Portland Gazette, And Maine Advertiser

From our Pittsburgh Correspondent.

To the Editor:

A gentleman -

minister, one morning called on Armstrong, and presented him a paper upon which was written, in substance "the Bearer is authorised to confer with the American minister." He asked Mr. Armstrong if he recognised the hand writing who replied he did: that it was the hand writing of Mr. Talleyrand.—The gentleman then began conversation in which he set forth the great interest which the Emperour took in every thing that Concerned the U. States; after much general conversation he touched upon the subject of our differences with Spain. He stated that the emperour was sensible that Spain had been guilty of great wrongs towards the United States, and that he was disposed to lend his assistance to the United States in obtaining redress. Mr. Armstrong expressed his satisfaction at these sentiments of the emperour, and the great anxiety of his government to have their differences with Spain, especially that respecting the boundaries of Louisiana, adjusted. The French man replied that his majesty would undertake to have the whole dispute between the two nations settled to the satisfaction of the United States, upon certain conditions. Armstrong wished to know the conditions, the Frenchman stated that the only Conditions would be that the United States would pursue a course directed by his majesty, and make to him a reasonable compensation for his good offices—Mr. Armstrong appeared somewhat disconcerted, when the Frenchman observed he would leave him to reflect upon the subject, and call and resume the conversation upon the next day.

When the Frenchman next called, Mr. Armstrong requested him fully to explain the course of proceedings which his majesty contemplated adopting —The Frenchman then stated that his majesty would recommend, that as the opening of the session of Congress the President should, in his message, adopt a resolute and indignant tone respecting Spanish aggressions: such tone as would induce a belief that hostilities would be resorted to, unless prompt and ample redress was obtained. Upon the appearance of this document, his majesty would cause it to be represented to the Spanish court, that his sense of justice compelled him to consider Spain the aggressor ; that justice ought to be done to the United States : and if it was not, his majesty would be compelled to take part with the latter. This course of conduct, the French man remarked, would without doubt, induce Spain to adjust her disputes with the United States upon such terms as his majesty should dictate; & those terms his majesty would undertake should be satisfactory to the U S That in return for this important service, his majesty would expect the United States to pay him a sum of money to be agreed upon, but not to exceed seven millions of dollars. Mr. Armstrong informed the French-man that he would lose no time in communicating the proposals to his government, and thus the conference ended.

Every man must recollect the course that was pursued. A high toned message was sent to Congress. A confidential message equally spirited was afterwards communicated—and Congress voted two millions of dollars to be disposed of in our foreign intercourse, which was to be sent, not to Spain, but to Paris.

It will be asked, whence an obscure individual, in the western woods could obtain this information—In this too, the public shall be gratified. At that time Mr. Robert Smith was Secretary of the Navy, and John Smith was a Senator from Ohio, high in favor of administration, but a juggle like this was entrusted to none from whom it could well be concealed—We received our information from John Smith of Ohio, who stated to us, that he saw a copy of the letter in the hands of Robert Smith, who was, or affected to be, very indignant at the measure—and who communicated the whole transaction to him—

Many reasons induce us to credit this statement. It explains wherefore Robert Smith was made Secretary of State, and wherefore Thomas Jefferson remained his fast friend after he was dismissed by Madison—It explains wherefore John Smith was persecuted almost unto death as the destruction of his character might render him undeserving of credit— It explains wherefore. Mr. Madison told Mr. Randolph that " France wanted money and must have it"—It explains wherefore Mr Armstrong is now Secretary, at war— and it helps to explain wherefore Mr. Gallatin is now sent to Russia—there are but few, very few, to whom it would be safe to confide the secrets of our foreign negotiations !