The Whig standard. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1843-1844, 1844-03-19


Muscogee Clay Club TO participate with them in
the ceremonies attendant on the reception of Mr..
Clay at that place
OswIcHEE BEND,
Russell County, .4la., March 4, 1874
nv Dear Sir: On returning from Savannah to
this place. had the pleasure to receive your kind
favor of the 9th ult., enclosing an invitation OF
the Muscogee CLAY Club 10 be present at the re-
ception of Mr.. Clay at Columbus on the 18th
instant
very much regret that the necessity for
short but urgent visit to Texas will compel me
TO leave home for New Orleans on the 9Th instant
l shall, therefore, have TO deny myself the sincere
qualification which their invitation so acceptably
promises.
You do me no more than justice in supposing
that the very high estimate which / have long
since formed of Mr. Calhoun's eminent qualifca-
tons for the government Of this country should
in no degree interfere with my cordial disposition
to do honor to the distinguished individual who is
about to visit you. $3.50
1t is true, that however much may have diff
fered with Mr.. Calhoun on mere financial ques-
ton, which at one time more materially divided
the country than at present, yet have always
recognized in his admirable genius, consummate
ability, and acknowledged moral worth, those re-
sources for high public service which in any sta
ltoH WOuiu COAIcT security TeHOWn on his
country. But it seems that the usual organs of
the party to which he is supposed to belong, whe-
Their accredited or not, have SO far pronounced a
different Judgment, as probably to postpone his
claims in favor of another distinguished candidate
and certainly, according to all the tokens of party
organization it appears that the Baltimore Con-
venton will perform no other Office but TO regis
ter an edct which has already gone forth, and
that, like MaelzePs celebrated automaton trum-
nfnnt ~ Is L..
specially wound up to sound a particular note.
Whether this note will be in accordance with the
sentiment of the people Of the United States re-
mains to be seen. aN
My own bosom testifes to the truth of re-
mark that you most justly make in the letter you
have done me the honor to address me, that the
preference which have expressed for my distin-
guished fellow conntryman, Mr.. Calhoun, is in no
degree inconsistent with the personal friendship
Ientertain for Mr.. Clay, or Of the Just apprecia-
ton which have formed of his ability and pa
trotism during service for several years with
him in the Congress- of the United States, often
IN an excited opposition, in which we are best
able to estimate the worth and power of those
with whom we may be associated.
became acquainted with Mr. Clay in the ses-
sion of 1923, when he filled the chair of Speaker
Of The House of Representatives. Although al
thai time young member, yet through his kind
ness and par'iaiity was placed at the head o.
one OF It's influential committees Our acquant-
ance ripened into the strongest social intimacy,
which continued without abatement until the for
nation of that great party which was constituted
to effect the election of General Jackson to the
Presidency of the United States. 1t is known to
you we took different sides. felt myseif, in the
angry contest which marked that great public
CONFUSION, gradually separated from him. AL
though never INDUCED in the smallest personal
abuse and denunciarion of this gentleman-whch
would have been so utterly inconsistent with our
former relations-yet, after the election of Mr..
Adams to the Presidency, was in the habit OF
passing Mr.. Clay in the streets Of Washington
without even distinct recognition, for had then
the folly to regard an opponent of Gen Jackson
almost as public enemy of the country. Such
is the madness of party. These relations con-
tinued until was summoned by Mr.. Randolph
to attend him to the field, under Mr.. Clay's chal-
lenge, in consequence of the fragrant insult which
he had offered him in the Senate of the United
States, in conjunction with your lamented and
gallant fellow countryman, Col. Tattnal at that
time member of the House of Representatives
from Georgia. There are some circumstances
connected with this duel which have never been
made public, which, as they are honorable, both
to the living and the dead, hope may be par
doned in relating do not think they will rem
der Mr.. Clay's reception less cordial and enthu-
sastic among people who, if they cherish ro-
mantle, and, as they are called, false notions Of
honor, are at the same time alive to the testmo-
MES of a gallant, generous, and feeling spirit
The night before the duel, Mr.. Randolph sent
for me in the evening. | found him calm, but
in singularly kind and confdlng mood. He
told me that he had something on his mind to
tell me. He then remarked, Hamilton have
determined to receive, without returning Claws
fire; nothing shall induce me to harm hair of
his head; will not make his wife a widow, or
his children orphans Their tears would be shed
over his grave, but when the sod of Virginia
rests on my bosom, there is nor, in this wide
world, one individual to pay this tribute upon
mine" His eyes filed, and resting his head
upon his hand, we remained some moments
silent | replied, "my dear friend flor ours
was sort of posthumous friendship, bequealhed
by our mothers) Il deeply regret that you have
mentioned this subject to me, for you call upon
me to go to the field, and TO see you shot down,
or 10 assume the responsibility, in regard to your