The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1861-10-18
Mr.. Stewards Letter-Preparing for the
Storm.


From all quarters we have received intelli-
gence Of the sensation and excitement pro-
duced by Mr.. Stewards circular letter to the
Governors Of the loyal States on the seaboard
and lakes. 1t was prepared on Monday, and on
Wednesday it was telegraphed simultaneously
to the loyal press of the North. On its appear
ance here yesterday Wall street was thrown
into terrible commotion, federal stocks went
down two and half to three per cent, the
bears were in high glee, and the bulls uttered
curses deep, II not loud, against the author. 1t
was urged, in condemnation of the policy ofthe
letter, first, that there was no necessity for the
Notifications recommended; and, secondly, If
there was, that the best way to accomplish the
object was by means of private letters to the
Governors, which would not create alarm.
What weight there is in these objections we
shall shortly see. Meantime let us inquire how
it is that this letter has produced such remarka
BILE effects 1t is because the public mind was
in feyerish state, susceptible Of excitement.
The news comes to US upon the very heels of
the announcement that the steamer Nashville
had effected her escape through the blockading
feet at Charleston, and was on her way to
Europe, having on board ex-senator Slidell, as
Minister to France, and ex-senator Mason, as
Minister to England, from the Confederate
government-two willy diplomatsts, we'll
adapted for the mission on which they
have been sent. The moral effect, indeed,
of rebel vessel of war conveying
these plenipotentiaries to Europe, in the teeth
of blockadng squadron, will necessarily be
very great, furnishing as it does powerful evil
dence to demonstrate the inefficiency and con-
sequent invalidity Of the blockade. To enhance
that effect, she is probably the bearer of the
ncws of the defeat of the federal squadron in
the Mississippi; for the action took place on
Friday. The Nashville sailed the came night
and could have had the news by telegraph
But in order to make assurance doubly sure
and that the intelligence might be transmitted
at the same time by the regular mails to
Europe, SO as to reach there about the same
time as the Nashville, the military authori-
ties at Norfolk made some excuse for send
ing flag Of truce to Fortress Monroe, in
order to have local paper containing
the despatch of Captain Hollins forwarded to
Baltimore, whence it found its way to New
York. 1t is worthy of remark that on the occa-
sion of the federal victory at Chicamacomco
the Norfolk rebels searched all passengers, and
would not permit newspaper to come North.
But Whether founded in truth or not, the re-
port Of the naval engagement at New Orleans
has produced temporary effect here, and
is likely to do the same in Europe. Connected
in the public mind with this news is the ar
nonncement that, just before tie sailing of the
Nashville, two members Of the British Parlia-
ment were at Richmond, in diplomatic commu-
ncation with Jefferson Davis One of these
gentlemen denies the charge, but admits he
carried open letters, which only serves to
strengthen the first impression in regard to his
visit to the rebel capital.
The recent declarations Of British journals
and statesmen in favor of q permanent division
of the United States into two conteferacies
corroborate this view of the mission of Sir
James Ferguson. And in the news by tie Gas-
gov, which we published yesterday it was
stated that Mr.. Lindsay, NJ r., at public meet
ing in Sunderland, said that in consequence of
the impossbility of procuring present supply
of cotton elsewhere than in the Southern States,
"he considered it the duty of the British Cabi-
net to cndcavor to induce the federal govern
ment, in the cause of humanity, to renore the
blockade. Considering the bold stand made by
the Coniederatcs, and the strength of the South
he thought it almost time that the governments
of England and France thought Of recognizing
the independence Of so numerous body Of
people"
II is in consequence of these facts and the war
like preparations of England in sending q large
naval force to our seaboard and continual rein
forcements to Canada, at the same time that our
arms have as yet done little or nothing
to redeem the defeat of Manassas, but
on the contrary have suffered further re-
verses in Missouri, that the public mind
became affected and was just in condition
to be excited by the letter of Mr.. Seward;
and it is under these circumstances that Mr..
Seward calls upon the Governors of
the loyal States to take measures to fortify
the Northern frontier and every vulnerable
point on our coast. Now We think this is sound
advice, and that the State governments cannot
set about it moment too soon. In the Ian
guage of Mr.. Seward, "One Of the most obvious
precautions is that our ports and harbors on
the seas and lakes should be pnt in condition
Of complete defence; for any nation may be
said to voluntarily incur danger in tempestnons
seasons when it fails to show that it has she.-
tered itself on every side from which the Storm
might possibly come"
Now it matters not whether this advice is
given in public or private. The only question
u.s. is it wise? AS to the effect upon stocks, that
is only temporary. The effect Of carrying out
Mr. Stewards idea will be permanent and
when it is accomplished it will give conf
dence and q sense Of security. 1t is precisely
the advice which we long since gave, and for
which we were called an alarmist. But events
now justify our foresight; and when men like
Bulwer talk complacently about the permanent
division of the Union into North and South as
fortunate event for England and for Europe, it