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Description

Discussing social politics in England

Date

2-21-1862

Keywords

letter, McIlvaine, Seward

Transcript

London Feb. 21, 1862

Dear Sir,

I have not written you concerning affairs here because I know you heard regularly from Mr. [Weed], besides your diplomatic correspondence with Mr. Adams. I have the most agreeable relations with the latter & am very sensible of his great values as the Representative of our Government at this time, his sound judgment united with a strong mind & extensive knowledge give him an exalted position here. With Mr [Weed] I am in constant communication. His relations to leading persons are many & near. He is received with great respect & confidence. I hear his communications spoken of always as if much weight, as for example by the Earl of Shaftesbury, this morning. My opportunities here much exceeded my expectations. There was a dreadful lack of [?] to speak for the country when I got here. Mr. Weed having arrived only just before.

Whatever the cause, every body sees the change in public opinion, or expressions of it, recently. It is now seen what, by this time, must the increasing rapidly in manifestation at home, how fast the downfall of the [?] is approaching.

There is not the slightest reason to apprehend any disturbing act of the [?] Government. A member of Parliament told me the other day, such an attempt would cast the [Member] who should make [it] from his place.

We have to-day the gratifying details of the capture of Fort [Henry], & we are all greatly rejoiced.

I remain, dear Sir,

Yours [most] truly,

Charles P. McIlvaine

Letter to Frederick Seward

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