Richmond palladium. [volume] (Richmond, IA [i.e. Ind.]) 1839-1854, 1844-10-11

other letters to be drawn from me on public a {
fairs think it RICH, to avail my self of the occa
sion to correct the erroneous Interpretation of
or two of those which | had previously written
In April last addressed TO YOU, from Raleigh, q
letter IN respect to the proposed treaty anneNine
Texas to tho United States, and | have since adj
dressed two letters to Alabama upon tho Same
subject. Most unwarra nted allegations have been
made that those letters inconsistent with each
other, and, to make it out, particular phrases OF
expressions have been torn from their context
and meaning attributed to me which | never
entertained.
| wish now distinctly to say that there is not
feeling. sentiment, or an opinion expressed in
my Raleigh letter TO which | do not adhere.
am decidedly opposed TO tho immediate annexa-
ton of Texas the United States. | think it
would be dishonorablo might involve them in war.
would be dangerous to the integrity and harmo-
ny OF the Union, aud. if all these objections were
removed could no, be effected according to apv
information possess, upon ust and admissible
conditions.
1t was not my intention, III either of the two
letters which | addressed to Alabama, to express
any contrary opinion. Representations had
been made to mo that was | considered as
lnfexibly opposed to the annexation Of Texas
under any circumstances: and that my op-
position was SO extreme that | would waive
II, even 1t there wore d general consent 10 the
measure by all the States of the Union. | re-
~
ally | had no objection TO annexation. | thought
that my meaning was sufficiently obvious, that
had no personal, private, individual motives
tor opposing. as | have for espousng the
measure, my Judgment being altogether intiu-
enced by general and political considerations,
which hnvc ever been the guide of my public
conduct.
In my second letter 10 Ala ba ma assuming TINT
the annexation of Texas might be accomplished
without national dishonor, without war with the
general consent of the States Of the Union. and |
and upon fair and reasona bic terms, stated tina,
should be glad to see 1t. did not suppose that ii
was possible could be misunderstood | ina
gined every body would comprehend me as IN
tending that, whatever might be my particular
views and opinions, | should be happy to sec
what the whole milton mig concur in desiring
under the conditions stated. Nothing was fur
Their from my purpose than to initiate any change
OF opinion as long as any considerable and res
peciable portion of the Confcderacy should con-
tlnue to stand out in opposition to the annexation
Of Texas.
In all three of my letters upon the subject of
every other objection were removed. In speech
which | addressed to tho Senate of the United
States moro than three years ago. avowed my
opposition for the reasons there stated, TO the
by the General Government of the
debts of the several States. 1t IS hardly, there
fore, to be presumed that | could be in favor of
assuming tho unascertained debt of a foreign I
State, with which we have no fraternal ties, and
whose bad faith or violation of it's enga gemen,s
can bring no reproach upon u.s.
Having thus, gentlemen, madc the apology
which | intended, for my omission to answer
many letters of inquiry upon public affairs which .
| may received; announced my purpose to de- I
cline henceforward transmitting answers for pub
LEGATION to any such letters that may hereafter
receive; and vindicated some of those which |
have forwarded against tho erroneous construc
tons to which they have been exposed, have ac
compshed the purpose of this note. and remain.
respectfully. your obedicn: servant /
H. CLAY. .
Niessrs. GALES s. SEAToN.