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The Slidell and Mason Case argued at the American Bar - from a sketch by our special artist,1862. 'When the first intelligence reached here of the capture of Slidell and Mason, with their secretaries, the public excitement was greater than anything I have witnessed throughout my experience of the campaign. The arguments at the American Bar (rooms) went fast and furious; the pros and cons (few of the latter) were bandied from one stump orator to another, and most of the discussions ended in any amount of smashes (brandy-smashes, I mean), while numerous skins (whisky skins) were roughly handled by judge and jury. "Waal now, Mister, I guess that the overhauling of that thaar Britisher is a big thing anyhow, and I'll be dogged if Cap'n Wilks ain't been right smart to lay a hand on them skunks" (meaning the Southern Commissioners). This opinion was of course received with unanimous applause, when another gentleman moved "That now Uncle Sam had got 'em in his fist he should squeege 'em pretty tight, and not mind nary international laws".' From "Illustrated London News", 1862. From "Illustrated London News", 1862. The Slidell and Mason Case argued at the American Bar - from a sketch by our special artist,1862. Creator: Frank Vizetelly. (KEYSTONE/HERITAGE IMAGES/THE PRINT COLLECTOR)