“…it will be difficult to popularize a Slave Republic as a new allied power in England.”—William Howard Russell’s Diary.

October 15th.–Sir James Ferguson and Mr. R. Bourke, who have been travelling in the South and have seen something of the Confederate government and armies, visited us this evening after dinner. They do not seem at all desirous of testing by comparison the relative efficiency of the two armies, which Sir James, at all events, is competent to do. They are impressed by the energy and animosity of the South, which no doubt will have their effect on England also; but it will be difficult to popularize a Slave Republic as a new allied power in England. Two of General McClellan’s aides dropped in, and the meeting abstained from general politics.