This, he thought, was unwise since delay would be injurious[566].

Of like opinion were the two Members of Parliament who were, throughout Mason's career in England, to be his closest advisers.

These were Gregory and Lindsay, the former possessing somewhat of a following in the "gentleman-ruler" class, the latter the largest shipowner in Great Britain.

Their advice also was to press on the blockade question[567], as a matter of primary British commercial interest, and they believed that France was eager to follow a British lead.

This was contrary to Slidell's notion at the moment, but of this Mason was unaware[568].
The Government did indeed feel compelled to lay before Parliament the papers on the blockade.