Franklin County: Alexander K. McClure to Eli Slifer,
August 16, 1851
Summary:
McClure explains his decision not to run for office in this election, and
promises his full support to Slifer.
Confidential
August 16, 1851
Mifflintown
Dear Colonel
From the best information I can gather on the subject, I am induced to fear that
the nomination of Middlesworth would be an unfortunate selection, and I will say
to you in all sincerity that the nomination of General
Bell would be unfortunate for us in this county. I will be at the conference
myself, and if an arrangement can be affected, I will use my best endeavors quietly to get to Mifflin men to refuse to
nominate either, and when I think I can with propriety, I shall go in heart and
soul for your nomination, I do not mean to flatter you when I say that your
nomination would be the best one for our county that can be made; and if
Middlesworth's nomination will bring an organized opposition into existence frm
the Whig party, it should be given to him, I am [unclear: promised] that
there would be no disorganization against you, and I think you had better
conclude to accept it if circumstances should arise to give it to you. You had
better come on as a conferee, for if you don't
[page 2]
an arrangement will be
charged upon us and Middlesworths friends would be
[unclear: disatisfied].
I will not be a candidate for [unclear: A], and will therefore be [deleted: ] as a conferee. I will explain the matter to you when I see you. We can do better here by nominating another man.
Let me hear frm you on this subject, and rest assured that I will heartily cooperate with you on anything that will aid in the consumation of my proposition.
Yours truly
AK McClure
