Cheraw gazette and Pee Dee farmer. [volume] (Cheraw S.C.) 1838-1839, 1839-04-12

effects OF the pr"posed movements on my
prospects, but whether it was right; had
rather be. right than he president"
"The above anecdote is taken from the
Philadelphia pupers. The occasion on
which Mr.. p. WIS thus consulted, and
which he takes i, for granted every body
would understand without particular desrg.
na, on, was when Mr.. Clay was about to de.
liver his aut-abolition speech. We have
nothing to say, abou, the political wisdom Of
Mr.. Clay in consulting SO profound an ora
Gle. or the further compliment, to Mr.. Pres: on
Of rejecting hi, advice. MIR. Clay seems to
have understood perfectly that the flattery Of
admitting our Senator into his confidence
was quite enough to secure his everlasting
gratitude. Nor have We any thing 10 do with
Mr.. Clay's sincerity in the theatrical point
above quoted II had rather be right than be
Pr sident I! 1t was no doubt uttered with
wink. that said. in language not to be mis-.
apprehended, Pleas take down my words
aud report them in your next stump speech
es.' MIR. Preston has been careful 10 do
the desired work. But the argument MIR.
Preston draws from the anecdote is the best
part Of it, and my be thus stated :: Mr..
Clay is great mana noble fellow--a true
patriot---for he told me so HIMSELF"
" But there is one point in the anecdete
which we cannothghtly pass over. BY his
own statement, Senator from South Caro-
was consulted by the leader Of his party, as
to whether he should throw the weight of his
great influence and commit himself against
the absllitionists and what advice did he
give Did Mr.. Preston, Southern man,
advise Mr.. Clay TO pal;cr and shuttle. 10 look
to the Presidency, and not TO provoke the
enemies ofthe South, for fear they should
turn and read him ? Il suggested whether
there would no'be danger in it /; whether
such course would not injure his own
prospects. rs we'll as those ofthe Wing party
generally Can any South Caroinian read
without indignation that Senator from this
State could thus place tho vital interests OF
the South in The balances with the petty
plans Of an office.seeking clique, and delb.
erately suggest the expediency of sacrificing
our safety 10 the chance of abolition sup
port? Mr.. Clay did we'll to slight such
suggestions, ard Mr.. Preston was most un-
fortunate in letting the world know he ever
made them. m."-Charleston Mercury.
II the anecdote has been thus related by
the Philadelphia papers, they misquote me.
did not state or intimate that had enter
tanned the slightest doubt OF the propriety Of
Mr.. Clay making his celebrated speech on
Abolition. When he read that speech to
me (amongst o,hers,) few days before i,
was delivered, there was some conversation
as TO its probable effect upon the public
mind and it was remarked that il might be
offensive to the ultras ofbotb parties, in The
great excitement which then existed. TO
this MIR. Clay replied Ct" trust the senti.
ments and opinions are correct. | had
rather be right than be President"
/ beg the favor of the Charleston Courier
| and the South Carolinan to republish this
note.
am. gentlemen, your obedient servant.
W. G. PRESTON.