Litchfield enquirer., 1844-06-27
From he LeringtOn Observer
Mr., CLAY AND HIS REvILERS.

constantly directed towards Mr. Ctays curing the
last twenty years. They arose out OF the tact that
he did not deem it his duty, acting either upon his
own Judgment, or in conformity with the wishes Of
his constituents whom he represented in the House
of Representatives to cast vote for Gen. jackson
as President Of the United States. His assalants,
including the General himself, seem resolved to
persist in these attacks, during the Generals life
Nor are they confined to his public character and
conduct; but, with iendish spirit, watching and
pursuing him wherever he goes, in retirement and
in private and social intercourse, his unguarded ex-
pressions, his habits, and all his movements are
seized for purposes of Misrepresentation and maeV.
olent abuse. 1t is not now our intention to deal
with the revived columny Of bargain, &C. so often
denied disapproved and triumphantly refuted. We
would as soon handle putrd carcass. During the
canvass in Tennessee, last year, Mr. Polk, on seve-
raj occasions attempted to use that stale charge;
but it was met and repealed with such indignant
spirit by his able, eloquent and intrpid competitor
(Governor Jones) that he was entirely sllenced,
and we hardly imagine will ever again attempt to
propagate such calumny IN the gallant and patrl-
otto State of Tennessee.
But our present object relates to Mr. Clay's pri-
vae conduct and character, so indecenty attempted
by his enemies to be exposed to the gaze of the
world. Being his neighbof, having known him all
our lives, and having received from those who are
older than are, full information about him prior
to the commencement Of our own knowledge of him.
believe the truth of that to which they testify
Forty lone years ago, Mr.. Clay, without his knowl
edge was brought forward by his friends, and cleo.
ted to the General Assembly Of Kentucky. From
that day to this, there is Office of trust honor,
within the gift Of the people Of Lexington or Fay
cite county, that they would not have readily be-
slowed on him if he desired it. And after he be-
came known, as he did to the whole State by his
professional fame, and his services in the Legisa-
ture there is no Office, at the disposal Of either the
people. or the Legislature Of Kentucky, which he
might have sought, that would not have been read
lily conferred on him. He never lost popular cleo
ton when he was candidate. The attachment OF
the people of Kentucky to Mr.. Clay, has not been
one of cold personal respect, mere admiration OF
his talents but is has been warm, constant and en-
thusiastic. They have borne towards him the al
lection of friend and brother and father.
There is not a more moral and enlightened COM
munity in the world, to the extent of the popula-
tion than that Of the city of Lexington and Fayette
county Is it possible to believe that Mr.. Clay, If
he were the immoral, dissolute and debauched cha
racter which his bitter and malignant enemies rep
resent him, could have lived in the midst of such
community, for nearly fifty years, and enjoyed
throughout that whole time, in an unexampled de-
gree its constant friendship and confidence? This
confidence has been displayed in variety Of form.
No man has ever been more attentive and punctual
in his private engagements than Mr.. Clay. He has
SdIefeQ SOmeIlmeS, as OtueIS have SuicIeu, ny 10"
sponsibIities for his friends. He is not rich, his
public service has prevented his becoming wealthy;
but no man could ever reproach him for violation
of any pecuniary obligation or promise. Accord
ingly his credit has always stood, it yet stands.
at the highest point of elevation And blythe way,
we may remark, that millions of dollars passed
through his hands, Speaker of the House of Rep
resentatives and Secretary of State, and the tongue
of malice has never dared to charge him with the
misapphcation Of single dollar. On one occasion
after settling his account, Speaker at the Treas
ury, which he invariably did upon the Termination
of every session. it appeared that there stood to nj
credit in the bank, where he transacted his bust
ness, sum Of fifty thousand dollars. he stated q
the Secretary Of the Treasury that there must b.
some mistake, but he was confidently insured tina
there was none. He said that he was equally con
fident that he had no such amount OF money, AM
requested further and more careful examination
upon which the fact was discovered that the Urea
sury had neglected to charge him with warran
of fifty thousand dollars. How admirably does thu
honorable and upright course contrast with tn
peculation, frauds and delinquency which hav'
characterized the conduct Of SO many public serv
ants during the last fifteen years! Perhaps, no maj
ever lived who has been so often appointed an Ex
ecutor of deceased persons as MIR. Clay has been
and that by persons in various conditions IN lie
and such has been the confidence reposed in hi
Judgment, honor, probity and capacity for business
that the testators who appointed him, almost al
ways dispensed 9th the surety which, without
such dispensation, the law exacts.
He has been charged with being addicted t.
gambling, and foul and opprobrious epithets have
been applied to him. Mr.. Clay, at no period OF MI
le ever SO far forgot the respect due to himself
to associate with professed gamblers or attend tne
public tables For upwards of thirty years ne ma
played at no game Of hazard whatever. When ia
tigued and oppressed by care and business. if h
has sought any recreation, it has been at chess,
whist, which, of late years, he more rarely thar
ever INDUCES in. He has resided period Of up
ward of thirty-fve years at Ashland, and we have
it from the most undoubted sources, that game o.
cards was never played, and PACK Of CARDS was
He has the highest respect and greatest defer
ence for religion, and its Minister'S and we believe
that there is not clergyman who knows him, tha
does not cherish towards him cordial esteem ape
regard On the memorable occasion last All, 2. Ine
great discussion between the nsv messs s lamp
bell and Rice Me- c G the public meeting He ha.
contr:Iated with as much lberaliy as he could. Il
the building of every Church, or house Of Divine
worship, that has been erected during his abode II
or near Lexington, of which there have been ma
n.y. He has always held pew in the Episcopal
Church in this city, of which his lady is commu
meant, and he generally attends divine service or
the Sabbath, when at home. No man in the com
munity displays more public spirit, or is more rea
dy to second and succor all objects Of public i'm
provement and enterprise. As farmer, he 10 con
spicuous in all the departments of his vocation, bu
especially in the Improvement of the breeds of al
domestic animals. Nor is there any one whose
heart is more affected by cases Of affection or mis-
fortune, or whose purse is more open to relieve the
distressed
Such is the individual upon whose head bitter
malignant, and vindictive enemies are constantly
pouring out torrents of vile abuse and calumny =