The Charlotte journal. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1835-1851, 1844-04-12
From the Columbia Chronicle Of April 3
MIR CLAY.

MIR. CLAY.
This distinguished gentleman on whom
/ The hopes Of the friends Of freedom and
| good government are centred, arrived 10
Columbia on Monday evening last, attend
ed by committee Of gentlemen from
Augusta. The demonstrations of regard
and respect with which he WAS received
by our citizens on his arrival must have
been cheering 10 this venerable patriot
An immense assemblage, Of all ranks and
both sexes, among whom the beauty and
fashion Of the town shone conspicuous, had
congregated al the Rail Road Depot 10
welcome him, and on his quitting the cars
the multitude greeted him with a shout
long and loud, which was received and ac-
knowledged with that peculiar and mimi.
table grace and dignity for which he is so
distinguished. He was then conducted,
amid the smiles Of The ladies' and the wav-
ing Of handkerchiefs, to Col. Preston's
open barauche, and the cavacade Of equi-
pages and horscmen escorted HIM to thai
gcnlleman's residence. Yesterday he ap.
propriated the hours between - and 10
The recep,ion of visitors at Mr.. CIark's Ho-
tel, " here large number Of citizens and
strangers crowded 10 see him. In the
evening his distinguished host threw open
the doors of his hospitabe mansion TO the
largest and most brilliant assemblage ever
witnessed in Columbia, where all Wed
with each other in paying homage TO the
! lllustrious guest. To-day he visits Col.
Wade Hampton, who also intends TO give
large entertainment; and Tomorrow he
! leaves for Charleston.
We regret exceedingly that his arrange
ments and wishes induced him TO decline
the proffered public hospitallties rendered
him by our citizens, and that the preca-
,ious state of his lungs prevented him from
favoring US with a speech. But we re-
spect his motives for his polite refusal of
the one, and regard his health too much
to murmut at the omission OF the other
May peace and happiness attend HIM on
his Journey, and may a grateful nation
crown his eminent public services with the
highest honors in the gift Of free people.
The following letter, in reply TO the in
vitation of the Richland Clay Club, gives
his reasons for declining any honors hav
ing a public or party character.
AUGUSTA, March 9th, 1874.
DEAR SIR IL have received at this place your
favor of the 2lst inst, transmitting certain reso
lutions which the Richland Clay Club has done
me the honor to pass, and request you 10 pre-.
sent 10 it my grateful acknowledgements
1t is my present purpose TO roach Columbia on
Tuesday evening the cd of April My visit is
intended TO be one wholly of private nature, and
desire il TO he unattended with any parade, pro-
cesson or public manifestation on my account.
am greatly Obliged by the tender OF tho compll.
men, of a barbacus, but with the views which
carry me to Columbia it would be altogether IN,
compatible, and as have declined all similar en-.
tertanments elsewhere, hope | shall be exens-
ed for declining the acceptance OF that. re-
qret also that considerations OF delcacy, and pro-
L1riety, as they force themselves upon my mind,
will not allow me 10 accept the friendly invita-
ton to attend public meeting at the Club ROM
| In declining to meet my fellow citizens Of Rich
| land and Columbia in the modes kindly suggest
cd by the Club take pleasure in saying, that
will meet them in any unceremonious manner
and exchange friendly sautations with them, IN
| feelings of satisfaction and gratitude.
am your friend,
| and obedt servant,
II. CLAY
/ S.utY WEtp Esr