Diary of Henry Greville: Monday, December 9, 1861

Alice Enfield came to pass a few days with me. Nothing is now thought of but the 'Trent' affair, and whether there will be a war or not. As we must in two or three days receive the résumé of the President's Message, the tone of which will probably decide the matter, it is idle to discuss the various probabilities. Were the American Government carried on the same principles as those of other nations, and not entirely ruled by the passions of the mob, it would be at once pronounced that their going to war on such a case as this, and in their present predicament, would be impossible. I understand the City thinks that they will agree to our demands.

SOURCE: Alice Countess of Stratford, Leaves from the Diary of Henry Greville: 1857-1861, pp. 414-5

Diary of Henry Greville: Wednesday, December 11, 1861

I had a pleasant little dinner of nine people here yesterday-Enfields, Mrs. Sartoris, Lady Adelaide Cadogan, Henry Loch, Robert Meade, Bertie Mitford, and Robert Bourke. The latter was very amusing with his account of his late American tour, and particularly of his interview with Seward, whom he describes as a dry, irritable little personage, not to say blackguard. Bourke is much in favour of the Confederates. He saw a large portion of their army—very fine men, well drilled, but badly accoutred.

SOURCE: Alice Countess of Stratford, Leaves from the Diary of Henry Greville: 1857-1861, p. 415

Diary of Henry Greville: Thursday, December 12, 1861

The Frederick Cadogans and Pahlen dined with me, and we went to Léotard in the evening-his performance is as wonderful as it is beautiful in its way.

Prince Albert's malady, which is a gastric fever, is taking the usual course, and is likely to last twenty-one days.

On going out to-day I heard from Charles that Clarendon had told him the Duc d'Aumale received a letter from the Prince de Joinville, who on hearing of the 'Trent' affair went to General McClellan and told him that it was quite impossible that England could patiently submit to such an outrage that General McClellan had agreed with the Prince, who entreated him to go and tell the President how much better it would be to deliver up Mason and Slidell at once, before any demand were made by us. McClellan did so, but found the President of a different opinion and resolved to do nothing of the sort. This fact makes it almost certain that the Message expected to-night will hold such language as to make war inevitable.

I have a letter from Henry Loch to tell me of his marriage to Miss Villiers.

SOURCE: Alice Countess of Stratford, Leaves from the Diary of Henry Greville: 1857-1861, pp. 415-6

Diary of Henry Greville: Saturday, December 14, 1861

This morning I was startled by a very alarming bulletin of Prince Albert's state, dated yesterday, viz. that H.R.H. had passed a restless night on Thursday, and that the symptoms had assumed an unfavourable character during the day. It also stated that the Prince of Wales had been summoned to Windsor, and had passed through town at two this morning. I at once considered this account as nearly hopeless. On going out, I heard that at four yesterday afternoon, whilst the Queen was driving out, a sort of syncope had come on, and the doctors considered the case so critical, that they thought it right to announce the great danger of the Prince to Her Majesty, and they say she received the news with fortitude and calmness. From this fit he rallied, and he passed a somewhat better night, and this morning the report was that there was some mitigation of the dangerous symptoms. I heard, however, from a very good source that the doctors, and particularly Watson, had the worst opinion of the case.

I called at Stafford House and found that the Duchess had gone to Windsor. At six she returned, having only seen Lady Augusta Bruce, who told her the Queen was calm, but the state of the Prince most critical. Later in the day I saw Clanwilliam, who had heard through Colonel Maude that at Windsor every one considered the case as hopeless. I dined with the Flahaults, and at eleven received a note from the Duchess of Beaufort to tell me that Dudley de Ros had just come back from Windsor, and that the Prince was fast sinking. Lavradio dined with us, and told me the Prince's malady resembled that of the late King of Portugal, and that Prince Albert had been deeply impressed by that event, and was constantly harping upon it during his illness; he, indeed, had been very desponding all along.

At twelve I was at the Club, where a telegram arrived stating that the Prince had expired at a quarter before eleven. Every one present (and the room was full), both young and old, seemed consterné by this event, so unlooked for, and possibly pregnant with such disastrous consequences. I tremble for the Queen.

