Warm day. The telegram came bringing us no good news, and the intelligence that General Lee was well on in his proposed advance into Pennsylvania. We are then destined to experience another invasion. This would not be regarded by one with apprehension if I feel full confidence in our commander. But the more I think of the last affair the more I am convinced that he is not equal to his post. The chances are now that General McClellan in spite of all his shortcomings may be recalled to do the same thing that he did399 last year, repulse the attack. Already there are indications of a degree of popular restlessness which will be difficult to control should the policy of the administration prove disastrous. Mr Evarts and Mr Forster came to breakfast with me and to consult about the position on Tuesday, when Mr Roebuck is to move in Parliament. There are some indications of a change of face in some quarters, and even of a modification of policy in the treatment of the French proposition. Mr Evarts though that such a resolution if adopted would make a casus belli, and would probably bring on a conflict. I remarked that every violent and intemperate speeches made at a moment of difficulty in our affairs, and preceded by a report of the Alexander case would be apt to hasten that result. Mr Forster did not think the House would be moved in any sudden channel to a violation of the peace. He thought the greater number, though ill disposed enough to us, were in no way prepared to risk a breach. The French proposal would be more likely to alienate than to attract. On the whole he seemed to me a little timid as he always done. Yet I confess that I do not feel very easy at these giving out of projects. That Napoleon has some scheme, I believe. He may hope to entangle a war around the fat person of John Bull. But John, is too sharp in his perception of the natives to this fact, to be deceived by others, into a new attitudes were the Ministry in the majority beyond a doubt I should entertain no doubt of the result. But in reality they depend so much upon opinion that we can only await inpatient expectation of what that will be at the moment. They stayed until nearly one. After despatching a little ordinary business I went down to the auction rooms in order to look over a collection of coins to be sold next week. It is mainly composed of rare Greek coins, of the kind which are now most sought after, but in which I do not take so much interest. We had a small company to dinner, consisting of Mr Evarts, Mr Gerard, Mr Bright and Sir George Young. Much to my amusement they sat until nearly midnight at table. Lieutenant Simpson of the United States Ship Macedonian came in with a letter from Captain Luce to notify me of his arrival with a large number400 of young graduates of the Naval school on a voyage of practice. The Prince of Joinville had called on me in the morning to speak of a son who is on board. As the Vessel is directed to stop in the ports of France he seemed to fear that the Emperor might take exception to his coming under our flag, so he desired to ask me for a note to the Captain to procure a release from service until such time as the vessel might get round to Lisbon. I gave the note although by this time I ought to beware of such missions.