will, therefore, make no reply to the unnecessary aspersions he has chosen to cast upon me. I leave them in their spirit and taste to public appreciation, both here, in his country, and in mine, In Thave reason tobe satisfied that he has given such plain ex- pression to his feelings, and in language so intempe- rate, since it cannot fail to prove he has acted towards me throughout this puerile affair with a virulence that noone could bave expected of an Xnglish Consul, or an English gentleman. Bat let that pass. There is one dittinct declaration, however, on his part that I feel it necessary to notice on the spot. Mr. Brown has imed his disbelief that I have ever been in the employ of the British government. Nay, more. He bas stated that the English Ambassador a' Turin, Mr. Hudson, has declared that my repated con- nection with the British goverrment was ‘impossible |’ I must first express my regret that either the President of the Tribunal, or Mr. Brown, has thougut tit to mix up the British government with »0 frivolous a case as the one in hand; but Ihave no choice now but to follow their leading.’ It i# well known tothe Tribanal that I stated to the Judge of Instruction, and stated it only because Miss Gamble had revealed it, that almost up to of my arrest at Genoa I had been in the employ ‘tish government. If, then, the grave and de- tatements of the Consul and Ambassador of England are true, I stand before this Court and the public in the odioun light of an unmasked impos- tor. Humble a person as I really may be, veracity and position, thus needleaily asi are still dear to me ; and I have no alternative, there- fore, but to declare that the unqnalitied assertions of Mr. 'Connul Brown. and his Excell ney, Mr. Hudson, are untrue, and directly opposite to the fact. I beg, therefore, ¢o state that in September, 1850, Lord Pi merston, then Minister for Foreign Ai personally made to me: propositions to enter into the service of the British Foreign Office, which I fiually accepted, and entered upon my functions the October following. I continued in this exoployment during the years 1850 and 1861, when, for reasons I am not ealled upon to specify here, a misunderstanding arose, which may end in the close of my connection with the Foreign Office, but which has nut yet positively taken place. Surely nothing could have been easier than for Mr. Consul Brown, or the English Envoy at Turin, to inform them- selves of these facts by application te Lord Palmerston direct, or to the Fereign Office. It was their manifest duty ‘to éo so, both as discreet officials and as honorable nen, before venturing to pronounce me an impostor, I must, therefore, hold them jointly guilty of an act of unpardonable igrorance, since it is quite impossible to believe that an English Consul, or aa Eng lish Ambassador, would designecly state what they kvew to be false. In conclusion, I feel all the disadvantage [ labor under in having no more than my simple word to oppose to the emphatic disclaimer of Mr. Consul Brown, and of hi Excellency Mr. Hudson; but if any notice bad been given me to furnish proofs of my connection with the British government, I should bave promptly pro- duced them, I have nothing of the kind with me at Genoa; and if the sentence of the court is to depend on my proving that I have not been guilty of misrepresen- tation and falsehood, it needs must be registered against me. I have been gaken completely by surprise, must be allowed € say that the conduct of Mr.’ Consul Brown in this matter is as unfair and ungenerous aa in all the rest.”” I sat down; but my precise language and earnest tones failed to convince either the tribanal or the pub- lic that I had spoken the truth. Called to elect between the good faith of individuals holding places of sach im. portance and distinction ax thove of Consul and Ambas. sador of England, and that of # person in my unfortu- nate position, it was perfectly natural that the general impression should prevail that! had been guilty of sn unjustidable deception; and from that moment public sympathy began to diminish for me. Mr. Browo suc ceeded, at last, by s flagrant mis.statement, in breakin: down my position as a person worthy of confidence, an hia real object was thus cunningly achieved; for public opinion would take less exception to my conlemnation, ‘once supposed to be guilty of a gross imposture, how- ever innocent I might be thought of the abduetion of Misa Gamble. To show how cruelly I was belied in this matter, I aub- fon an extract from a letter of HU, Addington, Eaq., |. B, M. Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, which happened to be lying in the hands of my bankers, at Paris, at the very moment the events above were taking place:— Fonrtay Orrice, Nov, 24, 1861. Herr Wixory, Esq, &c., &c.