Mr. F. W. Seward to Mr. Adams.
Sir: Your despatch of the 8th instant, No. 777, has been received. The expectation of a return of peace, which you describe as prevailing in England, is equally manifest here, but with a marked difference in the speculations which are raised upon it. On your side of the ocean it seems to be believed that the Union is to be dissevered. On this side it is believed even more confidently than heretofore that the Union will be effectually reassured. It is, however, only just to acknowledge that this increase of public confidence has in some measure been produced by the late successes of the national arms and by the developments of the political canvass. It will be interesting to know how far they modify public opinion when they become known there. On the 22d instant Major General Sheridan delivered a short but decisive attack against Early at Flint Hill, in the Shenandoah valley. We have not yet received full details; but it is reported with manifest probability that the result leaves Early’s large force quite powerless.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
Charles Francis Adams, Esq., &c., &c., &c.