Nevertheless, Spence succeeded, for a short time, in arousing a show of energy.

November 24, 1863, Mason wrote to Mann that measures were "in progress and in course of execution" to hold public meetings, memorialize Parliament, and form an association for the promotion of Southern independence "under the auspices of such men as the Marquis of Lothian, Lord Robert Cecil, M.P., Lord Wharncliffe, Lord Eustace Cecil, Messrs.

Haliburton, Lindsay, Peacocke, Van Stittart, M.P., Beresford Hope, Robert Bourke, and others[1130]...." A fortnight later, Spence reported his efforts and postulated that in them, leading to European intervention, lay the principal, if not the only hope, of Southern independence--a view never _publicly_ acknowledged by any devoted friend of the South: "The news is gloomy--very, and I really do not see how the war is to be worked out to success without the action of Europe.

That is stopped by our Government but there is a power that will move the latter, if it can only be stirred up, and that, of course, is public opinion.

I had a most agreeable and successful visit to Glasgow upon a requisition signed by the citizens.