Franklin County: Alexander K. McClure to Eli Slifer,
July 23, 1861
Summary:
Alexander McClure refers to the Union loss at Manassas as a "sad chapter in our
National History," and he bemoans the difficulties in allowing the most
promising soldiers to rise to the top of their ranks.
July 23
Chambersburg
Dear Sir
What a sad chapter in our National History is that of Sunday last. If not speedily redeemed our Nationality will [unclear: tremble] in the scale with a more than [unclear: combatful] issue.
The 200,000 respected men, who were turned home sad & disappointed three months ago might [unclear: now] have their camps at Richmond. What a commentary upon our apology for a government.
Pennsylvania seems to be crippled at every step. Her
troops [unclear: ] badly affected & leave a record which [illeg.]
justifiable when slowly scrutinized, will we
[page 2]
be a blot upon our fame.
We have good men in all our regiments, Cant they be forced to the surface. The 2d (Colonel Steinbaugh) has a Lieutenant (Stitzel) is one of our Chambersburg [unclear: Cornfarmers] who is a first class military man, but he has the modesty of [unclear: went] & is not a politician. It must be so in all of the regiments. Do give the point special attention, and as regiments are re-organized, let all the efforts of the Departments be directed to facing the men well affected. Dont hesitate to refuse Commission where combinations but incompetent men at the head of out troops.
I have nothing from below - expecting to lead daily
[illeg.]
AK McClure
Colonel Eli Slifer