—Sir’ In reply to the letter which you addressed to Viscount Palmerston, on the 31st of October, Iam directed to observe to you that the sole object of the arrangement which his lordship made with you in the autumn of last year, was to make known clearly, through the medium of the French and the United States press, the liberal, and, especially, the pacific character of the policy of her Majesty's govern: mest. © . . * . Pee therefore, directed to state to you that Lord Palmers! considers that the engsgement taken with you n ould roperly cease, a8 ready announced to you, wr Jone of this year, but in order that you may twelvemonth’s notice of its cessation, he will eontinne, until the end of June next, 1852, the rate of paymen' which you have already received, and on the of June that allowance will ingly cease altogether. Tam, sir, your obedient and humble wit H. U. ADDINGTON. The American Consul was the last witness that w: callea. He appeared in his a of res- pect for the court; and next, to show that he tookan official interest in what was going on. He considered the tribunal under the influence of Consul Brown, and he meant, by wearing his uniform, to shew that he at- tached im to the fact. He was requested to take his oath. He made no objections, though he was greatly astonished, as well as the public, that the testi- mony of the lish Consul had been received on his honor, whilst he, though appearing in his official caps- city, was desired to be sworn. Could anything be more gross than the partiality of the tribunal ‘prosecution ? ‘These are strange facts and lead to strange in’ ferences. It would be difficult to account, on apy rational or conventional grouods, for the perti- nacity with which the English Consal insisted on carrying into court a case which might have been 5) easily arranged out of it, and still less for the inveterate personal hostility which he manifested towards the accused throughout the whole of the tifal. Can it realJy be that he was acting under ia- structions frcm Lerd Palmerston, and that there were ressons that rendered it desirabfe that Wikoff should be either put out of the way, by being seut to the galleye, as was first contemplated, or that he should be so damaged in public estimation as to throw discredit on any statements that he might choose to make in reference to his connection with the British Foreign Office? Thia isan inquiry that will naturally suggest itxlf to the mind of the reader, on a careful perusal of the facts of the case ; but the mystery in which it is involved is not hkely to be cleared up until Wikoff publishes his promised history of bis relations with the British government. One of the cleverest and most amusing chapters of the book is the description of the interview waich took place between Wikoff and Thurlow Weed, since the arrival of the former in New York. Commen- tary would only spoil Ita effect: — AN OLD FOX CAUGHT IN A TRAP, Before my book was wholly out of the printer’shands, I felt a lively itching to get hold of Mr. Thurlow Weed who had libelled me in so uncosscionable a manner, as I have already stated. “Who is Blennerhasset?”’ dewand- ed the eloquent Wirt, a long time ago; and he set to work to explain as nobody bat himself really knew. But who Thurlow Weed is, it is quite unnecessary to say; for who don’t know bim, at least, in this glorious Empire State of ours? From the time of Morgan’s disappear- ance, (the recreant Mason.) and his subsequen: dis- covery, without whiskers, by this adroit, and some say, unscrupulous politician, ‘more than twenty years ago, he has been hard at work mancuvreing, paragraphing, and lobbying, in order to build up his owa party, and pull the other down, till, at last, we behold him Jo 2ri- omphe, at the very top of the political dung-bill, fapping bis wings and crowing with a lagtiness that may be heard all the way to Washington. The moment was op- portune to approach him; for success, like heat, opens the pores of the heart, and I thought I might beable to awaken his sympathy, if I tailed to find his con- science. Mr. Weed did 'me incalculable injury by the insidious version he published, two years ago, of my courtship and subsequent ‘‘abduction’? of Miss Gam- ble, ‘The matter was so exciting—the parties so well known, that everybody read it; ani written by Mr.Weed on the spot, at the dictation of Miss Gamble, as he stated, everybody believed it, Whereas the story was an ingenious misrepresentation from beginning to end. Regarding Mr. Weed as the dupe of Miss Gamble’s frolic. some fancies, and believing that he had merely recorded what she bad related, I thought it only fair to give him a chance to retract. ‘The job, however, was a delicate ose, Anecitor hasavatural