I cannot do better than to send you the enclosed ^from McLane^. I see we shall not do as well we did last year. I cannot conceive of a greater disappointment than not to mess with you & Hamilton. I wish to god as you say they were all like you & me free from personal dislikes. We must see when we get down what is to be done. Dont forget my bets. I cannot think of letting this election go by without making up for past losses. If you cant bet ten thousand you may on nine or a suit of clothes on 8 thousand. The truth is we shall beat this altogether. Even here in this federal City they caucus & the two enclosed letters will give you a sample of what is going on around us.