Holograph, signed.
Richard Davis Webb holds his American friends in continual remembrance. He has been "amazed by the energy, resources & perseverance exhibited by the Southerners in their effort to obtain an unfettered victory for their evil 'institution.'" Webb enumerates various reasons for the British lack of sympathy with the North, and yet the "powerful portion of people which ranks between the peasantry & wealthy gentry & manufacturers has sufficed to prevent any serious disposition to take an active part in the American quarrel." Even at the time of the Trent Affair, Richard D. Webb did not fear government intervention. Although there have been blockades and warships have been supplied, Webb thinks that such acts are now disapproved. Webb says: "I am even more of a republican than ever." Webb has less and less hope for the poor of Europe so long as they remain the "playthings of monarchical & aristocratic institutions." Webb attended the public meetings concerned with the American question and the great majority was unmistakably on the Northern side. In the case of the Bristol mob that broke up a Northern meeting, Webb believes that the rioters were paid. Webb sold his house in the country and is living in the pleasantest suburb of Dublin.