aversion to inform his readers that he has misled them. Besides, if Mr. Weed, asa chronicler, proved that he was not to be trusted, mighi not people hereafter put less faith in the politi- cian? Worse than all,as Mr, Weed had taken Miss Gamble’s side witbout due investigation, it was very awhward for him to turn round and take up adverse position to his former protégée, and accuse her of having falsitied, One thing or the other it was necessary for him todo. To confess that he bad defamed me unintentionally, aad be for- given; or to declare that he stood by his libel, and be convicted by an impartial jury. It was impossible to imagine a cubtle pelitician in a worse predicament, and I was curicus to see what means he would empioy to get out of it. Iwas sure the public would enjoy the sport, for though our sympathies may be touched by the trembling gazelle as it files from the hunter, who cares for the fate of an old fox who has numberless tricks to answer for? I was told he was very adroit. Iknew no one was a greater adept in the mysteries of hocus pocus than himself, Feeling Iwas no match for a politizal Juggler of sush rare skill and large experience, I saw That if I were not very cautious, Mr. Weed would alip through my fingers, and leave me high and dry, with- out retractation, or a case for a jury. Caution is a bump that phrenologists tell me { totally lack, and 50 opposed is my nature to deliberation that I always throw myself headlong at my object, male or female, and leave the rest to inspiration, Audscity bas done more for me than prudence, and I have often rushed in, as the proverb saya, when angels would have stopped at the threshold, Without any warning, I meant to confront Mr. Weed suddenly, for the coolest men are ofter thrown on their haun:hes by surprise, I took the steamer, December ', for Albany, and at eight next morning found myself in the neat of. fice of the Evening Journal. I was informed Mr. Weed was at the Astor House, New York. This was vexatious, but if I bed written to him, I might never have found him at all. Iwas shrewd enough not to give my name, but took the H. R. railway at eleven A. M. back again. Without meaning it, Mr, Weed had given me a dodge at the outset. It looked as if he were under the influence that ruled th, when he said to his adversary, “Of all men else have avoided thee.” “Is Mr, Weed in the hotel?” I asked at the office of the Astor, which I reached by five the same afternoon. “He is talbing with some gentlemen in the rotunda,”” was the answer. “Point him out to me?” I said to a waiter, for I had never seen him. He did ao, and I approached a very tall man, of middle who turned as 1 sounded his name, would like an hour's conversation with you this evening,” Teaid, addressing him, “‘on important busi ness. He peered curiously in my face, and looked as if he wondered who the deuce I could be. 1 didn’t mean to tell him then. = t me ree,’’ he replied at me the time, have not dined yet? ee : 1 you be at Ieinure by eight o'clock” 1 inquired He meditated « moment, but curiosity predominated. “Yes, you will find me at eight o’clock.”” I smiled frequently, whilst eatiog my own dinner, at thinking what a dose awaited the unsuspecting editor of the Evening Journal, Ihad to swallow mine when flat on my back in an Italian prison. Ho can bolt his with the best wine of the Astor House to wash it down, whilst érinuing to the victory of his own candidate for Gov- or. “Tbave come rather before my time,’’ I said apolo- Ny, a8 Tentered Mr. Weed’s parlor. I thought it ’ ap come earlier tham expected, lest he might be out o way. “Don’t mention it,’ he said, pleasantly offering me a chair, “Iam very glad to see you.”? ‘You, may be Jess #0 when you hear my name is “Wikof!? he ejacula' and nearly dro; the poker he was apeestabing ti fire with, Tindeen he continued, staring at me in astonishment. “+ Yes, have called on you, Mr. Weed, to ask why you did not do as much for me when you were in Genoa, and 1 bad 2 prison, before publishing a defamatory state- ment Mr, Weed poked the fire unmercifally—hemmed—asked me if I wouldn’t prefer sitting on the sofa—or if liked a rockingchair best, and he offered me his own. was dreadfully put to it, and to give him tims to recover, and get his wits to rights, I went on rattling about Genoa, Mixs Gamble, myself, himself, aud the wonderful account he had given of the whole matter. I was perfectly cool, courteous and secretly amused. By thin time Richard was himself again, He got down into acorner of the sofa near to me; his face was flushed, but his agitation was inward, for externally he was calm. ad been analyzing him whilst talking. His manner was soft and conciliatory. Subtle men are said tu have thi Jiarity. His face had an agreeable as- it, but