on to sound _Palmerston_ on the subject and
to inform him of the Emperor's views and wishes. This was
done in consequence of a note from the Emperor, to the
Minister, in which he said, 'Je me demande, s'il ne serait
bien d'avertir Lord Palmerston, que je suis decide a
reconnaitre le Sud.' This is by far the most significant
thing that the Emperor has said, either to me or to the
others. It renders me comparatively indifferent what England
may do or omit doing. At all events, let Mr. Roebuck press
his motion and make his statement of the Emperor's
declaration. Lord Palmerston will not dare to dispute it and
the responsibility of the continuance of the war will rest
entirely upon him. M. Drouyn de Lhuys has not heard from
Baron Gros the result of his interview with Palmerston. I
see that the latter has been unwell and it is probable that
the former had not been able to see him. There can be no
impropriety in Mr. Roebuck's seeing Baron Gros, who will
doubtless give him information which he will use to
advantage. I write in great haste; will you do me the favour
to let Lord Campbell know the substance of this note,
omitting that portion of it which relates to the Emperor's
inclination to act alone. Pray excuse me to Lord Campbell for
not writing to him, time not permitting me to do so[1085]."

This did not satisfy Mason; he telegraphed on the twenty-ninth, "Can I
put in hands of Roebuck copy of Mocquard's note brought by
Corcoran[1086]." To which Slidell replied by letter:

"For fear the telegraph may commit some blunder I write to
say that M. Mocquard's note, being confidential, cannot be
_used in any way_. I showed it to Messrs. Roebuck and Lindsay
when they were here and have no objection that they should
again see it confidentially[1087]."

On June 29, Roebuck went to Baron Gros and received the information that
no formal communication had been made to Russell. The next day in an
effort in some way to secure an admission of what Mason and his friends
believed to be the truth, Lord Campbell asked Russell in the House of
Lords if he had received either a document or a verbal communication
outlining Napoleon's desires. Russell replied that Baron Gros had told
him "an hour ago" that he had not even received any instruction to
deliver such a communication[1088]. This was in the hours prec