There is no longer any excitement here upon the question of America.

I fear Europe is going to supplant the affairs of America as an exciting topic[554]," meaning, presumably, disturbances arising in Italy.

On April 4 Adams described his diplomatic duties as "almost in a state of profound calm[555]." This quiet in relation to America is evidence that no matter what anxiety was felt by British statesmen over the effects of the blockade there was as yet no inclination seriously to question its legality.

That there was, nevertheless, real anxiety is shown by an urgent letter from Westbury to Palmerston upon the blockade, asserting that if cotton brought but four pence at Charleston and thirteen pence at Liverpool there must be some truth in its alleged effectiveness: "I am greatly opposed to any violent interference.

Do not let us give the Federal States any pretence for saying that they failed thro' our interference....