Beginning To Look Like No Help From Europe

DECEMBER 26, 1863:

As the year drew to a close, it was becoming evident that the much hoped for European intervention for the Confederates wasn't going to happen.

Henry Hotze, Confederate Commercial Agent in London wrote Secretary Benjamin"...it is absolutely hopeless to expect to receive any really servicable vessels of war from the ports of either England or France, and, .... our expenditure should therefore be confined to more practicable objects and our naval staff be employed in eluding, since we can not break the blockade."

 --Old B-R'er