'Letter from Thurlow Weed to William H. Seward, December 11, 1861'

'Letter from Thurlow Weed to William H. Seward, December 11, 1861'

A letter from Thurlow Weed, a Northern politician and agent in London, to Secretary of State Seward expressing his rising concerns over the possibility of war with England over the Trent Affair

This letter from the Union agent addresses some of the concerns for the potential fallout of the Trent Affair in the case of further escalation. The threat of European intervention in the war, either militarily or as forceful mediators, amplified the importance of Union efforts to deter unfavorable outside participation. The 1861 Affair was the closest Britain came to entering into war with the U.S., not necessarily on the side of the Confederacy, but a boon to their chances in the Civil War all the same.

Weed notes the growing talk of war as a response to the U.S.'s actions in bringing about the controversy, a prospect which could have the meant the breaking of the Union blockade by Britain, France and other European powers. Weed notes his own efforts to influence public sentiment through publications, noting British frustrations in the press, public, and government over the Union's activities.

Thurlow Weed

Digitized by the Library of Congress, Abraham Lincoln papers: Series 1. General Correspondence. 1833-1916; Digitized online at https://www.loc.gov/item/mal1336900/

Library of Congress

December 11, 1861

Transcribed by the Lincoln Studies Center, Knox College. Galesburg, Illinois.

Public Domain

Letter

English

Text

London, Dec 11, '61
My Dear Sir,
Again, after free communication with most intelligent parties here, I assure you that war is deliberately settled upon unless you, at Home, avert it. If it does not result immediately, from the Trent affair, England will ask France to join in raising the Blockade.

Their object is, to while our Ports are Blockaded to open those of the Confederate States, resuming commercial relations in British Bottoms, and thus tempting the Border and Western States. This, you see, will have a strong appeal to the Pockets of men.

I fear that our People, exasperated by the burning of the “Harry Birch,” and the insolence of the London Press, will be in no temper to consult prudent councils.

But much of the abuse of the Press here might have been prevented if our Governmt had looked to it. I am already in communication with prominent men, some connected with the Govermt and some with the Press, to have changed the whole tone of popular sentiment. But to do this able writers, here (and I already know some of them) must be paid. The Secessionists understood this — have paid what was necessary, and we are suffering the consequences. I am working as hard as I can, on my own hook, tho' distinguished People here believe, and trust me, as in some way connected with the Governmt.

Mr Adams is very cordial, and renders me every [illegible] in his power.

The Englishmen put searching questions, some of which are not a little embarrassing.

We have excellent Friends in the Cotton consuming Cities and Towns

The naval success helps much. The great difficulty has been that, with all our acknowleged superiority, the Enemy held us at bay. A real victory would set us up abroad. I am however, well satisfied with the last accounts from Home.

Very truly,
T. Weed

Letter