Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1847-09-01
ALNIONTE,
MIR. CLAY'S REPLY.
Judge Advocate.

Gentlemen of the Committee from New York
Gentlemen OF the Committee from Irenton-Gen-
tlemen OF the Committee from New Haven Gen
tlemen OF the Committee from Philadelphia. Tor
there are conventions present from all these places
Fellow-cltzens-The eloquent address which has
Just been Delivered has had the effect almost to in
duce me TO adopt the language which was used on
a more solemn occasion, Thou almost persladest
me" to go. Great applause. But in all that up
rlghtness of nature, which have ever endeavored
to practise, must tell you the objects and motives
which have brought me to the shores of the Allan.
tic. returned 10 my residence, after passing the
WINTER at New Orleans, the twenty-thiTd or
twenty fourth of March last, and in day OF two
afterwards melancholy intelligence reached me-
Here Mr.. u. evinced great emotion Ihave been
nervous ever since, and was induced to take this
Journey, for could not look upon the partner ofIny
sorrows without experiencing deeper anguish
The speaker was here overcome by his feelings
and paused some minutes, covering his face with
his hands at length recovering himself he reelm-
ed. Every thing about Ashland was associated
with the memory of the lost one. The very trees
which ms hands had assisted me to plant served to
remind me of my loss. Had the stroke colEe alone
could have borne it with His assistance, and s,Is-
tanned by the Kindness of my friends and fellow
citizens, with meekneSs and resignation but of
eleven children four only remain-( emotion) of six
lovely and aifectionate daughters not one is left
(DeeP emotion.) Finding myself in that theatre
=
top and descend to the oceans wave, and by meet
ing with the sympathy of friends, obtain some re-
lief Tor the sadness which surrounded me. | came
Tor private purposes, and from private motives alone
L have not sOug Int these public manifestations nor
have desired TO escape them. My friend and
travelling companion, Doctor Mercer will tell Won
that in llrgInla-in every section OF the State of
my BIRTH have been impored to remain, if only
for few hours 10 exchange congratulations with
my friends, but invariably refused, and only remain
ed IN each place sufficiently long exchange one We
hlcle for another on ina Imagine that made q Wis
1t TO Phadel pha-but was accidentally thrown in
TO Philadelphia. When arrived in Baltimore, |
learned that the most direct TO this place was
by the Delaware. had no public object in view
Indifferent am not, nor | be, to the honor.
welfare and glory of my country Cheers y
Gentlemen OF the committee of New York, have
truly and sincerely disclosed the purpose of nv
journey, but cannot but deeply feel this nantes
tatlon OF your respect and regard 1t is received
with hanlifulneSs, and reaches the warmest feel
lngs OF my heart-that a private and humble citi-
zen, without an army, without a navy, without
even constabe's staff, should have been met at
every step OF my progress with the kindest mani
sestalon of feeu9s-uaniestatio of which ct
present monarch or an emperor might well be
proud. CIremeDdous appause.) No-I am not
lusensbic 10 these tokens Of public affection and
regard. am thankful for them all (Checrs y
10 you gentlemen of the committee Of n. Y, who
| on behalf OF four hundred thousand individuals
whom you represent, have taken SO much trouble
am deeply thankful for this manifestation of your
regard, but must reluctantly decline tire honor OF
your invitation. To the citizens of Trenton, New
Haven, and Philadelphia must beg (Iiere Mr..
Clay addressed the committees from the other
places,) of you, to excuse me: and trust To- their
affection to do SO, for if do place myself on the
affections of my cOuntrymen, whittier should 7 90
and where should bei On the wide ocean with
out d compass and without guide. Nery great
applause) J must beg of you gentlemen of all
! these committees TO retrace your steps charged
and surcharged with my warmest feelings of graft
tude. Go back charged with warm thanks from
me, and tell my friends tnat nothing but the cir
cumstances in which | am placcd--nothing ffor we
may as well mngle laugh with our tears. and
borrow the words OF the Irish Ambassador ''sit-
uated as am, and may say, circumstance as |
am'-prcyents the honor of meeting YOU (Laugh
/ ter) Tell them, and hope this response will be
considered specific answer 10 each Of the com
mlttees, for if you couI1 see how my time is occu-
pied here, you would know it is impossible for me
To write it, that you charged with the expires
sion of the best feeling of my heart. And you zen
temen OF New York. he assured that it will be long
before this evidence of your regard will be forgot
ten. Among the recollections Of the incidents %
this journey this visit will be paramount, and the
circumstances which led to il. I wish you an a
greeabie voyage on your return, and make my
| apologies for being constrained TO decline your
, Kind invitation.