Franklin County: Alexander K. McClure to Thaddeus
Stevens, January 7, 1861
Summary:
Alexander K. McClure writes Thaddeus Stevens concerning Governor Curtin's
possible appointments, including Slifer as Secretary. McClure also mentions that
Curtin does not want Cameron in Lincoln's cabinet and that Stevens' Senatorial
election is secure.
Private
Jn 7th
Chambersburg,
DSir --
The conference with Curtin at Phila developed
little beyond demonstrating that he was so [unclear: complicated] with
nearly everybody that he could not move. I finally got him to settle down on
Slifer for Secy provided I could get a
declination from Jordan, to [unclear: show] me he has positively promised the Atty Generalship. I accomplished Jordan's withdrawal to-day & hope that so much is settled. I shall not feel sure
of it, however, until Slifer is formally notified & the fact published.
Slifer will do well-- indeed under all the circumstances he is the best man in
the place. It will be a terrible blow
[page 2]
to Cameron, and yet he cannot
make men inform the appointment.
As to Atty Gen. the chief difficulty is that Curtin has promised it, to not less than six gentlemen-- or at least they consider it promised to them, and as the law now stands he can appoint but one, If Finney were eligible, he would be the man, but he is not.
Curtin assured Mann & myself that if it became necessary to keep Cameron out of the Cabinet, for him to write Lincoln protesting against it, he would do so. He has had no communication with Lincoln, but I put him in the way of direct communication with him, & in a manner that cannot fail to be very gratifying to Lincoln.
The electors were afraid to attempt to recommend Cameron. Several were spoiling for a fight; but the Cameron men saw it would not do, & they wished to recommend no one.
Should I write Lincoln on the subject? I have thought much about it, & scarcely know what to do. I have not written him since the election, & never as to men on this State. Shuld I do or, I would write in moderation, conceding to Cameron & his friends all they are entitled to, but protesting decidedly against his appointment because of the great wrong it would do the party in the State, not only morally, but in the [unclear: disputation] of patronage. Had I best do so or not?
You are not considered formidable for Senator, & therein is the only chance you have. If we shall have a row, some one, like yourself who has excited no special animosities in the contest, may be chosen, I need not say that a whenever a awful purpose either to you or the party can be served. I will be with you heart & soul, knowing well as you do that I am committed to a policy in the election of Senator; I need hardly say that I have not so [unclear: satisfied] that purpose as to give a pledge to any one. Judging from the present aspect of affairs, [unclear: Cameron] could be elected more easily than any one else, but I am not fully satisfied that he has not bowed at the [illeg.] shrine. If n. he will go overboard. He has been trying hard to convince me that he is right, but I am not yet convinced. Wilmot is for Cameron for Cabinet, at least Meyer, who was sent in to see me, could give me no sort of assurance to the contrary.
Yours
AKMcClure
