Nor, indeed, did he see what proposals could have been made.

He had endeavoured to shew both the Emperor and M.
Rouher, that to recognize the independence of the South would not bring Cotton into the markets, while any interference with the blockade would probably have produced a collision.
At the same time he could not conceal from me the just anxiety he experienced to reopen the Cotton trade.

Might not the Northern States be induced to declare some one port Neutral, at which the trade could be carried on?
I said that the events which were now passing in America demonstrated the prudence of the policy pursued by the two Governments.

The recognition of the South would not have prevented the North from continuing its armaments and undertaking the expedition now in progress, and a refusal to acknowledge the blockade as efficient must have been followed by the employment of force, on a question of extreme delicacy[617]." Formal approval was given Cowley by Russell on April 16.

In this Russell stated that he agreed with Thouvenel the cotton situation was alarming, but he added: "The evil is evident--not equally so the remedy." He assured Cowley that "Her Majesty's Government wish to take no step in respect to the Civil War in America except in concert with France and upon full deliberation[618]." Meanwhile Lindsay's diplomatic career had received a severe jolt in London.