Edward L. Pierce, Memoir and letters of Charles Sumner: volume 4

[147] behalf, and to warn against the calamities for which, in case of intervention or other unfriendly action, Great Britain would be held responsible. With his early prepossessions for English life, he was sorely grieved at the course of the English government, the current of English opinion, and the unsympathetic and even hostile declarations of public men. If his warnings had been heeded in high quarters, that country would have been saved from a sad piece of history ending with the award at Geneva.

The letters of Bright and Cobden frankly stated our difficulties as they appeared to the English people, and suggested points where we should be on our guard. As soon as received, Sumner read or sent them to the President. Bright from time to time applied to him for information as to our plans and policy, which would enable him to make more positive statements in our behalf, and to assure the English people that our government would persevere in its policy of freedom.

Alone among eminent Englishmen, Bright was from first to last in our Civil War the unhesitating, unwavering, and fearless champion of our cause, full of faith and courage at all times.¹ Cobden wrote to Sumner, Feb. 12, 1862: ‘I hardly know anybody, except our courageous friend Bright (who rather likes to battle with the long odds against him), that thinks you can put down the rebellion.’² Cobden at first had leanings towards the South, influenced by his free-trade sentiments and his repugnance to war, but he soon came right under the inspiration of Bright.³ He had been impressed during his visits to this country with the material resources of the free States, and did not share the common English opinion that the suppression of the rebellion was improbable; but he had no faith, when that result should be reached, in the pacification of the revolted States. He was not in sympathy with some of our military methods, particularly the blockade, which he thought an unnecessary interruption of the pursuits of peace, and sure, if the contest were prolonged, to bring on foreign intervention.⁴ Thus hampered