Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1844-10-18
From the n. 7. Plebeian.
NTr. Clay's Letters to #. p. Blair


From the n 7. Plebeian.
MIR. C1ay's Letters to #. p. Blair.
These letters, about which so much has
been said, have been published in the
Richmond Wing. We lay them before
our readers that they may have an oPpor-
tuni.y cfjudging whether they afford any
additional evidence of corruption and in
trigue on the part of Mr.. Clay, in the IA
nous coalition that defeated General Jack.
son in 1875. The circumstances connec.
ted with the defeat of Jackson and the sue.
cess of Adams, are fresh in the recollection
of most of our readers, and the American
people have long since made up their
minds upon the subject.
Our opinion is that these letters will not
change in the least the verdict Of the A.
merican people respecting the motives that
are supposed 10 have governed Mr.. Clay
in the election Of Mr.. Adams. Had Mr..
Clay not accepted the highest office in the
gift of an Administration that he himself
elevated to power, in defiance TO the well
known wishes of large majority Of the
Republican party, the idea of bargain or
intrigue, that has ever since attached to
him, would have LOST much Of its force.
The honest and sagacious statesman.
placed in The attitude of Mr.. Clay in 1925.
would, in order to have avoided the charge
of corruption, have refused all patronage
and political elevation from an Administra-
ton brought into power BY himself But
such was not his course therefore the o.
pinion of the American people respecting
his motives can, from the very nature of
the circumstances, never be changed.
WAsHrSGrox, 9Th January, 1924.
(Should be 1887
M DEAR SRI send you by this days mail,
ord Byron's Conversations. which, notwithstan-
ding Mr.. Walsh's unfavorable opinion of them, I
think you will find often piquant, and worth, upon
the whole. an extensive perusal. Besides the lit
erary and critical interest which they possess, they
will have the effect of diminishing, though not en-
tirelv removing, the odium which he brought up
on himself by his conduct to his wife.
Ny position in relation to the friends of the
three returned candidates is singular enough, and
Oitcu " fciy duuSiISs AHst pldCc
all believe that my friends have the power of deci-
ding the question, and then that have the power
of controlling my friends !! Acting upon this sup
position, in the same hour, am sometimes touch
ed gently on the shoulder by a friend (for exam
pie, of General Jackson,) who will thus address
me !: "My dear SIR, all my dependence is upon
you; don't disappoint US; you know our partial
ity was for you next to the hero, and how much
we want Western President" Immediately az
ter, friend of Mr.. Crawford will accost me, .Erhe
hopes of the Republican party are concentrated on
you; for Gods sake preserve it, if you had been re-
turned, instead of Mr.. Crawford every man Of US
would have supported you to the last hou:. We
consider him and you are the only genuine Re-
publican candidates ~
Newt friend of Mr.. Adams come, with tears
in his eyes--"Sir, Mr.. Adams has always had the
greatest respect for you, and admiration of your
talents; there is no station to which you not G.
qual-most undoubtedly you were the second
choice of New England-and pray you to con-
slider seriously whether the public good and your
own future interests do not point most distinctly
to the choice which you ought to make" How
can one Withstand all this disuterested homage
and kindness! Really, the friends of all the three
gentlemen are so very courteous and afectionate,
that sometimes almost wish that it was in my
power to accommodate each Of them; but that be.
ing impossible. we are beginning to think serious
ly of the choice which we must finally make.
will tell you, them that believe the contest will
be limited to Mr.. Adams and General Jackson.
Mr.. Crawford's personal condition precludes the
choice of him. if there were no other objection to
his election. AS the only alternative which is pre-
scented to u.s. it is sufficiently painful, and consid
er whatever choice we may make, will be only
choice of evils. TO both of those gentlemen there
are strong personal objections. The principal diff.
ference between them is, that in the election ofMr.
Adams we shall not, by the example, infict any
wound upon the character Of our institutions, but
/ should much fear hereafter, if not during the
present generation, that the election Of the General
would give to the military spirit stimulus and
confidence that might lead to the most pernicious
results. shall therefore, with great regret,
count of the dilemma in which the people have
placed us, support Mr.. Adams. My friends are
generally so inclined. What has great weight
with me, Is the decided preference which major
ity of the delegation from Ohio has for him over
Gen. Jackson.
If, therefore, Kentucky were to vote for the Cen
era it would possibly only have the effect Of dv-
ding our friends, without defeating ultimately the
election of Mr.. Adams. Three of the four States
favorable TO Mr.. Crawford are believed to prefer
Mr.. Adams to the General. Virginia is one of
them. l am inclined to think that nearly three
tourths of our delegation have yielded to the nfu.
ence of these views, and will vote for Mr.. Adams.
My friends entertain the belief that their kind
wishes toward me will, in the end, be more likely
to be accomplished by SO bcstowing their votes. /
have. however, most earnestly entreated them to
throw me out of their consideration, in bringing
their judgments to final conclusion, and to look
and be guided solely by the pubic good. If |
kYanr IL -
Representative is inclined to concur with us in these
sentiments and views; and, if they should meet
your appreciation, as know ne has great respect
Tor your opinions, would be glad If you would,
by the return mail, address a letter to him, to
Strengthen him in his inclination. Be pleased 10