Lyons to Russell, July 16, 1861.] [Footnote 516: Schleiden reported Seward as objecting to the Bill and Sumner as "vainly opposing" it.

Sumner had in fact spoken publicly in favour of the measure.

Probably he told Schleiden that privately he was against it.

Schleiden reported Sumner as active in urging the Cabinet not to issue a Proclamation closing the ports (Schleiden Papers.
Schleiden to Senate of Bremen, July 10 and 19, 1861).

Mercier later informed Thouvenel that Sumner declared the Bill intended for the Northern public only, to show administration "energy," and that there was never any intention of putting it into effect.