his troubled me considerably. It was dif. ult to see ii il, for his eyebrow was heavy and busby, and he could let it down like » curtain, until the organ was nearly invisible. T’'ll make him open his eyes before we part, I mentally resolved. “Tansure you,’’ said Mr. Weed, in an expostulating tone, ‘I never dreamt the little story I wrote home about it wonld go beyond Albany. “ it might not, if it bad been written with less skill.’” Mr, Weed was not insensible to compliment, I saw, for ‘grinned a ghastly smile” at the allusion to his ability. He then began talking of Miss Gamble, and I soon penetrated his tactics. He was misled by my manner. favor of tne Heeing I was not at all angry, he thouglit he couid dandle me into a pliant mood, OY repeating all the flat- tering things Miss Gamble hi L affected to give way to his soothing treatment, for he would be less on his guard if he thought [ had fallen into his tra, ure you,’’ he said in a purring way, ‘sho showed the liveliest interest for you—almost talked of you with tears in her eyes—read over to me all your let- ters—which were admirably written.” I amiled, that he might think he was doing me. « ’* he went on, ‘‘she was dreadfully shocked at your ng shut up in prison.’ + Well, Tadmit, Mr. Weed,’ [replied in a gentle voice “chat Lam deeply gratified at these details, which i doubt, as you assert them. It appears, thea, Le Gamble was really attached to a she admit “Yer, as to your alfection for her. She wondered why you did not oiler marriage in her best days, but waited till she bad come into a large fortune ’” ‘This was sly hit, which he thought would dampen me somewhat, ‘She may have eaid this to you,’’ I continued, ‘ but she in ly rrgy to my Consul, Dr. Baker, and to eve- rybody else, that I had gone stark mad about her. She Suieed herself too highly to believe that her fortune alone drew me on; she knew, further, that I nada hand- some salary from the English government; and she was, also, aware that [had abandoned for her another match, with a large fortune. It is idle, though, to discuss these matters now. What! want boy i “Do you know,” persisted Mr, Weed, hoping to soften me this time effectually, ‘‘ that I should not be aston- ished if it ended in s marriage yet’? I always thought #0, and said as much to Mire Cambie.” ‘but nothing to the contrary.” It was then the best thing,” I declared; ‘‘ but now By-the-by, ou ‘have not told me yet why her story, without coming to hear mine,” y? he returned, a] tly surprised. “There was a reason at the time. me see.’” He spey at his segar, nat: looked up and dowo in search of some ingenious “There ought to be a good reason, Mr. Weed,’’ I re- marked; for both asa journalist and a just man, it was blameable to publish an exparte statement, ‘If you had ro come to me’’. “Oh! I remember,”? he resumed, ‘' what prevented me. I had nearly forgotten it.’” ‘¢ What was it?” I asked, really curious. “Yes, that was it. 1 knew there was something;”’ and be jumped up and put his back to the fire, as though he wished to warm up his idea before diabing it. “Well T queried, ‘Why, in snort, Iwas told that you relied on the British government for protection, and that you didn’t care about baving anything to do with icans.’? Bravissimo! I cried to myself; Talleyrand himself could not have done better. If I had allowed ayes to be disarmed by this absurdity, be would have an excuse for the public, anid a quietus for me, “It ia strange,” I replied, with the utmost gravity, “that a man of your sagacity was so easily misled; for Pres ym that the champion of Miss Gamble was the itish Consul, whilst the United States Consul, Dr. Baker, was my sole defender. From this, it appears that you twok the British side of the question.’”’ “Well, I may be mistaken,” said the astra onal cian, not inthe least abashed to find his rocket fly back in bis own face. “ But let me ask you # question or #0,’’ I continued, ‘about the famous ‘abduction.’ What did Miss Gamble tell you about that?” ‘“*Not s word to your discredit,’’ replied Mr. Weed; and off he went again on the soothing tack. ‘She said dintinetly that you were not guilty of the smallgst inde- licacy in word or act.’” wh ‘A ou don’t say so!’’ quoth I, this time greatly astonis! 4 ‘Indeed Ido,” he continued. ‘She said that she never bad the least apprehension of an: peng (Mr. Weed has stated this to others, as will be own. Thave got you in a tight place at last, methinks, was my inward reflection. “That is very important, Mr. Weed,” I remarked alond, ‘Are you sure that your recollection seves you faithfully?” “Tcan’t be mistaken in that,’’ he replied; “for I wrote down all she id the moment I left her, and while it was fi n my mind.” ‘That ia all I t,’? 