Literary cadet and Rhode-Island statesman. [volume] (Providence, R.I.) 1827-1829, 1827-07-11
PROVIDENCE.
MIR. CLAY.

ifom facts and materials in our own possession,
and should have laid it before the public ere
this, had not IA friend, whose wishes we think
ourselves called upon TO regard requested us
not TO do so at the moment; and urged as an
objection, that as the Secretary of State was
not at the moment an aspiring candidate for
the Chief Magstracy Of the Union, it might be
considered untmcly in US, if We did SO. Al
good friend, and kind patron, We do not deem
it important, that We should always adhere to
his wishes, though we are aware, that modest
motives induced him to make the request -
and on future occasion, we shall avail our
selves Of the pleasure of presenting to the pub
lie, full and accurate history of the life of
Mr.. Clay. There is connected with the his
tory of this great and distinguished statesman,
a thousand anecdotes and incidents, which
will, if told, be of infinite advantage to the
young and aspiring reader; and, if duly con-
sidcred and noticed, will lead on to great
ness and to glory, those, who like the Secre-
tary Of State, inherited nothing from their an
ces.ors, but "indigence, " infa cy and igno-
rance" Whilst looking over the United States
Literary Gazette, few days since, VIC noticed
an article purporting to be a Review of the
Speeches of the Honorable HENRY CLAY;
and as we are aware, that the facts, as far as
they 60, are correct, we have thought 1t proper
to make the annexed extract from the produc-
ton; and we recommend it to the perusal
of our friends, and TO all the lovers of those
distinguished men, who have attained the pin
naclo Of fame, by their own industry aud in
dyidua exertions. The admirers of self
taught genius, will find in it much to admire,
and moro to applaud:
"Hcnry Clay is one ofthe men of whom from
his entrance into life, America has justly been
proud; whose services entitle him to the graft
tude of her chdren whose talents and accom-
plishments are an honour to our country, and
who fills high place in our annals.
"Hc was born in Hanover county, in Vir-
ghia, oh thc i@th vi hPih, i''' AAi9 iuthei'
respectable Baptist Clergyman, died while
he was yet very young, and left to Henry the
inheritance of poverty and fricndlessness. At
an carly age he was placed in the Office Of the
late Mr.. Tinsley, clerk of the High Court Of
Chancery, at Richmond, IN. Virginia. While
in that situation, his early indication of talent,
and the discretion of his department, attracted
the attention of Chancellor Wythc, and after
wards of Governor Brooke. The counsel Of
these eminent men, exercising a natural asccn-
dancy over his youthful mind, encouraged him
to undertake the study of the law. Such was
his assduty, and such the force of his talents,
that he obtained license to practise the law
at the age Of twenty. He Immediately repair
ed to Kentucky; and, before engaging in the
practice of his profession, devoted himself
short time to the farther pursuit of legal stud
les After his admittance to the bar at Fay
ettc county, he rapidly rose 20 full practice.
His political career commenced, when the
people of Kentucky were about forming new
constitution of State government. An impor-
tant feature in the proposed revision Of the
constitution was the project of a gradual abo-
ltion Of slavery. In the canvass, which pre-
cedcd the election Of the members of the con-
vcntion, Mr.. Clay was active, both with his
voice and his pen, in promoting the choice If
delegates favorable to the abolition Of slavery,
but without success. His interest in this sub
jcct has never declined. Renouncing all de-
sire to disturb, by legislative interference, the
existing relation Of master and slave, when it
exists in the country; and countenancing none
but those moderate counsels (Which are alone
safc) for the abatement Of this great evil, he
has in his recent zoalous cooperation with the
Colonization Society, given ample proof that
the check of the progress of slavery, is among
the objects, which hold the uppcrmost place in
his heart His speech, delivered before the
Colonization Society in the Capitol last winter,
is properly embraced in the present collection,
and contains an ann disclosure Of Mr.. Clay's
liberal and enlightened views on this head
Mr.. Clay, while yet quite young, became
member OF the popular branch ofthc Kentucky
Legislature; and, in the course Of a few years,
was chosen its Speaker. He is, perhaps, the
most conspicuous example of the happy opera
ton in our government of the division Of pow
crs between the national and state sovereign
tics. The latter serve as most admirable
school Of political education for the councils
of the nation; especially in the new States,
whose political examination is more cosclY