CHAPTER IV

COURSE OF THE CIVIL WAR

1862-1865

Course of the Civil War--Mr. Seward's altered policy towards England--Visit of the French Minister, M. Mercier, to the Confederate Headquarters--Lord Lyons declines to accompany him--Rumoured intention of France and England to mediate--Breakdown in health owing to overwork--Failure of French attempt at intervention--Dissatisfaction in Northern States--Indiscretion of a British Consul--Arbitrary proceedings of American cruisers--Lord Russell and the _Alabama_--Grievances of foreigners resident in the United States--Liability of British subjects to military service--Method of recruiting the Northern armies--Hardships of 'Volunteers'--The Bounty System--Surprising proposal by Mr. Seward--Reciprocity negotiations: Lord Lyons's objections to a Canadian representative--Difficulty of obtaining redress for aggrieved British subjects--Lord Lyons directed to proceed to Canada and to report on its defence--Return to Washington--Breakdown in health--The work at the Washington Legation--Proceeds to England--Retires temporarily from Diplomatic service owing to ill-health 79