Clifden. was married yesterday by special licence at St. James's Church. The bride was lovely to behold, full of grace and graciousness of demeanour. There was a sumptuous luncheon after the ceremony at Spencer House, but fortunately no toasts or speeches.
A curious despatch written by Prince Gortchakoff to the Russian minister at Washington, and to be shown to Mr. Seward, has been published in the American and English newspapers. It professes warm interest in the American Union and people; deplores the present state of things, and strongly urges the Government to try and come to some agreement which shall put an end to the war. Mr. Seward confines himself to a courteous reply, thanking the Russian Government for the interest shown by them in the internal differences 'which for a time have threatened the American Union.' The Times' remarks (probably justly) on this correspondence, that the advice it contains is excellent, but obviously not to be taken by a proud and obstinate people—more blood must be shed, and more treasure squandered, before the counsels of St. Petersburg will be listened to by the United States.
SOURCE: Alice Countess of Stratford, Leaves from the Diary of Henry Greville: 1857-1861, p. 401-2
