Mr. Seward to Mr. Dayton.
Sir: Your despatch of July 29 (No. 177) has been received. We are at the present moment in a state of uncertainty in relation to the renewal of military operations. Exaggeration of the forces of the insurgents and depreciation of our own have been the busy occupation of too many among us since the disappointment of our expectations at Richmond. It was unavoidable, because it is natural for men, and especially for masses, to be disturbed and demoralized, at least for a time, by the failure of sanguine expectations. You are entitled, however, to the information that in my opinion our forces in the field, although not demonstrative, are adequate to the task of holding the vast territories we have recovered. The new volunteers, 300,000 in number, are beginning to move to-day for the places of rendezvous to reinforce the army in the field, and forty days will suffice to bring forward also the 300,000 militia which have been called for by the President. Within the same time our naval preparations will begin to show important results. Much, however, is dependent on the military operations of the hour, while the preparations for a vigorous campaign are going forward. It is impossible to speculate with confidence on the chances of the war movements which are taking place to-day. I shall, at an hour nearer the departure of the steamer, notice any events which may occur in the interval. I send you an extract relating to France from a despatch which has just been received from Mr. Adams, together with my comments thereupon. It may interest, and possibly the communication may be important to you.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
William L. Dayton, Esq., &c., &c., &c.