Boon's Lick times. [volume] (Fayette, Mo.) 1840-1848, 1844-04-06
THE TIMES.

We copy below from the Columbus
Gco.) Enquirer, of the 9th instant. q very
interesting letter from Gen. JAMES HAM
rLroS, in answer to an invitation from the
Muscogee Clay Club to participate with
them in the ceremonies attendant on the
reception of Mr.. CLAY at that place:
OswIcnEE BEND, Russell co., Ala,
MAncu 4, 1914.
NY DgAR SIn--On returning from Sa-
vsbuah' TO this place, had the pleasure to
receive your kind favor Of the 26th ut.,
enclosing an invitation of the Muscogee
Clay Club to be present at the reception
ofoMr. Clay at Columbus, on the nth inst.
I very much regret that the necessity for
short, but urgent visit to Texas, will
compel me to leave home for New Orleans
on the 9Th instant. l shall, therefore, have
10 deny myself the sincere qualification
which their invitation so acceptably prom
ises. aE
You do me no more than justice in sup.
posing that the very high estimate which l
have long since formed of Mr.. Calhoun's
eminent qualifications for the government
Of this country, should in no degree inter-
fere with my cordial disposition to do
honor to the distinguished individual who
isabout to visit you.
II is true, that however much may
have differed with Mr. Calhoun on mere
financial question, which at one time more
materially divided the country than at
present, yet | have always recognised in
his admirable genius, consummate ability
and acknowledged moral worth. those re-
sources for high public service which in any
station would confer security and renown
on his country. But it seems that the
usual organs of the party 10 which he is
supposed to belong, whether accredited or
not, have so far pronounced different
Judgment, as probably to postpone his
claims in favor of another distinguished
candidate; and certainly, according TO all
the tokens Of party organization, il appears
that the Baltimore Convention will per-
form no other office but to register an edict
which has already gone forth, and that, like
Melzel's celebrated automaton trumpeter,
this curious piece of mechanism has been
specially wound up TO sound particular
note. Whether this note will be in &C.
cordance with the sentiment of the people
of the United States remains TO be seen.
NV own bosom testifes to the truth of a
remark that you most justly make. in the
letter you have done me the honor to ad.
dress inc, that the preference which | have
expressed for my distinguished fellow-coun-
uyman, Mr.. Calhoun, is in degree incon'
sistent with the personal friendship en-
lerlain of Mr.. Clay, or of the just appre.
citation which have formed of his ability
and patriotism during service for severa
hn Of
United States, often in an excited opposi
ton, in which we are best able to estimate
the worth and power of those with whom
we may be associated.
became acquainted with Mr.. Clay in
the session Of 1923, when he filed the
chair of Speaker of the House of Repre-
sentatives. Although at that time young
member, yet through his kindness and par
tality, was placed at the head of one Of
its influential committees. Our acquaint'
ance ripened into the strongest social init
macy, which continued without abatement
until the formation Of that great party
which was constituted TO effect the election
Of Gen. Jackson 10 the Presidency of the
United States 1t is known to you we
took different sides. felt myself, in thu
angry contest which marked that great pub
lie CONFUSION, gradually separated from
him. Although l never INDUCED in thu
smallest personal abuse and denunciatiol
Of this gentlcman--which would have beef
SO utterly inconsistent with our forme
rclations--yet, after the election of MI
Adams to the Presidency, ! was in the habl
of passing Mr.. Clay, in the streets of Wash
ington, without even distant recognition
for had then the folly TO regard an opPo
nent of Gen. Jackson almost as publ
enemy of the country. Such is the mad
ness Of party! These relations continue
until was summoned by Mr.. Randolp
10 attend him to the field, under Mr.. Clay
challenge, in consequence of the fiagrar
insult which he had offered him in III
Senate of the United States, in coninn'
ton with your lamented and gallant tello'
souniryman, Col. Tattual, at that time
member of the House of Representative
from Georgia. There arc some cireun
stances connected with this duel whic
have never been made public, which,
they are honorable both to the living ar
the, dead, / hope may be pardoned in r
lating. do not think they will rend
Mr.. Gays reception less cordial and C
thusiasiic, among a people who, If The
cherish romantic, and, as they are Gale
g kopn. ha