“I have not written you since my arrival as I had nothing special to say, nor have I now anything very decided to communicate in relation to my enterprise, except that it is in a very favorable train.  The Telegraph, as you will see by Thursday or Friday’s ‘Intelligencer,’ is established between two of the committee rooms in the Capitol, and excites universal admiration.  I am told from all quarters that there is but one sentiment in Congress respecting it, and that the appropriation will unquestionably pass.

“The discovery I made with Dr. Fisher, just before leaving New York, of the fact that two or more currents will pass, without interference, at the same time, on the same wire, excites the wonder of all the scientific in and out of Congress here, and when I show them the certainty of it, in the practical application of it to simplify my Telegraph, their admiration is loudly expressed, and it has created a feeling highly advantageous to me.

“I believe I drew for you a method by which I thought I could pass rivers, without any wires, through the water.  I tried the experiment across the canal here on Friday afternoon with perfect success.  This also has added a fresh interest in my favor, and I begin to hope that I am on the eve of realizing something in the shape of compensation for my time and means expended in bringing my invention to its present state.  I dare not be sanguine, however, for I have had too much experience of delusive hopes to indulge in any premature exultation.  Now there is no opposition, but it may spring up unexpectedly and defeat all....

“I find Dr. Fisher a great help.  He is acquainted with a great many of the members, and he is round among them and creating an interest for the Telegraph.  Mr. Smith has not yet made his appearance, and, if he does not come soon, everything will be accomplished without him.  My associate proprietors, indeed, are at present broken reeds, yet I am aware they are disabled in various ways from helping me, and I ought to remember that their help in the commencement of the enterprise was essential in putting the Telegraph into the position it now is [in]; therefore, although they give me now no aid, it is not from unwillingness but from inability, and I shall not grudge them their proportion of its profits, nor do I believe they will be unwilling to reimburse me my expenses, should the Telegraph eventually be purchased by the Government.

“Mr. Ferris, our representative, is very much interested in understanding the scientific principles on which my Telegraph is based, and has exerted himself very strongly in my behalf; so has Mr. Boardman, and, in a special manner, Dr. Aycrigg, of New Jersey, the latter of whom is determined the bill shall pass by acclamation.  Mr. Huntington, of the Senate, Mr. Woodbury and Mr. Wright are also very strongly friendly to the Telegraph.”