Franklin County: Alexander K. McClure to Simon
Cameron, April 12, 1860
Summary:
Alexander K. McClure writes to Simon Cameron concerning the formation of a
committee.
A. K. McClure
April 12
Chambersburg
Dear General --
Your favor is at hand. Like you I am amazed at the embarrasments thrown upon us in the formation of the committee. It is unaccountable indeed that men, so far forget themselves as to [illeg.] for places on the committee, & it is scarcely reconcilable with a proper sense of duty to the party
I am fully satisfied that
[page 2]
two mistakes have been made--first in not
forming the committee at once, and second in [unclear: you] &
Curtin not just saying to Pollack make a fair & proper committee to suit
the interests & the necessities of the party. But it is too late for
that now, and you will both be [unclear: censured] most unjustly in any
event. I am willing to take any responsibility in the matter that is proper,
I do not know that Mann desires to be on the committee; but looking solely to the
harmony of action in this State, I though it a
[page 3]
matter of good policy
to put him on at least I feared that his omission would be charged to you and
upon you the state of his retaliation would fall, I hope still that he will be
added; and I would add Slocum & let the two
Lancaster Editors remain as one cannot be taken & the other left,
What I have recently feared is an inharmonious committee, and I could not take
charge of the campaign with such. Whatever even are committed, no matter upon
whom the responsibility should fall, it always falls
squarely upon the Chairman; and no man
[page 4]
can live long enough to
survive the suspicion of losing the election by bad management.
Things look well. The 4th district of Philadelphia suits you exactly and I judge that the 5th is also right, though the telegraph goes to their second choice. Pennsylvania must have no second choice until the Convention demands it of the [unclear: would] accomplish anything.
I can be in Washington but not, I think, until after the Philadelphia Election I will go there about the 18th or 20 & remain until it is over After that I can be with you at any time & place, Command me
Yours truly
AKMcClure
Hon S Cameron
