1862 January 4

[from the diary of Joseph A. Waddell, Private, Ferguson's Battalion, Virginia Cavalry (Guyandotte Battalion)]


Saturday night,
No news to-day from any quarter, of spe-
cial interest. I have read the correspondence
between the British and U. S. governments in
reference to the Mason & Slidell capture. –
Seward’s letter to Lord Lyons must appear to
the world contemptible excite the contempt of
the world. After accepting the Confederate
Commissioners at the hands of Capt. Lynch
and holding them as prisoners, applauding
his conduct and etc, etc, the Yankee Government
the now surrenders the Commissioners to Great
Britain, because, says Seward, it is right and
proper to do so! If the liberation of the surrender had been
made before the demand came across the waters,
the Washington Cabinet could have pretended to
be influenced by right principle; but as it
was made afterwards, it is apparent that the
demand, and not regard for reason and justice,
brought about the result.

MSS 38-285