Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1830-08-06

Public Meeting IF the friends Of HE.hRY CLAY, at
Onh Grore H-cstmnrel,nd cl,.nin. Xia.yi1lia.


Ouh Grove, Wcstn,orelrad co,.niy, Virginia.
Pursuant y not ice previously given, many OF the
friends of HENRY CLAY met al Oak Grove, in
Wes'moreland county, on the 2sth July, to adopt an
Address s. Resolutions Genons rative of their respect
and admiration for the char acer talents, and serv-
of that distinguished individual, and to nominate
HIM candidate for the newt Presidency. The
Melting was respec'ab and numerous; gen.
stemen, however. being prevented from attending by
indspostion, or previous pressing engagements and
others by the distance from their homes. The as
eembly being called to order Lawrence Washington,
Esq. was called to the chair, and George w. Lewis,
Esq was appointed Secretary. After the Chairman
had stated the object of he meeting Mr. Lewis rose
and addressed ii at some length.
On motion, the Chair then appointed Committee
TO prepare address and resolutions.
After retiring for short tine the Committee re-
turned. and reported address and resolutions,
which we shall presently subioin TAey were una
nimousy adopted The greatest harmony and good
feeling prevailed dung the meeting. and the most
devoted interest was evinced by the friends of Mr.
CLAY, who Were present, in the prosperity of the
cause III which they embarked, and intense
pleasure at the prospect of his increasing popularity
throughout the Union. Indeed, it was graft flying
spectacle TO the friends of social and political order,
and civil government, behold many Of that class
which constitute by far the majority of popua-
ton. and many of whom ike Others of their fellow
citizens, had heretofore seemed ready to fail before
the military Juggernaut-the honest abouror and
the Industrious mechanic-now uniting in testl
mony OF appreciation and applause to the iIustrious
merit OF their cnuntrys GREATEST MAE. 1t was the
dawnlng OF n more auspicious season than we have
for scnie time experienced
1T was designed exclusively to pay suitable com
pilnent to MIR Clay, by appropriate tribute to
iis political course and public acts and designate
INN as peculiarly qualified to fill Office of Chief
Magistrate of the United States The public mind
Is prepared for, and, in fact, demand such
manifestations OF the wishes of independent Amer-
ADDRESS
Feflor titdsens: We shall offer to you no apology
or this pubic expression of our sentiments and feel
'ngs IN regard to the subject of this address II will
come recommended TO your attention from its grow
aug Importance and intrinsic merit The testimony
of respect aad admiration which an enlightened Peo-
pie bear to the public acts and characters of their IL
iustrious mon, Is the homage demanded by emf
nent worth and exalted talents. We believe that it
exerts salutary influence the public mind--ope-
rating as reward for past services, and an ANNA
ting incentive to future eXerton IN patriotic achieve
nent The fame of her citizens is the glory ufa Re
public; and In no manner the one be more in
creased and the other advanced than by generous
contribution Of applause for all deeds that rebound to
the benet and lustre Of ional character and
our national institutions. So compile, civ identified do
we conceive the brightness of national escutchc-
on 10 DE with the unoemshed reputation of dis
tinSuished men that we esteem 1t sacred duty all
Times TO accord proper communication to the merto-
riouS services of the latter. that may enhance the
nriancv and preserve the integrity of the former.
more particularly do we entertain these SEN lmens
and acknowledge ourselves to be cluated by these
motives, when we have assembled pay public tri
butte OF admiration and respect to the character
talents and services of HENRY CLAY with whose
name are associated some of the most benefcent
patotIc and splendid acts in the history of our coun-
try. We are inspired, moreover with a mere than
Common zeal and earnestness in his behalf, when we
reflect on the persecution he has endured from his
enemies, and on her uurem!ted attempts to cover him
with oboluy, and diminish his useiu mess aod infu
ence to his country.-Connected With his cause do
We consider the of the dea rest interests of
our country; and we look to his energetic mind and
efficient patriotism to correct the abuses which our
government has suffered and defend the integrity
OF our institutions against the violent shock which
their nice and delicate st ructure has sustained BY the
rnde grasp OF incompetent and unskiitul hands at
this peculiar conJunc,ure, confess that we regard
HENRY CbAY as the ralying point of the homes and
interests OF the Republican party of our country; and
since that honored band of patriots whose revolu
tlonary services we haIlow IN sacred remembrance
have left the theatre of action we Know no manybose
enterprise and force Of character united with ntre
p'dity and powers of mind, accomplish their pur
poses and wishes more patrotically or more effec-
lively.
Viewing him, moreover, we do as the most
renowned Patflot ana statesman of this county, and
as an ornament OF the human race, feel peculiar
PRIDE and JOY when we reflect that he is a native
VIRGINIAN. Nor in this gratifying expression of
pleasure at his birth place do we intend any selfish
appropriation of his and distinguished exCelence
In common with the whole People of the United
sta'es, we claim him as countryman and fellow
citl1eD, and est eem 1t signal honor to the Union
that as his efforts IN the cause of his country and
OF human improvement, have not been local or par
tlal so his tame and popularity not confined to the
North, or to the South-to he East or to the West
Although, for season, cloud seemed to intervene
between the brightness of his name and the minds of
the people, it is evident that they we're msled and
deceived by the factious fabrication of bargain. in
trigue and corrupti. Tue suspicious light of truth
has dIspelled the mist, and he again viewed with
augmented delight his native purity and splendor
That our estimate of Mr. CLAY may not seem
overcharged and that may not be accused of too
fond partialiy 1t becomes to sketch by hasty al
fusion at least, some of the prominent grounds of
our admiration and support of him. and to glance
at nose distinguishing traits of mind and charac-
TER by which his life has been illustrated and bis
public career ennobed
Born Of humble narentage, he was without the
means o. acquiring regular. classical. collegiate
education and destitute OF those important auxs RES
of friends and funds t. bring him into notice and re-
pue which the more afiuent youth have nearly al
ways at command. plebaD in origin he has ever