The northern galaxy. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1844-1848, 1844-03-20
MR.. JEFFERSON'S OPINION OF
MR.. CLAY.

How we wish those Of our citizens who
have unhappiIy imbibed the notion that Mr..
Clay is not Democrat of the first water,
Jefferson Democrat, and as we have ever as
serted, the very father Of the american System,
would read the following letter of Mr.. Jeffer-
son. 1t is a noble and honest tribute to the
patriotism, integrity, and talents Of Henry
Clay. And who better knew the worth Of
the peerless Kentuckian than Jefferson. He
had watched his progress from the very COM
mencement Of his political career. He saw
the lofty pitch of his flight as statesman,
and evidently painted for an opportunity to
tell his countrymen what a priceless pearl
they possessed in the man, and his bound
less confidence in his measures. May heav-
en- forgive the iendish libeIlers who are daily
attempting to sully the fair renown of man
who is all honor to his country and his age.
MoyrIcELLo, May 25, 1923.
Dear Sir,-I have received your letter of
the Nth of this month, and at the same time
was delivered me by Capt. Barlow, piece of
domestic fabric called negro cloth, contain
ing "a yards for my acception and inspection.
| thank you for the Kind and very llattering
expressions contained in your letter, and for
the handsome present Of the cloth. | should
be happy 10 return you something more solid
than empty thanks.
You ask my opinion Of the american SyS-
Ten. RelGtirc 10 that somewhat absorbing gues-
lion should hope that he srtole Of ay past
life and policy had eireR satisfactory repig.
ihare al,rags been Of opinion l.af Me people
of Ibis aGtion should manufacture ALL He
jilbrics that their eigeacies demand, # they
can do So--an9 that they CAN do so loidom
applying 10 de workshops Of England France
and Germany rho ciH doubR Cotton and
Wooden we make in rare abundance and of
quality quite good enough to answer all our
wants and demands; 'rhy then should ,re trar-
et to Europe for our supplies! For our Silks
and fine Linen we must for some time to
come 20 TO the workshops of Europe; BIT l
apprebend that the day IS not far distant lrhea
eren they ,rM be maaatactared By NATIVE
INDUSTRY.
You ask my opinion OF the merits OF Hen
~ Clay and his policy fer the protection of
domestic industry and manufactures. These
are questions which | feel some delicacy a
bout answering; first because Mr.Clay is now
a candidate for the Presidency, and secondly,
/ neveryet fully understood TO what ends his
policy extends; and although will advise
you Of my opinions relative to the questions
YOU put TO me, must beg that you viii not
at this iuncture give my words to the public
through the press. is }or .hr. Clay, con-
slider lila 10 be one Of Ike most talented and
brilliant men and statesmen that The country
erer produced, and should lire many gears
longer. / HOPE TO SEE HIN HOLD
THE PLACE OF CHIEF EXECU-
TIVE OF THE AMERICAN REPUB-
Lie! His career thus FIR in life has been
career of gIory, and he has achieUed That for
lis country arkilsi engaged an has career,
ariicb ,roudOTndment the brightest place IN tAe
escutcleoa of The most tacored statesman Of
AMI AGE OR NATION l say this much in
reply to your interragotories, but as l said be-
fore, do not wish to have my remarks given
to the press for the simple reason, that this
country is involved in a political excitement
in which am not disposed to take part, as |
have long since resolved not to take part in
the politics of the times.
My wrist which is quite lame admonishes
me to discontinue this hasty note, with assur-
ance of the most perfect respect, l am your
obliged fellow citizen.
THOMAS JEFFERSON.