Yet it was only on May 18 that Russell's first instructions to Lyons were sent, and not until late in June that the "misunderstanding" cleared away, instructions were despatched by Seward to push the Declaration of Paris negotiations at London and Paris.

The battle of Bull Run had nothing to do with a new policy.

Thus chronology forbids the inclusion of this negotiation, either in its inception, progress, or conclusion, as an agency intended to make possible, on just grounds, a foreign war.
A mere chronological examination of documents, both printed and in archives, permits a clearer view of British policy on the Declaration of Paris.

Recalling the facts of the American situation known in London it will be remembered that on May 1 the British Government and Parliament became aware that a civil war was inevitable and that the South planned to issue privateers.

On that day Russell asked the Admiralty to reinforce the British fleet in West Indian waters that British commerce might be adequately protected.