1 SEPTEMBER 1900, Page 16

THE SURRENDER OF MASON AND SL]]DELL. [To THE EDITOR OF

THB "SPECTATOR.") SIR,—May I make a small contribution to this discussion ? I was at the time a boy of 'twelve travelling with a tutor in America. We had an introduction to Mr. Lincoln, who received us at the White House. I well remember his firm (not to say painful) grip of the hand, and that a lady. who I fancied was Mrs. Lincoln, stood by the window. The President told us of the capture of the Envoys, and then continued :— "I have heard that they were taken out of a British ship. If that is the case, you will be having us on our marrow-bones." To me these words always seemed to imply that he knew from the first that he was bound to give them up.—I am, Sir, &c.,

HALSALL SEGAR.

M.A. Oxon., Vicar of Newferry, Newferry Vicarage, Birkenhead.