Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1828-03-19

under any circumstances, vote Tor Tue denefal ana
when the resolutions, above mentioned, before
the Senate, Tin which then had the honor of seat
opposed tsem, and amongst other views then took,
stated to that body, ''that all the resolutions we
you to abandon what you conceived to be your duty
and that knew you could nCt with the major
ity of the legislature on that subject"
Yours, respectfully, JAMES DAVIDSON.
1t. Clay, Esq
IFdshington, .Nor. ~, 1927.
Dear SIR: In answer to your letter ct the 10th, I
have no hesitation to state the pupor of the several
conversations that had with you in relation TO the
Presidential election during the session of 1924-5.
met you for the FIRST time on your return to wash
ington, IN December 1924, the Saturday and sun
day evening previous the meeting Of Congress- and
at that time we had long and free conversation on
the approaching election. | said to you. 1T was still
uncertain whether you Mr. Crawford would be return
ed TO the House of Representatives, but from the m.
formation had, believed that you would receive the
vote OF louisiana and be returned as the third candi-
date.
l expressed to you some soicitude about the cleo
ton ami the hope that should pass quietly through
it; said that apprchented proracted struggle; that
while tree candidates remained before the House, it
would be difficult for either obtain majority. That
the excitement which the contest naturally produced
would daily Increase, that the parties would become
obstinate, that the people might be dissatisfied, and
that agitation might be produced. That for the
character, well the tranquility of the country. II
was desirable that we should pass through 1t safely-
You replied that you would not permit the country to
be disturbed day your account, that you would not
allow Your name interfere with the prompt decision
of the question by the House said, if it becomes
necessary the country has right TO expect and will
expect that of you.
You informed me YOU had seen Mr. Crawford, that
you had been shocked with his appearance, that
wtstandng all you had heard, you had idea of his
actual condition. And, after expressing the sympathy
which his misfortunes excited, you said he incap-
able fpertormny the duties of the Executive ana it
out of tho question to think of making him Presi-
dent.
remarked TO YOU, that in all probability, the con-
test would be finally reduced TO aiR Adams and Gen
Jackson, and the conversation turned upon their com
paratve merit and qualicati and long discussion
ensued; you drew parallel between them, in Il man
ner thought very jrst and respectful 90 both You
concluded by expressing preference for Mr. Adams,
which turned principally his talents and experienced
in civil affairs alluded to your critical position be-
tween the two parties and the great personal respon-
slhilty under which you would act. You said it was
true, but it could not be avode,i it duty imposed
by your situation that you would meet it any other
public duty.
ntimated to you that in the present stage it would
be improper to make known your sentiments, that
there were strong motives for your taking an active
part III the contest. suggested the relation in which
you stood to the House, te the parties and to the
country and said that great influence would be arib-
uted to your opinion that ali parties would look to
your Course with interest and that you would act I'M
der great responsibility thought there was no ne
cessy for increasing the difficulty of your situation,
ny taking part in the election, and that it would be
Better TO let it take its course. left you under the
impression tlat you concurreC. IN these
Saw you again the return of the votes from on
lsiana, by which it ascerained that you were ex
cuded from the House. then took the liberty of re.
peating to YOU all that had before said in regard to
the course you ought to pursue. urged the consd-
Grafton OF your being the pFesidiEg officer of the
House, where new questions might arise during the
election and such other reflections occurred to me
You said you were aware of the danger as well as the
dclcacy of your position, and that you would leave
yor friends perfectly liberty to exercise their own
judgments. will add that instance came within
r1,,,l ta<f.r i,
My opinion was, and still is that YOU behaved with the
greatest Ppoprety, in the situation in which you were
placed
conycrsed with you in a walk to the Capto on The
instructions of the Legislature of Kentucky You stir
expressed your determination to vote for Mr. Adams
You said the Legislature had right to direct YOU in
the discharge of your duty; that you had received M
instructions to vote for Gen. Jackson from Your own
district that the instructions and letters YOU had re-
ceved directed you to pay attention to the Leg;s
atlvc instructors but to act upon your own judgment
and do the best for the country. You said YOU were
not only free 10 choose, but you were under great
personal responsibility. That YOU would acuuit your
self in the discharge of this duty by making the best
choice under all circumstances. That YOU believed
Mr. Adams the abest and safest man. and vor ro,J
act under that conviction.
called on you the morning Of the publication al
your card. You said that 1 would now see that tire
delcacy you had observed had procured no respect
forbearaIce towards you; you spoke with some indr
nation at the means which had been employed as vel
as the motives of those by whom you were assaled!
ace, letters written at Washington, be published al
different places. and of the letter which had been no
tIced in your Card, &c. Observed you must expect
all this.-You must have forescen that some time
the storm wonld burst your head.-You must pre-
pare to meet 1T firmly, and bear it patiently public
man must rely upon the weight of his character and
the justice Of his country and added that still be-
heved the you had pursued in the election the
most correct You said you should continue as YOU
mad done 10 disregard newspaper and anonymous
aS 40 oNt tins paper was published the authority
OF member OF the HoE Representatives and there
fore deserved to be met openiy
In referring TO the teens of this letter YOU observ.
ed that you did not know that YOU would be offered
place IN any administration, nor did you know who
would compose the cabinet Of either candidate. That
YOU could not be the member OF any cabinet that would
require you to advocate principles different from those
YOU had always maintained before the public and for
the support OF which your public character was plodrel
On the tender Of the Office Of Secretary of state
You consulted with the acceptance or refusal OF
the ONCE. You stated all the private and pub
lc tor and against the acceptance, and asked my opir
ION said 1t was an occasion which You ought to
consult freely your friends and by their advice
Ny own opinion is, you must accept; in the situation
IN which you have been PLACED by circumstances YOU