Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1842-08-18
MR.. CLAY TO THE WING YOUNG MEN
ne RHSTDN.


The Convention who superintendent the Clay Gel
ebration at East Boston, on the Fourth of July last
we're instructed to invite DIR. CLAY to visit Massa.
chssetts some time during this summer. The com.
mittee, in compliance with this request, Addressed
/ a letter to Mr. CLAf rendering him a most cordial
welcome from the /" true hearted young men Of the
East" The following is Mr.. CLArs reply:
AsaLASD, 4th August, 1912.
GgkTLEMEs lit gives great pleasure TO ac-
knowledge the receipt Of your Of the z6tb uit
and the paper which accompanied il, containing an
account Of the proceedings Of meeting OF my
friends, assembled together on the day OF our An,
niyersary; and TO offer expression OF my cordial
thanks for the testimony which is borne, in both Of
friendship and confidence towards me. Ihere
were wanting persons, at a distance from MAS
sschusotts who construed her comparative silence,
as to the extraordinary course OF the American Ex-
ecutise into acauiescence. | knew her better, and
appreciated her more justly. knew that u was
the silence which preceded the roar OF her patriot
ic thunder. | knew that it was impossible that she
should not largely share, and intensely feel, the
deep Indignation which that treacherous course has
excited in the heart Of every Wing, and of every
honest man. And your communication, and other
concurring evidence, prove the accuracy of my
knowledge Of her character.
thank you for your friendly invitation TO visit
Boston. My last visit has left abiding and sgreea-
bic Impressions my memory, which would rem
der its renewal highly satisfactory. 1t in the
autumn after the passage OF the Compromise Act
that timely measure OF peace and harmony.
whose triple object to snatch the Protective
System from the impending destruction with which
il was mensced, by a combination OF open enemies
and false friends, to preserve the Union from the
danger of civil war, and TO avoid the necessity OF
placing an immense military force, IN hands which
L IA
OF blood and devastation against our own brethren,
and in the bosom of country. The eordi-
sty OF my welcome, and my distinguished rccep-
ton, every where that went, in New England,
among all classes and conditions of my fellow cit
gems and especially among the manufacturing class,
manifested that the motives Of my conduct had
been conceived and properly appreciated. There
few, at the epoch of the settlement Of that
controversy, there at another memorable
epoch, when the Missouri question amicably
adjusted who wished matters pushed to ex-
remity- ] could not share sympathizs in that
wish. did not believe that it the duty OF
Government 10 be making experiments upon the
tranquility AMI happiness of grea, and free peo-
pie; and least all, experiments of blood and car.
mage and disunion. | believed then, as believe
now, that the day would come when a discreet ex-
ercse OF the power of self-proeolon, in some form
or other, against the foreigner, would meet with
general concurrence or acquiescence.
But gentlemen, gratifying as visit to Boston
would be TO me, am unable to say when | sha
have that happiness. under existing circumstances.
I have prescribed to myself the rule Of remaining
at home, attending to the occupation of my farm,
except when am called away by business, or in the
pursuit of health. To this rule have thought il
best to adhere. with this further exception, only,
offulfling old engagements the execution OF which
is insisted upon, to visit some places which l have
never seen.
Accept gentlemen, assurances OF the warm re-
gard and esteem of
Your friend and obedient servant,
II. CLAY.