Boston, July 1, 1861.
My Dearest Mary:
This is only a note, because I would not let the steamer from New York of day
after to-morrow go without a greeting from me. There is absolutely nothing new
in the political world since I wrote last. By the way, by the midweek steamer I
sent rather a lengthy epistle to the Duke of Argyll, which I hope that he will
pardon in two respects — first, its unconscionable length, and, secondly, for
talking very plainly about the state of public feeling here. I felt that I
could not pay a higher compliment to his intellect and his candor than to make
a kind of general statement, without mincing matters.
I told Lord Lyons in Washington that I had appointed myself
a peace commissioner between the two countries, and meant to discharge my
duties to the fullest extent, and in that vein I had spoken to the President,
to Seward, Chase, Blair, and Bates, and to every other personage, private or
public, with whom I came in contact . Of course I only said this in jest, — for
I have no idea of exaggerating my humble individuality, — but he was kind enough
to say that he thought I might do much good.
I think, however, that the day for talk is gone by — England
had made up its mind that we had gone to pieces. When she learns, what we are
thoroughly convinced of here, that the United States government is invincible,
and that this insurrection is to be quelled, as it will be within a year, she
will cease to talk of Northern and Southern States, and will find out that the
great Republic is still existing one and indivisible. Our case has always been
understated. We have a good cause, and no intention of “subjugation,” which,
like the ridiculous words “secession” and “coercion,” has been devised to
affect the minds of the vulgar. The United States government is at home on its
own soil in every State from Maine to California, and is about asserting the
rights of property and dominion.
General Scott says that the general impatience is the greatest
obstacle in his way; but he is a cool hand and a tried one, and he will give a
good account of himself, never fear. The rebels never dreamed of the intense
feeling of nationality which pervaded the free States. They thought to have a
united South and a divided North; they find exactly the reverse. Slavery will
be never extended, and the United States government will survive this crisis
and be stronger than ever. Pray give my kindest regards to Lord Lyndhurst and
her Ladyship; say that I mean to have the pleasure of writing to him very soon.
Mrs. Greene is very well; I have a kind note from Miss Sarah Greene, asking me
to dine to-morrow, and I shall do so if I can get up from Nahant. I go there
now; my mother is already better for the sea air. I have received all your
letters up to the 12th of June. They are most delightful to me, and I have read
them all again and again. The family of course have seen them, and I lent them
to the Lodges and Mr. Cabot. They go to Newport to-day — what an awful
disappointment to me! The first summer that they have not been at Nahant for so
many years is the one I am passing there.
While I am writing, Copley Greene and James Amory have been
here; Amory showed me a note from Lord Lyndhurst. I have also seen Miss Greene,
and agreed to dine with her mother next week instead of this. Saturday we had a
delightful club dinner: Agassiz, who was as delightful as ever, and full of the
kindest expressions of appreciation and affection for Lily, and Holmes, who is
absolutely unchanged, which is the very highest praise that could be given;
Lowell, Pierce, Tom Appleton, Dana, Longfellow, Whipple. There were three absent,
Felton, Emerson, and Hawthorne, and it says something for a club in which three
such vacancies don't make a desolation.
Nahant. I am finishing this note to-night at N–––'s, as
I must send it by to-morrow's early boat. My mother is looking better than usual.
I have been on the Agassizes' piazza just now. He was not there, but will come
to-morrow. Mrs. Agassiz and Mrs. Felton both looked very natural and nice and
gentle, and had a thousand kind things to say of you and Lily. Most
affectionately yours,
J. L. M.
SOURCE: George William Curtis, editor, The
Correspondence of John Lothrop Motley in Two Volumes, Library Edition,
Volume 2, p. 161-4
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