Washington, the Federal government is organizing an evacuation. As the front lines continue to suffer defeats, the flames of war have reached the nation's capital.
Maryland ultimately failed to halt the advance of the Southern Army, with too many dragging their feet, and in the face of both internal and external troubles, even the most valiant efforts of the Federal Army were in vain.
Moreover, the Federal government had too many places to defend. In comparison, Washington's greatest value lay in its political significance, while the Great Lakes region was the core of the Federal government.
It could be said that as long as the Great Lakes industrial area was not lost, the Federal government would have the leverage to suppress the rebellion. Otherwise, the war simply could not be fought.
President Lincoln asked cautiously, "General Grant, I need a definite answer, can Washington be held?"