1 said in a tone of satisfaction; “if Miss Gamble told you I treated her with deference, then Iam satisfied. Indeed, her going to sleep at the ‘Iron Crown,’ under my protection, after Jeaving my apartment, is proof enough of my previous good beha- vior, What did she say about that 7” Hii ce admitted it, but I don’t recollect exactly what she”? —— ‘« Well, never mind,” I said carelessly; for I thought it best not to push him too hard. I therefore changed my ground at once. ‘Did anybody urge you into wri- ting against me, Mr. Weed?’ [ asked. “T think not,” he said, looking rather puzzled. “T was told that Miss ——, had a hen in it.’? “No, for I saw her at Florence, and after I left Genoa.) « How did you like Italy, Mr. Weed ?”” “Very much, indeed.’ “dare say you found Rome the most interesting place of all??? “Tthink on the whole it was. By-the-by I should mention an amusing thing that occurred there con- necte’ with you.” “AbD? “Yes, Mr. Cass got me a private audience of the Pope, and as we were driving there together, he turned round to me and said, * series know why I wanted you toseethe Pope? An old friend of mine has got into trouble at Genoa, and I wish you to ask the Popeto in- tercede for him with the King of Sardinia,’ and then be began to relate your affair. ‘Bless my soul!’ I exclaimed, ‘why didn’t you teil me that before. I can’t speak to the Pope in his favor, for I have taken up the other side, and written a full account of it home,’ ‘What,’ caid Mr. Cass, quite taken aback, ‘was it you who wrote that?’ and so the subject dropped be- tween us, and the Pope escaped the intended applica- ion. “At that time,” I returned. ‘But Mr. Cass is not the map to give up his point, or abandoo a countryman ia distress. He went to the Pope himself about the matter. But 1 will not detain you longer, this evening, Mr. Weed,” I said, rising, for we have been talking over an our. “T bave a little engagement on hand,” he observed, no doubt anxious to get me off. “Thave brought you a copy of my book, as far as it is printed,” Lobserved, handing it to hint, ‘Read it over, that you may see how dreadfully you have slan- dered me. "Here is your own publication, too, in a Pacis journal, copied from a London one. Compare them to- gether, and I will drop inon you to-morrow, to hear what you think of it. At what hour shall I find you 9” Mr. Weed looked as though I was treating the matter very methodically, but he ans wered— “Weil, Ta) be in at about two o’clock.’? “T shall not fail,” I said, bidding him good night. “Pray, do not come out I know the way.” How polite people are apt to be when they have done you a wrong. Iwas content with my first interview with Mr. Thur- low Weed. His manner clearly indicated that he found himself in an uncomfortable position, and he made ad- missions that surprised me beyond measure. His al declarations were in flagrant contradiction to his writ- ten statement, and I was at a loss to account for it. Both could not be true, He seemed disposed, as I thought, to do me justice, and when he reads over im; history of the affair, supported by such conclusive testi- mony, he will not scruple, I concluded, to retract his caluinnies, and express his regrets. 1 was pleased to think Iehuuld have no difficulty with him, though I bad been advised, as a matter of policy, to sue bim. Sve him for libel, said many of ay frien‘, and that will give more notoriety than ever to your book, and enlarge its sale. Others said, don’t see him, but write tohim. I’ he commit himself on paper, you have him at greater advantage. Be on your guard, or he will get the whip band of you in some way. I felt the wis- lom of these prudential suggestions, but the truth is, I always believed that Mr. Weed had either given way to his prejudices, or been misled by Miss Gamble. I had no disporition, therefore, to harass him with a libel suit, or to lay any snares for him; but I determined to use what little tact I was master of to draw him iato an acknowledgment of his fault, which rho his own sense and good fee! would not resist, In that case I would be satisfied with » few liaes of apolo:y. It was in this humor that I returned, on December 2, at two o’cleck, to the Astor House. I encountered, on entering, one of its proprietors, the energetic Stetson, whom I had not met since my return. After a word cr two of mutual greeting, I congratulatea him on tho Astor House maintaining its —_— against the splen- did rival establishments lately sprung up, that were making New York the wonder of the world. 0 yen,” he said, rubbing bis hands, ‘+ we are getting on as well as ever; and in spite of ‘all their gilding, where’ the hotel to surpass this in design, exteat or convenience ?”’ “You are right,” I replied; ‘for there’s a solid may nificence about the Astor Hoase that, like Shakspeare’s fami not for a day, but for all time.’ ” I found Mr, Weed in his room, waiting for me. He was a good deal steadier in manner than the previous evea- ing, and he was evidently better prepared to shape ae his liking, rather than, perhaps, to my inte- re “Well, Mr. Weed, have you read tke book ?’’ I began. ‘Thave been so much occupied,” he replied, “ that I bave only had time to look over a few pages.” ‘This was very abrewd on his part, for hb girne an opinion, by Pretending not to hi ie However, I meant to follow him up closely to- got rid of read the ay. “What do you think of it as far as you have gone?’ “Why,” be said, trying to look very ianocent, ‘I don’t see that the facts related by you differ very mach fram thore given by Miss Gamble. ‘The discrepancies are not very serious, and, in short, it is pretty mach the same story.” Icculdn’t help admiring the calm assurance of this ee dissembler; but 1 was not to be discomfited so easily. “ They are so far the same,’’ I replied, ‘that the hero and heroine of both are Miss Gamble and myself; bat inallelse they are as wide as the poles asunder. In your statement there are many events fully detailed that never occurred. You say, for instance, that I followed Mies Gamble, after contriving a plot with her courier, from Turin to Genoa, at the very hour I wae dining with the Sardinian Cabinet at Turin. You as also, thet I gave the lady one dose of chloroform, a1 threatened another. Now these ‘ciscrepancies’ may seem trifling enough in your eyes, but they are not so in mine. Besides, the coloring you gave your version hout was adroitly calculated to lower me in pub- m. Come, Mr. Weed, be more just and less in. genioas, Can’t you ray seconthing more satisfactory #’? replying to me, he expressed himself in so many dif- ferent phrases, each contradicti at you had the woman in your hands Lalf-a-dozen times, and I don’t understand how ® man of the world Jike you, and a Aiplomatist to boot, could let her stip out 40 of en” le had dropped his tone of blandishment, was now trying the effect of an “Why, Chad no wish to hold her against her will,’’ I returned; '‘and for that matter, Iam not the first’ di- plomatist outwitted by Miss Gamble. I would match her w, and ‘essive ont Jor stratagem against more knowing heads than mine. Bhe has managed to get you into a rather awkward scrape, it appears. I don’t accuse her of want of prin- ciple, but there is a «iableri¢ in her disposition she can- not control [remember she told me that sundry years ago rhe tormented come early admirer of hers till the solved, out of pity, that if he asked her again she ld consent, expected to meet him at some ball, she made up her mind, she said, not to tri more, They met, and towards the close of the evening her offended vietim crossed the room to speak. ‘Icouldn’t help it,’ she declared; ‘but the moment I saw him coming, I bolted in, an opposite direction, and he never spoke to me L bee So you nee, Mr. Weed, if you and I have both in turn been made a ahuttlecock, it is because she cannot help it.’” “That is a very striking anecdote you have related.” returned Mr. Weed, wiping his spectacles, as though he wanted to see clearer and further. “Perhaps you couidn’t get om, as the matter was not to your taste,’’ I said, returning to the book, “On the contrary, f found it very amusing. It will “y we and make a great sensation. But it has 8 faul “If it had only one, Ishou'd be @ lucky author, To what do you allude?” “To a certain hei f of tone that seems at war with sentiment. In word, there is more of calculation, ap- parently, than feeling, in your pursuit of Miss Gamble, which leaves your reader in doubt whether it was ber person or her purse that inspired you.’’ ‘*T have beard the remark before,” I admitted, and it is just. B. object waa simply to relate the incidents of my courtabip, so much distorted, and not to reveal the licden impulses that led to them. | would rather any personal vio-_ ihe other, that it put | VOL. XxX. lanza dhe padiie to indge unfavorably, than to make an ae of the oe Ag heart. Jans anh beseaeed enou; authors! # window in my breast, opening on the street There was not in the Shane deeeriond Se eeelale S. 25K 4 jamble coque' pos our marriage, for Jove of the thing: and instead of plying her w treaties, the usual way, I loyed various ruses js ong feat her. This was from and policy, and not calculation or a want of affection.”