Thoroughly alarmed and despondent, anxious as to the possible fate of Canada[439], he advised against any public preparations in Canada for defence, on the ground that if the _Trent_ affair did blow over it should not appear that we ever thought it an insult which would endanger peace[440].

This was very different from the action and attitude of the Government at home, as yet unknown to Lyons.

He wisely waited in silence, advising like caution to others, until the receipt of instructions.

Silence, at the moment, was also a friendly service to the United States.
The earliest American reactions, the national rejoicing, became known to the British press some six days after its own spasm of anger, and three days after the Government had despatched its demand for release of the prisoners and begun its hurried military preparations.

On December 3 the _Times_ contained the first summary of American press outpourings.