[excerpt] [3]…I hope Mr Slidell may be able even yet to get the French Government to appreciate our Cause and to help us. I have no doubt but that he has secured the friendship of that Government for us - and I seriously believe that by the time this letter reaches you we shall be stronger, shall occupy more of the Country; maintain longer & better armies & afford such evidences of power and stability - that we cannot fail to receive the recognition of France. Thus you see I think great and even glorious victories are to be [4] this summer. And my hopes & convictions rest upon the most solid basis. I dont [sic] want the French to help us fight the Yankees - we can do our own fighting - but to recognize us - to do us the justice so readily accorded to other nations. Once recognized - a powerful peace party - would at once spring up at the North and the war would cease.