Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1848-04-20
THE PRESIDENCY.

IMPORTANT LETTER FROM MR.. CLAY.
A few weeks ago we remarked that Mr.. CLAY
had determined to withdraw from the Presiden-
tial canvass, and would make public announce
nient to that effect, unless circumstances should
occur to change his determination. This was
al! correct, as will be seen by the following let
ter, in which Mr.. CLAY indicates such a decision
and the grounds for changing it.
ASHLAND, April 10, l9is
The various and conflicting reports which
have been IN circulation as TO my intentions with
respect to the next Presidency, appear TO me to
furnish proper occasion tor full, frank and
explicit exposition of my feelings, wishes and
views upon that subject. This II is now my pur-
pose 10 make.
With strong Discrimination 10 the use of my
name again in connection with that office, left
my residence in December last under deter
minaion to announce to the public, in some suit
able form, my desire not to be thought of as a
candidate. In my absence, ! frequently express
cd to different gentlemen my unwillingness to
be again in that attitudes though no one was
authorized 10 publish my decision one way or
the other, having reserved the right to do SO ex.
clusivey myself.
On reflection thought it 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 con-
versing fully and freely with them, many Of them
having addressed to me the strongest appeals
and the most earnest entreaties, both verbally
and written, to dissuade 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 to the dissolution
Of the party, with which have been associated,
particularly in the free States that at no former
period did there exist great probability of
my election, if | would consent to the use of my
name; that the great States of New York and
Ohio would, in all probability, cast their vote for
me; that New York would more certainly be-
stow her suffrage upon me than any other candl-
date; that Ohio would give her vote to no can
didatc residing in the Slave States, but to ME
that there is better prospect than has heretofore
at any time existed, that Pennsylvania would u.
mite with them that no candidate can be cleo
ted without the concurrence of two of these
three States; and none could be decided upon
on whom all OF them could be united; that
great numbers of our fellow. citizens, both of ma
tive and foreign birth, who were deceived and
therefore voted against me at the last election,
are now eager for an opportunity of bestowing
their suitrages upon me and while there is a
strong and decided preference for me- entertain
ed by great body of the Wing party through
out the United States, they the friends to whom
refer, at the same time are convinced that
am more available than any candidate that could
be presented tor the American people. | do not
pretend 10 vouch for the accuracy of all those
representations, although | do not entertain
doubt that they have been honestly made, and
are sincerely believed.
1t has been, moreover, urged to me that the
great obligation under which hive been hith-
crto placed by a 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 lite and health remain, Il man is bound TO
render his best services upon the call of his
| country.
Since my return home, have anXously de-
| liberated upon my duty to myself to my princi.
| pies, TO my friends, ant above all to nv country.
| The conflict between my Unaffected desire to
continue in private life, as most congena to my
feelings and condition, and my wish faithfully to
| perform all my public duties, has been painful
and embarrassing. If | refuse the use of nv
name, and those injurious consequences should
ensue which have been so confidently predicted
by my friends | should justly incur their re-
proaches, and the reproaches Of my own heart
and if, on the contrary should assent to the use
of my name, whatever the result may be, shall
escape bolh | have, therefore, finally decided tc
leave TO the National Convention, which is to as
sembe next June, the consideration of my name
IN connection with such others as may be pre-
scented TO it, 10 make q selection of a suitable
candidate Tor the Presidency of the United
States; and whatever may be the Issue Of it. its
fair and full deliberation will meet with my
| prompt and cheerful acquescence. Ii will be
seen from what have stated that there was rea.
son to anticipate that would decline giving my
consent 10 the use OF my name again as a can
dldate for the Presidency of the United States
i Owing, perhaps, to this as well as other causes
many Of my friends and feow-citzens have a.
vowed their preference for and. directed then
attention to, the distinguished names of otLe
citizens OF the United States. take peasur,
in truly declaring, that have no regrets to ex
press, no complaints, no reproaches To make, OF
J account OF any such preferences which am full
~ persuaded are generally founded on homes
and patriotic convictions. HENRY CLAY.
We like this letter. 1t is frankly and nobly
done. hlr. CLAY does not seek nomination.
does not claim the support Of his friends in Con
venion; but if it shall be the judgment of III,
Convention that the Wings can best succeed il
the coming election by using his name, he con
sents; if any other man shall be judged bette
in the crisis, he will approve and support the de
cison. Though differing in some points fror
the friends of Mr.. CLAY, we have no fault /
find with this letter. His determination is wise
in our judgment. A firm union OF the WIFI
ranks is exceedingly desirable in the coming c
lection with that, success is sme-without il
probably the Wing chance is quite as good a
that of their opponents. We are hopeful, eve
a if pair of Wing candidates should appear i
I the field. But sure is the better word the stak
Q is great When the Wing party was ever
where in motion, for half dozen different can
ddates, the name of john MCLEAN was brough
i out So far as we had an agency in that it wa
to present NORTHERN MAN, worthy of the sup
port of the North, and at the same tine likcl
y to secure the support at least of tho conservativ
and sound portion of the Wings at the South
/ We still hold TO the opinion that the next Presi
Y dent ought to be NORTHERN MAN, and NoRTH
, ERIN WHIG- every inch man, and every inch
Whig; and we would like to see the Southcr
+ Wings unite with the North upon such a mar
They may perhaps do it-wilh MCLEAN, WrR
sTFR Sc OFT and CoRWIN there is n chance fn