Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1848-04-20
TO THE PUBLIC.


The various and conflicting reports which have been
put in circulation in regard TO my intentions with re-
spect TO the next Presidency appear 10 me TO furnish
the proper for the full, frank, and explicit ex
position of my feelings, wishes and views upon that
subject. This il IS now my purpose TO make. With
a strong dissemination TO the use of my again in
connexion with that Office left nay residence in De-
cember last under the determination to announce to
the public. in suitable FORM my desire not 20 be
though: of as candidate. During my absence, fire.
queniy expressed TO different gentlemen my unwil-
lingness 10 be again in that attitude; but,
was authorized to publised my decision one way
the other having reserved the right TO do so exclu
sively my self On reflection, thought due 10
my friends 10 consult with them before took final and
decisive step. Accordingly, IN the course OF the
last three months, have had an opportunity OF con-
ferng fully and freely with them Many OF them
have addressed 10 me the strongest appeals and the most
earnest entreates, both verbally and written, TO dssu
ade me from executing my intended purpose. They
represented TO me that the withdrawal of my name
would be fatal TO the success, and perhaps lead 10 the
dissolution Of the party with which have been
cated especially in the free Sales that at former
od did there ever exist so great probability OF my
election, If would consent 10 the use OF my name /;
that the great States OF New York and Ohio would in
all probability cast then votes for me; that New York
would more certainly bestow her suffrage upon me
than upon any other candidate Mat Ohio would give
her TO candidate residing in the slave States but
TO me- that there better prospecthan had heretofore
with them; that candidate can be elected without
the concurrence OF OF these three States and none
could be defeated upon whom all OF them should be
united that great numbers oil our iellow-cltlzens,
both of native and foreign bIth, who were deceived
and therefore voted against me al the last election, are
eager for an opportunity OF beStowng their suf
frages upon me; that whilst there is 4 strong and de-
eded preference for entertained by the great body
oil the Wing party throughout the United States they
the friends to whom reier--at the same time are
nped nj IN MOI than
date that could be presented TO the American people.
do mol pretend vouch for the accuracy of all these
representations, although do not entertain doubt
that they have been honestly made and are sincerely
believed.
Ii has been moreover urged me that ,he great OBJ
legations 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 demand that | should NOT withhold the use OF
my name if il be required and have been reminded
of frequent declarations which have made that
willis, life and health remain is bound TO rem
der his best services upon the call OF his country.
Since my return home, have anxiously deliberated
upon my duty TO myself to my principles, TO my
friends and above all, 10 my country The conflict
between my unaffected desire TO continue in private
life as most congenal 10 my feelings and condition,
and my wish faithfully perform all my public duties,
has been painful and embarrassing. If ! refuse the
use of my name, and those injurious consequences
Should ensue which have been SO confidently predict
ed by my friends, should justly incur eirrepfoaches
and the reproaches Of my own heart; and if, on the
contrary, should assent TO the ofmy name, what
ever the result may be- shall escape both.
| have therefore finally decided to leave TO the Ma
tonal Convention, which is 10 assemble next June
the consideration of my name in connexion with such
others may be presented to il, 10 make selection
Of suitable candidate for President Of the United
States, and whatever may be the issue of IFS fair and
full Deliberations, il will meet with my prompt and
cheerful acqulescence Ii will be seen, from what
have related, that there to anticipate that
would dechne giving my consent 10 the of my
United States. Owing, perhaps, to this as well al
other causes, many Of my friends and fellow citizens
have avowed preference for, and directed their aten
ron the distinguished Of other citizens of TIL
United Smtes take pleasure in truly declaring tina
have no regrets 10 express-no compaints-no re
proaches 10 make on account of any such preference
which am folly persuaded are generally founded OF
honest and patriotic convictions,
ASHLAND, April II, is4S. II. CLAY.