Franklin County: Alexander K. McClure to Eli Slifer,
July 9, 1851
Summary:
McClure's letter discusses the upcoming elections for state Senate, and the
circumstances under which he might consider running for office.
Private & Confidential
Sentinel Office
July 9, 1851
Mifflintown
Dear Col-
You have doubtless been informed of the recommendation of Gen Bell for Senator by our Whig [unclear: leg] Convention. It was rather unexpected here, but as there was a triagular fight for it, he succeeded I am a [unclear: conferee] & I shall vote for him of course, but from the indifference that is manifested in reference to his nomination both here & in Mifflin Co. I am induced to think that the district conference will turn to Union Co for the candidate. Gen Bell is a most estimable man & a fine Whig, but he is justly liable to the charge of a want of efficiency. He is a quiet, honest man, but is a stranger to political tactics, and would be of little use as a partisan Senator. On this ground I find that he will be [unclear: strenuously] opposed, and I am inclined to think that he will be defeated.
After [unclear: mature] reflection, I have concluded that in the even of
the nomination of a Union County man for Senator,
[page 2]
I will run for
[unclear: A], Bell will not want it, and our side of the view is
entitled to it, so that there will be no difficulty with the Whigs of the
County. As I am a Conferee, selected to sustain Gen
Bell, I am morally bound to support him honestly, and I shall not enter a
contest with him to throw the Senatory from your County, as I would deem such a
course dishonorable; but considering the great probability of his defeat, I have
taken the liberty to address you on the subject, I would like to meet you as a
Conferee.
Please write to me, and post me up in reference to your County, State how the contest for Senator is likely to terminate in your County, and what the chances seem to be for Mifflin County concerning on your selection. Also state whether there has been any manifestation of popular sentiment in reference to [unclear: A]. State whether in any event you will be a candidate for Senator, Let me hear from you soon.
Remember me to friend Hickock
Yours truly
AK McClure
P.S. If you think it prudent, I would be glad if you will have my name brought before the public through the "Chronicle" for A It has been done in the "Star" but I would like to have it done in both. If you will attend to it, I will coridally reciprocate the favor at any time.