SOURCE: Alice Countess of Stratford, Leaves from the Diary of Henry Greville: 1857-1861, pp. 416-7

Diary of Henry Greville: Sunday, December 15, 1861

Nothing can equal the consternation produced by this event. This morning Brookfield, who had preached a very fine sermon without any reference to this calamity, said a few words at the end, which were in excellent taste, and were a touching tribute to the character of the Prince. They excited a very deep sensation.

I dined to-night at Flahault's, and was relieved to hear as good a report of the Queen as could possibly be expected. She had passed the night in the room with the body, had been overcome by sleep for two hours, and on awakening had a tremendous burst of grief, succeeded by violent fits of crying. To-day she saw the Duchess of Sutherland, and talked over the whole case with her. She took the Duchess into the room to view the body, and then told her the object of her future life would be to carry out all his views and wishes, that she was determined to exert herself and to fulfil the duties of her position. Ellice was at Flahault's, and said he fully expected she would resume that energy of character which had been so remarkable on her accession, and which after her marriage became absorbed in his. The difficulties of her position were, however, very great. The Prince had taken all trouble from off her hands, and had, in fact, transacted nearly the whole business of the State, and all that of the Court, to the most minute detail. He thought it would be impossible for the Queen to go on without a private secretary, such as Sir Herbert Taylor had been to the two preceding Sovereigns, but such a post should by rights be filled by a Cabinet Minister, and where was he to be found? Sir Herbert Taylor had been tolerated because of the kindness of George III., and suffered to continue with William IV. because of the confidence placed in his high character, although Lord Grey and others had always objected on constitutional grounds to the King having any one about him in so anomalous a position. Lady Augusta Bruce, whom the Queen has adopted since the Duchess of Kent's death, will probably fill the place formerly occupied by Baroness Letzen, but this can only be for her private and domestic affairs. The difficulties, in short, are endless, and meet you at every corner.

The résumé of the President's Message has arrived. He makes no mention of the 'Trent' affair, which may perhaps be considered as a loophole. On the other hand, Congress had passed a resolution of thanks to Commodore Wilkes, and the Navy Department had expressed its emphatic approval of the capture of Mason and Slidell, but stated that Wilkes had displayed too much forbearance in not capturing the 'Trent,' and that lenity must not form a precedent for any similar infraction of neutral obligations by foreign commercial vessels.

This is considered as very warlike news. Ellice expects the Americans will brag to the last, and then give in; that they will return such an answer to our despatch as will require the consideration of our Government; that Lyons will come away, which will at once create such a panic at New York as to make it next to impossible for the Government to get money. This is his idea. Another possible event is the murder of Mason and Slidell by the mob—for when a whole people becomes mad, the course they may pursue is difficult to conjecture.

SOURCE: Alice Countess of Stratford, Leaves from the Diary of Henry Greville: 1857-1861, pp. 417-9

Diary of Henry Greville: Monday, December 16, 1861

The two articles on Prince Albert's death in this day's 'Times' are admirable. The second contains a true and faithful account of all that happened during his last days. I met Lady Ely to-day at Gifford's. She had been at Windsor. The Queen had passed a tolerable night, having been completely exhausted. She had desired that nothing should be said to her about the funeral, and that the Prince of Wales and Duke of Cambridge should settle everything. It is to take place next Monday. King Leopold had telegraphed to recommend that the Queen should be removed from Windsor, partly that she should leave the atmosphere of fever, partly to avoid the preparations for the funeral. The Queen showed some reluctance to leave the Castle, but has determined on going to Osborne on Wednesday. The Duchess of Sutherland offered her Cliveden, and she was at one moment inclined to accept it, but it was thought best she should go to Osborne, where King Leopold is to meet her. As long ago as last Wednesday, Prince Albert, when alone with Princess Alice, asked if the Queen was in the room. She said 'No.' He then told her he knew he was dying, and desired her to write to the Princess Royal to that effect. The Princess quite believed him, and from this moment abandoned all hope. She left the room to write-on her return the Prince asked her what she had written. 'I have told my sister,' she answered, 'that you are very ill.' 'You have done wrong,' he said: 'you should have told her I am dying-yes-I am dying.' The Queen told the Duchess of Sutherland she did not know what she should have done but for Princess Alice. The Prince of Wales had shown much feeling, and threw himself into the Queen's arms, and said she might depend upon his doing all in his power to console and assist her. Granville saw him yester day, and says nothing can be more perfect than his behaviour.

