Literary cadet and Rhode-Island statesman. [volume] (Providence, R.I.) 1827-1829, 1827-07-25
PROVIDENCE.

pen oil Doctor Daniel Drake, vexy distln-
guished gentleman of the west, and who, as a
citizen, and friend, has enjoyed the conf
dence of Mr.. Clay, was written and published,
soon after the result of the late presidential
election, and was offered to the American pub
lie, as evidence to prove the entire consisten-
cy of Mr.. Clay, in giving his vote to Mr.. Ad-
ans in preference to General Jackson. The
Letter, is Of some consequence to the friends
of Mr.. Clay, and as it has become matter of
political record, we republish it at this mo-
ment with much satisfaction; and beyoai this
1t s perfectly in point, particularly at this pe-
Rod, when the distinguished subject of it, is
pursued with the malignity of Hyena, by
band of unprincipled foes and, vindictivc perse-
cutors.
LEXINGTON, KEN. March 2I, 1925.
Gentlemen: At different times before Mr.
Clay left this place for Washington, last fall,
l had conversations with him OH the subject of
the choice of President by the House of
Representatives. In all of them, he expressed
himself as having, long before, decided in ia
vor OF MIR. Adams, IN case the contest should
lie between that gentleman and General Jack
son. My last interview with him was, think,
the day before his departure, when he was still
more explicit, as il was then certain that the
election would be transferred to that tribunal,
and highly probable that he would not be
among the number returned. In the course of
tins conversation, took occasion 10 express
my sentiments with respect to the delicate and
difficult circumstances under which he would
be placed on which ho remarked, that I
could not more fully apprehend them than he
did himself, but nothing should deter him from
the duty of giving his vote, and that no state
OF things could arise. that ,pould justify him
On preterring Gen. Jackson to Mr.. .4dams,
or induce him to support the former. So de-
cislve, indeed, were his declarations on this
subject, that had he voted otherwise than he
did, should have been compelled to regard
him as deserving that species of censure which
has been cast upon him for consistently adher-
ing TO an early and deliberate resolution.
When the suggestion Of sinister vote on his
part first reached us, felt disposed to offer,
without delay, the testimony which no citizen
IS at liberty TO withhold, when he believes
another to be unjustly accused of criminal
offence but, Dresuming that the result of the
inquiry instituted in the House of Representa-
tives would prevent a reteraton of the impu-
tations cast upon him, thought il necessary
to obfrude my humble testimony upon the
public. Finding this, however, not to be the
case, and regarding the character of the ma
ton, as well that of two distinguished indi-
viduals, to be involved in the unceasing repeti.
ton of charges which have been kept alive
and disseminated merely by repetition, con-
sder 1t my duty to oppose 10 their further diff
fusion the statements when have made, and,
without hesitation, shall leave it with the i'm
partial and intelligent people of the United
States to appreciate my motives, and the val
ue OF the evidence which have spontaneo ously
offered to their consideration.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
DAN. DRAKE
If the forego ng letter, wilsnot be taken by
all, as evidence of the consistency and purity
of Mr.. Clay, it at any rate furnishes proof
which cannot be early contradicted ;--and that
nothing could ever induce Mr.. Clay to vote for
General Jackson. is a proposition which all
who knew any thing about the man, is clearly
and perfectly unds rstood Mr.. Clay, had for
many years previous to General Jacksons be-
ing a candidate for the Presidency, openly
and without reserve, dsapproved of his conduct
as soldier and politician and had not hes
tated to declare, that he considered him
dangerous man man who was too apt to
abuse the power entrusted to him and as
Statesman he believed him to be palpaby and
decidedly inefficient If he doubted him, as
the leader of an army, if he looked upon him
with dlstrust, whilst holding the responsibilities
of Military Chieftain, is it probable that he
would have supported him for the responsible
office of President of the United States And
is it at all probable, that he would have been
anxious, or even willing, to hold place in the
Cabinet of a man, VII pm ne ould not trus' and
whom lie conscientious believed would abuse
the power delegated to him by his country.
All who know Mr.. Clay, we'll know, that he
has never been an ofIicc-hunter; and that on
the contrary, he has more than once refused
situations in the Cabinet, and has never APP
peared to be anxious for office. We feel assured,
from what we know ofMr Clay, and the feel
ings that existed between him and Gen. Jack
son, that he never would have accepted of any
offer from the General, and that he never
would support him. But even supposing, that
he was disposed to make any ovcrures TO
Jackson. he well knew that they would be in
dignantly rejected if made; and that ch were
the hostile feelings entertained for him by
jackson, that ho would not avail himself OF his
aid or influence, even if he were assured that
the acceptance of either, would elevate him
N, 10. Il Il.