Mr. Dallas to Mr. Seward, April 9, 1861

Mr. Dallas to Mr.
Seward.

Sir: Referring to my despatch of the 5th
instant, (No. 329,) I have now the honor to state that Lord John Russell
accorded me an interview at the foreign office yesterday, and enabled me
to submit fully to his consideration the representations of your
circular, with the inaugural address of the President.

We conversed for some time on the question of recognizing the alleged
southern confederacy, of which no representative has yet appeared, and
may not appear until the end of the month.

His lordship assured me with great earnestness that there was not the
slightest disposition in the British government to grasp at any
advantage which might be supposed to arise from the unpleasant domestic
differences in the United States, but, on the contrary, that they would
be highly gratified if those differences were adjusted and the Union
restored to its former unbroken position.

I pressed upon him, in concluding, if that were the case—and I was quite
convinced that it was—how important it must be that this country and
France should abstain, at least for a considerable time, from doing
what, by encouraging groundless hopes, would widen a breach still
thought capable of being closed.

He seemed to think the matter not ripe for decision one way or the other,
and remarked that what he
had said was all that at present it was in his power to say. The coming
of my successor, Mr. Adams, looked for from week to week, would
doubtless be regarded as the appropriate and natural occasion for
finally discussing and determining the question. In the intermediate
time whatever of vigilance and activity may be necessary shall, of
course, and as a high duty, be exerted.

English opinion tends rather, I apprehend, to the theory that a peaceful
separation may work beneficially for both groups of States and not
injuriously affect the rest of the world. They cannot be expected to
appreciate the weakness, discredit, complications, and dangers which we
instinctively and justly ascribe to disunion.

I beg to add that a phase of this subject will be introduced in the House
of Commons to-night by Lord Alfred Churchill, and that on the 15th
instant a motion favoring the recognition will be pressed by Mr. W. H.
Gregory, member for Galway.

I have the honor to be, sir, your most obedient servant,

Parliamentary notices.

Blackpool and Lytham railroad bill.

orders of the day.

Middleton’s estate.—Standing order No. 141 to be considered, in order
to its being dispensed with, on the petition for a private bill.

Lunacy regulation bill.—Committee.

Queensland government bill.—Committee.

notices of motions.

Lord Stanley.—To ask the under secretary of
state for war what steps have been or are being taken to abolish
purchase in the army above the rank of major, as recommended by the
commission of 1856.

Lord Alfred Churchill.—To ask the secretary
of state for foreign affairs whether it is the intention of her
Majesty’s government to recognize the Confederate States of America
without a guarantee that the flag of that confederation shall not be
made subservient to the slave trade, and whether it is the intention
of her Majesty’s government to invite a conference of the European
powers on the subject, so as to prevent the African slave trade
being reopened or carried on under the flag of the said
confederation.