The effect of the debate on Mason was not to cause distrust of his English advisers, but to convince him that the existing Government was more determined in unfriendliness than he had supposed.

Of the blockade he wrote: "...

no step will be taken by this Government to interfere with it[575]." He thought the military news from America in part responsible as: "The late reverses at Fort Henry and Fort Donelson have had an unfortunate effect upon the minds of our friends here[576]...." Spence was opposed to any further move in Parliament until some more definite push on the Government from France should occur[577].

Slidell, anxiously watching from Paris the effort in England, had now altered his view of policy and was convinced there was no hope in France until England gave the signal.
Referring to his previous idea that the Continent could be put in opposition to Great Britain on the blockade he wrote: "I then supposed that the influence of the Emperor was such that any view of the question which he might urge on the British Cabinet would be adopted.

I have since had reason to change entirely this opinion.