Flahault told me the Emperor had frequently telegraphed for news of the Prince and had sent a message on hearing of his death, full of the most lively expressions of sorrow. Flahault considered this to be quite an European calamity.

The Queen has already begun to act up to her resolution to exert herself and to fulfil the duties of her position, and is to see Palmerston to-day.

Sir Edward Bowater, who accompanied Prince Leopold to Cannes, has died there. Prince Albert had arranged that, if he died or was disabled by illness, Lord Rokeby, who is at Nice, should go to Cannes and take charge of the boy, until Frederick Cavendish¹ could be sent out to replace him.

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¹ Grandson of Lord George Cavendish, who was created first Earl of Burlington.

SOURCE: Alice Countess of Stratford, Leaves from the Diary of Henry Greville: 1857-1861, pp. 419-20

Diary of Henry Greville: Tuesday, December 17, 1861

I called on Lady Palmerston and found her and Lady Jocelyn greatly dejected. Palmerston is very unwell with a bad fit of gout and is unable to go to Windsor, and Ferguson and Lady P. are most anxious he should not attend the funeral. She told me he was deeply affected by this event, that he had ever had the highest opinion of the Prince's character and ability, and he considered him an immense loss to himself personally. The Prince of Wales had written Palmerston a very nice letter, in which he says he had been desired by his mother to tell P. that she was fully aware she had a life of duty before her, and that she would endeavour to fulfil that duty to the best of her ability, but that she considered her worldly career as at an end.

SOURCE: Alice Countess of Stratford, Leaves from the Diary of Henry Greville: 1857-1861, p. 421

Diary of Henry Greville: Tuesday, September 24, 1861

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

Diary of Henry Greville: Tuesday, November 5, 1861

Hatchford. I have been at Frognal and Hillingdon and came here yesterday. When at the former place I received a letter from Fanny Kemble, who declares there is not a man in the Northern States who is not convinced that the South will be conquered—whether or no they can be coerced back into the Union is another question, and can only be settled when they are reduced to make peace. She complains of the evident sympathy of this country with the South, which she says is very apparent, notwithstanding the professed neutrality of the Government. I reply that we have no sympathy with either party, and all we wish is that the war should come to an end.

At Hillingdon I assisted at a pretty concert in the Town Hall, composed of Georgy Greville's choir, and that of Ickenham, and assisted by Miss Grosvenor, Seymour Egerton,1 and B. Mitford. They sang glees, madrigals, &c., and acquitted themselves in a manner to do credit to their teacher.

From thence I went to pay a visit to the Ponsonbys at Windsor, where I met Granville, just returned from Berlin, where he said all had passed off very well, and the Fêtes very handsome.

I have a letter from Naples to-day stating that everything there is in a very unsatisfactory state. Brigandage is busy at the very gates of the city. Indeed all Europe may be said to be in a very anxious state. France is in the midst of great financial embarrassment, owing to a bad harvest, to the reckless extravagance of the Government and Court, and above all to the American war. Russia is much agitated by the question of the emancipation of the Serfs, which has been much mismanaged, as also by the state of Poland, added to which their finances are in a deplorable condition. Of Austria and Italy it is needless to speak, and there does not appear to be any master mind in any country capable of dealing with great difficulties.

The Queen held an investiture of the new Indian order, 'The Star of India,' on Friday at Windsor. The Prince Consort and the Prince of Wales were first invested privately, and entered the throne-room with the Queen, wearing their blue satin mantles. Dhuleep Sing, Lords Combermere, Gough, and Clyde, and Lord Harris, Sir T. Lawrence and Sir J. Pollock, with two or three more, were invested. Lord Combermere, however, was prevented by illness from attending. Lord Ellenborough refused the order, and in doing so said that he had accepted an earldom and a Bath merely that he might be 'righted with posterity,' and that he wanted no further honours. The order is a cameo of the Queen's head set in diamonds and with the collar costs 900l. These insignia are given by the Crown, but are to be returned on the death of the holders. I believe Canning thinks there may be some difficulty in procuring the restoration of the order from the Indian Princes.

