The _Spectator_, even though pro-Northern, had at first small hope of reunion by force, and offered consolation in the thought that there would still remain a United States of America "strong, powerful and free; all the stronger for the loss of the Black South[81]." In short from all quarters the public press, whatever its sympathy, united in decrying war as a useless effort doomed to failure if undertaken in the hope of restoring the Union.

Such public opinion, however, was not necessarily governmental opinion.

The latter was indeed more slow to make up its mind and more considerate in expressing itself.
When it became clear that in all probability the North would fight, there was still no conception, any more than in the United States itself, of the duration and intensity of the conflict.

Indeed, Russell yet hoped, as late as the end of January, that no protracted war would occur.

Nevertheless he was compelled to face the situation in its relation to British commerce.
On February 16, Russell addressed Lyons on that aspect of possible war which would at once call for a determination of British policy.