Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1840-11-05
LETTER
FROM Mr. CLAY TO TIE LADIES OF
CINCINNATI

FROM Mr. CLAY To THE LADIES OF
CINCINNATI.
From . Ramber Of disisg uished gentlemen
Who were invited to the Hamilton Csusiy Goa
vention Of The LIST October, bot could not auend,
letters were received. which ought. perhaps, 10
have been Published ere this time. In accordaree
with general usage. The crowded state of our
columns. however, has hitherto prevented rs
from conforming TO the common practice; and st
this late day. publication would appear 80
mach cut IS date. that we have determined not
TO make one. Bot here Is one exception. in .
particular Instance. which ought to be made ne
ailude 60 the besu,ifsI letter OF Mr.. Clay in an
sueS 20 The Invitation Of the ladies q this city -
We should be ineIeusabIs were ve 70 withhold
this. II IS a. follows ci.ciaaati Gsseiis.
AsHLAHD. ash Sept 1880.
have duly received the eommuniea-
lioa which you did me the honor 10 sd-
dress 10 me. on the 23d inst. aud request
your acceptance Of my profound seknow-
Judgments for the sentiments OF respect
aud confidence towards me which IL con-
veys. Prior 20 the receipt Of IT,, have
been compelled. with much regret. TO de-
cline accepting an invitation 20 the Con-
yention Of the lst Of October, transmitted
to me by . committee Of gentlemen Of
Cincinnati. But. upon learning your
Wishes that / should attend Is, / resolved
TO make new effort to nd myself Of the
professional engagement which consii:ut-
ed the impeachment 70 my leaving home.
] accordingly went 10 town 10 day for
that purpose, and am sorry TO be obliged
TO inform you that can neither get the
cause, the trial Of which is fixed for Thurs
day. postponed. or NY professional servi-
ces dispensed with. II Is cause Of great
Importance, many witnesses have been
summoned 10 il. and both parties are rea-
dy aud anxious for trial. My engagement
10 appea. IN II 10 positive, and my ellen.
inaisis upon my fulflment Of IL. Under
ihese painful circumstances, I must throw
myself upon your kindnsss, TO excuse my
not conforming 10 their wishes, with an
expression Of which you have honored
me-
You are right ladies. in feeling and
maniissiing lively interest ia the issue
Of the great political struggle. OF which
our country Is the present theatre. I hone
the day will never come when American
Ladies wall be indifferent 10 the fate and
fortunes Of our common country, nor
fail, on re5s and critical occasions, 10 de-
monstraie their patriotic soliciIude, in
msbueF suitable 10 the deliescy and dig
nifty Of their sex.
You are right. also. 10 my humble bat
deliberals opinion. in The anxious desire
which you entertain for the election Of
your neigh5oF and friend. Geo. Harrison.
10 that event, sincerely believe, is COM
pretended the preservation Of the morals,
The purity. the prosperity, and the liberty
Of the Nation. And who will say that.
when ell these great 'nteresis are involved,
the female portion Of the community
should look on, without emotion add
wiihou; ~ mpaihy. careless Wiheher their
husbands. their fathers. their brothers add
their sons were corrupt snd impoverished
slaves. or pure and independent freemen.
should have been mosl happy 10 have
been able. in person. 10 have expressed
these sentiments 10 you. and especially 70
have offered you my thanks. and assuran.
ees Of my gratitude for your friendly and
Gathering consideration OF me. Situated
IS ] am, ! can only indulge that. on
some future occasion. may be able 10
pay ny respects 10 you. al Cincinnati.
am. With the highest respect,
Faithfully. your obi servsat.