Lord John refused this.

He admitted there was no chance of an affirmative answer from Washington.

I think his principal motive was a fear of displeasing France, and that Palmerston's principal motive was a wish to seem to support him.

There is a useful article in to-day's _Times_ throwing cold water on the invitation.

I take for granted that Delane was informed of the result of the Cabinet[820]." Gladstone, writing to his wife, gave a similar though more brief account: "Nov.