The Evansville daily journal. [volume] (Evansville, Ia. [i.e. Ind.]) 1848-1862, 1848-07-01
ASHLAND, June, %, lS4S.

DEAR SIR:--I have the honor to acknowledge
the receipt Of your letter Of the 10Th inst, de-
livered to me yesterday, by Secretary Mitchell,
rendering me a temporary appoin tment OF
Senator from Kentucky, in consequence OF a
vacancy produced by the resignation of Mr..
Crittenden. Your Excellency is pleased to
urge me to accept the Office from various rea-
sons, which admit possess considerable force.
There is much ground to apprehend that, both
i'm our domestic and foreign relations, grave
and momentuous questions may arise, the
proper adjustment Of which will require all
the moderation, wisdom and experience which
can be placed in the national councils
When you were kind enough, some weeks
ago to intimate to me that you had intended,
in the event of the vacancy which has since
occurred, to offer me an executive appoint
ment, il is true that observed to you that as ]
had taken formal and final leave Of the United
States Senate, could not return TO it without
lapparent inconsistency and some personal en-
barrassment. But this was not the only con-
sideration that weighed with me. My rvice
in the two chambers Of Congress had been long
and arduous,. had remained i'm the Senate Ion
ger than wished, at the instance Of the Gen
eral Assembly of Kentucky. ! needed retire
ment and repose; and there were many highly
competent citizens OF the State, from whom
an easy selection might be made to supply my
place.
II there were certainty that any gre at en-
Urgency would arise, and that /, better than an
other, could assist in conducting the govern.
ment safely through it, obeying the paramount
duty which one owes ever to his country,
would suppress all repugnance which feel to
the resumption of q seat in the Senate, disre
gard all etiquette, make any personal sacrifices
land proceed with alacrity, TO the post which
might be assigned me. But dark and threaten.
ling as the clouds are which overhang us, hope
that they will be dispersed, without any storm
bursting upon our heads; but lift should come
Ii am persuaded that the Commonwealth has
many citizens more able than am, to face ane
avert its effects.
must, therefore, adhere TO the resolution
which l communicated TO your Excellency
7 and respectfully decline accepting the ap
pointment which you have the goodness TO of
fer me.
. IL it were possible for me to reconcile 10 m.
feelings, and to sense of public duty, my re
turn 10 the Senate, there are some minor con
siderations opposed to my acceptance OF a TEN
porary appointment, not without weight in m!
. mind. The session of the Senate is drawing II
close BY the time that could make prep
!, aratons for the journey and reach Washington
"a very short remnant of il would be left, dur
, ing which could render no essential service
And again; the executive appointment termi
mating with the meeting ofthe General Asse m
bly,, that body will have 10 perform the duty o
designating Mr.. Crittendens successor. an
unwilling to be in a position which might oc
casion il the least embarrassment In the choic'
( of that successor.
! request your Excellency TO accept my pro
found acknowledgements for the distinguished
proof of the confidence in me, which you d.
me the honor to entertain.
: Ihave the honor to be, with the highest res
pect, your Exec llency's obedlent servant,
ii. CLAY.
y His Excellency. VIM. 0wsley, &C., &c.