February 16, 1861, Harper’s Weekly
Lord John Russell, in a letter to the Manchester Chamber of Commerce, refers to the possible effects on the cot-ton supplies under the political crisis in the United States, and tenders to the cotton manufacturers the services of British Consuls in all cotton-producing districts, for the dissemination of the wants of the cotton trade, and the acquisition of information relative to possible supplies. Lord John says that Government is not prepared to incur any expenditure or any liability in the matter, but he thinks the Consuls may be useful in ascertaining what amount of cotton may be forthcoming from their respective districts to meet any sudden demand, or what amount might be brought into the local market, if the native dealers had a reasonable assurance of finding customers for it at a given time.