In fact, he was not greatly alarmed by any of them.

He was sure that McClellan, although without genius, would restore the stamina of the troops, if indeed it were ever lost, which he doubted very much.

He had seen how splendidly they fought at the Second Manassas, and he knew that there was no panic among them.
Moreover, the North was an inexhaustible storehouse of men and material, and whenever one soldier fell two grew in his place.
So he strode through the crowded streets, calm of face and manner, and took his way once more to the hotel, where he had sat and listened to the talk before the Second Manassas.

The lobby was packed with men, and there was but one topic, the military situation.

Would Lee and Jackson advance, hot upon the heels of their victory?
Would Washington fall?
Would McClellan be able to save them?
Why weren't the generals of the North as good as those of the South?
Dick listened to the talk which was for all who might choose to hear.