Chapter IV: Course of the CIVIL War

1862-1865

Course of the Civil War--Mr. Seward's altered policy towards
England--Visit of the French Minister, M. Mercier, to the Confederate
Headquarters--Lord Lyons declines to accompany him--Rumoured intention
of France and England to mediate--Breakdown in health owing to
overwork--Failure of French attempt at intervention--Dissatisfaction in
Northern States--Indiscretion of a British Consul--Arbitrary
proceedings of American cruisers--Lord Russell and the
_Alabama_--Grievances of foreigners resident in the United
States--Liability of British subjects to military service--Method of
recruiting the Northern armies--Hardships of 'Volunteers'--The Bounty
System--Surprising proposal by Mr. Seward--Reciprocity negotiations:
Lord Lyons's objections to a Canadian representative--Difficulty of
obtaining redress for aggrieved British subjects--Lord Lyons directed
to proceed to Canada and to report on its defence--Return to
Washington--Breakdown in health--The work at the Washington
Legation--Proceeds to England--Retires temporarily from Diplomatic
service owing to ill-health 79

CHAPTER V

CONSTANTINOPLE

1865-1867

Offer and Acceptance of Constantinople Embassy--Sir Henry
Bulwer--Comparative calm at Constantinople--Arrogance of
French Ambassador, M. de Moustier--Lord Stratford de Redcliffe
on Turkey--Sultan Abdul Aziz and his passion for ironclads--The
Principalities: Prince Charles of Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen
chosen as Hereditary Prince--Difficulties relating to his
Investiture--Crete: The Fortress of Belgrade--Lord Stanley on
Greece--Russian policy towards Turkey--Pro-Russian proclivities
of Napoleon III.--Projected visit of the Sultan to France and
England--Mr. Hammond's apprehensions with regard to the
Sultan--The Dragoman system at Constantinople--Appointed
Ambassador at Paris 144