Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1844-08-22


Mr.. CLAY was invited to be present at
the great Mass Convention Of Wings
which met at Lexington, Missouri, ashori
time since. His letter Of reply to the in-
ytalien was as follows:
ASHLAND, 2lst June, 1874.
Gentzsraen:--1 received your friendly
letter, inviting me TO attend mass meet
ing Of the Wings Of Missouri. and the far
West, st Lexington on the 18th of July
nex.. Nothing would afford me more
pleasure than to be in the midst Of them
OH that interesting occasion, II | could
with proprlety. But, alter full considera-
lion, | resolved not to attend any political
meeting, during the Presidential canvass;
and many Of my most discreet friends APP
prove that resolution. You hold out very
strong inducements to me to visit Lexng.
ton-old friends and neishbors, the larg'
est body OF good land in all the Mississp-
p; Valley, producing 1000 lbs. of hemp
to the acre, a rapid growth in population,
wealth and Improvements, and, although
last, not least radical aod extensive rero-
luton, going on in politics. would
know that you are kentackans from the
complacency with which you speak Of all
these fine things. should be delighted
10 see them; and, if could make an ex.
ception from the rule which have adop.
ted, i, would be visit to Lexington, 10
Faye.te county, Missouri; but DO not
think that | can find sufficient reason for
such an exception. And you know that
have always endeavored to abide by
my word.
rejoice in the prospects OF the deliv-
erance Of the State of Missouri from the
yoke OF Locofocoism, of which receive
hat,ering accountlrom all quarters. Next
to Virginia, which gave me birth, and to
Kentucky, which adopted and chenshed
and honored me, there is no State in the
Union which would feel more gratIfed
with the support ofthan Missouri. have
ever entertained 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 admis
sion of Missouri into the Union. | claim
nothing. am entitled TO nothing, on that
account. | merely did my duty. Mis-
souri, honored me with her first love. In
reviewing the past, am unconscious of
ever having done any thing justly to for
fe. her esteem and confidence. Being
now in the evening Of long life, it would
be a great satisfaction to me, before | ter
inmate 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, congrat.
ulate you on the bright and cheering pros.
poets of the Wing cause throughout the
whole Union. Never were the prospects
ofany political party more satisfactory
and encouraging. Perfectly united as
to all the great measures of national polI-
cy which they support, every Wing, from
the st. Johns to the Sabine, stands ready
and eager to do hi, duty and his whole
duty. Nor will they be lulled into secu
rity or inactivity, by the divisions and
distractions and weakness Of the adverse.
ry. 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 10 combat as if Napoleon or Wei.
Iington, instead of Col. POLK, were in the
field. IL they put forth their strength and
energies, accordingly, they will achieve
the most signal political 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. II. Graham and ]. w. C'BAnnon,
&c. &c.