Jeffersonian Republican. [volume] (Stroudsburg, Pa.) 1840-1853, 1844-12-19
MIR. CLAY REPLIED,

|
kindness towards me, which has prompted this
wish from the Governor the Presidential Elec.
tors of Kentucky, and some of my fellow clti-
zens, in private life. Aud thank you, Sir,
! (Mr. Underwood) 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 obligations TO the People of
Kentucky. Duiing more than forty years of
my life, they have demonstrated their conf
dence and affection towards me, IN every varl-
ely of form. This last and crowning evidence
of their long and faithful attachment, exhibited
in The vote which, in their behalf, you gave yes
leriay a, the seat of the State Government, as
the Electoral College of Kentucky, fills me
with overfowing gratitude. But should fail
10 express the feelings of my heart, if did not
also offer my profound and grateful acknowl-
edgmens TO the o,her States, which have UNI
led with kentucky in the endeavor 10 elect me
TO The Chief Magistracy Of the Union, and TO
so much virtue, intelligence and patriotism,
who, wherever residing, have directed slrenu-
GUS and enthusiastic exertions 10 The same OBJ
ject.
Their effort has been unaraiIing, and the is
sue of The election has not corresponded 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 10 speak of Them My
duIy is that of perfect submission TO event,
which is now irrevocable.
will no, affect indifference to the personal
concern which had in The political contest,
JUS. ,erminated but, unless | am greatly self
deceived the principal attraction 10 me OF the
Office of President Of the United States, arose
out Of The cherished hope that | might be an
humble instrument, in the hands of Providence
TO accomplish public good. ] desired to see
the former purity of The general Government
restored, and to see dangers and evils, which
sincerely believed encompassed it, averted and
remedied. | was anxious that the policy of the
country, especially in The great department Of
its domestic labor and industry. should be fixed
and stable, that all might know how to regulate
and accommodate their conduct. And, fully
convinced of the wisdom of the public meas
ures, which you have enumerated, hoped to
live 10 witness, and 10 contribute TO, their adop-
tion and establishment
So far as respects any official agency of mine,
It has been otherwise decreed, and bow re-
specially to the decree. The future course of
the Government is altogether unknown, and
wrapt in painful uncertainty. | shall no, do
the new Administration the injustice of con-
demnng it, in advance. On the contrary, |
earnestly desire that, enlightened by It's own
reflections and by deliberate review Of all the
great interests of the country, or prompted by
public opinion, the benefit may be yet secured
of The practical execution of those principles
and measures, for which we have honestly con-
tended that peace and honor may be preserved,
and lha, this young but great nation may be
rendered harmonious, prosperous and powerful.
We are not without consultations under the
event which has happened. The Whig party
has fully and fairly exhibited TO the country the
principles and measures which it believed best
adapted 10 secure our liberties, and promote The
common welfare. Ii has made, in their sup
port, constant and urgen, appeals TO the reason
and judgment of the people. For myself,
have the high satisfaction to know that have
escaped grea, and fearful responsibility; and
that, during the whole canvass, | have done
} nothing Inconsistent with the dictates Of The
: puresl honor No mortal man is authorised TO
say that | held out 10 him the promise of any
office or appointment whatever. I
What now is the duty Of the Whig party p
venture TO express any opinion with the great
est dlfiidence. The future is enveloped in a
veil impenerable by human eyes. cannot
contemplate IL, without feelings of great dis-
enlargement. Bul | know OF only one safe
rule III all The vicissiudes of human life, pub