? “Oh! 1 understand it now,” “ th Seepd su Beat Ay roaeng 1 Wart recorded 0: vel sparring, ‘cons: fact, the male part of your courtship.”” . “Those uot unfamiliar,” I counter-currents of the h ardent in certain natures 1s the zest they take in contending with each other. At our age and our characters, a sentimental ala « was out of the ques- tion; but the stolen look, the involuntary sigt, the un- bidden bluab, that betray love’s infection, may not have, been wanting !n our case; but such things are not told ip print. As I have written my story, 1 may have left myself exposed to the suspicion of motives, which I regret; but my chief aim was to vindicate my~ felf against the disreputable acts falsely attributed me. “Just so,’ observed the stoical politician, who wae more likely engrossed with some new party intngue than edited by my dissertation on the vagaries of the crack: brained. : “Did Miss Gamble tell you, Mr. Weed,” I asked ab- rapoy, coming to the point, ‘‘that I attempted to chlo- roform hert’? “Yes ; she said you tried it once, but only im, bea Se You threatened, if forced to it a second time, not 10 fail. ‘She wished you, then, to believe that I contemplated an out upon her,”’ “y, ¢ replied; “something of that sort.’? an she say I gave it a second time, as I threaten- No.” “Then, did she leave you to infer that—that I wae not ‘forced’ to admivister a second dose??? “J don’t know,” reaponded Mr, Weed, getting rather perplexed. “Now, all this see to me somewhat inconsistent with her telling you, as stated last night, that I acted with the greatest delicacy, and that had not the Jeast apprehension of personal violence. Just what she often told the United States Consul at Genoa’? “Why, yes,” Mr. Weed confessed, “ it is rather con- tradictory.”” ‘And didn’t it strike you so at the time, a sharp man like you??? ‘Well, no,” be persisted; ‘¢ she worked it all into one story so ingeniously, that I didn’t see the incon. ' gruity. Ithought the time had now come to make him open his eyes, if possible; so | added— “Twill tell you something, Mr. Weed, that may sur- prite you,” “Ah )? he said, as if quite on his guard. “Are you aware that Miss Gamble denies that she ever said a word to you about chloroform 7? “What!? he cried, as though a» thunder-bolt had hit him; avd his eyebrows flew right up his forehead, He stared at me in amazement, and his eye eparkled as though his mind was suddenly illu- mined, I scrutinized this almost invisible feature of his with ¢are, and found in it the elements of his char- acter. There was merely, resolution, cunning, and dash of good nature. ‘What!’ he repeated; ‘(who told you thisy’” «A friend of hers, lately, in London,” Mr. Weed recovered himself ina moment, and down went the eyebrows again. He meditated, and was silent. 1 saw! should get no more out of him, and I rose. “Well, sir,”” I said, in a more decided tone than be- fore, ‘what do you propose doing for me?” “ cannot say exactly,” he replied, looking down at his boots, ‘for I have no‘ read the book.?? “How long will that take your” T asked, “Some two or three days *” “Keep it then until you have perused it, but do not let it go out of your hands.”” “T promise you that.’? “And, what then, Mr. Weed?” ‘Why, then, when the book appears,’’ he said, mov- ing off towards his bedroom, ‘1 shall’ say something that will be satisfactory to you.” ‘This was anot capital artifice of the Albany Machia- vel, for if Thad accepted his offer he would ‘have writ- ten 4 pleasant paragrapb or so about the book, taking case, of ecurse, pot to compromise himself, or seriously contradict the story he had once published. ‘No, that will not do, Mr. Weed,” I said, rather de- termined. ‘(I would like you to write mea letter, at once, admitting that you disparaged me in error, and adding what regrets you please.”? “Very well,” he returned reluctantly, ‘I will try and do what I can” ** You will write to me, then?” “eT will.? “Tp what time?” ‘In two or three days.” ‘* That will do, and I shall be glad to let the matter drop there’? ‘e parted on the best of terms. en do you Jeave for Albany ?’’ I asked, return- ing. “ To.morrow morning, early”? ‘Tshall not ree you then again; and £0 good-by.”” It is superfluous, I take it, to make apy comment on the foregoing conversation. The stopendous contradic- tion in which Mr, Weed involved himself, by saying that Mies Gamble bad testified to my gentle behavior towards her, after he had published ber declaration that I had employed chloroform for felonious purpose, wan so palpable that I supposed he would be delighted to get ‘ut of his false position in the easy and pleasant manner had suggested. It cannot bo cenied that I acted in a cancid and liberal spirit in all this, I was blamed, as I seid, for want of caution. I preferred yielding to my im- pulses, however, trusting, as I have done a hundred times, ‘to the port's foresignt:— Our indiscretion sometimes serves us well, When our deep plots do fail; which should teach us There’sa Divinity doth shape our ends, Rough-hew them as we will sed the Astor House about two o'clock, next day, aed thought I woukd