“It is clearly for your government to explain why the convention failed, and what, in their opinion, is now required from us. The civilized world, I am quite sure, will say that we are on a certain vantage-ground, having consented to all that was asked from us, the convention not having failed through our default.
“I could easily suggest a mode of settlement which all mankind, outside the two countries, would approve of; but how do I know what your government can do? If there is passion enough for Mr. Sumner to appeal to, or believers in his wild theories of international obligation, how can any settlement be looked for? There is abundant good feeling here to enable our government to do what is just, but no feeling that will permit of any voluntary humiliation of the country.
“Until something is known of what will content the powers that will meet in Washington in December next, I do not see what any mission from this to you would be likely to effect. I have read the article in the New Englander. It is moderate, and written in a good spirit. I do not know that there is anything in it that I could not freely indorse. Upon the basis of its argument there could be no difficulty in terminating all that is in dispute between the two countries. But the article is in answer to Mr. Sumner; and the question is, does your government, and will your Congress, go with Mr. Sumner or with the review article? And what view will your people take?
“I write all this privately to you. It is not from a Cabinet minister, but from an old friend of yours, who is a member of the English Parliament, and who has taken some interest in the affairs of your country. You will consider what I say, therefore, as in no degree expressing any opinion but my own. I have abstained from writing or speaking in public on the subject of the dispute. I could say something to the purpose probably if I thought men on your side were in a mood to listen and to think calmly. But after what has happened in connection with the convention I think we can only wait for some intimation from your side.
“There is a good opinion existing here with regard to your government, and especially as regards your Secretary of State. I hope he may have the honor of assisting with a wise moderation to the settlement of the disputes on which so much has been said and written and so little done....
“Believe me always sincerely your friend,
“John Bright.”
He answered this letter on September 14th: