Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1828-06-27

ana valuable tract OF land around il. To this
proposition, he, Governor Shelby, opposed an in
dgrant refusal; but at length consent 10 its mar
ilal adoption, with the understanding that the Go
vernment should have the pre- emption right at the
PRICE stipulated He, accordingly, caused the ne
cessary information to be transmitted to the Presi-
dent, who promptly accepted the reservation on be-
hall OF the Government In conclusion, Cover
nor Shelby remarked, in a tone and style peculiar
to himself, that he believed there five hun
dred men in the Union with stronger claims and
qualifications 10 the Presidency than these possess
ed by General Jackson From repeated and full
conversations which had the satisfaction Of sub
sequenuy holding with my revered farther and
my venerated father-in-law, l am persuaded that
had you voted for Gen. jackson, il would havo
greatly impaired the confidence in you, which had
been implicit aid exalted, and in the friendships
which had been unclouded during period of thirty
years OF intimate intercourse. You will concur
with me in the belief, that no two individuals in
the Western States, out OF Tennessee, tho
roughly appriZed OF the real character and quail
.scdfi0ns OF Gen Jackson were these two depart
ed patriots.
have the honor TO be with great regard.
Your Obt servant,
6. s. TODD.
Hon. Ii. GhAx, Washington.
Feb. 7M 1928.
MIR. Clay two letters from Mr.. Vertpcr and Mr.
Wooliey, which he is at liberty to use in any way
| he may think proper.
! PoFT GIBseN, jan. lcth, 1923.
| DEAR Sra: received some time ago your let
ter, containing request that would furnish
statement OF observations which had heard Mr..
Clay nis'a relative to the qualifications of MIR
Adams and Gen Jackson for the Office of President
Oh the u States, previous to the last Presidential
election. That statement now proceed to furnish
with great pcasI;re:
! When n visit to Kentucky early in the month
oil august 1924, dined at friends house, in
pany with Mr.. Clay and several other gentlemen.
Alter dinner, the conversation turned on the then
approaching Presidential election, which conyersa-
ton elected from Mr.. Clay the following remarksn
substance That il the II. If Represe ntatiues had TO
| decide the election between those two gentlemen
| there was very little doubt OH his mind to the
J result, and that il would undoubtedly he in favor
/ OF Mr.. Adams. lie said that the Fl. OF Representa-.
yves was composed CT possessing great politi-
cal knowledge and expcrience-thatt they were ac-
q'iainted with the superior pretensions OF Mr. Ad-
ans and that superiority would secure his election
/ In TACT, recollect distinctly that he spoke in
| terms OF high commentator of the ability great
! experience, and political accomplishments Of Mr.
Adams and that for himself, he could hesitate
! in giving his preference 10 Mr.. Adams He pro
nounced his objections to Gen. jackson with great
decision and force, entirely unfit Tor the situa-
! ton; ana such was the impression made on my
iniih! by these remarks, that had Mr. Clay after
wards voted for Gen. Jackson, should have been
compelled to assign him motive otherwise
Than the public good
! have now given, in substance, what heard
Mr.. Clay say. according to yoar request, ard as
sure you IT affords Inc great pleasure tina. the IN
formation is in my power TO communicate.
| am yours, with great respect,
ID. VERTEER.
| Hon. j. s. Johnston, Washington City, d. 6.
poRr GIBSON, Jan. 9Th, 1925.
/ gear Sir: Your letter. bearing date l4th las. Oc-
'ober, received Immediately previous to my de-
parture from Kentucky. From considerations, i'm
Portani 10 an accurate and full compliance withtIie
request made in yorr letter, was induced to delay
my answer until arrived at this place. 1 regret
extremely the delay asi would eheerfuliy and at
all times, afford any assistance in my power to
excu!pate the character of Mr.. Clay from The
false and disgraceiul aspersions which his enc
! mes nave cndeayored to fX upon it. recol-
iect distinctly the conversation TO Which YOU refer:
and shall state il TO you, with full confidence in
the correctness OF my recollection; although some
years have elapsed since its occurrence, for mme-
diaely on my arrival at this place on the 9Th dav
toi Dec 1921, stated TO many of my friends, tiias
Tie State OF kentucky would, in the III. OF II. vote
Tor Mr. Adams, and gave them my reason, the
conversation AIN going to relate. further stated
! TO Them the conversation between Dir. Clay and
Mr. Drake, before the disclosure of it subsequent
iy by Mr.. Drake. My information OF this CONVEX
sation, obtained by rne from Mr.. Drake before
l LEFT Kentucky. Those friends have lately CON
suited and their rccollcc tons correspond precisely
! with what will nov relate.
In the fall OF the year 1924, some tune previous
to the departure o! Mr. Clay from Lexington, for
she city Of Washington, had the pleasure to dine
with Mr. Clay at his own house, with number OF
gentlemen, who, believe, were, generally, the
PcHHcai ITlenus Oi Nir. tIay. Tho conversation
was various, but generally of political character
embracing the subjects Of Internal Improvement
and the Tariff. The last subject, think intro
duced MIR. Adams and General Jackson into tho
conversation AT length some observations were
made by one oil the company, on the unaccounta~
Die success las far as information had been rcceiy-
ed) OF General Jackson, how far even beyond the
expectations OF those who first started him as a
Candidate, and that II strongly probable Adams
aud jackson would go before the II. OF r. with the
greatest vote from the electoral college. Varioug
observations Were then made in opposition 10 tra
pretcnslons oil Gen. Jackson aud IN any apprehcr-
Sons expressed. Mr.. Clay thon remarked, that 10
lett no apprehension whatever for the election nC
ten jackson; for as beyond doubt it would be
decided by the II. of X, he could not for a mo.
Inent believe hey would elect the General ia pre-.
ference TO Mr.. Adams. lie then gave his reasons
they were to me sound and satisfactory. He spoke
Oh the many opportunities of MIR Adams and tie
many important distinguished civil and political
situations he bad filled, and with great ability and
beneiit to our country; he pronounced him an able
aud accomplished statesman. lie spoke Of Gen
Jackson as of military reputation only; that he had
gwen no evidenC ,vha'cY Of ability or learning
except in that character ia fac, from the poit!-
cal situations he had occupied, we had evidence 10
the contrary. He said the ii. OF r. was composed
OF men Of ability, political knowledge and extend
ed reputation, and that they would not lac felt Ger
tain, elevate TO the highest civil sifuationin
our country, for his military character alone [
have given you the substance of Mr.. Claws
observations at that tifDo, and 20 independently and
forcibly they expressed, that no doubt was
f.ff Il Ia