The news by the Persia is less encouraging than usual. General McLellan seems to have experienced another surprise, which though not serious is mortifying. I am clear that he will never make a Napoleon. Perhaps it as well that he should not. In the mean time we have a letter from Charles, not very cheering. He was in the hospital from a sharp rheumatic attack, during which his regiment had been called into service. Of course he felt anxious and restless. From this time I shall feel quite as much so. I do not like to trust myself to think about it. Charles is not fitted for such business. Of my children has the most aptness for it. Charles may get through it safely, but I have profound misgivings. The telegram reports severe fighting at James Island with no decisive result. This is ten days after the date of his letter. I am at a loss to know the use of a cavalry regiment on an island. Hull Adams and his sister left us this morning for the continent, so we are again alone, after a week of bustle. I paid some visits and then spent some hours at Exhibition. Examining the Italian, Russia Danish and part of the French Department. All well worth seeing. I walked home. We had to dinner Mr and Mrs Stell, Mr Bright, Sir Gore and Lady Ouseley and Mr and Mrs Bancroft Davis. They stayed late.139