lok in. Sure enough, I found the ly of the Keening Journal seated quietly in his room, up to his knees in newspapers. “What, not gone?” I excinimed, No,” ‘he sald, placidly, “I am waiting for the Mes- sage. “Not read the book yet??? “No, Tam so busy.” “] dare say,” and I sat down at his request, We had a cliat on foreign politics, and then got back to Cuba question. I found the views of Mr. Weed thore of a practical politician, but expressed with his usual times on vagueness, ation, herag's, # at “ Non-committal’’ was so long the order of the day at Albany, that it has likely become an endemic there. I had .no with to renew our conversation on the same topic, and soon got up to go. Mr. Weed, h a final attempt to gain a point, windward,” as sailors say, for he remark “Tforgot to say that Miss Gamble tol Lay against her ou me the influences you cou! got round her old nurse, and won over x friends ?”? ‘ou eom- bring to ; that several of “All's fair in lov would be my Mr. Weed, as in polities, and that excuse if it was so, but I did nothing of the kind. You know Miss Gamble, and wust admit that a woman at her time of life, of her intellect, singu‘ar character, and vast experience in coquetry, is not wheedied and infuenced againat her will, likes girlin bos baie No, sir, that accusation is as groundiess as e rest. With that I left him, he promising to ‘do his duty,’” as he said, and I, never doubting but be would. aa I wrote to him at Albany the succeeding aay to say I had read over his Gencese letter of two back, and counted no Jess than twenty instances of rank fabrica- tion. I touched Ly his notion of “influences” again, and ridiculed it. No answer to this. 1 wrote again, to request the return of my book, as my publisher was un- easy aboutit. The book was returned, but no letter. Reveral days elapsed, when LF og a ce friend to ad- dress him, but the oracle of the Journal has. This is neither courteous nor busi- ness like, Tay to the public; repeeel to the friends of Mr. Weed; I appeal to Mr. Weea ;,am I not en- bh tg so jst Is this e “luxury too daring,” as Mil- on The above bad alread; ie to press, when I reeeived the following letter from Mr. Thatlow Weed, which. con firms in its spirit and matter so completely my relation of the interviews with that gentleman, that all must ad- mit its fidelity. This letter is quite = in its way; for whilst its a + design is to extenuate his pre- vious misstatement, it, in fact, reiterates anmodified it worst features. Let the reader judge for himeelf:— Decexnen 12, 1854. Hexry Wixorr, Esq.—Dran Sim—The unpublished volume which you handed me in New York, was re- manded by express before I found leisure to finish read~ \ | ing it, and I was called from home without having time to answer your letter, | _ On my return 1 found a letter from John B. Scoles, given no response. Feq., indicating your purpose of seeking legal address in the event of my being unable to Sat eee voluntary | a as you felt that you havea right to clam rom me, Jam constrained to repeat what I remarked to you in cenveraation, that #0 far as Lhad proceeded in your re- ions concernirg Miss Gamble, | did not discover the ncies between that lady’s version to bei b bevy Bom tesy naturally leave different impressions. Miss Gamble, gs conversations with me, seemed tak, unreserved, and sincere, and I certainly left her Mul strong belief in the trathfulness of her state- The accusation which you regard as most injurious to By Tepnta and Fe you sre most anxious & iven by her re would use it in earnest. You informed me that Gamble denied having made this statement. If to your enial of this accuent hers is su; |, Lam bound to believe that I misunderstood her in that particular, You deny, lao, that you followed Miss Gamble from Turin to Genoa, having arr with her courier to de- lay her journey, This conflicts with Miss Gamble’s statement. I only know thet I gave the circumstances substantially as} received them that lady, who LT am persuaded was sincere in her belief of their truth. Respectfully, your obedient servan' THURLOW WEED. This letter was dated December 12, but mailed only on the 17th, and reached me on tention of the tain. Mr. Weed took ample time, therefore, for deliberation. ia prominent ite of this sis production. Weed still hie heat os it were, whence to & back door, as should the pressure be too’ hard, for he 8) always of not having read the book, after retaining it for bo than five days, wi only as many hours were necessary. It was hi ay clearly to read it forthwith, as he wad called upon for a prompt repara- tion, and it is strange, indeed, that he shoull give 6 had doneso. As it is, he ventures clare that Miss Gamble’s ‘account is substartialiy corroborated by your narrative,’ without explaining