Note 302 — Chapter VIII · SUBSIDIARY PROCEEDINGS.

Among other matters, attempts were made at reduction of rates in reference to correspondence with France; though, for a time, without success. “A letter has been received from Thiers—he appears willing to meet our views, but does not accept the invitation to negotiate the matter in London. Wishes to settle it with Lord Granville, our ambassador, who, not understanding the matter, very properly objects to undertaking the negotiation. Mr. Baring says he has observed that, if any course is pressed on the French Government, they immediately suspect some sinister motive, and that the only way to bring them to is to turn our backs upon them.... We made them a very good offer which they ought to have accepted.”—Sir R. Hill’s Journal, June 24th, 1840.—Ed.