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¹ Afterwards third Earl of Wilton.

SOURCE: Alice Countess of Stratford, Leaves from the Diary of Henry Greville: 1857-1861, p. 407-9

Diary of Henry Greville: Wednesday, November 27, 1861

Wrest. I came here on Monday. The party is composed of Dowager Lady Spencer and Lady Sarah, Lord and Lady Proby, Dufferin, A. Egerton, E. Lascelles, H. Calcraft, and Arthur Scott.

This morning I was startled by a paragraph in the 'Globe' stating that intelligence had reached London last night that an American frigate, the 'San Giacinto,' had stopped the Royal Mail steamer 'Trent' bearing the British flag. That the 'Trent' had been boarded by armed men, who forcibly seized Messrs. Mason and Slidell, envoys from the Confederate States to France and England. The captain of the 'Trent' was unable to offer any resistance, and these gentlemen were carried off under protest. This is a very serious affair, and is sure to rouse the British Lion. A Cabinet was at once summoned.

SOURCE: Alice Countess of Stratford, Leaves from the Diary of Henry Greville: 1857-1861, p. 410-1

Diary of Henry Greville: Saturday, November 30, 1861

London. I came back yesterday, and this morning heard that the Cabinet had decided, on the advice of the law officers, that the act of the American officer is entirely illegal, and a demand is to be at once sent for the immediate release of Messrs. Mason and Slidell, and for an apology for the outrage. Every one I meet deems it very improbable that the Americans will agree to this demand, and that war will be declared before long. The case is well put in a 'Times' article.

Dined at Flahault's. Granville, Pahlen, Bagots, &c. It is hoped some tidings of the effect produced at Washington by the seizure of the Confederate envoys may be brought by the 'Persia,' which is due to morrow.

There was a meeting the other day at which the Duke of Cambridge presided, and which was very numerously attended, to consider of a fitting tribute to the memory of Sidney Herbert. Granville told me he had never seen a more sympathetic audience, or had heard better speaking. It was resolved that a statue should be erected and subscriptions be raised for the endowment of exhibitions or gold medals in connection with the Army Medical School at Chatham, and to be given at the end of each course in instruction to the candidates for commissions who show the greatest proficiency in the art of preserving the health of troops both at home and in the field.

SOURCE: Alice Countess of Stratford, Leaves from the Diary of Henry Greville: 1857-1861, p. 411-2

Diary of Henry Greville: Monday, December 2, 1861

London. The 'Persia' arrived at Queenstown yesterday, having left New York on the 20th. The American newspapers are full of quotations of precedents, to prove that the seizure of Messrs. Mason and Slidell is no breach of international law, and urge that promotion and testimonials should be conferred on Commodore Wilkes for his 'spirited conduct.' Messrs. Mason and Slidell had been conveyed to Fort Warren. No one here seems to think the American Government, even if so disposed, will be permitted by the mob which governs the country to make the required apology to us.

There was a council on Saturday, when a proclamation was issued forbidding the export of saltpetre. It appears to have been the design of the United States Government to lay up a store of that commodity sufficient for a long war, and in a week or two the whole stock to be found here (we have almost a monopoly of it) would have been shipped off. In the present state of affairs it is a wise precaution to defeat this scheme.

SOURCE: Alice Countess of Stratford, Leaves from the Diary of Henry Greville: 1857-1861, p. 412

Diary of Henry Greville: Thursday, December 5, 1861

Hatchford. It was asserted some days ago, and it was generally believed, that old General Scott, who has lately come to France from America, had stated that the seizure of Mason and Slidell had been determined on by the Cabinet at Washington. The General has written a letter to the United States Consul at Havre (I believe), denying that he had ever said anything of the kind, and expressing his own opinion (without, however, pretending to know what may be that of the U. S. Government), that this affair ought not to lead to war between the two countries, but affirming at the same time that 'no impartial man could say that rebels carrying despatches were not contraband of war.' This letter is so far important that it seems to prove that there was no foregone conclusion on the part of the Washington Cabinet.

