Boston, December 22, 1861
You may imagine that we are waiting here anxiously to hear the news from England, but I think you overestimate it. People seem to have lost all apprehension of war, on the simple theory that it requires two to make a war, as it does to make a bargain, and we don’t mean to fight — yet. By the way, why did you never tell me of the tone of Seward’s despatches? Here they excite the greatest admiration. I must say, I don’t think I ever read more admirable state papers, and I look with renewed admiration on the consummate genius which could produce them. They have gone far to reinstate Seward in the estimation of all cultivated minds. Sumner, I see, is riding the “nigger” hobby still. Why can’t he leave it alone. Can’t he see that it has passed beyond laws and proclamations, and that day by day we are working at that volcano. . . .
