'Letter from Thurlow Weed to William Seward, December 13, 1861'

'Letter from Thurlow Weed to William Seward, December 13, 1861'

A letter from Thurlow Weed to the U.S. Secretary of State concerning the development of the Trent Affair in Britain.

Weed's letter is written in the midst of an deteriorating diplomatic situation between the United States and the British Empire. Informing Secretary Seward of a meeting between himself and the British Foreign Minister, Earl Russell, Weed's account reflects the seriousness of the controversy over the arrest of two Confederate diplomats aboard a British vessel by the Union. In the timeframe surrounding the creation of this letter, tensions were reaching their peak, in the midst of British military precautions taken to secure their North American territories, and the delivery of a diplomatic ultimatum from Russell to Secretary of State Seward.

Thurlow Weed

Abraham Lincoln Papers: Series 1. general Correspondence. 1833-1916. Library of Congress

Library of Congress

December 13, 1861

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

Public Doman. Library of Congress, Manuscript Division, Abraham Lincoln Papers

English

Rec 30 Dec London. Dec 13, '61. Dear Seward, I went to “Pembroke Lodge” to-day, having been told by Sir Samuel Roming and Mr Terrence McCullouth, M. P. that the Earl would give me an Audience at 1 o'clock. I first called to advise Mr Adams of my intention, and found that he was quite pleased that his own pupose had been anticipated. He is waiting for something from you that would render his call on Lord John necessary. Unfortunately, I had left your Letter in another coat pocket, and tho the explanation was awkward, I made it, adding that I would send it to him.

The Earl soon made me full at ease, and the conversation grew more and more [unembarassed?]. I remarked that my visit was unofficial and unbinding, but grew out my great solicitude that the English Friends of America should be possessed of the causes and progress of our Civil War; but that new complications, and the sensibility it had awakened here, while without knowledge of the views of the American Government; left me so little to say that I feared my Friends had erred in asking an audience. He soon however, led me into conversation, and from time to time, touched points that enabled me to say all I had desired, and after three quarters of an hour, when Lunch was announced, I believe I got through with out “breaking any crockery.” At Lunch, with Lady and Miss Russell, the conversation became general.

I tried, repeatedly, to get the Lord to consider some mode of [negociation?], looking to Peace, after a reprisal, if should come, to give up the Rebels, but he quietly refused, each time, that, as the President had not instructed Capt. Wilkes, there could be no embarrassment, &c &c.

He referred to his conversation with Mr Mallory, as I thought to learn if I knew any thing of it, and when I told him that you read Mr M's letter to me, and it gave our Government much satisfaction, he was more free.

I am sure, he does not war, but his government here is not indifferent to the circumstances that a war over the Trent issue, gives them the support of the whole Nation.

Lord John remarked that he had been informed (this was in reply to my expression of confidence in the wisdom Mr Lincoln) that Gen McClellan went early to the President to advise the giving up of S. & M. and that Mr L. replied “that needs consideration.”

He gave me the Duke of Newcastle views of his talk with you — or, as it goes, your talk at him, and had it all gone to the People to together, it would have furnished its own explanation. This was, that you disclaimed any intention to provoke war.

Truly Yours
T Weed
Saturday morning

You will see that I have had my head in the Lion's mouth. Whether this act of [business?] was wise or foolish others must judge. I was moved and tempted, and I hope that it will do no mischief at Home. Here, it was needed. I am sorry I had not seen Earl Russell in London to have the benafit of his version of your talk with the D. of N.7 But another opportunity may offer. I go to Paris this Evening to consult with Messrs Dayton, Bigelow and Sanford

Letter