McKean, Thomas (1734-1817) to Joseph Clay
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC00989 Author/Creator: McKean, Thomas (1734-1817) Place Written: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 27 November 1804 Pagination: 1 p. :docket ; 23.6 x 19.6 cm. Order a Copy
Written by McKean as Governor of Pennsylvania to Clay as a U.S. Representative from Pennsylvania. According to the docketed note of McKean, this is a retained rough draft of a letter to Clay. References Clay's letter of 15 November 1804. Clay claims there is a report of political intrigue to divide McKean's Federalist and Republican supporters (by this time his base included Federalists and moderate Republicans). McKean was a political chameleon, and was sensitive to any such division, which he denies is happening in this draft. Says it is not worthy of further notice, but thanks him for the communication. Says Judge Wolbert and some of his friends will attempt to find the cause of this report. Says he has heard another tactic might be used: the Federalists will praise McKean and create an air of jealousy, suspicion, and distrust of his principles to create a diversion to defeat him. McKean says nothing will come of it.
Philadelphia. Novemr. 27th. 1804.
Sir,
Since the receipt of your favor of the 15th. instant, I have made some enquiry into the report you have mentioned, and have to conclude, that it is a mere report; no evidence of its authenticity having been given. I had heard the report before, but paid no attention to it, conceiving it to have been invented by some disappointed, or envious, malicious or ambitious person, who wished to embroil Republican friends, and by that means have a choice of preferment by a change.
It does not appear to me worthy your further notice; - however, permit me to make my acknowledgements to you and the other Gentlemen, for the friendly communication.
Judge Wolbert & some more of my friends will endeavor to find out the origin & motives of hits intrigue.
Another old worn-out practice, I have heard, will be again put to trial; the Federalists are to praise the present Republican Governor of Pennsylvania, thereby to create suspicion, je[inserted: a]lo[inserted: u]sy and [struck: doubt] distrust of his principles, and make a diversion: other maneuvers will probably be practiced, but my friends may rest assured that all attempts in this affair will turn out delusory.
Accept my best wishes for your prosperity. Adieu.
Your friend
Thos McKean
[docket:]
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