Froude's life was in danger, and he was put under the special protection of the police.

The English newspapers, except The Pall Mall Gazette, gave him no support, and The Times treated his enterprise as Quixotic.

A preposterous rumour that he received payment from the British Ministry obtained circulation among respectable persons in New York.

He had intended to visit the Western States, but the project was abandoned in consequence of growing Irish hostility which made him feel that further effort would be useless.

It was not that he thought his arguments refuted, or capable of refutation.