SOURCE: Alice Countess of Stratford, Leaves from the Diary of Henry Greville: 1857-1861, p. 412-3

Diary of Henry Greville: Tuesday, May 7, 1861

A dower of 30,000l. and an annuity of 6,000l. were voted nem. con. last night for Princess Alice.

An interesting letter from Fanny Kemble of April 20 from Philadelphia says:

'How can I describe the state of things in the midst of which we are living? I am paying a visit to Sarah¹ before returning to Lenox for the summer, and even in this village (a suburb of Philadelphia) we are in the midst of the most furious political and military excitement. It is Sunday, and the drums have been rolling to call the men to drill. Mr. Butler has gone off to swear his allegiance to the Southern Confederacy, taking, in spite of her own and her sister's entreaties, and the remonstrances of all his friends, Fanny² with him, his purpose, I understand, being to establish himself on his plantation again, buying a new force of slaves instead of those he sold two years ago, and thus become a resident Georgian slaveholder. Absolute war has broken out between North and South; all communication by post or telegraph is suspended. Maryland, which has hitherto (though a Slave State) been considered loyal to the Government, has seceded. A murderous onslaught was made in Baltimore, the chief city of Maryland, on the troops going through to Washington. These were New England regiments and a large body of Pennsylvanians—the latter unarmed, expecting to find their accoutrements in Washington. Of course this has excited a tempest of rage and indignation throughout the North. Troops are pouring into Philadelphia night and day, and are now being despatched by sea to Washington instead of through Baltimore. That place is but a hundred miles from hencethree hours and a half by rail, and the excitement here is something of which you can form no notion. The streets of Philadelphia were yesterday swarming with people, great crowds of eager, excited men were gathered at all the newspaper offices, 40,000 men have enlisted in Pennsylvania alone within the last six days. Those who are not ordered South immediately remain here to organise and drill themselves for service. From every house the flag of the United States is hung out, and here in the country, among the early tints of the spring, the Stars and Stripes are seen flaunting through the woods and across the fields from the roof and window of every villa, cottage, and farmhouse. You cannot imagine anything more strange than the suddenness with which we find ourselves in the midst of these disastrous preparations to which your account of public and private theatricals formed a curious contrast. We shall have a furious and fierce conflict now, for both sides of the country are rabid. Is it not too frightful to think of?'

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¹ Sarah, her eldest daughter, married to Dr. Owen Wister. Her son is the author of some remarkable novels lately published in America.

² His younger daughter, now Hon. Mrs. James Leigh.—Ed.

SOURCE: Alice Countess of Stratford, Leaves from the Diary of Henry Greville: 1857-1861, p. 373-4

Diary of Henry Greville: June 28, 1861

London, Friday.—Bethell took the oaths yesterday and assumes the title of Westbury.

The Sultan is dead, and is succeeded by his brother, who is said to be a man of much energy, and very superior in all ways to his brother.

The Emperor Napoleon has recognised the King of Italy, but has made it to be understood that this 'recognition is not to be taken as an approval of the past policy of the Cabinet of Turin, or as an encouragement of enterprises of a nature to endanger the peace of Europe.' The French troops will occupy Rome as long as the interests which brought France there are not covered by guarantees. Ricasoli, in replying to this note, says, 'Our wish is to restore Rome to Italy without depriving the Church of any of its grandeur, or the Pope of his independence.' In the meantime His Holiness is ill, and his death may perhaps simplify matters.

There was a Drawing-room yesterday at which the Crown Princess and Prince of Prussia were present.

I have a letter from Fanny Kemble, who says the violence of the language against this country in consequence of our neutral attitude exceeds all bounds, and the nonsense talked upon the subject is quite incredible.

I went last night to Verdi's new opera, 'Un Ballo in Maschera,' which is dramatic and effective.

SOURCE: Alice Countess of Stratford, Leaves from the Diary of Henry Greville: 1857-1861, p. 385-6

Diary of Henry Greville: Monday, November 19, 1860

Hatchford. Came here on Saturday.

Lincoln has been elected President of the United States.

