In November Captain Charles Wilkes learned that Ex-Senators J. M.
Mason and John Slidell, two prominent Confederates bound on an
important mission to Europe, had succeeded in reaching Cuba, and
from there had taken passage for England on the British mail
steamer Trent. He stopped the Trent and took Mason and Slidell
prisoners, afterward allowing the steamer to proceed on her way.
The affair caused intense excitement both in England and in the
United States, and England began instant preparations for war.
Lord Lyons, the British Minister at Washington, was instructed to
demand the release of the prisoners and a suitable apology within
one week, and if this were refused, to close his legation and
come home. It was fortunate that Lord Lyons and Mr. Seward were
close personal friends, and could, in spite of the excitement of
both countries, discuss the matter calmly and without anger.
Their conferences were brought to an end by Mr. Lincoln's
decision to give up the prisoners. In the North their capture had
been greeted with extravagant joy. Newspapers rang with praises
of Captain Wilkes; his act was officially approved by the
Secretary of the Navy, and the House of Representatives passed a
resolution thanking him for his "brave, adroit, and patriotic
conduct." In the face of all this it must have been hard indeed
for Mr. Lincoln to order that Mason and Slidell be given up; but
though he shared the first impulse of rejoicing, he soon became
convinced that this must be done.
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