Some say 'move'-- others, 'postpone'-- but the news by the _Scotia_ to-morrow will regulate to a considerable extent our course of action.

One thing is now clear to me that the motion must _not_ be a party one, and that the main point will be to get the Government to go with _whoever_ brings forward the motion, for as you are aware I would rather see the motion in other hands than mine, as my views on the American question are so well known.

As no competent member however seems disposed to move or rather to incur the responsibility, I sent to inquire if it would be agreeable to Lord Palmerston to see me on American affairs and on the subject of a motion to be brought forward in the House.

He sent word that he would be very glad to see me, and I had, therefore, a long meeting with him alone last night, the result of which was that if I brought forward a motion somewhat as follows, on the third of June, he would likely be prepared _to accept it_, though he asked if I would see him again after the _Scotia_ arrived.

The motion we talked about was to this _effect_--'That the House of Commons deeply regretting the great loss of life and the sufferings of the people of the United States and the Confederate States of North America by the continuance of the war which has been so long waged between them, trust that Her Majesty's Government will avail itself of the earliest opportunity of mediating in conjunction with the other powers of Europe to bring about a cessation of hostilities.'" Lindsay had suggested to Palmerston that it was desirable for Mason to return to England and have a conference with the Premier.