protested,
pointed to the flag with the cross of St. George waving above his
head, and invoked the power of her Britannic majesty,--all to no
avail. The two commissioners had retired to their cabins, and refused
to come out without being compelled by actual force. The boat was sent
back to the "San Jacinto," and soon returned with a file of marines,
who were drawn up with their muskets on the deck of the "Trent." Every
British ship which carries mails carries a regularly commissioned
officer of the navy, who is responsible for them. This officer on the
"Trent" was somewhat of a martinet, and his protests at this violation
of the rights of a neutral vessel were very vigorous. When the first
gun was fired, he rushed below, and soon re-appeared in all the
resplendent glory of gold lace and brass buttons which go to make up a
naval uniform. He danced about the deck in an ecstasy of rage, and
made the most fearful threats of the wrath of the British people. The
passengers too became excited, and protested loudly. Every thing
possible was done by the people of the "Trent" to put themselves on
record as formally protesting. Nevertheless, the commissioners were
taken away, carried to New York, and from there sent into confinement
at Fort Warren.

When the news of this great achievement became known, Wilkes was made
the lion of the hour. Unthinking people met and passed resolutions of
commendation. He was tendered banquets by cities. He was elected a
member of learned societies in all parts of the country, and was
generally eulogized. Even the Secretary of the Navy, who should have
recognized the grave troubles likely to grow out of this violation of
the principles of neutrality, wrote a letter to Capt. Wilkes, warmly
indorsing his course, and only regretting that he had not captured the
steamer as well as the two commissioners.

But fortunately we had wiser heads in the other executive departments
of the government. President Lincoln and Secretary Seward quickly
disavowed the responsibility for Wilkes's action. Letters were written
to the United States minister in England, Charles Francis Adams,
alluding to the proceeding as one for which Capt. Wilkes as an
individual was alone responsible. And well it was that this attitude
was taken: for hardly had the news reached England, when with one
voice the people cried for war. Sympathizing with the South as they
undoubtedly did, it needed but this insult to the British flag to
rou