Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1847-05-06
MR, CLAY.s BEREAyEMENT.

Mr. CLAY left the city ofNew Orleans about
tn time ii was understood here thata collision
would certainly take place between SANTA
AENA and Gen. TAILOR. He was convinced
in his own mind that the meeting would be a
sanguinary one. and the exulting anticipations
Of . triumph which as patriot he predicted
for the American arms were qualified by the
solicitude Of father who realized the proba-
bility that victory had cost him son. His
spirits were evidently depressed by forebodings
which the sequel but too mournfully justified |;
and when speaking Of the confidence he had
in the skill and courage Of Gen. TAYLOR, and
deducing thereform results of pregnant glory,
the shadow of coming events" would fit
across bis brow in token OF a presage Of evil
to himself, which had sunk deep into his heart
and wresiled there with the hope which prom
ised such great things for his country.
II was but natural that, approaching home
and mingling with the associates Of his early
years, be should shake off for a time the
weigh, that pressed heavily upon him; that
amid the greetings of the friends and the well
come of a whole city. he should not betray
the prophetic dread which haunted his breast
Had those who speak of his "6ner spirits"
but scanned the noble aspect the time worn
statesman with closer scrutiny, they would
have seen that fixed sorrow lurked like re-
bel in his secret soul. II was so here, and
whithersoever he might 60 there went along
with linn presentiment OF calamity.
He remained in Louisville but few hours;
this was not his wont. He felt too surely that
the angel Of death had been dealing with his
he felt the winnowing Of his sable
wings upon his head and FASTENED straightway
to get his house in order. Fast upon his
heels sped the mournful tidinss; scarcely
would he leave city before the people would
shout over the crowning vic1ory of the war.
multitudes were no comprehension
him; he went his way where an aged maison,
cheered by the pratte Of little children, busted
herself with the great toll Of household affairs.
This was the partner Of his bosom, and
these the children Of his children. They were
orphants (some Of lhem) in happy ignorance
OF what had befaIlen them. 1t was fit that
amid this circle he should realize his fears
Nor should the fatal news smite that venera-
bic ma,ron and he not there. Together they
met the herald Of woe; and whilst every OBJ
jeet that met their eyes reminded them of their
vacant chair recalled the men,
DRY of one gone forever, and trifes of little
worth teemed with traditions that filed high
the cup Of bitterness--yet the confidence Of
years Of mutual reliance and love confronted
the messenger at the door way. who entered
the house Of prayer and resignation as he
crossed the portal Of the house Of mourning.
The people of Lexington in their rejoicings
over the victory of Buena Vista did not forget
that hardly there was hearth made desolate
in achieving it. The courts adjourned in 81
lence; and grief mingled in the applause of
the populace, as gilded drops of rain are shed
from skies all raciaal with the summers sun.
The son was worthy Of his sire. He was
a man of lofty impulses, ola noble nature,
pure generosity and manly Accomplishments.
His last words were Of him. When he was
sho: down second time he drew brack of
pistols from his belt, handed them to Capt.
Gutter and requested him to deliver them to
his father, with his message; "Say to him
that he gave them 10 nae aud that have done
all that can with them and now return them
to him." Here the enemy came thick "a
round him, and these were the last words he
was heard to utter. He has gone to swell the
list Of Immortality. The purchase of glory
is the blood OF the brave.--.N Ovleeas Pea
yuas.