The U.S. and Great Britain awaited each other’s official reactions to the seizure of Confederate envoys James Mason and John Slidell aboard the neutral British steamer Trent.

Exploring the most important 55 months in American history
The U.S. and Great Britain awaited each other’s official reactions to the seizure of Confederate envoys James Mason and John Slidell aboard the neutral British steamer Trent.
The European powers entertain the possibility of recognizing Confederate independence, while France capitalizes on the war by invading Mexico.
Confederate envoys try to garner foreign support as the U.S. State Department warns the foreign powers not to recognize Confederate independence.