Daily Richmond Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1840-1842, 1842-05-19

ASHLAND, May ON, ISiZ.
Genlemeu:-I have had the pleasure TO receive
your note, transmitting the resolutions adopted at
meeting of the citizens of Lexington and Fayeue
county, convened for the purpose of making ar
engagements connected with my return home. in con-
sequence Of my 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 10 a public entertainment direct
ed by one OF the resolutions TO be rendered to me.
received, gentlemen, these testimonials of appro-
baton, confidence and Affection with great and
grateful senSibity. Such proofs, emalatins from
any portion Of my fellow citizens OF the United States
however remote from my residence, would be emit
tied to my particular and respectful acknow ledge
ments; but proceeding as these do, from my neigh
boUrs, from the eye OF witnesses OF my conduct both
in private and public life, and who, or whose an
eeStors, during period OF upwards Of forty years,
have remained firm and seadlast in their attachment
and friendship 10 me, they fli with the most
agreeable and touching emotions, and have made
deep and inetiacable impression on my heart
They viii, united with the testimony in my own
BOSOM serve IN the retirement which have voiun.
tarily sought, 10 cheer and console me- during the
remnant Of my days.
am happy that my quitting the public councils
OF our country, at this time, is not dslrproved.
deeply regret the state Of general embarrassment
and distress which exists. Although conscious that
have not contributed 10 produce Il, no ono would
have sought more eagerly 10 restore the common
prosperity than should, fit had been in my pow
tt' DNtB seeing no prospect OF accomplishing any
good corresponding with my wishes, thought that
might, without just censure, now execute my long
delayed purpose Of retiring iuto the shades OF pr-
vate life.
From these, your Partially and friendship for me
prompt you TO desire me 70 issue some future day.
have seen enough OF the uncertainty Of public al.
lars and Of the vicsstudes OF human life to restrain
me from placing any sanguine hopes upon such
an event as that 20 which you kindly aude. But
whist admit that self osiracsm IS Incompatible
with the duties which citizen ever lies under TO the
Republic, trust that | shall be always allowed,
al proper times, to decide whether ought to give
my consent or not In the use Of my name IN any
connection which may be proposed for 1t with any
public ONCE, whatever II may he. When a suita-
Die time arrives for decision Il ought 70 he governed
1y all existing circumstances Of which the most i'm.
porlant would be the probable wishes OF mo jorlty
OF those who have the power to bestOw the Office.
Ihot time, think, has not yet arrived.
accept, gentlemen, with great pleasure. the ten.
der which you have been authorised to make to me-
OF public entertainment; and I request you, also
70 accept my cordial thanks for the feeling and friend
ly manner IN which you have communicated the
invitation.
am, with afectionate esteem and recnrJ
faithfully, your friend and obt. sery't.
II. CLAY.
TO Mes'rs. II. !. Bodily, Chm, E. waffed &c.