He was unselfish.

By three presidents whom his tact and shrewdness had helped to elect he was offered the English mission and scores of other important positions, but he invariably declined.
Lincoln selected Weed to attempt the reconciliation of the "New York Herald," which had a large circulation in Europe, and was creating a dangerous public sentiment abroad and at home by its articles in sympathy with the Confederacy.

Though Weed and Bennett had not spoken to each other before for thirty years, the very next day after their interview the "Herald" became a strong Union paper.

Weed was then sent to Europe to counteract the pernicious influence of secession agents.
The emperor of France favored the South.

He was very indignant because Charleston harbor had been blockaded, thus shutting off French manufacturers from large supplies of cotton.