Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1845-07-31
CASSIUS NJ. CLAY.

No man in this country occupies prouder posi-
ton than Cassius NJ. Clay, of Kentucky. Freedom
never had holder champion nor truth slerner
vndicator, than this lion hearted son of the West
Subjected from his cradle TO all the binding indu
ences of Southern associations, surrounded by
community whose public sentiment is an iron les-
potsm with cleainess of vision, that few can
boast who have always breathed the air Of freedom
he perceves in all their hideous deormity the hor-
rors of the system that rclgns around him. and with
a physical and moral courage that is not exceeded
on any page of history, he erects himself in all the
dauntless unyelding independence of his nature,
and, at the sure loss of his good name, ard in the
hourly peril Of his life he battles, in the cause of
human rights, against the combined array of the
talent, tho wealth. and the influence of thirteen
sovereign States, with fiery vaor that fears no
danger, and loyalty to truth that knows no compro-
mise He justly commands the unbounded admi-
ration OF every Northern man, except those base,
white-liyered poltroons, who croach and cringe at
the dictation Of their Southern masters. God speed
him in his glorious career.
But we now advert to him particularly for the
purpose of introducing his recent public rcnuncia-
ton OF the barbarous practice Of dueling The
following is letter ELECTED in consequence of some
disapprobaon expressed by his friends, of some
limitations, in the first number of the True Amer
lean, that he held himself ready to meet his enc.
mics, if desired, upon the field of honor Consider
that the public sentiment of his State brands the
man who refuses to fight, as despicabe bastard,
whom no one of any sclf-respect should deign to
notice. and also remember his high family connec-
tons, his impetuous temperament, his iron nerve.
his unmltgated scorn of every thing that looks like
pusIanlmity, and then refuse if you can 10 admire
and love the spirit that dictated the following sem
tments:
LETTER FROM CASSIUS NJ CLAY
Horace Greeley Esq-Thc deep and hear. fell
responsiveness of friends ELECTED by nv oppor,nt
Willingness to resort to the Duet displayed In the
hrst number Of the True American, notwilbstond.
ing the very peculiar and trying circumstances IN
winch have been placed have led me to give this
inhch deoated SUBJECT my most serious and delber.
ate reflection. Whilst shall ever contend for tho
right OF seif-defence where the civil power cannot
or 'cH not come 10 my rescue: so where the laws
are sufficient for protection and the public sentiment
entorces them, there am willing to confess that
tne Duel cannot be justified. Having fully tested
the legal and moral power of my native State to
which owe inviolate allegiance | feel that owe
It to her-to our National Religion and to the
Spirit of the Age, that should subject mvself TO
their sole protection. therefore formally nlelge
myself never again to offer or accept CHALLENGE,
or IN any name: to give Dueling my countenanco
or support. Believing that this annunciation would
not only be Agreeable 10 you, but to many friends
who hove been so kind as TO manifest an interest
IN my humble fortunes, associated in some sIioht
degree with the cause of Republicanism and ra-
tonal Liberty, venture to ask for this note m in
sertlon in your wide spreal columns
Nnu o,,1 II Ill.
Lexington, KY. July 4th, 1915.