This collection contains 11 letters that Dennis McElhone ("Denny") wrote to his friend, Andrew B. Cochran ("Andy") of Pottsville, Pennsylvania, from February 16, 1860-July 23, 1860. McElhone commented on life in Washington, D.C., where he worked as an assistant messenger for the United States House of Representatives. He wrote about political issues, such as possible nominees for the presidential election of 1860, and inquired about friends in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. McElhone expressed his support for the Democratic Party, but indicated his willingness to vote for a Republican candidate under certain circumstances. He also described differences between the North and the South, commented on sectionalism in politics, and mentioned mutual acquaintances and his plans to visit Pennsylvania. For more information, see the Detailed Box and Folder Listing below.
Dennis A. McElhone (b. ca. 1836) was the son of James and Rebecca McElhone of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. His brother John was a reporter for the United States Congress. Dennis McElhone moved to Washington, D.C., in early 1860, where he became an assistant messenger for the United States House of Representatives and worked at the Library of Congress.
Andrew B. Cochran lived in Pottsville, Pennsylvania, in 1860, where he worked as an engineer.
