Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1849-1856, 1851-10-23
Correspondence with Hon.
Henry clay.


correspondence with Hon.
Henry clay.
Hon. TlENRy CLAY. Ashland. KY, -
Respected aud Dear Slr:-There are
periods ia the history Of nations, when
the bold and manly counsel, the saga
cous foresight, and timely and persever-
ing efforts of the firm and patriotic
statesman can succeed in averting a
I, ariul crisis ut the same time the war
nng voice Of the wise and the good may
require 10 be- repeated and upliited, un-
,il It shall resound throughout the land.
Your introduction OF the compromise
measures into the Senate Of the United
States, and their passage by Congress,
marked an epoch in our history they
arrested the nearer approach Of nation
nj calamity, and. as was iondly hoped
Laid The foundation for returning har
mony.
IL has since. however. become hut too
apparent that continued and unremtted
Efforts in favor oi union sentiments are
necessary TO resist the current OF error,
aud secure the maintenance Of sound
principles of attachment TO the cOnstitu-
ton, in order that our country may reap
tie blessed fruits that were expected
from the compromise Of peace.
Several Oi your noble coadjutors in
The cause OF the Union have already
addressed the people, and are now ad-
dressing them. in tie, words of truth and
patriotism, Of eloquence and power and
we have thought it right to appeal to
the Senator IRON Kentucky, aud entrcut
that one whose vo &C has been so often
raised in defence Of the peoples rights,
may not be silent now.
We have well founded conviction
that the great body of the American
popie are in iavor of maintaining and
enforcing the compromises oi the constl-
tuition nevertheless, ia the resolu ions
and addresses adopted at conventions
lately assembled around us, we have
seen win regret, as well as alarm, that
HE question ot adherence to the com-
promise measures is avoided or evaded,
that modification and amendment are
declared lo be requisite, and repeal itself
admissible as If the requirements of
The constitution, in carrying out an in
'egral part OF our national compact, was
oi no higher obligation ti.an any ordina-
ry act oi legislation.
1t is evident, therefore. that there Ie-
quiIes TO be more generally difused
spirit that will not tamper with polite
ians whose course must inevitably lead
10 the destruction oi the constitutional
spirit thai will not hOlu communion with
those who advance and support doc
irines in relation to the great national
adjustment, fatal to the future peace and
harmony of the Union /; who merely ac.
qIiesce because they have no alterna-
tive, while, on all important occasions
they too plainly disclose, under hlmsy
veil of apparent contentment, a determi-
nation TO resist and oppose the efforts Of
the friends oi the compromise anc the
Union.
We fee confident that you will not
favor the abettors OF such doctrines. but
Father reprove and denounce them. We
therefore respectfully but earnestly ask
of you to leave, for time, your retreat
III Kentucky, 10 appear among Us at
New York.
The p, ople are profoundly grateful for
your past efforts, and are proud and
willing 10 acknowledge your timely and
cffi Il services. They know and hon.
or your Union principles and your ma
iIonaI sentiments ; and none are more
deeply penetrated by these feelings, nor
more deslrous to acknowledge those Oh
legations than your iellow-citizens gen.
orally of this commercial emporium !;
and did we not think that the present
Crisis required your warning voice,
your presence AMI your nnmc TO arouse
Your cuuuirymcn To Il sense OF their duty
and their danger, we would not attempt
tc disturb the rerIse OF the sage OF Ash
tand.
ASHLAND Oct Sd. 1851.
GENTLEMEN IL have duly received
YOUR official letter. transmitting an ad
dress, numerously signed by my fellow
citizens of New York. inviting me to
WISH tat city, and address Il public meet
iIg on some of the public and exciting
- les oi the day and you are pleased
tn add an expression of your own kind
wishes that would accept the invita-
uJa. | should be most happy, il | felt
myself IN condition To do so; but for
the reasons assigned in my answer TO
tie address. winch is herewith forward
ed, am very sorry that il is not in my
power TO accept Il. hope that answer
may be d emrd satisfactory by you,
and by those whom you represent.
ihave the honor to be, gentlemen,
with high respect, your ob't serv't.
HENRY CLAY.
MeSsrs Geo. Griswod, Stephen Whit
ney. A.. G. Kingsland. Chas. Nj. Leupp,
and JAS. p. ID. Ogden. &c. &c.