The first effect in England was astonishment, followed by renewed and more intense evidences of a belligerent disposition.

Soon, however, there began to appear a note of caution and more sane judgment of the situation, though with no lessening of the assertion that Britain had suffered an injury that must be redressed.

The American frenzy of delight seemingly indicated a deep-seated hostility to Britain that gave pause to British clamour for revenge.

On December 4 John Bright made a great speech at Rochdale, arguing a possible British precedent for Wilkes' act, urging caution, lauding American leadership in democracy, and stating his positive conviction that the United States Government was as much astonished as was that of Great Britain by the attack on the _Trent._[441] To this the _Times_ gave a full column of report on December 5 and the day following printed five close-type columns of the speech itself.

Editorially it attacked Bright's position, belittling the speech for having been made at the one "inconspicuous" place where the orator would be sure of a warm welcome, and asking why Manchester or Liverpool had not been chosen.