Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1839-12-23
MR. CLAY.

Clay, read in the Harrisburg Convention
ASHLAND, Nov. 20, 1889.
GENTLEMEN:-The use of my name in conneXion
with the oihce of President OF the United States,
furnishes the motive, as trust it will form the
apology, for this note. ! address it TO you, be-
cause our common residence in the same State
appears TO me TO render you the most appropriate
repository and organ Of what wish now to say.
The Convention at Harrisburg 10 designate
dldates of the Opposition 10 The present Federal
Administration for offices OF President and Vice
President Of the United States, has been recon-
nended and tie propriety of it has been gener-
ally concurred in by all WHO agree as to the ne
cessiy OF change in the General AdminiSt alton.
1t appeared 10 me to he the best, if not the only
practicable method of reconcng and uniting
those who, coincdug in the general principle,
entertained different views as to the most suitable
candidates for those high Offices, aud have
cording by frequently expressed, and now repeat
the expression OF my conviction of the expedien-
cy of an entire and cordial acquiescence in tile
commentators OF the Convention.
In the mean time, appea IS directly and Indirect
~ have been made TO me by highly respectable
Convention holden in Pennsylvania, aud by pri-
vate individuals, 10 decline giving my con
sent TO the Use OF my name, upon the ground that
distinguished cirizen of the State Of Ohio is the
first choice oil the Opposite on in Pennsylvania,
and in the opinion of that Convention would be
more likely 10 conciiate general support than
should. ! have been also addressed by various
respectable and intelligent citizens of NewYork,
directly and indirectly, recommending me TO de-
cline the contest in behalf of another eminent cit
izen who has been distinguished in both the mil
ltary and civil service OF the United States.
Whilst have been thus urgently but respect
fully approached, numerous private citizens and
public meetings aud conventions IN various parts
OF The United States Zone of these conventions,
indeed, in Pennsyv wanna itself have done me the
honor 10 express their confidence in me, and TO
intimate their wishes that might he the candl-
date of The Opposition for the office of Chief Ma
gistlate.
1t is perfectly manifest that / cannot comply
with all these conflicting opinionsand wishes. nor,
apprehend, with any one OF Them, without DISC
bliglng the others.
Under these embarrassing circumstances l
have thought it most advisable to leave to the
Convention at Harrisburg the free selection of
candid lies, ms being the assembly 10 which, by
common consent, that important duty has been
referred. Representing, as il probably will, all
parts of the United States, bringing together the
feelings and views of ALL and comparing and
weighing The local information which it will de-
rive from every portion, it will he most compe-
lent to make nomination acceptable to the great
majority OF It's constituents. Thai it will be faith
fiil 10 the high trust confded TO It's Judgment aud
patriotism, cannot be doubted and having full
view of the whole ground, it viii be more likely
to mike selection eeabe 10 The great body of
the Opposition than any separate convention could
do, however enlightened aud patriotic it muy be-
II the Pennsylvania Convention, TO which ! have
just alluded, be right in surprising that the disiin-
gnished citizen whom il prefers would be more
likely TO he successful than amy other, lie ought
to he nominated and undoubtedly, for that reason,
will he nominated by the Harrisburg Convcn-
ton, should it entertain the same opinion.
With II just and proper sense OF the high honor
of being voluntarily called TO the office of President
of the United States by great, free, aud enlieht
ened People, and profoundly grateful to those OF
my fellow ciliZens who ure DESTROYS to
placed in that exalted and responsible station,
must, nevertheless say, in entire truth and SINGER
n.y. that il the Convention shall lead them To the
choice OF another as The candidate Of the OPPOSE
liln, far from feeling any discontcn the nomina-
ton will have my best Wishes aad receive my
cordial support
And, gentlemen, hope that you, my friends
and neghbors. will excuse the liberty take IN
expressing TO you my anxious desire that, discar-
ding all attachment or partalny to ne. and gui-
ded solely py the motive of rescuing our country
from the dangers which now encompass it, you
twill heartily unite in the selection of thai citizen,
although il should not be me, who may appear 10
be most likely, by his election, To bring about
salntary change in the administration of the Gen
eral Governments change without which we
shall be- Knocked by the forms, aud stript Of the
substantial benefits of free institutions.
From the tenor of this note, scarcely need oh
serve TINT you are nj perfect liberty 10 make such
use of il as IN your discretion nny seem proper.
! am, with high respect, your friend,
HENRY CLAY.
To Governor Thomas Metcale Gen. Leslie
Comics, and The other Delegates .trl IN Kentucky 10
The Harrisburg Contention