London, 30 August, 1861.
I do not know that I violate any confidence by telling you
that the hope expressed in yours to me has been thus far verified. What the
future may bring forth, no man can tell, — but the fact is certain that, now,
negotiation is at a standstill.
I hear excellent accounts of your patriotic labors in the
cause, and hope the best results from them. The great point now is the
blockade. Privateering will come to nothing if that be made effective. If not,
I see no end to it. For some of our own people would be as likely to go into it
as to carry on the slave trade. The English must abide by the blockade, if it
really be one. They will set it aside if they can pick a good flaw in it.
The course of events as seen from here is towards one
termination of the struggle, and one only. We cannot afford to go over this
ground more than once. The slave question must be settled this time once for
all. It is surprising to see the efforts made here to create the belief that
our struggle has nothing to do with slavery, but that it is all about a tariff.
Even the anti-slavery people have been more or less inclined to give in to this
notion.
Of course the measure of emancipation is a most grave one.
It must task the capacity of the wisest heads among us. But there is no
alternative in my mind between taking it up and absolute submission.
I cannot conceal from myself the fact that as a whole the
English are pleased with our misfortunes. There never was any real good will
towards us — and the appearance of it of late years was only the effect of
their fears of our prosperity and our growing strength. Of course, you will
keep these views to yourself. It is not advisable in these days for ministers
abroad to be quoted. With best regards for Mrs. F. and your family, I am
Very truly yours,
C. F. Adams.
SOURCE: Sarah Forbes Hughes, Letters and
Recollections of John Murray Forbes, Volume 1, p. 234-5
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