there is no longer the notion that 'Slavery has nothing to do with it[494].'" A few extreme pro-Northern enthusiasts held public meetings and passed resolutions commending the "statesmanlike ability and moderation of Seward," and rejoicing that Great Britain had not taken sides with a slave power[495].

In general, however, such sentiments were not _publicly_ expressed.

That they were keenly felt, nevertheless, is certain.

During the height of the crisis, Anthony Trollope, then touring America, even while sharing fully in the intense British indignation against Captain Wilkes, wrote: "These people speak our language, use our prayers, read our books, are ruled by our laws, dress themselves in our image, are warm with our blood.

They have all our virtues; and their vices are our own too, loudly as we call out against them.
They are our sons and our daughters, the source of our greatest pride, and as we grow old they should be the staff of our age.