Nathan Clifford of Maine begins his service as Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States

Nathan Clifford of Maine, appointed to the Supreme Court by President Buchanan to replace the resigned Benjamin Robbins Curtis, began his service as an Associate Justice. He served until his death in July 1881. (By John Osborne)
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Napoleon II pardons Montalembert for his libel conviction

Napoleon III pardoned the well-known Catholic writer and historian Comte de Montalembert over his October conviction for libel. Napoleon had taken to using the libel laws to suppress dissent and Montalembert was charged and had been convicted over an article that compared French government unfavorably to that of the British. The emperor had set aside the sentence earlier in the month but Montalembert had continued with his appeal. When this was partially upheld, Napoleon III pardoned him completely. (By John Osborne)
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Montalembert is tried and convicted for libel in a French imperial court

The well-known Catholic writer and historian Comte de Montalembert was convicted of libel in a French court and sentenced to six months in prison and a three thousand franc fine. He had recently published an article under the title "Un débat sur l'Inde au Parlement anglais" that compared British government favorably to the French experience. Napoleon had taken to using the libel laws to suppress dissent and Montalembert was duly charged and is convicted. The emperor later set aside the sentence, although Montalembert continued with his appeal, which was partially upheld. He was pardoned completely in December 1858. (By John Osborne)
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The dispute between France and Portugal over the slave ship "Charles-et-Georges" is settled

The dispute over Portugal's earlier seizure of the French ship Charles-et-George and the imprisonment of her captain is settled in France's favor when Portugal retreats under French pressure. The vessel involved had clearly been involved in thinly disguised slave trading off the coast of Mozambique and the Portuguese had felt completely justified in following international law. Napoleon III's need to demonstrate France's position in Europe, however, saw French naval units sent to visit Lisbon and, when the British did not support them in the matter, the Portuguese backed away and made compensation. (By John Osborne)
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Felice Orsini and Guiseppe Pieri, unsuccessful assassins of Napoleon III, are executed in Paris

Felice Orsini and Guiseppe Pieri were guillotined in Paris. They had been found guilty in the assassination attempt on the life of Emperor Napoleon III the previous January. In his will, Orsini agreed to the justice of his sentence. (By John Osborne)
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