st to avoid the great evils which must
necessarily flow from a prolongation of hostilities by at
once coming to an agreement to treat upon that principle of
separation which must apparently be the inevitable result of
the contest, however long it may last.

"The best thing would be that the two parties should settle
details by direct negotiation with each other, though perhaps
with the rancorous hatred now existing between them this
might be difficult. But their quarrels in negotiation would
do us no harm if they did not lead to a renewal of war. An
armistice, if not accompanied by a cessation of blockades,
would be all in favour of the North, especially if New
Orleans remained in the hands of the North.

"The whole matter is full of difficulty, and can only be
cleared up by some more decided events between the contending
armies...."

PALMERSTON[768]."

Very evidently Palmerston was experiencing doubts and was all in favour
of cautious delay. American military events more than Granville's
arguments influenced him, but almost immediately there appeared a much
more vigorous and determined opponent within the Cabinet. Cornewall
Lewis was prompt to express objections. October 2, Russell transmitted
to Palmerston a letter of disapproval from Lewis. Russell also,
momentarily, was hesitating. He wrote:

"This American question must be well sifted. I send you a
letter of G. Lewis who is against moving ..."

"My only doubt is whether we and France should stir if Russia
holds back. Her separation from our move would ensure the
rejection of our proposals. But we shall know more by the
16th. I have desired a cabinet to be summoned for that day,
but the summons will not go out till Saturday. So if you wish
to stop it, write to Hammond[769]."

From this it would appear that Russia had been approached[770] but that
Russell's chief concern was the attitude of France, that his proposed
private communication to Cowley had been despatched and that he was
waiting an answer which might be expected before the sixteenth. If so
his expectations were negatived by that crisis now on in the French
Ministry over the Italian question prohibiting consideration of any
other matter. On October 15 Thouvenel was dismissed, but his formal
retirement from office did not take place until October 24. Several
Ministers abroad, amo