Washington D.C. March 20th/64
Not much of importance has transpired in regard to the War since my last date. Genl Grant has been here (He is now Lieut Genl) and has gone back to Tennessee, but soon returns and takes command of the Army of the Potomac in person. Having command at the same time of all the Armies of the U.S. The spring campaigns will open before many weeks and desperate fighting is expected. More desperate probably than any Battles we have yet seen for the Rebels are staking their last chances and are desperate. Our Armies are strong and are better officered than ever before as there has been a great “weeding out” going on during the past year of good for nothing “Shoulder Straps.” The coming next six months must be decisive of the war or I am much mistaken. It is without doubt assuming a more relentless and cruel character as it progresses, on both sides, but the rebel “papers” are getting furious and call loudly for vengeance even on the prisoners in their hands, but as we hold many more of theirs than they do of ours they will have to take it out in raving. The rebel leaders are determined to prolong the War until after the next Presidential Election at least in the hope that a “Peace Democrat” will be Elected and then they can make better terms, or even be acknowledged Independant. But from present indications their hopes will not be realized. Most of the leading Democrats in the States are “War democrats” and would concede nothing to them until they laid down their arms and submitted to the laws. Mr Lincoln seems to be the favorite candidate of the Republicans, but I should not wonder if there should be a Split in the Party.