SOURCE: Alice Countess of Stratford, Leaves from the Diary of Henry Greville: 1857-1861, p. 333

Diary of Henry Greville: Thursday, January 3, 1861

The King of Prussia¹ died yesterday at Sans-Souci.

The American Secession question now occupies public attention more than any other subject. Mr. Motley, who is here, considers it as certain, but does not think the Northern States will thereby lose any of their importance.

Fanny Kemble writes to me, December 9:

'What can I tell you, except that the election of Mr. Lincoln to the Presidency appears to be precipitating the feud between the Northern and Southern States to immediate and most disastrous issues? The Cotton-growing States declare their purpose of at once seceding from the Union—the Slave-growing States depend upon them for their market, but depend still more upon the undisturbed security of the Union for the possibility of raising in safety their human cattle.

‘The Northern States seem at last inclined to let the Southern act upon their long threatened separation from them—the country is in a frightful state of excitement from one end to the other.

'The commercial and financial interests of all the States are already suffering severely from the impending crisis. It is a shame and a grief to all good men to think of the dissolution of this, in some respects, noble and prosperous confederacy of States. It is a horror to contemplate the fate of these insane Southerners if, but for one day, their slaves should rise upon them, when they have ascertained, which they will be quick enough to do, that they are no longer sure of the co-operation of the North in coercing their servile population. In short, there is no point of view from which the present position of this country can be contemplated which is not full of dismay. Conceive the position of the English in India if they had known beforehand of the murderous projected rising of the natives against them and had been without troops, arms, means of escape, or hope of assistance, and you have something like the present position of the Southern planters. God knows how fervently I bless that Providence which turned the worldly loss of my children's property, by their father's unprincipled extravagance, into so great a gain. Their shares were sold more than a year ago, and it will never be their fate to inflict injustice and oppression, or tremble before impending retribution.'

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¹ Frederick William IV.

SOURCE: Alice Countess of Stratford, Leaves from the Diary of Henry Greville: 1857-1861, p. 339-41

Diary of Henry Greville: Tuesday, February 5, 1861

Yesterday the Emperor Napoleon opened his Parliament with one of those fine harangues we are now become accustomed to, and which may mean anything or nothing. The upshot of this speech is, that he will not go to war unless it happens to suit his purpose to do so. This is enveloped in fine blarney and plausibility, but is not calculated to remove the general distrust prevailing.

To-day the Queen opened Parliament. It was cold and gloomy, but the crowds in the streets were greater than I ever saw them.

The speech states that our foreign relations are amicable, and expresses the hope that the moderation of the Great Powers will prevent any interruption of the general peace. There is a paragraph upon American affairs, and great concern is expressed at the events which are so likely to affect the happiness and welfare of a people closely allied to us by descent, and closely connected with us by the most intimate and friendly relations. The interest felt by the Queen in the well-being of the United States is all the greater from the kind and cordial reception given by them to the Prince of Wales during his recent visit to the continent of America.

These are the salient points of the speech—a much simpler and more plain-spoken affair than that of our dear ally.

SOURCE: Alice Countess of Stratford, Leaves from the Diary of Henry Greville: 1857-1861, p. 346-7

Diary of Henry Greville: Wednesday, February 20, 1861

London.—I came here yesterday for the levee to-day. I found a letter from Naples from Lady Holland written before the fall of Gaeta, giving a satisfactory account of the state of affairs there. They are beginning public works and various improvements to the town.

From Paris they write that the King of Naples excites the warmest interest there in all classes, and that the army and navy are all in his favour, and he is looked upon as ‘le digne petit fils de Henri IV.,’ and it is fervently hoped that Victor Emmanuel and Garibaldi may go together to the infernal regions—so differently do people look on things on opposite sides of the Channel.

The Italian Parliament was opened by Victor Emmanuel in person on Monday. His speech was

very adroit, and in some degree reassuring to the friends of peace.

