Franklin County: Alexander K. McClure to Thaddeus
Stevens, January 16, 1861
Summary:
Alexander McClure provides Thaddeus Stevens with details as to Lincoln's
appointments, saying that Cameron's appointment as Secretary of War seems
secure, despite much protest from Curtin and McClure.
Private 186
January 16th
Harrisburg,
Dear Sir --
The Cameron men are somewhat revived today, and in their own confidential circles (to which I have full access) they speak of his ultimate selection for Secretary of War as probable. They have nothing tangible; but that they are hopeful, there can be no doubt. Add to this the fact that a well informed friend writes me from Philadelphia that renewed efforts are being made to keep Cameron in. Is he playing a feint on you? Write me.
Curtin has done his full amount to keep him out-- has
sent a crushing protest two weeks ago, which I think Lincoln cannot disregard.
He is not naturally for you; but assured Mann & myself last night that
he
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would join cordially in asking it of the Congressional
delegation, with Cameron's cooperation, would move
with reasonable unanimity. He does not of course wish to move unless he can give
success to the effort. He is right, & we are
all about him now. He had been led to believe that you were personally unfriendly to him at the time of the nomination was made;
but the assurances from him by Mann Slifer & myself as to your active
cooperation with the State organization last summer when Cameron was seeking to
destroy it, dissipated his objections. He will move in exactly the right way
whenever he feels assured that the Congressional
delegation have moved with Cameron's
[unclear: approbation]. He of course understands that with Cameron at
war with the effort, it
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would likely fail: for if Cameron were to
give the order for an attack, every friend he has would write Lincoln protesting
on every possible ground.
I wish Hale would write either Curtin or myself stating that the delegation had moved and suggesting that the administration can settle the matter. Can you have that done. In the face of daily rumors that Cameron is still hoping & laboring, Curtin will hesitate about acting, lest Cameron should betray him into an effort & then defeat it. You see how it is.
Our men in the legislature are hanging back hoping to get the Cameron men to lead
off, so as to get it unanimously. At noon today [unclear: Hustain] had
no reply
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from Washington. Everything is set right here; only let
Washington start the thing properly. I have had a correspondence with Greeley
& Sam Allen, assuring them that the administration would second the
movement in your favor.
You can show this to any trusted friend who may need its statements to act intelligently
Yours
AKMcClure
PS I sent a letter to Lincoln by Caleb [illeg.]
Taylor of Bristol, who is out there, in which I explained
fully the condition of things, & stated that as matters now are your
appointment can be made with general acceptability
McClure
Honorable
Thaddeus Stevens
