The Charlotte journal. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1835-1851, 1844-05-31
Erom u, NatlonaI Intsll.gsnesr.
MIR. Claws Letter.

GAY tllS IOpiSS
accepted the Wing nomination for the OIL
fee of President of the United States, he
feels bound 10 pursue, of abstalnng from
the acceptance OF all invitations TO attend
political assemblies. This determination
on his part will, we are satisfied, be ap.
proved by all his friends who duly consid-
err the circumstances IN which he is now
placed. Ii no other reason existed, Tie
latigues and hazards to health, insepara-
bic from course Of attendance ON great
popular meetings ia different States at the
hottest season OF the year, would constitute
sufficient argument with the friends OF
Mr.. CLAY, or of any other candidate for
the Presidency or Vice Presidency, against
his fiequenting them.
WASHINGTON. MAY ,, 1874.
To the Editors Of the Nat. Inteihgeneer
GENTLEMEN Prior TO the commence.
ment, and during the progress OF The Jour
nev, which have recently made TO some
of the Southern States, ] received nune-
rous invitations 10 visit my iellow-cltlzens
at various points ofthe Union. was com
PEELED 10 decline accepting The greater
number of them, and, in most instances,
transmitted answers accordingly but, as
| may have omitted to reply to some Of
them, and as others addressed 10 me may
not have reached me, to all such request
TO be allowed, through The National Intel
lgencer, 10 communicate general and
respectful answer, and 10 state the ground
on which shall feel constrained to place
any similar invitations with which may
be ia future honnrcd.
These popular demonstrations Of friend
ship, attachment, aud confidence towards
me are highly gratifying to my feelings,
and are entitled 10 an expression OF my
profound and grateful acknowledgements.
If it were suitable and proper, in my ludg.
meni, to meet assembiagcs OF my fellow.
citizens on the occasions, | would embrace
the opportunity with pleasure, and should
exchange friendly situations with them
with warmth and enthusiasm, on my
part not exceeded by their own. But an
event OF importance took place on the first
instant in Baltimore. A Convention OF
Delegates from the Wing party, coming
from all parts of the L. States, acting IN
conformity with the wel-ascertained wish.
es and sentiments of the Wings of the L..
States, has formally announced my name
as a candidate for the office of President
of the L. States, and from high sense Of
duty, have accepted the nomination. II
has been, moreover, ratified by another
Convention, composed Of Delegates from
every part Of the L. States, who assembled
on the Cd instant, in Baltimore. Being
thus placed, with my own consent, IN the
attitude Of candidate for that high office,
II feel myself bound to respect and per-
form all the duties and obligations which
appertain to me in that character.
The election of a Chief Magistrate Of a
free, great, and enlightened nation Is one
Of the grayest aud most momeuious lunc-
lions which the People can exercise. 1t
is empbatcally, and ought to be exclusive
I y, their own business. Upon the wisdom
of their choice depends the preservation
and sounduess Of free institutions, and the
welfare and prosperity Of themselves. In
making it, they should be free, impartial,
and wholly unbiased by the conduc. Of a
candidate himself. Not only, in my opin.
ion, is il has duty 10 abstain from all so.
licitallon, direct or indirect, Of their sui.
I lragcs, but he should avoid being yolunta.
rly placed in situations TO seek, or ID
which he might be supposed 10 seek, &c
influence their Judgment.
If..t..sn....... - .iat L.,
comes a candidate for the exalted office d
( President Of the L. States, shall act il
strict conformity with them. Hereafter
and until the pending Presidential election
IS decided, | cannot accept nor attend any
public meeting Of my ieiow-cltIzens, as
sembed in reference to that object, Il
which | may have been or shall be invited
IL s my wish and intention, when ! leave
4 this CITY, 10 return home as quietly and
( quickly as possible, and employing my.
self III my private business and affairs,
there 20 await the decision Of the Prcslden.
lla election, acquiescipg 10 II, whatever II
may be, with the most perfect submission
hope those who have honored me viii
invitations TO which have mol vet replied
and those who may have intended me tho
honor OF transmitting others, viii accept
without disapprobalion, this exposition o
the motives BY which | am governed.
4 am, gentlemen, your freud aud ODE
dent servant, II. CLAY.
GEN. JACKSON AND MIR. BENTON.
The letter Of Mr.. Benton, against tn,
annexation of Texas, appears to have pro
duced decided impression al The HerinI