Charles Francis Adams to His Son
London, June 26, 1863
We are gradually working through the season here, which, owing to the marriage of the Prince of Wales at so early a date, has made itself as long as two ordinary ones. I am sure I wish it over, particularly as the feeling toward America in the highest circles is growing more and more unequivocal. Even the accounts of our successes do not have any good effect. They call it very bad news. I suppose we must all make up our minds to bear everything during the remainder of our stay, for the sake of the country. Personally, I cannot say that I have experienced any discomfort. At Court last week I was received with rather marked civility. But it is not pleasant to have the feeling that there is this ill-will to your country all around you. I suppose this to be an incident of diplomatic life everywhere and I now see it here in other cases than my own. Neither Russia nor Prussia is much more relished than the United States. Indeed there is a prevailing feeling of distrust as if we were on the eve of great troubles in Europe. Stocks are falling and active preparations in arming are going on. Napoleon is suspected of schemes eastward and westward, whilst England is not unlikely to be dragged into a war against her will, simply because there is no party strong enough to hold its own against the popular passions. In the midst of all this I cannot sometimes but cherish the wish that our arms would move a little faster. We are still in suspense about Vicksburgh and Port Hudson. . . .
