This generalization was no doubt satisfactory to the public, but in the Government and in Parliament men who were thinking seriously of specific difficulties realized that the two main problems immediately confronting a British neutral policy were privateering and blockade.

The South had declared its _intention_ to use privateers.

The North had declared its _intention_, first to hang those who engaged in privateering, and second to establish a blockade.

Neither declaration had as yet been put into effect.
The first action of the British Government was directed toward privateering.

On May 1, Russell sent a note to the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty calling attention to the Southern plan to issue letters of marque and reprisal and directing that reinforcements be sent to the British fleet in American waters.