it appeared best to limit our propositions in the manner explained in my despatch.
"I understand however from Lord Cowley that, although M.
Mercier is not absolutely instructed to advert to the abolition of privateering, yet that some latitude of action is left to him on that point should he deem it advisable to exercise it[288]." Lyons and Mercier saw more clearly than did Russell what was in Seward's mind.

Lyons had been instructed in the despatch just cited to use his own discretion as to joint action with the French Minister so long only as the two countries took the same stand.

He was to pursue whatever method seemed most "conciliatory." His first private comment on receiving Russell's instruction was, "Mr.Seward will be furious when he finds that his adherence to the Declaration of Paris will not stop the Southern privateering[289]," and in an official confidential despatch of the same day, June 4, he gave Russell clear warning of what Seward expected from his overture through Adams[290].

So delicate did the matter appear to Lyons and Mercier that they agreed to keep quiet for a time at least about their instructions, hoping to be relieved by the transfer of the whole matter to London and Paris[291].

But in London Russell was at this moment taking up again his favoured purpose.