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Franklin County: Alexander K. McClure to Thaddeus Stevens, January 12, 1861

Summary:
Once again, Alexander McClure updates Thaddeus Stevens as to the status of President Lincoln's appointments. Wilmot, Stevens, and Cameron are all discussed.


Private

January 12

Harrisburg

Dear Sir --

Yours of the 10th came this morning. I will see to the matter at once, without being too conspicuous to do you harm.

Will Cameron join? or will he not resist? What is his temper? His friends here seem ferocious, and without a policy marked out for them. If he is utterly thrown by Lincoln, a Pennsylvanian will be appointed to mark his contempt for Cameron's trick upon him; if he means to conciliate Cameron, he will appoint none in the State, or what would be worse, will take Cameron's choice, which would be Pollack or Reeder. Until better advised all around, I cant see exactly

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where we are to come out. I think that if Lincoln were left to himself entirely, he would take Wilmot; but when I left him his mind seemed not to look beyond Wilmot & yourself. I take it that if the Delegation in Congress make anything like a united move it would settle the matter, unless the causes mentioned on the first page should control the decision [unclear: otherwise]. Until we at once see how the land lies, so that I can act advisedly. As things now are, if I were to take an open stand for any one who could be possibly suspected by Cameron's friends, they would strike at him.

I am hoping to hear from Lincoln every day. In his letter

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received on Wednesday, he said he would write me again on the subject very soon. When I hear from him, I will write a telegraph you, as may be best.

Curtin will be here tonight. He was involved in Wilmot's selection to the Senate, & failed. There is some danger of him wanting to strike for Wilmot for the cabinet. But I can hold him at least to neutrality, if Congress has moved with any unanimity. There must not be a contest between Wilmot & yourself.

We are without a head here and all at loose ends. The state administration seeming to be but sight of in all their differences, and every man is in his own book. Will write as soon as I can communicate anything of interest.

Yours

AKMcClure

Honorable Thaddeus Stevens



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