Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1847-09-09
Henry Clay.

The Committee of Invitation representing the
Whgs of New York city, which waited upon
Henry CLAY at Cape May on Friday, goth ulL,
were kindly received by that eminent statesman,
bnt for reasons firmly but feelingly urged, he
declines TO extend his visit farther north. The
N. Y. Tribune gives the following report Of Mr.
Claws brief but touching reply
NAIr Clay rose amid enthusiastic cheers, and
said he was tempted, by the eloquent and Affect
ing appeal to which he had just listened, to say
with one Of old, "Almost thou persuadest me to-
be as was desired of me. (Renewed and pro-
longcd acclamations.) Buthe begged those who
thought he should do so, to consider for mo
ment the circumstances which had impelled him
to seek recreation and health in visit to the
shores of the Atlantic On the 28d Of March
last. lac returned to Kentucky from winter res
idence in New Orleans, and the next day was
overwhelmed with tidings Of the most desolaiing
affection whcrewiih Merciful Providence had
ever visited him.
(At this reference TO the fall Of his darling
son ut Buena Vista, not Mr. Clay alone, but most
of his numerous auditors were moved 10 tears.)
II had often been his lot 10 drink the bitter wa
tiers of affection under circumstances like the
present. OF six rs lovely and beloved daugli-
tiers as ever blessed fathers heart, not one has
been spared 10 solare the evening Of his life
All have been snatched away in childhood, or in
early womanhood; yet this last blow has strick
en- me more severely than any other. | was
rendered by il melancholy, restless, respondent
How could remain where everything bore
mournful witness to 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? turned
from my home and it, saddening influences TO
seek afilr that soacc which was denied me. In
this spirit came to the Virginia Springs, and
then to this place but | was utterly unprepared
for the reception which awaited me. How could
have imagined that !, an humble private citi-
zen, without Office, or patronage, or power Of
any kiil-withOut even n constable's staff al my
bidding or bestowal-should be met with such
overwhelming testimonials Of esteem and afiec-
ton as have everywhere greeted me
Bat should trust myself upon this wave Of
popular feeling which now solicits me, whittier
will il bear me Where shall Istopy Already,
besides letters from various cities and towns
which find no time even 10 answer, there are
Committees here on errands like yours from the
metropolis Of New Jersey, from Philadelphia and
other places Should / consent TO visit New
York, low can say No to Trenton, to New
Haven, and many other cities? How could
bear the emotions anil faiigucs Of Journey 50
exciting, 50 illimitablcY No, my resolution is
taken.
| mus, avoid even Philadelphia, and after en-
joying for few DAYS longer the healthful luxury
Of bathing by this delightful spoi. shall return
swiftly and quietly to my distant home,--I trust
with frame invigorated and with the bitterness
of grief assuaged 10y the scenes and incidents Of
this journey. This answer Is given not to New
York only, but 10 the citizens Of al other parts
Of our country, who by Committee or by letter
have solicited my presence. To them as to YOU,
also let me give assurances Of the deep feeling
which these testimonials Of their affection have
excited aud of the fervent gratitude with which
shall treasure them to the last moment Of my
hfc-