General Farnsworth told the writer nearly twenty years ago that, being
in the War Office one day, Secretary Stanton told him that at the last
Cabinet meeting he had learned a lesson he should never forget, and
thought he had obtained an insight into Mr. Lincoln’s wonderful power
over the masses. The Secretary said a Cabinet meeting was called to
consider our relations with England in regard to the Mason-Slidell
affair. One after another of the Cabinet presented his views, and Mr.
Seward read an elaborate diplomatic dispatch, which he had prepared.
Finally Mr. Lincoln read what he termed “a few brief remarks upon the
subject,” and asked the opinions of his auditors. They unanimously
agreed that our side of the question needed no more argument than was
contained in the President’s “few brief remarks.”
Mr. Seward said he would be glad to adopt the remarks, and, giving them
more of the phraseology usual in diplomatic circles, send them to Lord
Palmerston, the British premier.
“Then,” said Secretary Stanton, “came the demonstration. The President,
half wheeling in his seat, threw one leg over the chair-arm, and,
holding the letter in his hand, said, ‘Seward, do you suppose Palmerston
will understand our position from that letter, just as it is?’
“‘Certainly, Mr. President.’
“‘Do you suppose the London Times will?’
“‘Certainly.’
“‘Do you suppose the average Englishman of affairs will?’
“‘Certainly; it cannot be mistaken in England.’
“‘Do you suppose that a hackman out on his box (pointing to the street)
will understand it?’
“‘Very readily, Mr. President.’
“‘Very well, Seward, I guess we’ll let her slide just as she is.’
“And the letter did ‘slide,’ and settled the whole business in a manner
that was effective.”