Department of State,
Washington, July 26, 1861.
“Sir,—My despatch, No. 42, dated July 21, was delayed beyond the proper mail-day by circumstances entirely beyond my control. I trust, however, that it will still be in time.
“Our army of the Potomac on Sunday last met a reverse equally severe and unexpected. For a day or two the panic which had produced the result was followed by a panic that seemed to threaten to demoralise the country. But that evil has ceased already. The result is already seen in a vigorous reconstruction upon a scale of greater magnitude and increased enthusiasm.
“It is not likely that anything will now be done here hastily or inconsiderately affecting our foreign relations.
“I am, sir, respectfully, your obedient servant,
William H. Seward.
Charles Francis Adams, Esq.,
&c. &c. &c.”
An interval of three days sufficed, however, in a considerable degree, to restore the elastic spirits of the buoyant Secretary, for on 29th July he says:—