Washington 20 October 1864 My dear Admiral I am down here for a few days, and may go to the front for a day or two. - it is hardly necessary to say much to you in France about the military situation as you are so well posted up in such matters. It must be too very evident that Grant's plan is by extending his lines westward to cut off Lee from escaping in that direction and joining his forces to those of Hood, Taylor, etc. Grant moves slowly, but surely pushes 5 or 6 miles and then fortifies so that if Lee remains in Richmond much longer, the avenue of retreat will be cut off from Lynchburg [2]. It is believed to be his plan to remain in Richmond till after the 8th November, but it is doubtful whether Grants advances will not [be] too rapid for him - Lee will probably go in proper time, however & tho' we shall gain Eastern Virginia the Rebels will have an army (their whole concentrated forces) of 120,000 men; which it will require another campaign to extinguish- The elections on 8th Nov must go in favor of Mr Lincoln though the Democratic Party pretend to be sanguine, as to the election of McClellan. - The [3] indications are all in favor of the Republicans. But two days ago, two new free states were added to the Union - Maryland, by a change of Constitution and Nevada, from the Territory of that name! Slavery, no longer exists in Maryland. - You will see that the Rebels propose to arm their negroes which if done will be last act in the Drama of Suicide!! My ship the Idaho gets on very well, but will not be ready for 3 months. - Experiments with her boiler have proved successful & your Admiral here sends drawings [4] to France for the Government. - They consist of horizontal and vertical tubes, combined; altho' I have faith in the success of the ship, I will give you details only when she has proved it by actual experiment.- I will conclude by summing up, 'All looks well for the Republic and freedom.' With kind regards to your family Beleive me Yours always P.S. Forbes