For the purpose of taking so important a step, I think we must have a meeting, of the Cabinet.

The 23rd or 30th would suit me for the meeting[755]." The two elder statesmen being in such complete accord the result of the unofficial overture to France was now awaited with interest.

This, considering the similar unofficial suggestions previously made by Napoleon, was surprisingly lukewarm.

Cowley reported that he had held a long and serious conversation with Thouvenel on the subject of mediation as instructed by Russell on the thirteenth and found a disposition "to wait to see the result of the elections" in the North.

Mercier apparently had been writing that Southern successes would strengthen the Northern peace party.