Thouvenel had not heard of the Bill and was seemingly indifferent.

At first he acquiesced in Russell's protest, then drew back and on three separate occasions promised support only to withdraw such promise.

He was disinclined, said Cowley, to join in a "friendly hint" to America because of the touchy sensibilities lately shown by Seward, and feared a direct protest might result in an American declaration of war.

In any case why not wait until the President _did_ act, and even then the proper method would be a protest rather than "reprisals." "I wish," wrote Cowley, on July 28, "that the French were inclined to be more _bumptious_, as they seemed to be at first.

I would at all times rather have the task of calming them, than of urging them on[513]...." Nevertheless Russell on July 19 notified Lyons that England would not observe a "legislative closing" of Southern ports[514].