I think, under all the circumstances, the administration acted wisely in surrendering Mason and Slidell. I say nothing of the accompanying despatch of Seward or of the publication of his letter to Mr. Adams.
Miss Lane has not yet returned from New York, and I know not when to expect her.
From your friend always,
James Buchanan.
[MR. BUCHANAN TO MR. KING.]
Wheatland, January 28, 1862.
My Dear Sir:—
I have received your favor of the 23d instant, and had heard from Miss Lane on the subject of the slippers. She has not yet returned from New York. I desire to repeat my warm thanks to Miss King for her valued token of regard.
I have just read the rhapsody of —— over the appointment of Mr. Stanton......
I do most earnestly hope that our army may be able to do something effective before the 1st of April. If not, there is great danger, not merely of British, but of European interference. There will then be such a clamor for cotton among the millions of operatives dependent upon it for bread, both in England and on the continent, that I fear for the blockade.