John L. Motley to Mary L. Motley, December 10, 1861

December 10, 1861.

My Dearest Little Mary: The cotton brokers and spinners have been making a great row about the blockade, and the “Times,” half official organ of government, has thrown off all disguise and comes out openly as the supporter of the Southern Confederacy through thick and thin, and clamors for war with America and cheap cotton and free trade with Charleston and New Orleans. Just now, nobody but Bright has the manliness to lift up his voice in the midst of the storm. You will see and read his magnificent speech; but he is hated and feared by the governing classes in England. I run on this way because I can think of nothing else. Perhaps this horrible danger may blow over. Since, I have had a letter from Mr. Adams, and feel a little calmer; but I fear the voice of the mob in New York. I repeat, we can avoid the war without dishonor by holding fast to the principles always maintained by us.¹ As to the expediency of such a course, provided it be honorable, nobody out of a lunatic asylum can doubt. God bless you, dear child. Write often and long letters; we depend on our little “special correspondent.” Give our loves to grandpapa and grandmama, all our dear ones at home, great and small.

Your affectionate

Papa.

_______________

¹ This was the course taken by the government of the United States.

SOURCE: George William Curtis, editor, The Correspondence of John Lothrop Motley in Two Volumes, Library Edition, Volume 2, p. 222