Henry Adams to Charles Francis Adams, Jr.
London, June 3, 1864
Our position here has not been nearly so much affected by all that has taken place [in America], as it was last year or the year before. One cause of this is the fact that our whole question is now old and familiar to every one, so as to have become actually a bore and a nuisance. The enthusiasm for the slaveholders has passed away like that for the Poles and other such people, enthusiasm being a sentiment which is a precious poor lot to last. Whether it will return or not I can’t say. Perhaps it would if the rebs were to capture Washington, Philadelphia and New York. Meanwhile the rebel cause is rather low in estimation just now.
Another reason for our comparative ease this year is the continued troubles in Europe. England has consented to betray Denmark, and Denmark. having found it out, has declared its intention not to be betrayed. It will go under, if necessary; but no influence shall induce it to seal its own condemnation and declare itself to have been in the wrong. This was the result reached yesterday by the Conference, and although I do not doubt that Denmark is right in her protest, I doubt just as little that England will throw the Danes over, remorselessly, and add insult, as the Times does this morning, to the most flagrant treason.
Still England has a conscience or a part of one, which is uneasy. It is not strong enough to beat loud and firm, but it dodges about and excuses itself and frets. So that it gives us a happy respite from attention. . . .
