Columbus Whig. (Columbus, Miss.) 1843-18??, 1844-06-06
AGRICOLA.
A LETTER FROM MR. CLAY.
HIS COURSE IN THE PRESI-
DENTAL CANVASS.
To the Editors 9f the National InfesLigencer.
WISHING TON, May 3, 1914.

40 IRE EduoTS u tHe lV1tfO7lGL 4HfetLigencer
WASHINGTON, May 3, 1874.
GENTLEMEN: Prio 10 the commencement
and during the progress of the journey which
| have recently made to some of the Southern
States, 1 received numerous invitations to visit
my fel0w-cltlzens al various points of the Un-
ion. was compelled to decline acceptinP 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 to me may not have
reached me, TO all such request to be allow
ed, through the National Intelligencer, to
communicate general and respectful answer
and to state the ground on which 1 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 to my feelings, and are emit.
tied to an expression of my profound and CRATE
ful acknowledgements. II it were suitable and
proper. in my judgment, to meet assemblages
of my fellow-citizens on the occasions propos.
ed, would embrace the opportunity with
pleasure, and should exchange friendly saluta.
tons with them with warm. h and enthus
ia M, on my part, not exceeded by their own.
But an event OF importance took place onthe
first instant in Baltimore. A Convention of
Delegates from the Wbig party, coming from
all PAL is of the United States, acting in con-
formity with the well ascertaineG wishes and
sentiments Of the Wings of the United States,
has formally announced my name as candi-
date for the Office of President of the United
States, and. from high sense of duty, / have
accepted the nomination. 1t has been, more
over, ratified by another Convention. COM
posed of Delegates from every part ofthe Uni
ted States, who assembled on the I'd instant
in Baltimore. Being thus placed. with my
own consent, in the attitude of candidate for
that high Office feel myself bound to respect
and sperform all the duties and obligations
which appertain to me in that character.
The election ia Chief Magistrate OF free
great, and enlightened nation is one OF the
gravest and most momentous functions which
the People can exercise. It is emphaticaIIy,
and ought to be exclusively, their own bust.
ness. Upon the wisdom of their choice de-
ponds the preservation and soundness of free,
institutions, and the welfare and prosperity oil
themselves. In making they should be free
impartial and wholly unbiased by the conduct
of candidate himself Not only, in my opln-
ion, is it his duty to abstain Fl ON all solicitation,
direct or indirect, of their SURFACES, but he
should avoid being voluntarily placed in
situations to seek, or in which he might De
supposed to seek, to influence their iudment.
| Entertaing these views Of what becomes q
candidate for the exalted Office of President Of
| The United States, shall act in strict con-
| formity with them. Hereafter, and until the
pending Presidential election Is decided, canl
not accept nor attend any public meeting Of
kmy felow-citizens, assembled in references to
that object, to which may have been or shall
be invited. It is my wish and intention. when
leave this city, to return home as quietly and
,,,sl4w e r,ssweilsIe and nrlou inn Fn,snff ,r
my private business and affairs, there 20 await
the decision of the Presidential elections
acQuiescing In il, whatever it may be, with the
most perfect submission.
Hope those who have honored me with IN
Mutations to which / have not yet replied, and
those who may have intended me the hOnof
os transmitting othees, will accept, without
disapprobation, this exposition Of the mDtived
BY which am governed,
am, gentlemen, your friend and obedlepl
crgaut. RI. CLAY.