Reading the last files of American newspapers I am filled with admiration at the amounts of the energy and bravery of our troops. There are three several reports from different regions all bearing the same unequivocal testimony. One is the report of Commodore Porter, respecting the extraordinary manner in which his vessels caught by the low water in Red river, above the falls at Alexandria, and in imminent danger of loss, had been saved by the inventive skill and cooperating industry of Banks’s army, so damming the river as to force a passage. Another is the narrative of General Sherman’s force concerning the great natural and artificial obstacles to their progress in Georgia. The third is the account of the spirited advance of our troops across the North aura and seizure of the ground on the south side of that river. These simultaneous movements at such a distance apart from each other unite in showing44 in the fourth year of the war, a spirit that must command success. Stubborn as has proved the resistance, the physical power is not sufficient to maintain it. I wrote my private letters; getting through them in season to go out and pay a visit to Mr Sanz, the Peruvian Minister. After hunting him through the successive abodes, I failed to find him at home. In the evening, I went with Mrs Adams and Mary to a State Ball at Buckingham Palace, held by the Prince and Princess on behalf of the Queen. The Court was quite large, and the Corps Diplomatique in attendance in full dress. A very large number of guests filling up the greater part of the music hall, now used for dancing. Directly in front of the Dais where the royal family and guests sat a larger a square and surface was kept open for them to dance. Our place was on the left side as at Concerts and standing in rear of our ladies who had seats. Thus we saw the dancing very well. At the other part of the hall, was the appearance of a small opening which indicated that perhaps a couple of dozen of the guests of both sexes might be struggling for a little of the same amusement. The dresses were showy and gay. At midnight we went to supper where the customary amount of civilities was enacted. Low curtseys and profound bows acknowledging a gracious notice of one commonplace sentence. Such is court life! The crush and struggle wen we came out and the general company rushed in to take our places in the supper room were scarcely consistent with the boasted refinement of high life. Indeed it may be certainly be said that all minutia of arrangements are neglected at this court. We got home at two.