Seward's views and those of Monsieur
Mercier." Lyons concluded his report of the whole matter:
"The result of Monsieur Mercier's journey has been to bring
him back precisely to the point at which he was three months
ago. The Federal successes which occurred afterwards had
somewhat shaken his conviction in the ultimate success of the
South, and consequently his opinions as to the policy to be
adopted by France. The sentiments he now expresses are
exactly those which he expressed at the beginning of the
year[602]."
In other words, Mercier was now again pressing for early recognition of
the South at the first favourable moment. On Lyons the effect of the
adventure to Richmond was just the reverse of this; and on Russell also
its influence was to cause some doubt of Southern success. Appended to
Lyons' report stands Russell's initialled comment:
"It is desirable to know what is the Interior to which the
Southern Confederates propose if beaten to retire. If in Arms
they will be pursued, if not in Arms their discontent will
cause but little embarrassment to their Conquerors. But can
the country be held permanently by the U.S. Armies if the
Confederates have small bodies in Arms resisting the
authority of the U.
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