Russell had received some two weeks earlier, a letter from Bunch at Charleston, urging that England make no objection to the blockade in order that the South might be taught the lesson that "King Cotton," was not, after all, powerful enough to compel British recognition and support.

He stated that Southerners, angry at the failure to secure recognition, were loudly proclaiming that they both could and would humble and embarrass Great Britain (F.O., Am., Vol.

781.
No.82.Bunch to Russell, July 8, 1861).

Bunch wrote on July 23 that the South planned to hold back its cotton until Great Britain and France raised the blockade (_Ibid._, No.

87).