Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1842-06-09
The following is the letter of Mr.. Clay in an.

The following is the letter Of Mr.. Clay in an
swer to the invitation of his friends and neigh
bors oil Lexington, to partake of public dinner :
ASHLAND, May 9th, 1912.
Gentlemen-I have had the pleasure to receive
your note transmitting the resolutions adopted at
meeting of the citizens of Lexington and Fay
cite county, convened for the purpose of making
arrangements connected with my return home, in
consequence ofmy resignation Of the Office OF
Senator of the United States, from the State of
kentucky; In conformity with which, YOU have
done me the honor to invite me to public enter
taInment directed by one of the resolutions to be
rendered to Inc.
received, gentlemen, these testimonials OF ap-
probation, confidence and affection, with great
and grateful sensibility. Such proofs, emanat-
ing from any portion ofmy feilow-citizens of the
United States, however remote from my residence,
would be entitled to my particular and respect
full Acknowledgements but proceeding, as these
do, from my neighbors, from the eye witnesses
OF my conduct both in private and public life and
who or whose ancestors, during period of up.
wards OF forty years, have remained firm and
steadast In their attachment and friendship to mo-
fill me with the most agreeable and touching emo
lions, and have made deep and ineilacable impress
sion on my heart They will, united with the iesti-
Inony In my own bosom, serve, in the retirement
which nave voluntarily sought, TO cheer and con-
sole me, during the remnant Of my days.
am happy that my quitting the public coun-
viz vi tnlS tliIe, Is not QiSaDDrOy-
ed. deeply regret the state of general eInbar-
Tassment and distress which exists. Although
conscious that have not contributed to produce
1t, no one would have sought more eagerly to res
tore the common prosperity than l should, if it
had been inmy power. But, seeing no prospect
OF accomplishing any good corresponding with
my wishes, thought that might, without lust
censure, now execute my long delayed purpose
OF retiring into the shades Of private life
From these. your Partially and rrleuusnIp TOT
me, prompt you 10 desire me 10 issue at some fn-
ture day. have seen enough of the uncertainty
OF public affairs and of the vicissitdes Of human
lie, 10 restrain me from placing any sanguine
hopes upon such an event az that to which Won
kindly allude. But whilst admit that self ostra
cism is incompatible with the duties which a
citizen ever lies under to The Republic, trust tina,
shall be always allowed, at proper times, TO de-
eide whether i ought to give my consent or not
to the use OF my name IN any connection which
may be proposed for it will, any public Office
whatever it may be. When suitable time ar.
rves for decision, it ought TO be governed by all
existing circumstances, Of which the most impor-
tant would be the probable wishes Of majority
OF those who have The power to bestow the Office
THAT time, think, has not yet arrived.
accept, gentlemen. with great pleasure, the
'ender, which you have been authorised TO make
TO me, OF public entertainment; and request
you, also, to accept my cordial thanks for the
feeling and friendly manner in which you have
communicated the invitation.
am, with affectionate esteem and regard, faith
'ully, your friend and obi. serv't.
To Messrs. II. I. Bodily, Chm, u. WardeId,
&c.