New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1847-08-23
NETWORK TRIBUNE.
A Day with Henry Clay,

CLAY 70 depart from their neighbOrhood without
meeting and greeting him, and who could not re-
liDouish without all effort the hope Of inducing him
70 visit New.York. A meeting was held on board
daring the evening, and NICHOLAS DEAN. ESQ. Sc
Eected 10 communicate the wishes Of New York TO
Mr.. Clay, snd three gentlemen designated to wait
upon Mr. c. on our arrival and simply hear at what
hour and place 1t would be most agreeable TO meet
u.s. This done. all retired 10 rest-the night being
without a cloud and the ocean gentle as dove
and on rising with the sun, we were opposite Cape
MAY, which was distinctly seen few miles north
ward Standing in until within mile Of the
beach the passengers were landed through the
surf in boats. in the first Of which was the Commit
tee appointed to wait on Mr.. Clay as aforesaid
who found him at the Mansion House ana were
most cordially welcomed by him as he came down
10 breakfast little past o'clock Tall and erect
as ever his noble countenance bears traces less OF
Years than OF Sorrow, and when these are mo
mcAtarily chased away by the tide OF buoyant and
generous emotion which accompanies the recog-
niring grass of some friendly hand, he appears not
perceptibly older than when he visited our City
eight years ago-hardly so carewor as when last
in Congress, batting with the whirlpool of calam-
tiles and treacheries which began with and fol
lowed the death of Harrison. His hair is just
gracefully str eaked with silver,-while his face is
upyrnkled and his step has the elasticity and vigor
nj youth. Twelve O'Clock was named and settled
az the hour of meeting us in a body, but meantime
in the interval between breakfasting and bathing,
several who were previously known to and regard
ed by Mr. Clay called on him informally as friends
and were cordially welcomed. The Committee
were urged to breakfast with him, but felt con-
strained to return to the New Haven and report to
tbeir associates who had not yet been enabled to
land the rfboats taking off but ten or twelve each
at time.
Atl2o'cloc the New Workers formed in process
sion at the Columbian Hotel, where most oil them
were staying, Ia Band Of Music having been cour
teously rendered them by the Phadelphians solourn
ing the Cape and thankfully accepted and pro-
ceeded TO the Kursaal a spacious and superb as
sembly room recently constructed and furnished
which was speedily filed by the visitors and resi-
dents en- aasse Mr.. Clay soon came in, and on his
appearance, was enthusiastically greeted. Silence
having been obtained
NICHOLAS DEAN Esq briefly, but most feel
insy aud happily addressed Mr.. Clay In explana-
ton of the objects of our visit. We had come
there to testify once the affection admiration
and reverence inspired by the life and public SER
wees of him who was now in our midst-to ENJOY
for few hours at any rate his society-and, yet
more to entreat him to crafty New Works expect
inc thousands with visit before ne should return
to his w estern home. This was no party move
ment, and contemplated no party ends Among
those who came on this erand, were some who
stood aloof from Political strife-some who had
for years stood opposed in that strife to Mr.. Clay
These were present to give assurance OF the Ter
vent unanmity with which NewYork's four hun
dred thousand people desired and awaited visit
from Henry Clay. Be entreated, then, not to disap
point them
Mr. Dean closed and the NewYorkers present
gave lively expression to their accord and sympa
thy with the sentiments he had expressed.
Mr Clay rose, amid enthusiastic cheers, and said
he was tempted by the eloquent and affecting aP-
peal to which he had just listened, TO say with one
Of old Almost thou persuadest me to do as was
desired of him. Renewed and prolonged acclama-
tons Bat he begged those who thought he should
do so TO consider for a moment the circumstances
Z which had impelled him to seek recreation and
the sd of March last he returned TO Kentucky from
awinter residence in New-Oreans, and the next
day was overwhelmed with tidngs of the most
desoating affection wherewith Merciiul Provi'
dence had ever visited him. (At this reference to
the fall OF his darling son at Buena Vista not MI
Clay alone but most ol'his numerous auditors were
moved To tears II had often been his lot to drink
the bitter waters of affection under circumstances
like the present OF six as lovely and beloved
daughters as ever blessed fathers heart, not one
has been spared to solace the evening OF his life
All have been snatched away in childhood or IN ear
~ womanhood; yet this last blow has stricken me
more severely than any other. | was rendered by
It melancholy, restless, Respondent How couid
remain where everything bore mourniul witness 10
my bereavement where the trees which shaded me
had been planted by my departed son where the
memorials of his life and his love met me at every
step ltnrued from my home and its saddening In
huences to seek altar that solace which was there
denied me. In this spirit came 70 the Virginia
Springs and thence 70 this place but was utterly
unprepsred for the reception which awaited me-
How could have imagined that l, humble private
citizen, without office, or patronage, or power of
any kind-with not even a constable's staff at
nv bidding or bestowal-should be met with such
overwhelming testimonials Of esteem and affection
have everywhere greeted me-
But should | trust myself upon this wave o.
popular feeling which now solicits me- wnithei
will bear me Where shall ! stop Already
beside letters from various cities and towns whict
find no time even to answer, there are Commit
lees here on erands like yours from the metropolis
aNew Jersey from Philadelphia and other places
SAould | consent 10 visit New.York, how can say
10 to Trenton, TO New Haven, and many o'hef
Places How could fear the emotions and a.
aguss OF journey so exciting, so ilimitaoe NO.
ny resolution 10 taken. must avoid even fhna'
dslphis. and, after enjoying for few days longer
TIE healthful luxury of bathing at this delightful
spot shall return swiftly and quietly to my dis
v tant home.--l trust with frame invigorated and
With the bitterness Of grief sssuaged by the scenes
and incidents Of this journey. This answer is
given not 70 New.York only, but to the citizens OF
7 al other parts Of our country who by Committee or
yletter have solicited my presence. To them as