The Ohio Democrat. [volume] (Canal Dover, Ohio) 1840-1900, 1844-05-09
HENRY. CLAYJS DUELS.
THOU SHALT NOT KILL"
RY AMOS KENDALL,

D700gne 6et1ceen Deacon ami his Minister ON the sub
jedot Presidential Election. ., ... ..
DeaCOn-l come to advise with you as 10 the course
which, as Christian ought to pursue in the next pre-
sidential election. .,. ...
AitnlSter-Well, what are your difficulties?
D'a-I am true Whig and hope true Chris
tan. In 1928 was much inclined to vote for General
Jackson on account of the great services he had render
ed the country, but you advised me that as true Chris
tian, could not do so, because he had set at defiance
the laws of God and man by fighting Duel The
Wings now present us candidate for the Presidency
who has fought two dues, and been an accompce in a
third. What am l to do?
1En-l have heard that Clay was duelist, but have
never inquired into the particulars.
Deal have; for thought it my duty to do so when
called to pu! him at the head OF the nation to see the
laws faithfully executed. Shall give you the partcu-
lars?
MB.-Go on.
De0.-Here is typography of Henry Clay" written
by his particular friend George D. Prentice At page
30 we are told he accepted chalange from Col. Da-
vess but was adjusted. AT page As is an account of
his first duel Here are the words OF the Bographer:
viz.
"Mr. Clay brought resolution before the house Gthe
Kentucky House of Representatives that each member
for the purpose of encouraging the industry OF the coun
try should clohe himself in garments of domestic man.
ufacture. This resolution called into exercise all MIR.
Marshal's talents of vituperaton He denounced it as
the project OF demagogue and applied variety ofep-
hets to its author which parliamentary rules could
justify Mr.. Clay language in reply was probably of
harsh character and the quarrel proceeded from one
stage to another till according to the laws of honor
which every Kenuckan oftha day was taught to rev.
erence, no alternative remained to Mr. Clay, and he
was required to cha!lange his antagonist The chal-
lange was accepted The parties met and the first shot
was exchanged without other effect than slight wound
to Mr.. Marshall On the second or third trial. Mr. Mar
shalls ball gave Mr.. Clay slight flesh wound in the
leg and the seconds now nterfeed and prevented con-
tinuance of the combat"
This account is given by friend and apoogist But
it shows that Mr. Clay was the Gh0anger and that thrice
or hioe he deliberately attempted 10 take away the life
of his fellow man
M5n.-But does not the Historian say Mr. Clay has
repented of this early crime?
De@.-He says 1--WE have no doubt, that Mr.. Clay er-
rcd in this affair with Mr. Marshall and it is said that
he himselfooks back to the incident with disapproba-
tion and regret If there had been any sincere repent
ance would have shown itself in his subsequent con.
duct So far from that seventeen years afterwards
he publicly proclaimed his determination to commit the
same crime if he could find an antagonist and the mex
year did commit il!
Mi1,-Let us have the particulars?
Dca-pror to the election of President by the House
Of Representatives in 1926 it was charged in etterpub
lished in Philadelphia, purporingto be written by a
member ofhe House, that Mr.. Clay had bargained to
make Mr. Adams President on condition of receiving
prelement at his hands, whereupon Mr. Clay publish
ed card in the newspapers VIII ci concluded as follows
viz. ......
"IwonOnncc Ne member achocre7 he may be- a BASE
and INFAMOUS SCALUMNIATOR BASTARD
AND A LIAR, and fhe dare anviel himself and avoac
his name, 1cl hOI him responsible, as There admit my
O BE- 10 all Tie aars tohich govern and regulate The con
duct Of men fhOnOr. ......... ....
....a H. CLAY"
Mr.. Clay wasthen Speaker ofthe House of Repre-
sentatves and was from that high staonthat be thus
hurled defiance at the laws Of God and man. shocking
all the moral and religious feelings Of this great ma
ton. .... ssh -rS. ..,... -.,r
Min.-But no Duel grew out Of thai, believe. ,7
Dea.-No; but it was not in consequence Of any re-
traction or repentance on the part OF Mr. Clay as the e.
vents of the next year amply demonstrate. .....
Min.-Go on. '.. ....-.. .......
Dsa.-Mr Adams was elected President by the aid
of Mr. Clay's vote and influence and appointed Mr.
Clay Secretary OF State In speech in the Senate at
the next session OF Congress- John Randolph character
lied this coalition ofknown political enemies as the u
MON of the "Eastern Purlan with the Western Black
leg" Mr.. Clay Immediately sent him challenge
Mr.. Clays Biographer has not thought proper in the
text of his Work. to give us any account of this Duel
but in henewspapers of the day. ind the following of
fetal account ofthe meeting: viz :
"on Saturday the 9Th April, at half past four o'clock
meeting took place between Nh, Clay and Mr.. Ran