Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1844-09-27

HENRY CLAY.-A friend of ours who resides in
Norfolk County, wrote this summer to II, "A. Gr!S-
void Esu.-son Of the late lamented Bishop Girls
void, and graduate of Brown University, now
resident in Louisville, Kcntucky,-a man OF high
moral and religious standing, the following letter.
Mass. Whig.
II. A. GRIswoLD, Esq.
DEAN SiR--As the great election approaches, an
intense interest is felt in quarter, doubtless
elsewhere, to be informed in all that is essential
to wise and faithful discharge of duty IN The
coming crisis. We have no doubt and may at least
speak for ourself-of the devoted patriotism, eXat-
cd public services, and noble frankness OF Henry
Clay but We desire also to be made acquainted
with his character in private liie his habits his
standing as neighbor friend and citizen at home.
You live near him, and have the means OF giving
me the desired information. | write to you, not
knowing your political creed--but being rcli-
Cious and rejecting mani shall be obliged, If there
is any thing in Mr.. Clay's standing and character
among his neighAors and friends, which ought to
impair his claims to the confidence and support OF
right thinking people, if you will acqualnt me
with It,
Will you do me the favor to give an early reply
and obhge your humble servant.
To which Mr. Griswod replied as follows:
LOUISVILLE, June %, 1914.
SIR,-Your favor of the 18th is at hand. Hav-
ing lived in Kentucky about fifteen years, and q
considerable part Of the time, in the Immediate
neighborhood of Mr.. Clay, think myself able &c
give you accurate information regarding his char
ucter as a citizen and neighbor send you here
with, a number of the Louisville Journal, contain
ing an extract from Lexington paper on this very
subject. And have no hesitation in confirming
ali that is stated respecting Mr.. Clays standing IL
his own neighborhood. Remarkably scrupulous
and honorable in all his business transactions, char
table and generous a citizen, there is, believe
no man in the State who commands more thor
opghly the respect and esteem of those who know
him, in his private and domestic relations. The
atrocous reports that arc spread abroad with re
gard to his character no one would dare to rcpea
ut home as facts.
A short time since, two of his sons, who hat
been engaged in business, failed, largely in debt
and depended chiefly on Mr.. Clay for advances II
money and endorsements. They made an assign
Inent of their property, and as the laws OF Ken
lucky permit, they preferred Mr.. Clay, fully secur
ing him from loss At the sale which took place
of their property Mr.. Clay addressed the othe
creditors, entirely waving the preference glrel
him by the deed of assignment, not even asking
to share equally with them supposing probabl,
his name and relationship had given the young
men credit. The proceeds of the property jus
about paid the other debts, leaving the whole los
to be borne by him. | mention this as specimen
Of his nice feelings Of honor in his transactions
Referring you to the article in question for fur
ther nformation and proiiering my AID, if 1t can b
of any future use to you,
am, respectfully yours,
H. A. GRISWOLD.