Franklin County: Alexander K. McClure to Simon
Cameron, April 1x, 18xx
Summary:
McClure gives Cameron the lay of the political landscape on the formation of the
Republican party committee.
April 15
Chambersburg.
Dear General
Your favor is at [unclear: law], Like you I am amazed at the [unclear: emlarassments thenn afar] us in the formation of the committee. It is unaccountable indeed that men, so far forget themselves as to [unclear: initiative] for places on the Committee, & it is scarcely [unclear: re-conceivable] with a proper sense of duty to the party.
I am fully satisfied that
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two mistakes have been made--first in not
[unclear: passing] the committee at once, and record as Jno
& Carter not first saying to Pollack make a fair & proper
committee to [unclear: smt] the interests & the [illeg.]
of the party, But it is too late for that now, and you will both be consumed
most unjustly in any event. I am willing to take any any responsibility in the
matter that is proper,
I do not know that Mann desires to be on the Committee; but looking solely to the
harmony of action in this State, I thought it a
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matter of [deleted: ] to put him on at least I feared that his omission would be
charged to you, and upon you the state of his retaliation would fall, I hope
still that he will be added; and I would add Slocum
& let the two Lancaster Editors remain as one
cannot be taken & the other left.
What I have recently feared is an inharmonious committee, and I could not take
charge of the campaign with such. Whatever [unclear: men] are committed,
no matter upon whom the responsibility should fall, it
always falls squarely upon the Chairman; and no man
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can live long
enough to survive the suspicion of losing this election by bad management.
Things look well. The 4th district of Philadelphia [unclear: suits] you exactly. and I judge that the 5th is also right, though the telegraph goes to their second choice, Pennsylvania must have no second choice until the Convention demands it of the [unclear: would] accomplish anything.
I can be in Washington but not, I think, until after the Philadelphia Election I will go there about the 18th or 20 & remain until it is [unclear: over] After that I can be with you at any time & place, Command me.
Yours truly
Alexander KMcClure
Honorable Simon Cameron
