“Had the suggestion you make of an interview and conversation with Lord Palmerston originated with his Lordship I might not have felt myself prohibited by my instructions from at once acceding to it, but as it has the form only of his assent to a proposition from you I must with all respect decline it.

“Although no longer accredited by my Government as Special Commissioner to Great Britain, I am yet in Europe with full powers, and therefore, had Lord Palmerston expressed a desire to see me as his own act (of course unofficially, and even without any reason assigned for the interview) I should have had great pleasure in complying with his request[1179].”

The explanation of disinclination to come was lengthy, but the last paragraph indicated an itching to be active in London again.  Lindsay renewed his urgings and was not only hopeful but elated over the seeming success of his overtures to the Government.  He had again seen Palmerston and had now pushed his proposal beyond the timid suggestion of overtures when the opportune moment should arrive to a definite suggestion of recognition of the Confederacy: 

“I reasoned on the moral effect of recognition, considering that the restoration of the Union, which was utterly hopeless, was the object which the North had in view, etc., etc.  This reasoning appeared to produce a considerable effect, for he appears now to be very open to conviction.  He again said that in his opinion the subjugation of the South could not be effected by the North, and he added that he thought the people of the North were becoming more and more alive to the fact every day.”

Lindsay’s next step was to be the securing of an interview with Russell and if he was found to be equally acquiescent all would be plain sailing: 

“Now, if by strong reasoning in a quiet way, and by stern facts we can get Lord R. to my views, I think I may say that all difficulty so far as our Cabinet is concerned, is at an end.  I hope to be able to see Lord Russell alone to-morrow.  He used to pay some little attention to any opinions I ventured to express to him, and I am not without hope.  I may add that I was as frank with Lord Palmerston as he has been pleased to be with me, and I told him at parting to-day, that my present intention was not to proceed with the Motion at least for 10 days or a fortnight, unless he was prepared to support me.  He highly commended this course, and seemed much gratified with what I said.  The fact is, sub rosa, it is clear to me that no motion will be carried unless it is supported by the Government for it is clear that Lord Derby is resolved to leave the responsibility with the Executive, and therefore, in the present state of matters, it would seriously injure the cause of the South to bring forward any motion which would not be carried.”

Lindsay then urges Mason to come at once to London.