Sir George Lewis replied stating that the Government was about to issue a general proclamation warning British subjects not to take any part in the war[162].

Similar questions were asked by Derby in the Lords on May 10, and received a similar answer[163].

The few days' delay following Russell's statement of May 6 was due to consideration given by the Law Officers to the exact form required.

The Proclamation as issued was dated May 13, and was officially printed in the _London Gazette_ on May 14.
In form and in substance the Proclamation of Neutrality did not differ from customary usage[164].

It spoke of the Confederacy as "states styling themselves the Confederate States of America," prohibited to Englishmen enlistment on either side, or efforts to enlist others, or equipment of ships of war, or delivery of commissions to such ships.