Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1848-04-19
TO THE PUBLIC.

The various and conflicting reports which have
oeen IN circulation in regard to my intentions with
respect to the next Presidency appear 10 me to fur
nish proper occasion for full, frank and explicit
exposition Of my feelings, wishes and views upon
the subject. This II is now proper to make. With
strong Discrimination to the use Of my name again
IN connection with that office. left my residence
IN december last, under determination To an
noGnce TO the public in some suitable form my de-
sire not to be thought of as candidate. During
my absence frequently expressed to different, gen
temen, my unwillinguess TO ne again in that atti-
tude but though no one was authorised to publish
my decision one way or the other, having reserved
the right to do SO exclusively 10 myself, ON reflec
ton, thought it was due TO my friends TO consult
with them before took decisive and final step.
accordingly, within the course of the last three
months, have had opportunity Of comforting fully
and freely with them. Many of them have adj
dressed to me the strongest appeals and the most
earnest entreates, both verbal and written to dis
suade mo from executing my intended purpose
1hey represented to me that the wthdra of nv
name would be fatal to the success, and perhaps
lead 10 the dissolution of the party with which |
have been associated, and especially i'm the free
States; that at no former period did there exist so
great probability Of my election if I would consen,
10 the nse oil my name; that the great States of
New York and Ohio would, in all probability, cast
their votes Tor me that New York would moro
n
Their candidate, and that Ohio would give her vote
to no candidate residing in the slave States but 10
me That there is better prospect than has hereto
lore at any time existed that Pennsylvania would
unite with them; that no candidate can be elected
without the concurrence oftwo these three States
and none could be defeated upon whom all these
should be united that great numbers ofour fellow
citizens, both OF native and foreign birth who were
deceived, and therefore voted agains, me at the last
election, are now eager for opportunity of be-
slowing their sufirages upon me, aud that whilst
there is strong and decided preference for me en-
fertained by the great body of the Nhiu partv
throughout the United States they (the friends to
whom refer) at the same time are convinced that
am more available than any other candidate that
could be presented to the American people. do
not pretend TO vouch for the accuracy of all these
representations, although do not entertain doubt
that they nave been honestly made and are sincere
ly believed.
IL has been, moreover, urged to me that the GREAT
oogauons under which have been hitherto placed
oy large portion of the people of the u. States.
',.e iuil lorce OF which no one can be more sensible
OF than am, demand that should not withhold
the use OF my name if it should be requested And
nave been reminded ofirequent declarations which
nave made, that whilst life and health remains. n
man Is bound to render his best services upon the
call of his country
Since my return home, I have anxousIy delbe-
'ateu upon my duty TO myself, TO my PRINCIPLES Ia
my friends, and above all, to my country. The
conflict between my unaffected desire to continue
IN private life as most congenial with nv Reelinos
and condition. and my wish faithfully to perform ali
my public duties. has been painful and cmbarrass-
ing. If refuse the use of my name and those in
furious consequence should ensue. which have been
so confidently predicted by my friends, | should
justly incur their reproaces and the reproaches o
my own heart and if, on the contrary. should as
sent to the use ofmy name, whatever the result
may be, shall escape both
have therefore finally decided to leave TO the
National Convention which is to assemble in june.
The consideration of my name. in connection with
such others as may be presented to it, to make So
lection of suitable candidate for President Of tho
United States, and whatever NAV be the issue n
IFS fair and full deliberations it will meet with my
prompt and Cheerful! acquescence.
| 1t will be seen, from what have stated. tba,
there was reason TO anticipate that would decline
giving my consent TO the use of nv name araip nc
candidate for the Presidency of the United States
Owing perhaps to this. as we'll as other causes ma
ny of my friends and fellow-citizens have avoyed .
preference for, and directed their attention to the dis
tlngushed names of other citizens of the u. States
take pleasure in truly declaring that have no re-
grets to express, no complaints no reproaches Il
make on account Of any such preferences. which.
am fully persuaded. are generally founded on hones
and patriotic convictions H. CLAY
ASHLAND, 10th April, lS4S
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