Men rushed to the conclusion that the war would be closed and the Union restored before the end of the year.

The most sedate communities become mercurial and impressible in time of deep excitement.

The rejoicing was universal.
Congress ordered the illumination of the Capitol and other public buildings in Washington on the 22d of February "in honor of the recent victories of our army and navy;" and "as a mark of respect to the memory of those who had been killed and in sympathy with those who have been wounded" the House of Representatives on the 19th of February, on the motion of Mr.Washburne of Illinois, adjourned without transacting business.

The flags taken in the recent victories were to be publicly exhibited, and a day of general congratulation was to be associated with the memory of Washington and "the triumph of the government which his valor and wisdom had done so much to establish." In the midst of the arrangements for this celebration, the members of the Cabinet jointly communicated to Congress on the 21st of February the intelligence that "the President of the United States is plunged into affliction by the death of a beloved child." Congress immediately ordered that the illumination of the public buildings be omitted, and "entertaining the deepest sentiments of sympathy and condolence with the President and his family," adjourned.

The reading of Washington's Farewell Address on the 22d, before the two Houses, was the only part accomplished of the brilliant celebration that had been designed.
THE MONITOR AND THE MERRIMAC.
A fortnight later, on the 8th of March (1862), came the remarkable engagement in Hampton Roads between the _Monitor_ and the _Merrimac_.
The former vessel arrived at Fortress Monroe after the _Merrimac_ had destroyed the United-States sloop-of-war _Cumberland_ and the frigate _Congress_, and had driven the steam-frigate _Minnesota_ aground just as darkness put an end to the fight.