The American Secession seems to be almost accomplished, and any compromise to be more and more hopeless. A letter received from Fanny Kemble a short time ago (January 17) says:

I think the secesssion of the Southern States sooner or later inevitable, and I devoutly hope that the cowards on all sides will not be able to poultice up the festering sore which must break out again, and will only have gangrened the whole body of this nation still deeper. Matters have gone so far with South Carolina, that she has seceded-firing upon United States vessels entering Charlestown Harbour is a very pretty intimation of their animus, and it is, moreover, the avowed object of the Southern politicians to embroil some portion of the Slave States so thoroughly with the Federal Government, that all compromise shall be impossible, and that the Southern States least inclined to secede (and there are many, all the border ones, whose interest is decidedly opposed to secession), shall be compelled, as a point of honour, to throw in their lot with the seceders against the North. The election of Lincoln is really and truly a mere pretext; the match that has fired the train long ago prepared for exploding. When I first came to this country, it was convulsed with the threatened secession of South Carolina on the tariff question. Old Andrew Jackson was President then, and compelled her to adhere to her allegiance; but in a letter to a friend he wrote that the South was bent upon a separation, and sooner or later would accomplish it upon one pretext or another; he even foretold it would be on that of the slavery question.

‘The fact is, the Southern States see and feel very bitterly the immense preponderance of wealth, activity, industry, intelligence, and prosperity of the North. They neither see nor believe what is the truth, that slavery, and nothing else, is the cause of their inferiority in all these particulars, and are now acting upon the insane belief that separation from the bond (which alone preserves them in their present state of comparative safety and prosperity) of the Union will turn the scale of national importance in their favour. Meantime they are rushing into an abyss of danger and difficulty—they are on the very verge of civil war. All good men throughout the country look with grief and horror upon the mad career on which they are entering. In the North, many would give up almost everything to avert the horrors of bloodshed on the land, by the hands of Americans fighting against each other. In the South, a majority would willingly endure anything rather than such a result, but they are panic-stricken under a fierce and inexorable reign of terror by which the infatuated men bent upon dividing the country compel them to join the Southern movement. It is hideous and piteous to see the gulf of ruin dug by their own folly and wickedness under the towering fabric of that material prosperity with which, even as it were yesterday, they amazed the world! For my own part, I believe it is not only inevitable, but desirable, that the South should separate from the North. Slave-holding produces a peculiar character which has nothing in common with a Christian republic founded by Englishmen of the eighteenth century.

The Southerners are fond of calling themselves the Chivalry of the South, and verily they are as ignorant, insolent, barbarous, and brutal as any ironclad robbers of the middle ages. They are, in fact, a remnant of feudalism and barbarism, maintaining itself with infinite difficulty by the side of the talent and most powerful development of commercial civilisation. I believe the fellowship to be henceforth impossible; I hope to God it will prove so, for then the Slave States will hasten down into a state of social and political degradation, such that the whole population will abandon them; they will become a wilderness of fertile land, peopled with black savages; the northern men will then reconquer them, and for ever abolish slavery on the continent! This is my theory.'

SOURCE: Alice Countess of Stratford, Leaves from the Diary of Henry Greville: 1857-1861, p. 350-3

Diary of Henry Greville: Saturday, March 30, 1861

In a letter I received a few days ago from Fanny Kemble from New York, she says: I suppose if I had been in Boston, I should have heard something like sorrow and mortification expressed for the present disastrous state of the country, but though there is a good deal of excited curiosity here, and commencement of financial anxiety, there does not appear to me to be one particle of genuine patriotic feeling.

The fact is, the material prosperity of the nation has made the people base. They want, and God will send it to them, the salvation of adversity. Olmsted, whose books, by the bye, are the best, the only good authority about the Slave States, dined with me at Mr. Field's the other day, and said the Southern people were really nothing but a collection of children and savages. He, and indeed everybody, the Southerners themselves, consider the secession, if it produces civil war, as the inevitable ruin of the South, and a good deal of the same conviction has hitherto tempered the anger of the North at the folly of their suicidal proceedings, and though one of the oldest and wealthiest of the Boston merchants said the other day (speaking of the Cotton States), "Thank God they are gone, pray that they may never come back," and so speaking spoke the mind of the majority of Massachusetts men, nobody can doubt what one of the Southern men openly declared in the Peace Convention, that civil war would be utter ruin to them, because of their slaves.

SOURCE: Alice Countess of Stratford, Leaves from the Diary of Henry Greville: 1857-1861, p. 364-5