Franklin County: D. O. Gehr to Simon Cameron,
September 26, 1860
Summary:
Gehr asks Cameron to investigate the state party committee's distribution of
money to Alexander K. McClure's political efforts.
D. O. Gehr
Sep. 26/60
Sept /60
Chambersburg
Hon Simon Cameron
It has been intimated to me by an individual of our town that the state Committee
has appropriated to this Congressional Dist.
(17th) $2500 - and placed to the credit of Col McClure chairman of the state committee
If you have any way of ascertaining the truth of this I would like to know it,
as there has been no money distributed by him for that purpose and if he has
received the money he shall pay it out instead of using it for himself. there
may be a necessity of using some money in this district for to elect our
congressman and McClure proposed to a friend of mine to give $50- for this
object & he would give individually the same sum and to get the same
from me & others, thinking you might have an opportunity
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privately of getting the information from some of your friends in that
Committee, It would be desirable to know if there is any truth in the intimation
I had, McClure states there is no money used by the Committee except what they
are expending for there own expenses and what may be required in Philda for Political purposes but you are aware
of a failing he has in regard to statements he makes and in addition his
avaricious disposition, the Committee may be appropriating money through him to
some of the doubtful Congressional districts & he is sinking it in his
own pockets
yours respectfully
D. O. Gehr
Any information I may get shall never be told to your prejudice
