Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1848-04-21
Henry Clay's Sentiments on the
Presidency.

Presidency.
The following letter from Hon. HENRY CLAY
was transmitted to the New York papers by tel
ergaph. II will be welcome intelligence to those
Of his friends who have feared that he might not
consent to have his name brought before the
National Convention in June next
ASHLAND, April TO- ls4s.
The various and conflicting reports which have
lecn In circulation 10 my intentions with respect
to the next Presidency, appear TO me to furnish a
proper occasion for full, frank and explicit expo
sition Of my feelings wishes and views upon that
subject This II is now my purpose 10 make.
With strong Discrimination TO the use Of my
name again in connection with that Office I left my
residence in December last, under determination
to announce to the public, in some suitable FORM my
desire not TO be thought of as n candidate. In my
absence, frequently expressed TO different gentle
men my unwingness to be again in that attitude (;
though no one was authorized TO publish my deci-
sion one way the other, having reserved the right
to do so exclusively to myself
On reflection thought II was due to my friends
to consult with them before took decisive step.
Accordingly, within the course Of the last three
months, have had an opportunity Of converting
fully and freely with them, many Of them having
addressed to the strongest appeals and the most
earnest entrcates both verbally and written, TO dis
suade me from executing my intended purpose.
They represent to me that the withdrawal Of my
name would be fatal to their success, and perhaps
lead 20 the dissolution Of the party with which
have been associated particularly in the free States
that at no former period did there exist so great
probability Of my election, IL would consent TO the
use Of my name that the great States Of New York
and Ohio would in all probability cast their votes
for me that New York would more certainly be-
stow her suffrage upon me than any other cand-
date that Ohio would give her vote to no cand-
date residing in the Slave States but to me that
there Is better prospect than has heretofore at any
time existed, that Pennsylvania would unite with
thcm that no candidate can be elected without the
concurrence Of two Of these three States and none
conll be decided upon on whom all Of them could
be united; that great Plumbers Of my fellow citizens
both Of native and foreign BIRTH who were deceived
and therefore voted against me at the last election
are now eager ion an opportunity OF bestowng their
sutffngcs upon me; and while there Is strong and
decided preference for me entertained by the great
body Of the Wing party throughout the United
States, they (the friends 10 whom ] refcrl ut the
same time are convinced that am more available
than any candidate who could be presented TO the
American people. do no. prcteh to youch for
the accuracy Of all these representations, although
do not entertain doubt that they have been hon
estly made, and are sincerely believed
IL has been, moreover, urged to me that the great
obligation under which have been hitherto placed
by large portion Of the people Of the United States
the full force Of which no one can be more sensible
OF than / am, demands that should not withhold
the use Of my name, If il should be required and
have been reminded Of frequent declarations which
| have made, that while lie and health remain a
man is bound to render his best services at the call
OF his country.
Since my return home. l have anxiously deliber-
ated upon my duty to myself, to my principles to
my friends and above all, TO my country. The con-
nct between my unaffected desire to continue in
private life, as most eongenal TO my feelings and
condition. and my wish faithfully TO perform all my
public duties, has been painful and embarrassing
II refuse the use Of my name, and those injurious
consequences should ensne which have been so con-
hdently predicted by my friends should justly in
cur their reproaches and the reproaches Of my
heart and IT, the contrary should assent to the
use OF my name, whatever ale result may be- shall
escape both; l have, therefore, finally decided TO
leave to the National Convention, which is to as
semble next June, the consideration Of my name in
connection with such Others may be presented TO
It, TO make selection Of a suitable candidate for
the Presidency Of the United States; and whatever
may be the issue Of IT, it, fair and full elaboration
will meet with my prompt and cheerful aoqucscence
IL will be seen from what have stated, that there
was reason to anticipate that would decline giving
my consent to the use Of my name again n can
didaie for the Presidency Of the United States.
Owing, perhaps, to this well other causes,
many Of my friends and fellow citizens have Avow-
ed their preference for and directed their attention
TO- the distinguished names OF other citizens of the
United Stnies take pleasure in truly declaring, |
that have no regrets TO express, complaints 10
reproaehes to make, on account Of any such prefer
ences, which am fully persuaded are generally /
founded ON honest and patriotic convictions.
HENRY CLAY. |