Franklin County: Alexander K. McClure to Thaddeus
Stevens, February 2, 1861
Summary:
This letter from McClure relates more information about the maneuverings
regarding Lincoln's cabinet positions. According to McClure, Cameron attempted
to make deal with him, which McClure declined.
February 2
Harrisburg.
Dear Sir--
I have just returned from Chambersburg court, where I was detained a full week. I find nothing new of special interest here.
Cameron himself asserts with entire confidence to his friends that he will be in the cabinet. He assured Taggert so on Sunday last: and all his friends who are active in the matter, treat it as settled.
Last night however a special messenger came from Cameron to Curtin stating that
the whole responsibility was upon him now, & that if he would yield and
write a letter to Lincoln assenting to the appointment, it would be harmoniously settled
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Curtin refused to give the letter, so that it is reasonable to infer
that Mr. Cameron does not yet consider the matter
harmoniously settled. In support of this view, I may mention the fact that today one of General Cameron's
chief managers called upon me, as he said, with full powers to make a treaty of
peace, and the short-term Senatorship or any thing else I might like better
should be at my command -- the consideration, of course, that I should join in
getting the General
harmoniously into the cabinet. The offer was attended
with the stereotypical declaration that the General
would go into the Cabinet at any rate, & I might as well assent to it
& make the most of it. I need hardly say that the treaty
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was
not concluded.
I see that the Tribune of yesterday seems to have some definite information on the subject. Do you know what it is? & the exact source of it?
I have had no word from Lincoln for several weeks; although he then said he would write me soon again on the subject.
I have positive evidence, in a confidential way, that immediately after the election Cameron induced certain men in the State to write Lincoln protesting against the appointment of Wilmot and asking for a conservative man. When he had Wilmot half-butchered he made him put the finishing stroke to himself.
Write me how matters look. Can anything more be done? I am
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ready for
anything & can now give it proper attention
Yours
AKMcClure
