Franklin County: Alexander K. McClure to Eli Slifer,
October 15, 1861
Summary:
McClure briefly describes his plan to increase local enlistment by allowing
volunteer to train near home under the command of a familiar leader.
Colonel A. K. McClure
October 15
Chambersburg
Dear Col
I am fully persuaded that a regiment could be raised
here very promptly by General McAllen if allowed to
rendezvous here. The men
[unclear: would] be supported at the same cost as in Harrisburg
& you could equip them. It is meant as an honest effort to raise a regiment & not
to swindle as was the case under Steinbaugh, who is [unclear: now]
fortunately out of the way. Schell writes me that if McAllen should be allowed
to take charge of this, Bedford would give at least four Companies & I know that our company
would give just as many. Our better military mean could not have any
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thing to do with Steinbaugh and he did not take two hundred men out of our
county.
McAllen does not want contracts of any kind, nor does any one about him.
You may remember him as the man who was [unclear: authorized] by the General to raise a Brigade here last spring, and finally you had to reject his men when the Patterson registration was reduced. He paid [unclear: all] $400 as I know to get the men off quietly and, besides being well qualified to command a regiment he has the character to justify the promotion.
I am satisfied that double the men if not five times the members could be had
here by knowing their Colonel and
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getting ready at home, that could
be enlisted otherwise.
It would not cost the State a cent, as there is a camp and all necessary preparations.
I write you with the request that you will take a favorable opportunity to bring it before the Govenor, and get a definite asnwer sent me. I have no personal or political interest in General McAllen, but [unclear: case] this matter soley because I feel persuaded it would be wise to adopt it.
Please give me an early reply, and if acceptable, let Commissary [unclear: ] contract to supply at your regular rate paid at Camp [unclear: Cutiers].
[illeg.]
AKMcClure
Honorable Eli Slifer
