But Weed's rare tact modified his views, and induced him to change to friendliness the tone of a hostile speech prepared for delivery to the National Assembly.
England was working night and day preparing for war when Weed arrived upon the scene, and soon changed largely the current of public sentiment.

On his return to America the city of New York extended public thanks to him for his inestimable services.

He was equally successful in business, and acquired a fortune of a million dollars.
"Tell me the breadth of this stream," said Napoleon to his chief engineer, as they came to a bridgeless river which the army had to cross.

"Sire, I cannot.

My scientific instruments are with the army, and we are ten miles ahead of it." "Measure the width of this stream instantly."-- "Sire, be reasonable!"-- "Ascertain at once the width of this river, or you shall be deposed." The engineer drew the cap-piece of his helmet down until the edge seemed just in line between his eye and the opposite bank; then, holding himself carefully erect, he turned on his heel and noticed where the edge seemed to touch the bank on which he stood, which was on the same level as the other.