Franklin County: Simon Cameron to Sir, October 11,
1859
Summary:
Cameron writes to outline his views on campaign money and his prospects for the
presidency.
11 October 1859.
Lockid
Dear Sir,
Your letter of 28 reached me, in due time but has been neglected by a necessary absence on pressing business.
It is due alike to you and myself that I should answer you promptly and I do so, in the same confidence that you ask for your letter.
[deleted: Various] Many applications have been made to me for pecuniary
aid to newspaper and for their editors, since my name has been
[unclear: officiated] with the [deleted: high] office you
connect with it. I have given but one answer and that
[page 2]
is, that I can
not with my sense of propriety give any money to aid my own political
advancement.
I have always had a strong sympathy with young men of talent and energy starting in the business to which I belonged in early life, and have very often aided them with my [unclear: counsel] and my money, and so I hope to do again, but not while any one considers me a candidate for the Presidency.--If that high honor ever comes to me, it will come, as a free will offering from the people.
Very truly yours
Simon Cameron
