There is a very complex story involving the purchase by a Bordeaux militia of Chassepot rifles from Lebeau freres in 1870.
The French agent seems to have been screwed in the deal, to the point that there was a Congressional inquiry after the facts, in which Auguste had to testify.
The amounts involved are considerable. Peabody is part of the story, and Lebeau said he was a Peabody agent in Belgian.
Incidentally Lebeau Freres received patents for the modification of Chassepot rifles to use with metallic cartridges.
Best regards,
WC-