The Northern galaxy, and Middlebury people's press. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1843-1844, 1844-01-03

Anti-M Masonry and Mr.. Cldy.-The follow
ing letter from Mr.. Clay to a gentleman in
Lancaster, Pa, will be read with interest:
ASHLAND, 25th Nov, 1913.
DEAR SRI have duly received your let
ter, requesting me at the instance of several
respectable gentlemen of the Anti-Masonic
party in Pennsylvania, to state what are my
existing relations to Free-Masonry.
| entertain great repugnance to appearing
before the public at ALL on any subject, and
especially upon which, according to my hum
BILE apprehension, is not necessarily connect
ed with the administration of the General
Government; but the respectful terms in
which you have been pleased to address me,
and the conscientious motive by which | pre-
sumo YOU to be actuated, enti1e you to a
frank and full inquiry contained in your let
ter; and now have the pleasure of accor-
dinghy transmitting such an answer.
became a Mason in early life from youth
full curiosity and social disposition. But
never had any taste for or was much skilled
in the mysteries of the Order. All the pro-
fessed objects of the Institution as developed
TO me land / knew no Other) were charitable
and benevolent. | never did contract, and
never would have contracted, any obligations
whatever incompatible with my duty to my
country or to society. l have always regar-
ded the Constitution and Laws of the land as
supreme, and my obligations and duties to
my country as paramount to all earthly OBJ
legations and duties
Official evidence of my retirement from
the Lodge upwards of nineteen years ago,
has been published; and have not since
been member of any Lodge, nor held any
Office, place or appointment of any kind in
the Institution. Nor do believe that could
upon my own knowledge or recollection of
its rites and ceremonies, obtain admission, at
this time, in any Lodge Of any degree what
ever. never in my life voted for or support
ed any mau, for any civil or military or 9TH
er appointment under Government, because
he was Mason; nor against any man be-
cause he was not a Mason. In 1925 l voted
for Mr.. Adams, as President of the United
States, although as | have understood, he
was not a Mason; and against Gen. Andrew
Jackson, notwithstanding he was distin-
guished member of that Order; butitis prop
er to state that was not at all influenced by
that fact. Among my most determined Po-
litical opponents in Kentucky are Masons,
who now or lately held, according TO the
newspapers, eminent stations In the Lodge.
Such is a faithful account of my relations
to Masonry, an institution which has COM
/ prised some of the most eminent men OF our
country, dead and living. presume that
1 the experience of many men has been, like
nv own, that as we advance in life, we cease
to take any interest in attending such institu-
tutiOns.
In the sentiments of love of country, OF
obedience to its laws, of acknowledgement
of their paramount obligation, and of devo-
ton to our Free Institutions, by which all
ought to be, and l understand Anti-Masons
are animated, most heartily and cordially
concur.
! With great respect, am your ob't serv't
ii. CLAY.
E. C. REIGARr, ESQ.