ng it clearly understood that England
"has not had and will not have the slightest inclination to intervention
or mediation, or to take any position except that of strict
neutrality[1111]."

Mason at once notified Slidell of his receipt of the recall instruction
and secured the latter's approval of the communication he proposed
making to Russell[1112]. A general consultation of Southern agents took
place and Mason would have been vexed had he known how small was the
regard for his abilities as a diplomat[1113]. _The Index_ hastened to
join in a note already struck at Richmond of warm welcome to France in
her conquest of Mexico, reprinting on September 17, an editorial from
the _Richmond Enquirer_ in which it was declared, "France is the only
Power in the world that has manifested any friendly feeling towards the
Confederacy in its terrible struggle for independence." Evidently all
hope was now centred upon Napoleon, a conclusion without doubt
distasteful to Mason and one which he was loth to accept as final.

On September 21, Mason notified Russell of his withdrawal very nearly
in the words of Benjamin's instruction. The news was at once made
public, calling out from the _Times_ a hectoring editorial on the folly
of the South in demanding recognition before it had won it[1114]. In
general, however, the press took a tone apparently intended to "let
Mason down easily," acknowledging that his act indicated a universal
understanding that Great Britain would not alter her policy of strict
neutrality, but expressing admiration for the courage and confidence of
the South[1115]. September 25, Russell replied to Mason with courtesy
but also with seeming finality:

"I have on other occasions explained to you the reasons which
have induced Her Majesty's Government to decline the
overtures you allude to, and the motives which have hitherto
prevented the British Court from recognizing you as the
accredited Minister of an established State.

"These reasons are still in force, and it is not necessary to
repeat them.

"I regret that circumstances have prevented my cultivating
your personal acquaintance, which, in a different state of
affairs, I should have done with much pleasure and
satisfaction[1116]."

Thus Mason took his exit. Brief entrances upon the stage in England were
still to be his, but the chief role there was now assigned to others and
the principal scenes tran