On January 11, the _Times_ recounted the earlier careers of Mason and Slidell, and stated that these two "more than any other men," were responsible for the traditional American "insane prejudice against England," an assertion for which no facts were offered in proof, and one much overestimating the influence of Mason and Slidell on American politics before secession.

They were "about the most worthless booty it would be possible to extract from the jaws of the American lion ...

So we do sincerely hope that our countrymen will not give these fellows anything in the shape of an ovation." Continuing, the _Times_ argued: "What they and their secretaries are to do here passes our conjecture.

They are personally nothing to us.

They must not suppose, because we have gone to the very verge of a great war to rescue them, that therefore they are precious in our eyes.