Palmerston also wrote on September 14: "The Federals ...

got a very complete smashing ...

even Washington or Baltimore may fall into the hands of the Confederates." "If this should happen, would it not be time for us to consider whether in such a state of things England and France might not address the contending parties and recommend an arrangement upon the basis of separation[754] ?" Russell replied: "...

I agree with you that the time is come for offering mediation to the United States Government, with a view to the recognition of the independence of the Confederates.

I agree further that, in case of failure, we ought ourselves to recognize the Southern States as an independent State.