Cameron, Simon (1799-1889) to Ulysses Mercur
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC01232 Author/Creator: Cameron, Simon (1799-1889) Place Written: Harrisburg, Pennsylvania Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 22 May 1866 Pagination: 2 p. : docket ; 20.5 x 13.2 cm. Order a Copy
Responds to a letter from Mercur, a United States Representative from Pennsylvania. Denies recommending W. Clark for political appointment. Referring to the debate regarding reconstruction between Congress and President Andrew Johnson, states "the contest now, between congress & the President in my mind, is very far above all personal considerations. Congress must be sustained or the rebels, who have been murdering our kindred will control and destroy the Government."
Cameron, from Pennsylvania, served as a United States Senator 1845-1848, 1857-1862, and 1867-1878, and as Secretary of War 1861-1862.
Harrisburg, May 22, 1866
My dear sir
Your letter of 16th came here in my absence. So I will use the first mail to tell you that whoever told you I had recommended W.Clark for the place of W[illegible] has told you a deliberate falsehood, or else somebody has lied to him. I have not and will not recommend any appointment in the place of a good loyal occupant.
I have known Mr. Clark many years, have a great regard for him; and would do him any favor, [struck: but] of a personal nature - but the contest now, between Congress & the President, in my mind, is very far above all [2] personal considerations. Congress must be sustained, or the rebels, who have been murdering our kindred will control and destroy our Government.
Very respectfully
Simon Cameron
Hon. U. Mercur
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