Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1844-09-20
From the Lexington (Ky.) Observer and Reporter
MR.. CLAY ON SLAVERY.
Asn1ANn. Seniember 9. Is4.

ASHLAND, Septembcr2 1874.
Mr. WIcKnFFE The editor OF nelghborlng
print (he Kentucky Gazette of leSington,l calling
nv attention to a letter of G. NJ. Clay, Esq. under
date of the 10th July, 1914, and addressed TO Col.
j. j. Speed, Of Ithaca, has appealed to me with so
much earnesness, and with purpose OF such IN
affected sincerity, to say whetherI approve or dsap-
prove OF that letter. that have not the heart to de-
ny to that editor the very great grallhcalon which
he will derive from the perusal OF this note, espe-
ciallv when it gives me little trouble to write it.
Mr. c. NJ. Clay's letter was written without my
knowledge, without any consultation with me, and
without any authority from me. never saw it I'M
til | read it in the public prints. That gentleman
is an independent citizen, having perfect right to
entertain and avow his own opinions. | am not
responsible for them, and he is not for mine So
far he ventures to interpret my feelings, he has
entirely misconceived them | believe him to be
equally mistaken as to those in the circle Of my
personal friends and neighbors generally.
In my speech, addressed to the Senate of the
United States, and in resolutions which offered
to that body, in my address to Mr.. Mendenhall,
about two years ago, and various other public
occasions, have fully, freely, and explicitly avow
ed my sentiments, and opinions on the subjects oil
the institution Of slavery and abolition. ! adhere
to them, without any reservation have neither
entertained, nor expressed, publicly nor privately,
any Others. And my friends and neighbors gener-
ally so far as | have interchanged sentiments with
them, coincide entirely with me.
The sentiments and opinions SO expressed by me
may be briefly stated to be, lst. That Congress
has no power authority over the institution OF
slavery 3D. That the existence, maintenance and
continuance of that institution depends, exclusive
", upon the power and authority Of the respective
States within whchit is situated. And 3D.. That
Congress cannot interfere with Slavery in the Dis
trlct of Columbia, without violation of good faith
to the States of Maryland and Virginia, implied If
not expressed in the terms, objects, and purposes
of the grant of ten miles square to the general
government
So far from the success Of the Wing cause hav-
ing any injurious tendency, as has been alleged, l
believe it will have powerful effect in tranquil
zing and harmonizing all parts of the Union, and
in giving confidence, strength, and security to all
the great interests Of our country.
| hope that your editorial neighbor will be now
satisfied. And as trust that do not exaggerate
the pleasure which this renewed expression of my
views and opinions will give him, is too much to
anticipate that he will forthwith renounce the error
of his WAYS, and come straight out staunch and
sterling Wing?
Yours respectfully,
II. CLAY.
1t will be seen from the above letter of Mr. Clay,
that in regard to the power of Congress over slave
nv in the District of Columbia, he entertains the
same opinion as Mr.. John Quincy Adams. AS &c
slavery in the States, it is not pretended by any one
that Congress has any power whatever over it.