Franklin County: D. O. Gehr to Simon Cameron, August
19, 1859
Summary:
Gehr informs Cameron of his campaign to prevent Alexander McClure's political
success.
D. O. Gehr
Aug. 19. 1859.
Augt. 19/59
Chambersburg
Hon Simon Cameron
I commenced a warfare against Col. McClure before
his nomination I did not expect to succeed in defeating him in the nomination
(beginning too late to effect that) but I knew it would [deleted: be]
assist very much in getting up considerable opposition and defeating him in
October in that I have succeeded so far as to make him [illeg.] and he
appears to be alarmed, he called me into his office this evening, to make an
explanation of [deleted: any] personal matters I informed him that I
felt disposed to drop all personal difficulties his acknowledgments, but there
was a greater difficulty to be settled upon which I felt more keenly than my own
and that was his uncalled for abuse on your private & Public character
& that I would resent it so long as he required the suffrages of the
people
[page 2]
for any position, he then stated that his feelings
& course towards yourself was changed & hereafter he would
manifest his friendship, and that he and Joseph Casey of your place had an
interview & that all differences would be reconciled, I then stated if
that was the fact I would refrain from further hostility, that I was committed
to my friend [illeg.]
[unclear: rather] had [unclear: this] committee to a certain
extent, and it would be a difficult matter to back out and retain their
confidence but yet I would make an effort in case what he stated in refference to yourself was true, I will now say you
candidly & frankly that if it is so understood write me by Monday
evening next; as our Senatorial & Legislative conferees meet on Tuesday
next. I think I can get up a difficulty with the Fulton delegates so as to
operate against McClure election in October [deleted: I also]
[illeg.] will not neglect writing so I may shape my words, and [deleted: ] letters shall be as sacredly confidential as if it remained in
your own hands
your Friend truly
D. O. Gehr
