Lincoln and Seward-- Part 5: Foreign Involvement

From the March8, 2016, McHenry County Civil War Round Table.

Seward wanted Lincoln to only make his Emancipation Proclamation after a major Union victory.  There was big fear as to its impact on the border states which still had slaves..  Plus, most Northerners did nor like slaves  There was also a fear of a possible and bloody slave insurrection.

The Russian fleet visiting New York in 1863, was also a political move.  Britain and France were calling for mediation between the Confederacy and the Union.  Mediation might be construed as recognition of the Confederacy.  The Russian fleet signaled their support of the Union.

Another issue between the United States and England were the British-built Confederate commerce raiders of which there were six, the most famous being the CSS Alabama, Florida and Shenandoah.

Seward got a bill to authorize U.S. privateers to stop Confederate ships and even British and French commerce.

--Old Secesh