Rochdale, July 31,1863.
My Dear Me. Forbes, — I
am glad to hear of your safe arrival, and I rejoice that on your arrival so
much good news should await you. I have a note from Mr. Aspinwall this morning
of a very satisfactory character; and I only now begin to fear that your cause
may go on too fast, for I am not sure that the North is yet resolute and
unanimous enough to be able to deal wisely with the great slavery question. To
me it seems needful to declare the Proclamation an unalterable decree, and to
restore no State to its ancient position in the nation until its constitution
and laws are made to harmonize with the spirit of it. Till this is done, you
will be legally entitled to hold and govern every slaveholding State by that
military power which has restored it to the control of the central government.
The “recognition”
motion in our House of Commons was a ludicrous failure, as you will have seen.
I had the opportunity of preaching some sound doctrine to some unwilling ears.
Now the press and the friends of “Secesh” are in great confusion, and their
sayings and doings are matter of amusement to me and to many others.
. . . And now for
your kind words to me, and your hope that I may come to the States. Many thanks
for them and for your invitation. I fear I am getting too far on in life to
cross the ocean, unless I saw some prospect of being useful, and had some duty
clearly before me. It is a subject of constant regret that I have not paid a
visit to the States years ago. Mr. Walker and many others alarm me by telling
me I should have a reception that would astonish me.
What they promise
me would be a great affliction, for I am not ambitious of demonstrations on my behalf.
We will hope affairs in the States will be more settled, and passions in some
degree calmed down, before I come, if I ever come; and then I might spend three
months pleasantly, and perhaps usefully, in seeing your country and its people.
I have had great
pleasure in making your acquaintance in London, and only regret that, having no
house in town, I was not able to offer you the hospitality I wished to have offered
to you and to others of your countrymen.
With all good
wishes for you and for your country and government,
I am with much respect, yours sincerely,
John Bright.
SOURCE: Sarah
Forbes Hughes, Letters and Recollections of John Murray Forbes,
Volume 2, p. 52-4
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