Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1841-10-07
- q. cAs,ls.l.r.II. .lIssc....


As one 81 the earioes memorials oElsa preserv-
ed IN The esdaring reeSrls Of this printing age,
re present to-day letter addiesssd by ll6s IN
dividaal ia reply To the Invitation Of the Haso.
yer Wings TO Partaks o. a dinner in honor Of
Henry Clay.
lie ~ho reads this glowing uibuie 70 The viz
tues snd character Of This sminsht siale1maD,
sOne'hrng over one short year ago. and contrasts
IA with the Pfsseni position aud course Of Il, au-
thor, will be furnished with Zoe text for dis
serisiiOn on the consistency of ?oiiIieians, &c.
&c. &c.
CHARLorrrsviLtE, Jsns 2Oth, 1870.
Gentlemah-On he eve Of my depsr.
iure from Richmond, l received your We.
~ cordial Invitation 10 attend a Public
Dinaer on the 9Th instant. given by the
eiIIEens Of Hanover in honor Of our dis,io
guished couuirymsn. Henry Clay. III
can complete some private business. which
induced my Sbsenee from Richmond for
short time, it will afford me pleasure 10
be with you.
The OseasiOn Of Mr Gays visit 10 the
scenes OF has nativity. Is not one for mere
exoliaiion. His fame. like his genius,
belongs now TO bis coun,ry-his whole
:. country. and nelhing but his country: and
while every VirginiSn halls him as pa.
tive Of OR soil. the People OF Hanover.
without reference TO parties, caahot fail
TO extend 10 him a welcome correspond
ing with their generous hospitality and his
distinction. There is SON ching peculiar.
/ ly touching in the intercourse which IL
about 10 be renewed between Mr.. CLAW
and the People OF Hanover. IL carries ne
back through many an interesting epoch
OF our public history 10 the time. when a
poor boy. from the slsshes, which have
since been distinguished as a birth. place
be entered the perilous career Of lie un-
der the friendly auspices Of that great and
good man. George WyIhe. The hish
stations which be has since filled. the i'm.
Pottant public services he has rendered.
the distinguished consideration be has at.
tanned at home and abroad. the circum-
stances under which, after contributing 90
much for history. be returns TO The spot
eonsecrated TO hin by the reccolleciions
lot childhood, AL serve TO invest the oc.
caslon with sympatbies and reflections
such as are not often suggested ia the life
OF the Statesman.
Mr. Clay stands al this moment on An
eminence where few ever stood before
Alter serving bis country in almost every
capacity In which service can be required
he askHnoihIng OF his counirymsn but
just and impartial judgment On The mo.
'ives and the abilities Thich he has en-
Ployed. II he were dead, and YOU de.
signed 10 commemorate those Ties (which
death alone can Sever] that bind the Vir.
glnIan to hts state. tbs people and the pol.
iIeians who have most stren uously oppos-
ed some Of bis views Of policy, would be
content 10 leave the past TO history, while
they would remember only that he was
one OF those great men whom Hanover
lad given 10 Virginia, aud Virginia 10 the
world. And shall he be greeted with lea,
enthusiasm, because be yet lives, TO look
back from hts present vantage ground.
and review the long course Of bis own
experience. 10 revive with ancient reeol-
lections his fsal.y 10 the old principles Of
old Virgins. ADD TO gain fresh vigor in
her cause, from touching his mothers
soill MT. Clay's history is full Of exam
pies OF manly disiniereStedues nj,
present position enables him. more Than
any olhss msn, TO aid in giving TO his
eounify Wbst he does NOT seek for him
fslf--io dedicate 10 public cod patriotic
ends shat never should belong to party.
u is time, gentlemen. that those Who
are entitled 10 the respect aud gratitude
Of their eouniTymen. shO9ld cease 10 be
the objects of personal obloquy end vito
lPsralion. Our nsiioDal character has suf.
Tered too much end too long 20 apppase
the venom Of party FancouF. Dor netion.
81 pride should rejoice in The belief tbs,
there is much Of pTivste and publle worth.
which can and ought 10 survive our ire.
queni poliliesl conflicts. and that party
triumph costs TOO dearly, When Il attempt,
TO disbonor Games that must 20 down a.
our Witnesses 20 POsleFity.
With assurances % nv esteem and
consideration. gentlemen. remain your
o5edienl setvsnt.
THOMAS w. GILMER.
MesaTs. Wm- y Wickhann. r. r. Darra.
colt, and others Committee.