Daily Richmond Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1840-1842, 1842-08-17
HENRY CLAY TO THE WING YOUNG
MEN OF ROSTnN


The Committee who superintendent the Clay ceIe.
6raiion OF the 4th OF July ut East Boston, were in
structed to forward copy Of the Daily American
containing report oFthe proceedings, to MIR CLAW
and also TO invite him 10 visit Massachusetts at such
lime during Tie summer or ensuing autumn, as might
| comport with his convenience. The letter of invi
tatIon and his response thereto are subloined. W.
much resre-while we appreciate the motives which
influence him-that this ds,ing uished statesman in
accordance with rule which he has adopted. feels
1t his duty to decline the invitation, and tina, our
citizens will therefore be deprived or the pleasure Of
taking him once more by the hand. We have moth
ing TO add to the letter. IL speaks ou1er than opv
words we could add. Coming from Ashland, as il
Does IN The same mail that brings us the veto from
Washington, 1t will cheer the hearts Of all-tho old
men and the young men--and re kindle nnew the
enIhusiasm-which cannot even now be suppre.,ed
IN favor Of the true, faithful, glorious Harry Of
The West. Read it, young men Of Bos,on-or Me,
sachusetts!
ASHLAND. 9TH August, 1912.
Gentemen-lt gives me great pleasure TO nc
knowledge the receipt Of your Of the Goth nit
and tho paper which accompanied il, conta;nin,, NJ,
account OF the proceedings OF A meeting M ms,
friends, assembled together on the day OF our An
nvorsaty; and 10 offer an expression Of nv cnrI;i
thanks Tor me testimony which is borne, in both OF
friendship and confidence towards me- 'rbc,e 80
not wanting persons, at a distance from Mnss,cbn.
selts, who construed her comparative siIencs M IN
the extraordinary course Of the American Execu,ivc
INTO aogn'escence knew her better, and npnre'
e! !s het more justly. ! knew that il was the
silence which preceded the roar of her nn,,;o,c
thunder ! knew that il was imnn,,iLlo lie, a.
should not largely share and intensely feel ,Lo L.
Indignation which that teacherous course b, ,SP
co IN the heart oil every Wing, and Of every homes,
mn lie. Ns...
Of her character "'"''use
thank you for your friendly invitation ,o v;.i,
boston My last visit has left abiding and nsreea
pie impressions on my memory, which Womb ron
DER It's renewal highly satisfactory. IL was in tho
autumn alter the passage of the CCmprcmise Act
that timely measure OF pence and harmony vboee
triple OBJECT was 10 snatch the Protectve Svstcrn
rom inc impending destruction with which IL was
monaced, ny combination Of omen enemies ard
false friends, 10 preserve the Union from tho dane,
OF civil war; and to avoid the necessity OF n,cins
an immense military force, in hands which WINS nm,
~rhng 70 trus TO be employed in deeds Of blood nd
devastation, against our own bretbren and IN d.
bosom Of our own country. The cordioIi,,, oc 49,
welcome, and my distinguished recention evory
whe's that vent in New Englind among nil closy.
es and conditions OF my fellow citizens. and osuc
cal.y among the manufacturing class, manifested
that the motives Of my conduct had been tiob,lv
conceived nnd properly appreciated. Thore yorc y
lew, OF the epoch OF the setemen. Of thnt con,ro
ycfsy rs there were at another memorable epocb.
when the Missouri question was amioably adjusted
who wished matters pushed to an extremity.
could not STARE or sympathiz9 in that wish, did
not believe that Il was tho duty Of Government 10
be making experiments upon the Tranquility and
happiness Of great and free people; and ISss, M
OIL, experiments Of blood and carnage and disunion
| believed then, as | believe now, that the dov
would come when discreet exercise of tho po,ycr
OF self protection in some form or other against Inc
foreigner, would meet with general concurrence OF
ecu Cscence.
But, gentlemen, gratifying ns visit 10 Boston
would be TO me, an unable 10 say when shall
have that happiness, under existing circums,ances
have prescribed to myself the rule Of remaining
at homei attending to tho occupation OF NV finn
except when am called away by tusness. q, In
tho pursuit Of health. To this rule have tboneL,
Il best TO adhere, with this further excep,ion oniy
OF fulfilling old engagements tho execution of ,yb,S,
is insisted upon, 70 visit some places which have
never seen.
Accept gentlemen, assurances Of tho warm re-
gard and esteem Of
Your friend and obcdient servant.
~. CLAY.
Mcjsrs. Jno l. Dimmock, Thoo Wnsbburn San
Harris, VIM Weeks, Alfred G Hersev. s,mi
Whseiwright yr., Levi Brehim, Richard N Rcr,v
yo6 iaoer, y DAVIS Leavsns, Joseph BarrelL d.
y Jones and kimbnll Gibeon F ~'