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:—
“You will hear of a reverse of our arms in Virginia. The exaggerations
of the result have been as great as the public impatience, perhaps,
which brought it about. But the affair will not produce any serious
injury. The strength of the insurrection is not broken, but it is not
formidable. The vigour of the Government will be increased, and the
ultimate result will be a triumph of the Constitution. Do not be
misled by panic reports of danger apprehended for the capital.”