Bigelow believed that the United States might well recognize its opportunity in this controversy and give aid to its friends: "After all, this struggle of ours both at home and abroad is but a struggle between the principle of popular government and government by a privileged class.

The people therefore all the world over are in a species of solidarity which it is our duty and interest to cultivate to the utmost[1364]." But Adams gave contrary advice.

Wholly sympathetic with the democratic movement in England as now, somewhat to his surprise, developed, he yet feared that the extremes to which Bright and others were going in support of the North might create unfortunate reactions in the Government.

Especially he was anxious that the United States should not offer opportunity for accusation of interference in a British political quarrel.

It is noteworthy that while many addresses to Lincoln were forwarded by him and many were printed in the annual publication of diplomatic correspondence, those that thus appeared dealt almost exclusively with emancipation.