He did state, however, that intervention (as distinct from mediation) would bring on a "servile war" in America, thus giving evidence of his close touch with Adams and his knowledge of Seward's despatch of May 28.

In the main the friends of the North were content to be silent and leave it to the Government to answer Lindsay.
This was good tactics and they were no doubt encouraged to silence by evidence early given in the debate that there would be no positive result from the motion.

Gregory showed that this was a real _attack_ on the Government by his bitter criticisms of Russell's "three months" speech[704].
At the conclusion of Gregory's speech Lindsay and his friends, their immediate purpose accomplished and fearing a vote, wished to adjourn the debate indefinitely.

Palmerston objected.

He agreed that everyone earnestly wished the war in America to end, but he declared that such debates were a great mistake unless something definite was to follow since they only served to create irritation in America, both North and South.