The first thing this morning was the news from America. It was important enough as it gave an account of a three days battle between the forces at Gettysburg ended as usual indecisively. But inasmuch as it is necessary for the invading party to win in order to be able to proceed, the fact of his failure is equivalent to defeat. General Meade has thus far verified my anticipation. He has enabled that fine army to do itself justice. As the fighting was excessively severe, and the losses very heavy, I doubt whether the experiment will be repeated, unless it should turn out there is no escape for Lee but a desperate stroke. He must now be heavily encumbered with his wounded On the whole we have great cause for encouragement. The army is sound, and the leader capable. Our amiable friends the British who expected to hear of the capture of Washington are correspondingly disappointed. I was engaged in my usual weekly labour of preparing Despatches. Went out to walk and paid a visit to Mr Dundas, who brought me a letter from America. He was too ill to see me. Mr Evarts also came in. He returns home on Saturday, as likewise do Mr and Mrs Blatchford. We had a small company to dinner. Mr and MrsLippincott and their son. Mr Evarts, Mr Ehvinger and Mr Tucker. The first three are from Philadelphia, and are with Mr Dundas.