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Excerpt from A Series of Letters From London, Vol. 1: Written During the Years 1856, '57, '58, '59, and '60
There were many incidents connected with the post of American Minister in London, from 1856 to 1861, which may be usefully, and perhaps not disagreeably, recalled from the oblivion into which they must other wise hasten. To do this, no departure from the reticence lastingly exacted by diplomatic function is necessary. A book, in which the scenes and conversations of Paris at the outbreak of the Revolution of 1848 are portrayed by a British diplomat and peer, was doubtfully received, because this reserve was in a measure relaxed. The example should be followed with watchful self-restraint.
As a general rule, Despatches addressed by a public agent to his government, on the business of that govern ment, pass out of his control and merge into the mass of executive archives, to be thenceforward reached under a responsible authorization only. Exceptions nevertheless will occur to every mind - as when mooted topics, ceasing to agitate, have subsided into History; or when they involve no question of State policy and are purely personal.
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