Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1845-10-30

any one, 10 even measurably appreciate
the thrilling power Of his glowing elo-
quence, or the persuasive and reslstess
influence OF his personal address, without
hearing and seeing the man. Thus, al
though lspent hours with Mr.. Clay at his
house upon his farm, and listened to the
instructive account OF his agricultural OPP
CREATIONS for series OF years, and saw
before me the rich results OF his practical
knowledge and thrifty industry, still it is
impossible for me to convey 10 others
even faint idea of the Farm, his CONVEX
saton, and his works.
On this occasion Mr.. Clay was dress
sed in plain suit of domestic manufac-
ture--joyous aud cheerful, he appeared
more youthful and vigorous than most
men OF fifty. IRIS, saw Mr.. Clay twelve
years ago, and since that time could not
discover that age or the in6rmites there.
OF had ia the eas. impaired his physical
or intellectual vigor.
Mr.. Clay is associ at ed with his son IN
the practice OF the law at Lexington, and
daily spends several hours at his office III
the city, dlscharging The duties OF hls pro-
fesson with the same zeal and ability that
characterized the commencement OF his
professional career. He remarked to me,
that his object was mainly to aid and
advance his son, and it was also essential
to his bodily health that his mind should
be furnished with its wonted intellectual
food.
His Differentiated me of"olden times;"
no cushioned chairs, carpeted floors, ma
hogany book cases and writing desks OF
modern days. There was very large
and well selected law library, clean floor,
common old.fashioned tables, and basket
botomed chairs. Indeed, Mr.. Clay is pre-.
eminenlly plan and economical in his dress
and manner Of living. and has been the
same unassumlng Republican from his or
phanage to his present elevated position
IN the worlds estimation. Whine at his
office he dscoursed of the law and the
things there unto appertaining, llustra-
ting the progress IN legal science and prac-
tice by relating incidents that occurred
IN the course OF his long and brilliant pro-
fessonal life.
We went to the Court House, and the
suit in which Mr.. Clay was engaged was
put over for the day. Here saw him at
home, minghng cordially and with pater-
nal tamil arlty with the young members
of the Bar, and noticed the studious return
of respectful and aifectonate considera-
ton. From the Court House we walked
about the town, and to the residence OF
Gen. Leslie Coombs, where we met the
Hon. Willis Green, glorious Wing men,
Der o. the last Congress. The incidents
of the late Presidential canvass were here
freely discussed, and more agreeable
and cheerful hour lnever spent. AL.
though we were ofthe defeated party. and
Mr.. Clay the defeated candidate Of that
party, still his sparkling humor, lIustra-
tive anecdotes joyous and brilliant recitals,
made him to my mind, as in fact believe
he really s,one ofthe happies, men on the
earth.
This, as have said, was the eleventh
day Of April last, and it was, as Mr.. Clay
informed me, the anniversary Of his
marriage. This day, 46 years ego he
was married, and was one day less than
% years Of eye at the time, making his
age sixty eight, on the 18th day OF April,
lS45.
After dinner, Mr.. Clay sat with me two
hours, discoursng freely and earnestly of
public measures. He spoke Of Webster,
Wright, Adams, Jackson, Van Buren,, Ty-
Ter and others, aud Of the political acts
and principles Of each. He talked Of sa.
very and abolition, Polk and Texas-of
the present dangers and obstacles TO our
national honor acd prosperity, and his
enduring gratitude to the American peo-
pie. Every word of this calm yet cam
nest conversation, is fresh in my recoliec.
ton, and | would that every man who
claims the protection and rights Of Amer
lean citizenship, could have heard it.
While discussing the public acts Of politi-
cal friends, and political opponents, in no
instance did discover any pauizan feel
ing or hear an unkind word. heard him
speak Of Webster with pleasure, for it is
generally understood that their personal
intercourse for some years, has not been
very cordial. OF Mr.. Webster's public
life and services he spoke in strong terms
Of commentator, specifying numerous
acts and deeds that secured unfading hon.
ors upon his country. He gave several
senatorial illustrations of the intellectual
powers and influence of Mr.. Webster,
which were the highest possible eulogy
one statesman could bes,ow upon anoth.
er.
Towards evening it being Saturday,
we visited the market. Here he was
greeted afiectlonately by every one and
he had kind word for every man, wo-
man and child who occupied stalls within,
or sold vegetables without. AS we were
leaving the market, a hardy, middle aged
man approached him, and extending GU. his
hand said, This mus; be HENRY CLAY"
Mr.. Clay took his hand, saying, Ser
.sinly, SIR" The stranger continued,
looking Mr.. Clay steadily in the face, 81
have aever before seen you, sir, but vo.
ted for you and in AS, shall vote for
you again: my home is in lnd,ana-God
bless you sir.
While walking through the streets, Mr.
CLAW. IN, earnest conversation. would often