Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1843-12-14

b. -
DEAR siRF-A large msjoriiy Of Sih
Anli.M tsonif party Of Psnnsy snIg "a
mife your political character. and spbreci
ate your public services They think wit
yoe 90 those great leading measures Q
National policy which you have long abl..
and successfully advocated.
! have been renqesied by several re
speeiable gsniIenen (membes Of ihl
Anti n asoDic party respectfully 70 ssl
you in what relation you stand 10 the 10
stii3iion Of Free Masonry.
! an. siF. win great respect. yopr OBJ servt
/ E. c. REiGART.
Hon. HEras Car.
Mr. cLAY's ANSWER
AsaLAsp. os,h Nov lsl3-
DEAN SlRgs-I have dnly received youI
letter. requesting me at the Instance o.
several TespecisbIe gentlemen Of the
Anil MOSQUE Pasly~in PennsylssnIa. 10
slate what are my existing relations ID
Free, Masonry.
! entertain great repugnance 10 appear
ing before he public al al. on any sub
jet. and especially upon one which. ac-
[cording 10 my humble apprehension. is
not necessarily connected with lbe ad
minisiraiio1 OF the Government; bui the
respectful terms in 10 which you have
Fbeea pleased TO address me. and The con
scienilous motives by which ] presume
you 10 be seiusied. entitle you to frank
and foil answer TO the inquiry contained
10 your letter; and ! now have the plea.
sure Of accordingly Transmitting such an
answer.
] became Mason in early life from
youthful curiosity and social disposition.
But | never had any taste for. or was
much skilled 10 the mysteries or the Or.
der Ali the protested objects of the 10 !.
sItulion az developed 10 me land knew
no other) we're charitable snd benevolent.
never did contract. and never would
have contracted, any obligations whatever
incompatible with my duty 10 my coun-
try. or to society. l have always regard
ed The Constitution anG Laws a. the land
IS supreme and any obligations and duties
to my country as paramount p-all other
earthly obligations and duties.
Official evidence OF myretirement from
ihe Lodge upwards Of nineteen years ago,
has been published :an have no, since
been a member OF any Lodge, nor held
any office. place or appointment OF any
kind 10 The Institution. Nor do believe
that ] could. upon my own knowledge or
recollection Of its rites and ceremonies.
okfasn .Hnn.Astorl 81 az. t.r.a - -
Lodge OF auy degree whatever. | never
10 my life voted Tor or supported any man.
for any civil or military or other appoint
ment under Government, because he was
a Mason; nor against sny man because
he was not Mason. Ia 1925 voted
for MIR. Adams. as President!o Of the Uni-
ted States, although. as 1 have understood.
he was not !, Mason; aud against Gene
raj Andrew Jackson. notwithstanding be
was a distinguished me .nberk Of that Or
der; but il is proper 10 state that I was
not at all influenced by that fact. Among
my most determined political opponents
in Kentucky are Masons. who nov or
lately held, according TO the newspapers,
eminent stations in the Lodge.
Such is faithful account Of my rela-
lions 10 Masonry. an institution which
has comprised some OF the most eminent.
men Of our country dead and living, i
presume that the experience Of many men
has been. like my own. that as we ad
vance in life. we cease 10 take any Inter-
Isl in attending such institutions.
!. Ia the sentiments OF love Of country,
of obedience 10 its laws, OF acknowledge
nent Of. their paramount obligation, and
Of devotion to our Free Institutions. by
which all ought 10 be, and understand
Anti Masons are animated, mdst hear.
lily and cordially concur. With great re.
H. CLAY.
E. G. REioARr, Esq.