Croydon, 14th December 1851.
Sin—I am inclined to fear that you talented gentlemen of the press will (unnecessarily) increase the cordial hatred which the generality of the French people bear towards Great Britain.
I can see no possible good result from the repeated abuse of Louis Napo- leon, adopted by nearly all our newspapers, even before the writers can be fully aware of the whole of the circumstances which occasioned the recent coup d'etat.
I write with every feelin,,e of respect for the influential writers in our pub- lic prints ; but I own I much regret the interference with the affairs of other nations; and with too much reason, I dread the provocations we give not only to France but to Russia, Austria, to other European Powers, and even to America, will are long involve us in the horrors of a war, which may now easily be brought to our own door—and for which we are totally unpre- pared. Be assured, that steam, the galvanic medium of communication, and new and most terrible organs of destruction, have laid us open to the machina- tions and invasion of an enemy ; which our insular situation and the com- mand of the ocean in former wars rendered impracticable.
I am, Sir, very respectfully yours, PRUDMIS, TIMIDUS. have reason to believe that the prompt and energetic measures of the President obviated a terrible civil war, which the Socialists and Red Re- publicans would have effected.
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