Alexander K. McClure to Abraham Lincoln, January 15, 1861

    Source citation
    Alexander K. McClure to Abraham Lincoln, January 15, 1861, Harrisburg, PA, Abraham Lincoln Papers at the Library of Congress, http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/alhtml/malhome.html.
    Type
    Letter
    Date Certainty
    Exact
    Transcriber
    Transcribed by the Lincoln Studies Center, Knox College, Galesburg, IL
    Adapted by Don Sailer, Dickinson College
    Transcription date
    The following transcript has been adapted from the Abraham Lincoln Papers at the Library of Congress.

    Senate Chamber

    Harrisburg Jany 15th

    Dr Sir--

    The state administration have direct advices from Gov Hicks. He is still firm, and relies upon Penna to strengthen him. To-morrow Messrs Palmer, Speaker of the Senate, Mr Ball, a leading Republican member of the House, and Mr McMichael, of Phila, Editor of the North American, will leave here to visit Gov Hicks, & will bear with them a letter from Gov Curtin The purpose is two-fold. First to ascertain what will be absolutely necessary to enable Hicks to sustain himself, and in the second place to have him fully assured that we mean to do every thing, for his sake, that we can without an absolute abandonment of our position I doubt not but that this movement will establish matters in Maryland beyond all danger in the future. The pressure there upon Hicks is fearful; & if he should be compelled to yield you could never get to Washington except within a circle of bayonets.

    Indeed so embittered are the disunionists in Md, that Gov Hicks is seriously concerned for his personal safety. He has been advised that his assassination has been plotted, & is still entertained, in order to throw the government into the hands of the Speaker of the Senate who is a ranting Secession disunionist.

    It is conceded here that Gen Cameron has declined, & you doubtless know, by this time, how with what general satisfaction it will be receved.

    I learn that Gen C has proposed to join in recommending Hon Thad Stevens for a position in the Cabinet, & that it has been seconded by our Congressional delegation. He is eminently fitted, and free from all factious connections; and if acceptable to that element, will give very general satisfaction to all our people. It would be heartily seconded by the State administration, and leave no wounds behind on any quarter.

    Very truly Yours

    A K McClure

    PS-- Gov Curtin is just about to deliver his address. It is very temperate and liberal, on the [claim?] of Seward,

    MC

    How to Cite This Page: "Alexander K. McClure to Abraham Lincoln, January 15, 1861," House Divided: The Civil War Research Engine at Dickinson College, https://hd.housedivided.dickinson.edu/index.php/node/35544.