True American. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1835-18??, 1838-07-06
Mr.. CLAY,S REPLY.

WASHINGTON, June 8, 1888,
GENTLEMEN: | have to acknowledge the receipt
Of letter which, as committee appointed at
meeting OF my political friends, recently convened
in the city of New Y ork, you addressed 10 me,
transmitting a copy of their ppcerdlngs, and III
pursuance OF one of their re6o! utions, inviting me
TO visit that CITY, and 10 pass through the state o
New ork to Buffalo, upon nv return home, after
the termination of the present session o Congress,
| have perusrd the proceedings of the meeting,
with the liveiest feelings of gratitude; and | re-
quest you, gentlemen, to convey to those who
imposed it my cordial thanks. and respectful
acknuwied gements for their friendly consideration
of me. Whilst feel higl iy gratihed by the sem
timents of attachment, confidence ard preference,
with an expression Of which the meeting has h"n-
nred me, think that it has wisely referred the de-
signarion of a suitable candidate for the office Of
President OF the United States TO the consideration
and impartial decision of National Convention.
Such an assemblage, representing all paris OF the
United States, and fairly constituted, will emhody
the opinions aud best express the sense OF tho
whole Opposition to The present administration of
line General Government. 1t will reconcile liitie-
renee, promote harmony, and secure hearty CO.
operation among those who are engaged IN the
patriotic cause of struggling to bring back the
Government to its tormer purity, 10 heal the
wounds in the Constitution and 10 restore the pros
perity OF The couptrv.
should be most happy to find myself under cir
cunisiances which would admit OF my acceptance
Of the friendly invitation to visit your state am
sure that every where, on a tour so agreeable,
should meet with the greatest kindness and hos
pltaiity, and behold in the virtue, intelligence and
enterprise OF the People OF New York, in the noble
WORKS OF internal impruvemeHt which ndOrn its ter
rltory, and in the fruitful soil with which PruvI-
deDce has blessed il, abundant elements for repair
ing temporary I'M uries inflicted by the errors amt
experiments OF the Federal Executive. Bu. fee!
templating these pleasing scenes, After an nb-
sence from my hone, which has already extended
| 10 nigh eight months, am ia uralv mGst anxluuS
10 relnIn my family without any avoidahle delay
might content m vsef with the assIgnme OF IhIs
mpe reason, but ! have other ana higher
| tives, which candor re9uiros ! should commune
cate, for declining TO accept your obe ng nva.
ton. Although, am mol, in fact, Il candidate io
any oince, | am aware that my name is freely useC
in eennexion with the highest in the gift of ihe
American People. Whilst il is thus subject q
consideration, have thought that it best becom
me remain in an attitude perfectly passive
dong nothing with the intention of attracting Tho
current OF public 10 me, nothing 20 disturb or at
feet the exercise of the tree and unbiased ludg
ment OF the People. ] have accordingly acted II
strict conformity with this conviction OF my duty
have visited no place, and shall visit no place
with the view OF promoting my own personal adj
ynncement. Considerations both Of principle ant
convenience nave induced me to adopt TINS resolu-
| non. | know that sentiments of personal esteem
| and regard for me, aparl from political motives
| have prompted the invitation with hich you have
favored me; but il were 10 accept it, mattel
under what professions or professions, II would be
belle ed, whether justly not, that ii had Other
uuiects hesIues social intercourse, and exam.
nallJn OF The ine1daustlale resources ot your great
state. The same similar reasons with winch
might he induced 1" WISH New York, would he
u5.sd To prevail Vn me 10 got" other portions oil