Record Data
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Private
Dr Col-
Old Winnebago is after me hard - he has thrown several members from me in Phila. [Sainence?], (Dauphin) Carey, Bergner [one word illegible] are in his interest. I have his tracks; and to-day wrote him very frankly, that if his personal interests were to be flung into the contest for Speaker, I meant to understand the case fully. I will soon have him understand that in such a fight he may possibly throw me, but that I will certainly fling him.
I understand him; He will fight as long as there is a fair prospect of defeating me; when hope fades, he will fawn around all of us. If it only once becomes understood that he has a candidate for Speaker to advance his Presidential aspirations, I can safely pledge you that that candidate can't be nominated.
Among them they have flattered Patterson until he scarcely knows whether he is for me or not. Can he control Wagenseller?
My letter to-day written to him will wake him up. It is respectful and conciliatory but its determined tone he will fully comprehend. When I hear from him I will write you.
I don't fear him. He may throw a few weak men into hostility; but before the session convenes he will be better understood, and even weak men will see how they are to be used & cheated.
Excepting to yourself, [Bomberger?] & a few others, I have been non-committal on the Treasurer question. No circumstances can arise to drive me from my well settled choice, and I shall uniformly refuse to give pledges to outsiders. When my hands are loose I shall then be free to sustain you efficiently.
I have a letter from [Nymuller?] volunteering to go for me, and asking me to go for you and to take care of him. Doubting whether he now is a safe man, I told him I could not pledge myself for Treasurer, but offered him to you, stating that my position was perfectly satisfactory to yourself.
Had a letter from Frick of Pottsville. Much indebted to you, I will write to the members Write me at any time any thing new turns up
Col E Slifer