The Whig standard. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1843-1844, 1844-08-14
LETTER FROM MR.. CLAY.

LETTER FROM Mr.. CLAY.
Mr.. Clay was invited to be present at the great
Mass Convention of Wings which met at Lexing-
ton, Missouri, short time since. His letter of
reply to the invitation was as follows:
ASHLAND, 2lst June, 1914.
Gentlemen. received your friendly letter, in
vltIng me to attend mass meeting of the Wings
OF Missouri, and the Far West, at Lexington on
the 18th OF July next. Nothing would afford me
more pleasure than to be in the midst of them on
that interesting occasion, if | could with propre.
ty But, after full consideration, resolved not
to attend any political meeting during the Presi-
dental canvass, and many of my most discreet
friends approve that resolution. You hold out
very strong inducements to me to visit Lexing-
ton-old friends and neighbors, the largest body
of good land in all the Mississippi Valley, produc-
ing l,OOo pounds of hemp to the acre, rapid
growth in population, wealth, and improvements,
and, although last, not least, radical and extern
slve revolution going on in politics. | would
know that you were Kentuckians, from the COM
placency with which you speak Of all these fine
things. | should be delighted to see them and,
if could make an exception from the rule which
| have adopted, it would be visit to Lexington,
in Fayette county, Mis- ouri but do not think
that can find sufficient reason for such an ex-
ception. And you know that have always en-
deavored to abide by my word.
l rejoice in the prospects of the deliverance of
the State of Missouri from the yoke of Locofoco-
ISM of which receive fattering account from
all quarters. Next to Virginia, which gave me
birth, and to Kentucky, which adopted and cher
ished and honored me, there is no State in the
Union which would feel more gratifed with the
support of than Missouri. have ever entertain
ed kind Of parental feeling towards that State.
Among the arduous struggles which have had
in public life, that was incomparably the greatest
in which ever participated, for the admission of
Missouri into the Union. | claim nothing, | am
entitled to nothing, on that account. | merely
did my duty. Missouri honored me with her first
love- In reviewing the past, am unconscious
OF ever having done any thing justly to forfeit her
esteem and confidence. Being now in the even
ing of long life, it would be great satisfaction
to me, before terminate my mortal career, once
more TO meet Missouri on terms of friendship and
affection.
Whatever may be the course which she may
think proper to take, | congratulate you on the
bright and cheering prospects of the Wing cause
throughout the whole Union. Never were the
prospects Of any political party more satisfactory
and encouraging. Perfectly united as to all the
great measures of national policy which they sup
port, every Wing, from the st. Johns to the Sa-
bine, stands ready and eager TO do his duty and
his whole duty. Nor will they be lulled into
curity or inactivity by the divisions and distrac-
tions and weakness of the adversary. The Wings
know that the maxim "never despise an enemy"
is as wise and sound in politics as it is in war,
and they mean to combat as if Napoleon or Wei
lington, instead of COL Polk, were in the field
If they put forth their strength and energies ac-
cordingly they will achieve the most signal poll
teal victory ever won in this or any other country.
am your friend and obedient servant,
II. CLAY.
Messrs. P. B. Hockaday, J. P. Campbell, J. H.
Graham, J. w. O'Bannon, &c.