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166 ture to assuage the feelings of his constituents. It contained just one sentence of any consequence:

"The four persons in question are now held in military custody, at Fort Warren, in the State of Massachusetts. They will he cheerfully liberated. Your Lordship will please to indicate a time and place for receiving them."

The incident was closed. The only permanent effect upon international relations was the inevitable end of the doctrine of "visit and search." The only flaw in the proceedings from the American point of view was our failure to point this out with vigour and good humour.