in governmental
circles abroad--at least in England. On July 21, the day before
Lincoln's proposal of emancipation in the Cabinet, Stuart in reviewing
military prospects wrote: "Amongst the means relied upon for weakening
the South is included a servile war[906]." To this Russell replied: "...
I have to observe that the prospect of a servile war will only make
other nations more desirous to see an end of this desolating and
destructive conflict[907]." This was but brief reiteration of a more
exact statement by Russell made in comment on Seward's first hint of
servile war in his despatch to Adams of May 28, a copy of which had been
given to Russell on June 20. On July 28, Russell reviewing Seward's
arguments, commented on the fast increasing bitterness of the American
conflict, disturbing and unsettling to European Governments, and wrote:

"The approach of a servile war, so much insisted upon by Mr.
Seward in his despatch, only forewarns us that another
element of destruction may be added to the slaughter, loss of
property, and waste of industry, which already afflict a
country so lately prosperous and tranquil[908]."

In this same despatch unfavourable comment was made also on the
Confiscation Bill with its punitive emancipation clauses. Stuart
presented a copy of the despatch to Seward on August 16[909]. On August
22, Stuart learned of Lincoln's plan and reported it as purely a
manoeuvre to affect home politics and to frighten foreign
governments[910]. Where did Stuart get the news if not from Seward,
since he also reported the latter's success in postponing the
proclamation?

In brief both Seward and Russell were regarding emancipation in the
light of an incitement to servile insurrection, and both believed such
an event would add to the argument for foreign intervention. The
_threat_ Seward had regarded as useful; the _event_ would be highly
dangerous to the North. Not so, however, did emancipation appear in
prospect to American diplomats abroad. Adams was a faithful servant in
attempting to carry out the ideas and plans of his chief, but as early
as February, 1862, he had urged a Northern declaration in regard to
slavery in order to meet in England Southern private representations
that, independence won, the South would enter upon a plan of gradual
emancipation to be applied "to all persons born after some specific
date[911]." Motley, at Vienna, frequently after February, 1862, in
priva