He has done as regards this country what the necessities of his situation demanded from him, and he has done no more[1240]." This was to tread gently; but more exactly and more boldly the real reaction of the press was indicated by _Punch's_ cartoon of a phoenix, bearing the grim and forceful face of Lincoln, rising from the ashes where lay the embers of all that of old time had gone to make up the _liberties_ of America[1241].
During the months immediately preceding Lincoln's re-election English friends of the South had largely remained inactive.

Constantly twitted that at the chief stronghold of the _Southern Independence Association_, Manchester, they did not dare to hold a meeting in the great Free Trade Hall[1242], they tried ticket meetings in smaller halls, but even there met with opposition from those who attended.

At three other places, Oldham, Ashton, and Stockport, efforts to break the Northern hold on the manufacturing districts met with little success[1243], and even, as reported in the _Index_, were attended mainly by "magistrates, clergy, leading local gentry, manufacturers, tradesmen, and cotton operatives," the last named being also, evidently, the last considered, and presumably the least represented[1244].

The Rev.Mr.Massie conducted "follow up" Northern meetings wherever the Southern friends ventured an appearance[1245].

At one town only, Oldham, described by _The Index_ as "the most 'Southern' town in Lancashire," was a meeting held at all comparable with the great demonstrations easily staged by pro-Northern friends.