Slidell, John to Earl Shaftesbury
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC09175 Author/Creator: Slidell, John Place Written: s.l. Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 3 October 1862 Pagination: 4 p. Order a Copy
Attempting to secure diplomatic recognition for the South. "two governments were now considering our question & that our recognition would very probably soon be announced...The advance of Lee in force across the Potomac had a double object, one political which has only partially succeeded, an uprising in Maryland...the failure does not surprise me, as nearly every leading secessionist in Maryland was already with our armies or in federal prisons. The other object was strategic to protect a movement by Hagerstown to the Upper Potomac & to cut off the Federal force at Harpers Ferry. This has proved a complete success...The losses of Lee in his several battles with McLelland are by the admissions of the Northern Press, less than those of the enemy. Lee has retired leisurely & in good order across the Potomac without the loss of a gun...I mention these facts, as I fear that an attempt will be made to use Lee's withdrawal from Maryland as a reason or a pretext for further delaying recognition..."
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