Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1841-09-16
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER lc, ls4l.
HENRY CLAY.

The general interest manifested by our fell
low-citizens to learn the response of the Hon.
HENRY CLAY to their earnest and cordial in
vitailon to afford them an opportunity, by
passing this way on his return TO Kentucky,
OF testifying to him, and to the country, their
grateful sense of his manifold and distinguish
ed public services, and their confidence in and
devoted attachment to him as q Statesman and
Patriot, induces us to lose no time in laying
before them the following correspondence.
While we regret, as we are sure every
Wing of Augusta will, the circumstance which
deprives us of the anticipated pleasure of hav-
ing Mr.. CLAY as our guest it is still some sa-
tlsiactlon to Tvs to know, that he, at least, in
these times OF treacliery, Intrigue ond elistroo
ton, has heard our voice in proud approval
OF his course-and that although, like ano-
Their Aristides, he may be sought to be sacri-
feed by selfish aspirants and political intrig-
uers, to whom his public virtue is a reproach
old Augusta God bless herD still cheers
him on, and will sustain him, to the full ex-
tent of her ability and influence
STANTON, Sept. 4, 1871.
SIR-A large number of your fellow-citizens of
this neighborhood, impelled by profound admit
ration OF your personal and public character-by
lively and grateful recollection of your dstn-
guishcd services to our country, and more espe-
ciay by their high appreciation ofthe peculiar and
critical importance at this time, Of your great tall
ents patriotism and frmness to the safety and
honor of the Republic, have directed the under
signed to offer you In this manner renewed assu-
RANGES of their respect, confidence and affection.
Although most of us personally unknown to
you, we make no cold, formal, affected professions
of regard. The Patriot--the American Patriot
should love him best who most honors and best
serves his country. And with this sentiment in
our hearts, whom should we more honor or love
better than Henry Clay-the Statesman, whose
'hgh, exalted, and sublime emotions of patriot
ism,' we are proud to believe Gas we have al
ways believed,) ''soaring towards heaven, rise
far above all mean, low, or selfish things and are
absorbed by one Soul-transportin9 thought of the
good and the glory of his country" Yes sir,
| we honor, we venerate, we love the man whose
| Lille is the brightest and proudest link between
this lowering day of our country's fortunes, and
that golden age of public vrtue,-the age OF
Washington, Jefferson and Madison. 1t is a du-
ty we owe to ourselves, TO our children, and to
our country,to pour outbefore you and the world,
in the strongest language we can command, this
tribute ESQ justly and nobly earned) of honor
and affection. We could not say than this be-
cause In saying it, we offer the highest tribute OF
praise that we could, under any conceivable
| state ofthings, render any American statesman
tn he PLACED in Tire estimation of his fellow-cit
| Iens, side by side with tho Eai,aro % e d.
| hc-to have his name and his deeds recorded
with theirs upon the hearts of all true patriots is
the highest houor we think that can be bestowed
on any man. 1t is an honor, however, which
like the triumphal car of the Roman general. in
the 'palmy days. of his country's glory and
liberty, should be awarded only to transcenden
| merit--to that merit which embodes the lofties,
attributes of wisdom and virtue. We could moi
say less without doing injustice to our hearts and
REFRESHING the strong and enduring convictions oil
our minds. With hearts warmed and animated
by such feelings, we earnestly request you tc
pass through Staunton on your approaching re.
turn to kentucky, and by short delay afford us
an opportunity ofmanfcsting, in as impressive a
manner as we can, the warmth and sincerity OF
our regard, and the profound depth Of our conf.
dence in your abilities and virtues.
ROBT. S. BROOKE,
ii. w. SHEFFEY,
KENYON HARPER,
T.. VALENTINE,
JEFFERSON KINNEY,
VIM. FRAZIER,
sfss:s CHESLEY KINNEY,
]. b. BALDWIN,
CHAS. II. LEWIS,
VIM. A. BELL.
Hon. HENRY CLAW