was a start of surprise, an ejaculation of amazement, or even profound dismay, at the calamity which had come upon us.  In others of these newspaper comments there was that unmistakable superciliousness, that goading contemptuousness of self-conceit and puffy disdain, which John Bull visits on all “un-English” things, especially when they happen under their unfortunate aspects.  In not a few of these same comments there was a tone of exultation, malignant and almost diabolical, as at the discomfiture of a hated and dangerous rival.  We have read at least three English newspapers for each week that has passed since our troubles began; we have been readers of these papers for a score of years.  In not one of them have we met the sentence or the line which pronounces hopefully, with bold assurance, for the renewed life of our Union.  In by far the most of them there is reiterated the most positive and dogged averment that there is no future for us.  We are not unmindful of the manliness and stout cheer with which a very few of them have avowed their wish and faith that the Rebels may be utterly discomfited and held up before the world in their shame and friendlessness, and have coupled with these utterances words of warm sympathy and approval for the North.  But these ill-wishes for the one party and these good wishes for the other party are independent of anything but utter hopelessness as to the preservation or the restoration of the Union.

Now some may suggest that we make altogether too much of what so far is but the expression of an opinion, and, at worst, of an unfavorable opinion,—­an opinion, too, which may yet prove to be correct.  But the giving of an opinion on some matters has all the effect of taking a side, and often helps much to decide the stake.  On very many accounts, this expression of English opinion, at the time it was uttered and with such emphasis, was most unwarranted and most mischievous.  It is very easy to distribute its harmful influence upon our interests and prospects into three very different methods, all of which combined to injure or obstruct the Northern cause,—­the National cause.  Thus, this opinion of the hopelessness of our resistance of the men of our Union was of great value to the Rebels as an encouragement under any misgivings they might have; it was calculated to prejudice our position in the eyes of the world; and it had a tendency to dispirit many among ourselves.  A word upon each of these points.—­How quickening must it have been to the flagging hopes or determination of the Rebels to read in the English journals that they were sure of success, that the result was already registered, that they had gained their purpose simply by proposing it!  Nor was it possible to regard this opinion as not carrying with it some implication that the cause of the Rebels was a just one, and was sure of success, if for other reasons, for this, too, among them, namely, that it was just.  Why else were the Rebels so sure of a triumph?  Was it