Record Data
Transcription
Private & Confidential
Sentinel Office
Mifflintown, July 9, 1851
Dear Col-
You have doubtless been informed of the recommendation of Gen Bell for Senator by our Whig led Convention. It was rather unexpected here, but as there was a triangular fight for it, he succeeded I am a conferee & 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 strenuously opposed, and I am inclined to think that he will be defeated. After mature reflection, I have concluded that in the event of the nomination of a Union County man for Senator,I will run for Assembly. Bell will not want it, and our side of the [river?] is entitled to it, so that there will be no difficulty with the Whigs of this 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 Senator to 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 in your selection. Also state whether there has been any manifestation of popular sentiment in reference to Assembly. 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 A K 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 Assembly. 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 cordially reciprocate the favor at any time.