Jeffersonian Republican. [volume] (Stroudsburg, Pa.) 1840-1853, 1844-05-30

Mr.. Csay's Letter.

H4f. Czay ACtteE.
Below will be found latter from Mr.. CLAY
indicating the course which, having accepted
the Wing nomination for The office OF President
of The United States, he feels bound 10 pursue,
of abs,ainiug from the acceptance of all invita-
tions TO attend political assemblies. This deter
mina,ion on his part will, we are satisfied, be
approved by all his friends who duly consider
the circumstances in which fs is now placed
To the Editors Of the National Iatelhgsncer
WisHINGToN, May 3, 1874
GENTLEMEN Prior 10 the commence men,,
and during the progress of the journey, which
have recently made TO some of The Southern
States, received numerous invitations to visit
my fellow citizens al various points of The Uni
on. | was compelled TO decline accepting the
greater number Of them and in most Instances,
transmitted answers accordingly; but, as may
have omitted TO reply 10 some Of them, and as
others addressed 10 me may not have reached
me, TO all such request TO be allowed, through
the National lntelligencer, 10 communicate
general and respectful answer, and TO state the
ground on which | shall feel constrained to
place any similar invitations with which may
be in future honored.
These popular demonstrations OF friendship,
attachment, and confidence towards me are
highly gratifying 10 my feelings, and are enti-
tied to an expression Of my profound and grate
ful Acknowledgements. If ii were suitable and
proper, in my judgment TO meet asseuiblsges Of
my fcllow-ci,Izens on these occasions, | would
embrace the opportunity with pleasure, and
should exchange friendly salutslions with them
with warmth and enthusiasm, on my pari. not
exceeded by their own. But an event of i'm
pouance took place on The first instah, in Bal
limorc. A Convention Of Delegates from the
Whlg party, coming from all paris OF the Uni
ted States, acting in conformity with the we'll
ascerlained wishes and sentiments of the Wings
of the United States, has formally announced
my name as candidate for the Office of Pres
dent of the United States, and from high
sense OF duty, have accepted the nomination.
IL has been. moreover, ratified by another Con-
venton, composed of Delegates from every part
Of the United States who assembled on the I'd
insan! in Baltimore. Being thus placed, with
my own consent, in the slllude Of a candidate
for iha. high office, feel myself bound TO re-
speci and perform all the duties and obligations
which apperlain to me in that character.
The election of Chief Magistrate Of free,
great, ahd enlightened nation, is one OF the gra-
vest and mosl momenlous functions which The
People can exercise. Ii is enphatically, and
ought 10 be exclusively, their own business
Upon the wisdom of their choice depends The
preservation and soundness of free institutions
and the welfare and prosperity of themselves
In making it, they should be free, impartial
and wholly unbiased by the conduct Of can.
didaIe himself. Not only. in my opinion, is il
his duty TO abstain from all solicitation, direct
or indirect, of their sufiages, but he should
avoid being voluntarily placed in situations to
seek. or in which he nigh, be supposed 10 seek
TO influence their judgment.
| Entertaining these views Of what becomes a
candidate for the exalted Office of President Oi
the United States, / shall act in strict conform
| ily with them. Hereafter, and until the pend
/ ing Presidential election is decided, | cannot
accept or attend any public meeting of my fel-
low-ciizens, assembled in reference 10 hat OBJ
Ject, TO which have been or shall be invited.
| 1t is my wish aud intention, when leave this
city, 10 return home as quietly aud quickly as
possible, and, employing myself III my private
! business and affairs, there TO await the decisiof
of the Presidential election, acquiescing in il
whatever ii may be, with The most perfect sub
mission.
hope those who have honored nae with in
sllalions TO which have not yei replied, ant
those who may have intended me the honor o
transmitting eihers. will accept, without disap
probation, this exposition of the motives By
which am governed
| am, gentlemen, your friend and obeGlen
servant, II. CLAY.
We fod the following IN Prenrlce's Louis