Lynchburg Virginian. [volume] (Lynchburg [Va.]) 1829-185?, 1838-06-21

The following is Mr.. CLAY's letter OF reply to ono
addressed 10 I'm bya Committee appointed at the
meeting of ms friends held in the city Of New ork
on the 29th ult.
WAsuINGroN, 9Th June, 1888.
Genemen.-I have to acknowledge the receipt of
| a letter, which,as Committee appointed at meeting
of my political friends recently convened IN the city
! Of New ofk, YOU addressed TO me, transmitting
copy oil their proceedings, and in pursuance OF one
OF their resolutions inviting me 10 VISIT that city, and
II pass through the State of New York 10 Buffalo,
upon return home, after the termination OF the
present session of Congress.
| have petused the proceedings OF the meeting
with the llvellest feelings OF gratitude and request
you. Gentlemen, 10 convey to those who composed
II. my cordial thanks, aud respectful acknowledge
mcns. Tor their friendly consideration of me
Whilst feel highly gratiGcd by the sentiments OF
attachment, confidence aud preference with an ex-
preston OF which the meeting has honored me,
think that il has wisely referred the designation Of
suitable candidate for the office Of President OF the
! United States the consideration and impartial
decision OF National Convention. such an as
sembagc representing all parts Of the United States.
and fairly constituted, will embody the opinions aud
best express the sense olhc whole opposition to the
present administration oil tho General Government.
II will reconcile differences, promote harmony, and
secure hearty co operation among those who ate Gu
/ Gagged in The patriotic cause of struggling to bring
back the Government TO its former purity, to heal
the wounds Ia the Constitution, and to restore the
prosperity oil the country.
should be most happy to find myself under cir
| cumstances whlch would admit Of my acceptance OF
the friendly invitation to visit your State. am sure
that every where, a tour agreeable, should
meet with the greatest kindness aud hospitality, and
| behold IN the sirtue, intelligence and enterprise OF
the People oil New ork, III the noble works OF lntor-
nal Improvement which adorn its territory, and in
the fruitful soil with which Providence has blessed
/ II, abundant elements for repairing the temporary
injuries inflicted by the errors and experiments OF
the Federal Executive. But, feel constrained to
deny myself the satisfaction OF contemplating these
pleasing scenes. After an absence from my home,
which has already extended to nigh eight months,
am naturally most anxious to rcjojn my family with
ont any unavoidable delay. | might content my
self with the assignment of this simple reason, but
have other aud higher motives. Which candor re-
qnlres should communicate, for declining TO ac-
eeri Nnut obllglng Invitation.
Although am not in fact candidate for any Of
ice am aware that my name is freely used III con
necon with the highest in the gift of tue American
People. Whilst ii is thus subject of consldera-
ton, have thought that ii best becomes me Ia re
mann III an attitude perfectly passive, DONG nothing
with the Intention of attracting the current OF public
feeling II mr., nothing disturb or affect the ex-
e1cise OF the free aud unbiased judgment OF the
People. have accordingly acted IN strict conlormi-
~ with tins conviction OF my duty. have VISITED
no place. aud shall VISIT place, with the view OF
promoting my personal adNanC cment. Con-
sideraons both of principle and convenience have
induced me to adopt this resolution.
know thai sentiments of personal esteem and re-
gard ior me and Tor which am very thankful, apart
from political motives have urompcd the invitation
with Which YOU have favored me ; but if were to
accept H. no natter under what protcstaons or pro-
essons II would be believed whether Justly OF not
that il had other objects besides social intercourse
and an examination OF the ncxlausbc resources OF
Your great State TIM sam, ~, similar r,oSous wi
c which might be induced to visit New Nurk would
bo urged 10 prevail 90 10 other portions OF
. the mon. How could | discriminate Wha
4 llmlt should | prescribe There would be ply
| steal mpractcabny 90 10 every important pom
of the tGon, which might be pressed or prompted
by the impulse ofmy own feelings, to visit.
The Office OF President OF the United States is OF
nature so exalted, and its functions momen-
tous, that II ought be- aud happily can
be- reached by individual efforts tt acqunc it, 1t
should only lac bestowed by the free, spontaneous
aud deliberate Judgment of the people. When so
conferred II is more honorable to them and to the
distinguished object of then choice. Thus rcccv-
ing 1.-THE will enter upon the OF its arduous du-
ties conscious that he has attained the elevated sta.
: ton by no low or unworthy ants, and, overlooking
. with gratitude, will dedicate all las abilities aud his
undivided energies to the honor and prosperity and