Layard reaffirmed very positively that no communication had been received from France and disclosed that Napoleon's alleged complaint of a British revelation to Seward of French overtures was a myth, since the document in question had been printed in the _Moniteur_, thus attracting Seward's attention[1095].

Thus Roebuck was further discredited.

July 4, Spence wrote strongly urging the withdrawal of the motion: "I have a letter from an eminent member of the House and great friend of the South urging the danger of carrying Mr.
Roebuck's motion to a vote.

It is plain it will be defeated by a great majority and the effect of this will encourage the North and distress our friends.

It will also strengthen the minority of the Cabinet in favour of the North....
"The fact is the ground of the motion, which was action on the part of France, has failed us--and taken shape which tells injuriously instead of being the great support....
"If a positive engagement were made by Mr.Disraeli to support the motion it would alter the question entirely.