Franklin County: J. K. Morehead to Edward McPherson,
October 31, 1860
Summary:
In a confidential letter, General J. K. Morehead asks Edward McPherson's opinion
on whether Morehead should run against McClure, and makes a possible reference
to Thaddeus Stevens.
Honorable Edward McPherson
October 31. 1860
Pittsburg
Dear Sir
I have not heretofore congratulated you upon your success. I do it now, but I never for one moment doubted it. Your people are appreciative, and of course you could not fail.
I did not expect [unclear: Jenkin] to make it, but are greatly
disappointed at [unclear: Longeneck's] defeat, and fear it is mainly due
to inertness and inactivity. I believe from all I have heard, that much energy
and industry as were exhibited in your district and mine, would have moved him--
[page 2]
We must however make the most out of what we have, and rely on
South Americans, and Douglassites, to help us out if we are in a minority, as I
fear we will be in the next Congress.
I have just returned from Philadelphia have been
looking over the Senatorial ground, and have very
decided convictions upon the subject. I know your love and admiration for Old
Thaddy, he is worthy of it. He will however be [unclear: overlooked] by
McClure, as will all other Eastern candidates,
and the contest will rest between him and a certain man. But here again I am in
your own district and McLure told me with [deleted: ] evident votes [unclear: position]
[page 3]
what a splendid fight they had made for
you.
One thing I do know about you, that is your honor and integrity are legend [deleted: ]. I can therefore [unclear: un] myself to you without prejudice, if you don't agree with me.
Cameron can not afford to let McClure be elected. He
will beat him if he can with somebody and I have reason to believe he prefers
me. Our friend Alex Cummings told me he thought I could make it without doubt,
if I worked for it. I have many influences East working for me, & some
[illeg.] that I am not detail, enough however I can [illeg.]
[page 4]
to make a less sanguine man than myself look upon the prospect as
good.
What I want to know of you, is what you think of it? and whether in any contingency you can or will do anything for me? You may rely upon this (I think) that the struggle will be between McClure (your constituent) and myself, unless I throw my aid to some person more likely to beat him --
Write now, fully & frankly -- the letter shall be treated as I know this will be by you, sir as strictly confidential.
Truly yours
JKMorehead
