The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1839-12-14
MIR. CLAY.
The following Is a copy Of the Letter from Mr.
Clay, read in the Harrisburg Convention ON Satur-
day last:

~'Ji $3.50 'h NS laiiispufR convention on Satu
day last:
ASHLAND, Nov. 90 1899
GsNrLEMEs; The public use which has been mad
OF my name, 10 connection with the Office OF Pres
dent OF The United States furnishes the motive as
trust y VIII form the apology, for this note ad
dress y To you, because our common residence in III
same STATE appears to me 10 render you the most az
10 say.
The Convention at Harrisburg to designate candi
dates OF the Opposition 10 the present Federal Ad
mihs,falion, Tor the offices Of President and Vic,
PRESIDENT OF the United States, has been recommend
eh and The propriety Of IL has been generally concur
red in BY all who agree as To the necessity OF ,
change in the General Administration II appearef
% me % be The best IL not the only practicable me
ihod OF reconciling and uniting those who, coincid
ing !. 'ne general principle, entertained different
views as 20 me most suitable candidates for those
hish onices, and have accordingly frequently <.
pressed and npw repeat the expression OF NV conyc
non OF the expediency Of an entire and cordial ac-
qulescehce ~ he recommendations OF The Conyen-
In the meantime, appeals, directly and indirectly
nave ocen made Q me by highly respectable Con.
S;y'd.a no,aen y pennsylvania and by private in
1en state OF Ohio is the first choice Of the OPP
position in Pennsyl and in the opinion OF that
Convention would be likely TO conciliate gene
raj support tlan should. Ihave been also address
ed by yariops respectable and intelligent citizens OF
me 10 decline The contest in behalf Of another emf
nent citizen who has been distinguished in both the
military andcivil service fthe United States
Whilst have been thus urgently but respectfully
approached, numerous private citizens and public
meetings and conventions in various parts Of the
United States Zone OF these conventions, indeed in
Pennsylvania itsel) have done me the honor to ex-
press their confidence in me, and TO intimate their
wishes that might be The Candidate of the Opposi-
tion for the office Of chief magistrate.
IL is perfey manifest that I cannot connnly with
all these conflicting opinions and wishes, nor ap.
prehend, with any one of them, without disob'iging
the others
Under these embarrassing circumstances, l have
thought u Gost advisable 10 leave 10 the Convention
at Harrisburg the free selection Of candidates as
being the assembly to which, by common consent
that important duty has been referred. Represent
ing, as i probably will, all parts Of the United
States, bringing together the feelings and views OF
all, and comparing and weighing the local iniorma-
ton which will derive from every portion, il will
be most competent TO make nomination acceptable
to the greaimajority offs constituents. That will
be faithful 10 the high trust conhded to its judgment
and patriotism, cannot be doubled; and having a
full view the whole ground, il will be more likely
TO make selection agreeable TO the grea, body OF
Inc Opposition than any separate convention could
DO however enlightened and patriotic II may be- II
the Pennsylvania Convention, TO which have just
alluded, beright in snpposing that the distinguished
citizen whom il prefers would be more likely TO be
successful than any other he ought to be nominated
and undoubtedly, for that reason will be nominated
by the Harrisburg Convention, should it entertain
the same opinion.
With Just and proper sense OF the high honor OF
being voluntarily called 10 the Office Of President OF
the United States BY great. free, and enlightened
People, and profoundly grateful to those of my fel-
low-citizens who are DESTROYS to see roe placed in
that exlated and responsible station, must, never
theess say in entire truth and sincerity that il the
deliberations of the Convention shall lead them 10
the choice Of another as The candidate of the Oppo
sition, tar from feeling any discomfort the nomna.
alton will have my best wishes, and receive my cor
dial support.
And gentlemen, hope that you, my friends and
ncighbors, will excuse the liberty take in express
sing to you my xous desire that, dscarding all
attachment or Partially to me- and guided solely by
the motive Of rescuing country from The dangers
which now encompass you will heartily unite in the
selection of that citizen, although il should not be
me, who may appear 10 be most likely by his cleo
tion 10 bring about salutary change in The admin
iStraton Of The General Governmental change
without which we shall be Knocked by the forms, and
strpt of the substantial benefits of free institutions.
From the tenor of this note, scarcely need oh
serve thatyou are at perfect liberty make such
OF il as in your discretion may seem proper.
am, with high respect, your friend,
To Governor THOMAS MErcALF General LESLIE
CoMBEs, and the oher Delegates fr0ma hencky to tht
Harri6ugr Convention.