On July 28, Russell reviewing Seward's arguments, commented on the fast increasing bitterness of the American conflict, disturbing and unsettling to European Governments, and wrote: "The approach of a servile war, so much insisted upon by Mr.
Seward in his despatch, only forewarns us that another element of destruction may be added to the slaughter, loss of property, and waste of industry, which already afflict a country so lately prosperous and tranquil[908]." In this same despatch unfavourable comment was made also on the Confiscation Bill with its punitive emancipation clauses.

Stuart presented a copy of the despatch to Seward on August 16[909].

On August 22, Stuart learned of Lincoln's plan and reported it as purely a manoeuvre to affect home politics and to frighten foreign governments[910].

Where did Stuart get the news if not from Seward, since he also reported the latter's success in postponing the proclamation?
In brief both Seward and Russell were regarding emancipation in the light of an incitement to servile insurrection, and both believed such an event would add to the argument for foreign intervention.

The _threat_ Seward had regarded as useful; the _event_ would be highly dangerous to the North.