Boon's Lick times. [volume] (Fayette, Mo.) 1840-1848, 1844-08-03

The following letter was written by Mr.. CrAY,
in reply to one received from the Wings Of La.
fayctle, inviting him to attend the State Conven.
ton held at Lexington;
ASHLAND, 2lst June, 1874.
GENTLEMEN:-I received your friendly letter,
inviting me to attend mass meeting of the
Wings Of Missouri, ard the Far West, at Lex.
ington, on the 18th OF July next. Nothing
would afford me more pleasure Than to be in the
midst Of them on that interesting OCCASION if |
could with propriety. But, after full considera.
ton, resolved not to attend any political meet.
ing, during the Presidential canvass; and many
Of my most discreet friends approve that resolu
lion. You hold out very strong inducements to
me to visit Lexington-old friends and neighbors,
the largest body Of good land in all the Missis
spp valley, producing 1000 lbs of hemp to the
acre, rapid growth Of population, wealth and
Improvements, and although last not least, rad
lcal and extensive revolution, going on in poll
tics | would know that you were Kentuckians
from the complacency with which you speak OF
all these fine things. | should be delighted to
see them; and, if could make an exception
from the rule which have adopted, it would be
to visit Lexington, in Lafayette county, Mis-
souri, but do not think that can find sufficient
reasons for such an exception. And you know
that l have always endeavored to abide by my
word.
rejoice in the prospects of the deliverance of
the State Of Missouri from the yoke OF Locofoco
ism, OF which receive fattering account from
all quarters. Next to Virginia which gave me
birth, and to Kentucky, which adopted and cher.
ished and honored me, there is no State in the
Union which would feel more gratifed with the
support Of than Missouri. have ever entertained
a kind of parental feeling towards that State
Among the many arduous struggles, which |
have had in public life, that was incomparabIy
the greatest in which ever participated, for the
admission OF Missouri into the Union. | claim
nothing, am entitled to nothing, on that account.
| merely did my duty. Missouri honored me
with her hrst love. In reviewing the past, am
unconscious of ever having done any thing Justly
to forfeit her esteem and confidence. Being now
in the evening Of long life, it would be great
satisfaction 10 me, before terminate my mortal
career, once more to meet Missouri on terms of
friendship and affection.
Whatever may be the course which she NAV
think proper to take, congratulate you on the
bright and cheering prospects OF the Wing cause
throughout the whole Union. Never were The
prospects of any political party more satisfactory
and encouraging. Perfectly united as to all the
great measures OF National policy, which thew
support, every Wing, from the St. Johns TO The
Sabine, stands ready and eager to do his dutv
and his whole duty. Nor will they be luIled into
security or inactivity, by the divisions and dstrac.
iions and weakness Of the adversary. 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 to combat as il Napoleon or Wei.
lington, instead OF Col. Polk, were in the fsId
If they put forth their strength and energies, sc,
cordingly, they will achieve the most signal poIit
ical victory ever won in this or any other couory,
am your friend,
and obcdient servant.
=, H. CLAY.
Messr'. P, B. iIocKADAy, J. B. CAmpBILL J.
IL, GRAHAM AND NJ w, ORAyyoy, &c