Franklin County: I. H. McCauley to Simon Cameron,
July 20, 1859
Summary:
McCauley writes Cameron confidentially, seeking help in defeating Alexander K.
McClure's bid for the State Senate nomination.
I. H. MCCAULEY,
ATTORNEY AT LAW
Chambersburg, Pa.,
Will attend
promptly to all
business entrusted to his care.
OFFICE AND
RESIDENCE
On East Market Street, near
the Court House
"Independent,"
Print.
July 20/59
Chambersburg
Dr Sir
You are no doubt aware that Franklin County is the present home of one of the great and good men of the Nation--Col. A. K. McClure by name. I have every reason to believe that you know this extra honest individual, who stands a "head and shoulders" taller than his fellows, equally as well as I do, and that you like him no better.
I do not suppose however that you have been deceived as to his real popularity. You hardly believe the story about offices being forced upon him. That's his way of talking. We know the facts better.
That he has been in the Legislature two Sessions you know. What he did--how he did it--and for what he did it, you know better than I. He now
aspires to a seat in the State Senate. He wanted to go
to Congress, but McPherson licked him. He says he does
not seek the Senatorial nomination- that he has not made up his mind to
take it even if offered &c, &c. This is all bosh, we know he does want it, and that he has been
[unclear: endeavoring] to create the impression that he is the
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only man who can carry the
district. To believe what his friends say would be to believe that he posesses
all the honesty--all the capacity--all the statesmanship, and all the availability of the District.
For the real opinion entertained of him by many, even of his own party here, I would refer you to the "Valley Spirit" of this week. It will [unclear: repay] perusal.
Now I wish to see him beaten for the nomination, I care not who by, and my object in addressing you is to see if you could not aid in accomplishing this result, and thus pay the second installment upon the obligations of 1855. You have many friends in Fulton & Adams Counties. Neither county likes him very much. He has twice sacrificed his colleagues from the former County for the Legislature--and the Americans of Adams do not love a bone in his body. Could you not therefore array your friends against him. I know he has been trying hard to get things smoothed away for his success with the Connections of both counties by getting candidates to decline, by creating the impression that he alone can carry the District &c.
I am not a candidate for the office. I did think of being a candidate last fall
at the solicitation of friends in this and Adams County.
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The latter county, I was assured by the best men in it, I
could have gotten. In Fulton I know I could have done well--whilst here, at
home, my chances would have been as good as any other. But I knew the district
to be close, and I did not seek the office. McClure then said that he would not
under any circumstances be a candidate. Thus you see I
would have had the field almost to myself. But I did not want to be away from
home and my family. I had been long enough from my profession, and I preferred,
and am now a Candidate for District Attorney of this
County. What the result may be in this Contest I know not. I know McClure is not
my friend, and I am not his.
I have written thus freely and openly, because I feel that what I say will be kept Confidential, and so shall I keep any reply that you may make.
Let me hear from you as soon as your convinience or inclination may allow
Yours truly
I,H,McCauley
Hon Simon Cameron
