This expression by Palmerston on the day after the question apparently had come to a conclusion was the result of the unexpected persistence of Russell and Gladstone.  Replying to Palmerston’s letter of the twenty-third, Russell wrote:  “As no good could come of a Cabinet, I put it off.  But tho’ I am quite ready to agree to your conclusions for the present, I cannot do so for G. Lewis’ reasons....”

“G.  Lewis besides has made a proposition for me which I never thought of making.  He says I propose that England and France and perhaps some one Continental power should ask America to suspend the war.  I never thought of making such a proposal.

“I think if Russia agreed Prussia would.  And if France and England agreed Austria would.  Less than the whole five would not do.  I thought it right towards the Cabinet to reserve any specific proposition.  I am not at all inclined to adopt G. Lewis’ invention.

     “I have sent off Lyons without instructions, at which he is
     much pleased[802].”

Russell was shifting ground; first the proposal was to have been made by England and France; then Russia was necessary; now “less than five powers would not do.”  But whatever the number required he still desired a proposal of armistice.  On October 23, presumably subsequent to the informal meeting of Cabinet members, he drew up a brief memorandum in answer to that of Lewis on October 17, denying that Lewis had correctly interpreted his plan, and declaring that he had always had “in contemplation” a step by the five great powers of Europe.  The advisability of trying to secure such joint action, Russell asserted, was all he had had in mind. If the Cabinet had approved this advisability, and the powers were acquiescent, then (in answer to Lewis’ accusation of “no look ahead”) he would be ready with definite plans for the negotiation of peace between North and South[803].  Thus by letter to Palmerston and by circulation of a new memorandum Russell gave notice that all was not yet decided.  On October 24, Gladstone also circulated a memorandum in reply to Lewis, urging action by England, France and Russia[804].

Russell’s second memorandum was not at first taken seriously by his Cabinet opponents.  They believed the issue closed and Russell merely putting out a denial of alleged purposes.  Clarendon, though not a member of the Cabinet, was keeping close touch with the situation and on October 24 wrote to Lewis: 

“Thanks for sending me your memorandum on the American question, which I have read with great satisfaction.  Johnny [Russell] always loves to do something when to do nothing is prudent, and I have no doubt that he hoped to get support in his meddling proclivities when he called a Cabinet for yesterday; but its postponement sine die is probably due to your memorandum.  You have made so clear the idiotic position we should occupy, either in having presented our face gratuitously