Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1844-12-26
MR.. cLAY,s REPLY.

! MIR. CLAWS REPLY. t,
To the foregoing address Mr.. CLAY replied a
! follows:
i am greatly obliged, gentlemen, by the kind
ness towards me, which has prompted this visi
IRON the Governor, the Presidential Electors o
Kentucky and some of my fellow-citizens, i'm pri
va'e life. And thank you sir, (Mr. Underwo God
their organ on this occasion, for the feeling and
eloquent address which you have just done me
the honor TO deliver. am under the greatest OBJ
legations to the people of Kentucky. During
more than forty years of my life, they have de-
monsra;ed their confidence and affection towards
me, in every variety of form. This last and
browning evidence of their long and faithful at
tachment, exhibited in the vote which, i'm their
behalf, you gave yesterday, at the seat of the
State Government, as the Electoral College of
Kentucky. fills me with OVERLOOKING gratitude
But should fail to express the feelings of my
heart II did not also offer my profound and
grateful acknowledgements 10 the other Stat.s
which have united with Ksntucky in tho endsv,-
vor to cleo, me to the Chiet Magic,racy Of tie
Union, and TO the million and a quarter Of free
men, embracing so much virtue, intelligence and
patriotism, who, wherever residing, have directed
strenuous and enthusiastic exerions TO the same
object.
Their effor. has been unavailing, and the issue
oil the election has not correspondent with their
anxious hopes and confident expectations You
have, sir, assigned some of the causes which YOU
suppose have occasioned the result. will not
trust myself to speak of them. My duty is that
OF perfect submission to an event which is now
irrevocable.
will not affect Indifference to the personal
concern which had in the political contest, lust
terminated; but, unless am greatly self-Jeceiv-
ed, the principal attraction to me of the Office of
President of the United States, arose out of the
cherished hope that ! might be an humble instru-
meDt, in the hands of Providence, to accomplish
public good desired TO see the former purity
of the general Government restored, and 10 see
dangers and evils, which sincerely believed en-
compassed 1t, avefted and remeded. was anx-
ious that the policy of the country, especially in
the great department Of its domestic labor and in
dusiry, should be fixed and stable, that all might
Know how to regulate and accommodate their
conduct. And fully convinced of the wisdom of
inc public measures, which you have enumerated,
hoped TO live to witness, and TO contribute to,
their adoption and establishment
80 Tar as respects any official agency OF mine,
1t has been otherwise decreed, and bow respect.
fully to the decree. The future course of the Co
vermont is altogether unknown, and wrapped in
painful uncertainty. | shall not do the new Ad-
mnistratlon the injustice Of condemning it, in adj
vance. On the contrary, earnestly desire that,
enlightened by its own reflections. and by deli
berate review of all the great interests of the
country, or prompted by public opinion, the bene-
mt may be yet secured Of the practical execution
u "oSc PliHCipl6S dilu measures, Tor which we
have honestly commended, that peace and honor
may be preserved, and that this young hut great
nation may be rendered harmonious, prosperous,
and powerful.
We are not without consultations under the e.
vent which has happened. The Wing party has
fully and fairly exhibited TO the country the prn-
cipies and measures which it believed best ant
ed 10 secure cur liberties and promote the COM
mon welfare. 1t has made, in their support, con-
slant and urgent appeals TO the reason and udg-
ment OF the people. For myself, have the high
satisfaction TO know that l have escaped great
and fearful responsibility; and that, during the
whole canvass, have done nothing inconsistent
with the dictates of the purest honor Nomortal
man is authorized TO say tia. | held out to him
me promise OF any Office or appointment what
ever.
What now is the duty Of the Wing party9 +
venture 10 express any opinion with the greatest |
dltfidence. The future is enveloped in a veil i'm
penctrable by human eyes. cannot contemplate
II, without feelings of great encouragement Blu, !
KNOW OF only one safe rule, in all the vicissi-
tndes OF human life, public and private, and tina,
is conscientloas,y to satisfy ourselves of what is
night, and firmly and undevialingy 10 pursue it
under all trials and circumstances, confiding in
the Great Ruler of the Universe for ultimate sue
cess. The Wings deliberately convinced of
the truth and wisdom of the principles and mea-
sures which they have espoused 1t seems, there
tore, to me that they should persevere in contend
Ing Tor them; and that, adherng to their separate
and distinct organization, they should treat all
who have the good of their country in view with
respect and sympathy, and invite their co-opera-
ton in securing the patriotic objects which it has
been their aim and purpose to accomplish.
heartily thank you, sir, for your friendly wish
es for my happiness, in the retirement which
henceiorward best becomes me. Here hope to
ENJOY peace and tranquility, seeking faithfully to
perform, in the walks of private life, whatever
dulles may yet appertain to HE. And shall me-
yer cease, whilst life remains, to look, with lively
interest and deep solicitude upon the movement
and operations Of our free system of Government
and to hope that, under the smiles Of an all-wise
Providence, the Republic may be ever just, ho-
norable, prosperous and great
ELECTION FRAUDS IN PENNSYLVANIA
The National Clay Club of Philadelphia have