President Lincoln’s first conclusion (that Mason and Slidell should be
released) was the real ground on which the Administration submitted. “We
must stick to American principles concerning the rights of neutrals.” It
was to many, as Secretary of the Treasury Chase declared it was to him,
“gall and wormwood.” James Russell Lowell’s verse expressed best the
popular feeling:
We give the critters back, John, Cos Abram thought ‘twas right; It
warn’t your bullyin’ clack, John, Provokin’ us to fight.
The decision raised Mr. Lincoln immeasurably in the view of thoughtful
men, especially in England.