Franklin County: F. S. Stumbaugh to Simon Cameron,
January 5, 1861
Summary:
Stumbaugh comments on the withdrawl of Cameron's cabinet appointment by Lincoln
and McClure's trip to speak with Lincoln.
January 5 1861
Chambersburg
Honorable Simon Cameron
Dear Sir
I write you for the purpose of asking the favor, if not inconvenient to you, to
procure me a form book published by the commission of Patents, giving forms for
affiliation for land warrants pensions &C and for the purpose of
enquiring of you, what in your opinion are the prospects of an adjustment of
present crisis which now overhangs our beloved Country, if necessary, Old
Franklin Can furnish 1000. men at 10 days notice to go anywhere to defend the Union the Constitution & the laws, we are
not very much in favor of compromises, especially any compromise which would
sacrifice our principles " Our people were all (except a few under the influence
of Alexander K McClure) delighted to learn that the life
long friend of the interests of Pennsylvania had been selected by Mr Lincoln as
one of his cabinet, and I trust there is no mistake about it, though the Press
of Philadelphia by today, informs us that--
[page 2]
Alexander K McClure had returned to Harrisburg from
Springfield, & that Mr Cameron is not to go into Mr Lincoln's Cabinet,
is it possible that so pure a man as Mr Lincoln, is to, be influenced by such a
man as McClure who is trying to defeat Pennsylvania. I hope not, and I feel very
much like sending Mr Lincoln a copy of the Valley Spirit of this March,
containing those claims against McClure, on which McClure had the Editors,
indicted for libel, & then after he had secured his election to the
State Senate, comes into Court and takes a not [illeg.], & as
yet has refused to pay the costs. Excuse me for this long letter but Justice
demands that the real friend of Pennsylvania & the Union ought to be
injured in any way by such men as McClure
Very Respectfully yours
F. S. Stumbaugh
