Bloomington herald. [volume] (Bloomington, I. T. [Iowa]) 1840-1849, 1841-08-20

u
WIZ. L. BaExr, Representative in Congress from
Loisians, during Mr.. Adams administration, embo-
dying correspondence between that gentleman and
the Hon. Henry Clay, which holds the latter up to
public view in no very enviase light At the expi-
6on Of his term as Representative from Louisiana.
Mr. Brent took up his residence ia Washington City,
and commenced the practice Of the law, and soon rose
to the head of the bar in the District While he was
in Congress- Gen. Harrison was in the Senate from
Ohio, when devoted attachment sprang up between
them which has been kept alive and vigorous ever
since by constant correspondence. In letter to
Mr.. B. Gen. Harrison says, credit me, my dear sir,
when say to you, that yo1rself and Alfred Powell,
of Virginia, the two individuals, who a5oue all
others that formed an acquaintance WITH during my
congressional services possessed the greatest share
| of my regard and esteem.' Before Gen. Harrison
left North Bend for the Capitol, Mr.. B. rendered him
spacious rooms at his residence in Washington, for
his use until his Inauguration which were thankfully
accepted; but the city authorities, anxious to show
their regard for the Chief Magistrate provided, and
begged his acceptance of other rooms which he final
ly accepted. Before the death of Gen. Harrison, in
presence Of large number Of his friends preaching
the subject HIMSELF he told Mr.. B. that it was his in-
tention to vacae the office Of District Attorney for
the District Of Columbia and confer the appointment
upon him. We mention these facts to show that
Mr. B. is Wing Of the highest Standing and there
fore his opinions arc entitled to no little consideration,
especially among those with and for whom he has
borne an active part for the last twenty years.
AS was understood that Mr.. Brent was to receive
that appointment, was made the subject of con-
versation between Mr.. Clay and Mr.. B. in which Mr.
Clay assured him that he should not interfere in the
least to prevent him from obtaining the office.
The untimely death Of Gen. Harrison prevented
him from carrying his design into execution, and since
that event, Francis S. Key, the former Attorney has
been removed and Mr.. Fendall appointed in his
place. to the exclusion Of Mr. B. who was promised
Shortly after the removal was made, it came to the
ears of Mr.. B. that Mr.. Clay had lent his influence
| to procure the appointment of Mr. Fendal. Doubt
ing its correctness he had every confidence in the
J integrity OF MI. Clay, he addressed him note en-
quiring if such the fact to which he replied that
in consequence Of his long and intimate acquaintance
with Mr.. Fendal, he addressed strong letter of re.
commentator in his favor to President Tyler. Thun-
derstruck with this reply, he addressed letter to Mr..
Clay reminding him of assurance that he could
not and would not interfere against him. as both he
and Fendall stood in the same relation to him-ex-
pressing his astonshmsnt at the Acknowledgements
that when told by Gen. Harrison in letter then be-
fore him, that from Mr.. Clay he had experienced
only ungenerous treatment in requa for years of de-
voted SERVICE" he little thought he would have to
make the same compaint-that he complained not
Of the preference given Mr.. Fenda, but against the
perfdy of the act after saying that he would not in
terfe. In the same letter he says to Mr.. Clay:
81 can no longer stand or feel towards you
as personal friend; and conceive it right to
say SO to you, because view your conduct as
insincere, inconsistent avith The h;eh estimate
heretofore hare placed upon your character, and
such as no honorable man ought to hare pursued"
This note Mr.. Clay returned with reply that it
contained language which Mr.. B. should not use, nor
he receive but that after his feelings should become
calm he thought he could make such an explanation
as ought to satisfy him-tha: he was unwilling that
their friendship should be broken off by harsh express
sions used at moment of disappointment.
Mr.. Brent Immediately returned the Objectionable
letter. informing him that under existing circumstan-
ces he could not consent to withdraw it. This was
on the ed June. Mr.. Clay having mede no expla-
nation Of his course, on the 22d july Mr. B. prepared
an accompanying communication, laying the facts
before the people, which he asked the editors of the
Intclgenccr and Madisonian to publish, both of
whom refused to give it place. when he sent to the
Globe, telling the editors he had no claim upon them
personally or politically, but that he would pay any
charge they would make for its publication.
His communication goes on to show the friendship
that has existed between him and Mr. Clay, and
paints with mastery pen the perfidy and ingrati
tude of Mr. Clay. He says the reason of the prefer
being given to the other is that Mr. Clay knows
him to be an industrious ahd spirited writer, who
would advance his prospects for the next Presidency
In the latter part of his communication he asks:
"Who has ever trusted Mr.. Clay that has
not been repaid by tie same deep and black
lngratitude, unless il has CHANGED that his self
interest ordered it otherwise! In making this
charge, startling as it may appear, am ready
to furnish Meproof that there have been Others,
more distinguished than am, who have felt
the same sting Of ingratitude. Yes, have
now in my possession, open to the public ex-
animation, the recorded opinion Of Mr.. Claws
ingratitude, to me by one whose g lightest
word" will far outweigh, in public estimation,
the most solemn asseseration Of even Henry
CLAW. / have the a,roof that M loco norcon