The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1851-03-10

We publish below two letters from the Hon.
HENRY CLAY, which have reached us simulta-
neously from different quarters of the Union;
the one having been addressed to a committee
of the people of Macon, Georgia, who had in
vited him to attend celebration of Washing
toms Birthday in that place, and the other be-
ing in reply to an invitation to be present at
ball at Tammany Hall, in New York, in honor
of General CAss. In both are oyinced that firm
and lofty patriotism which have rendered this
citizen SO much beloved throughout the land
cherished to the hearts core by his political
friends, and honored even by his political foes,
for his unquestionable love of country.
WAsHrsoToN, Feb. 10, 1851.
GENrLEMEN: have received with more than
binary pleasure the invitation which you did Inc
the honor to transmit TO attend the celebration Of
the birthday of Washington, by the friends of the
Union, at Macon. To no place in the States would
go, If could, on such an occasion, with more
satisfaction than to Macon; with no friends of the
Union anywhere would more gladly unite than
with those who shall assemble at Macon, in feel
ings and demonstrations Of Joy and CALCULATIONS
for the safety Of the Union. To that safety Geor
gia has greatly and gloriousy contributed.
OF the Compromise Of the last session Of Con
gress, think it may be justly said, it was said
by Washington Of the Constitution itself
"That it will meet the full and entire appreciation
Of every State is not, perhaps, to be expected but
each will doubtless consider that had her interests
alone been consulted, the consequences might have
been particularly disagreeable injurious others
thatt is liable to as few exceptions could
ably have been expected, we hope and believe;
that it may promote the lasting welfare of that
country, SO dear to all, and secure her freedom
and happiness, IL our most ardent wish"
Upon tho adjournment of Congress, after the
last session, when the calm judgment of the people
was to be passed upon the Compromise, all eyes
were turned to Georgia, and all hearts palpitated
with intense anxiety as to her decision Utraisrn
had concentrated it's reasonable hopes upon that
decision. never doubted it, knew many of her
eminent citizens, their patriotism, and their devo-
ton to the Union. ] knew the manly and decided
course taken by her representatives in Congress,
of both parties. At length Georgia announced her
deliberate judgment. 1t worthy of her, and
of her eminent position in the Confederacy. 1t
dfused indispensable joy among the friends of the
Union, throughout the whole length and breadth
Of the land. 1t crushed the spirit of discord, dis
union, and civil war.
Gentlemen. it requires only perseverance, con-
cert, and cooperation, among the friends Of the
Union, TO secure the fruits of the great victory
which has been won. Whatever others may do,
for myself, am firmly resolved never to cast my
vote for any man whose fidelity to the Union ad.
mits of the least doubt
regret sincerely that my public duties here re-
strain me from accepting your invitation.
lam your friend and obedient servant,
II. CLAY.
To Messrs. A. H. Chnppell, James A. Nisbet, JAS
w. Armstrong, Samuel Hall, S. T. Chapman,
and Robert s. Lanier.
WASHINGTON, March Sd.
GENTLEMEN: thank you most cordially for the
compliment of your invitation to the ball intended
TO be given to the Hon. Lewis Cass at Tammany
Hall, on the 9th instant. Although have passed
the period of much enjoyment of the pleasures Of
the ballroom, 90 highly do appreciate the patriot
ism, the merits and the public services Of the dis
tinguished Senator from Michigan, that it would
afford me much satisfaction if could attend and
assist in rendering him the proposed honor; but
my distance from Now York and some engage
ments here, incident to my return home, place it
out of my power. Gentlemen, cannot close this
note without an expression ofmy Acknowledgements
for the liberality and magnanimitv which charac-
terizes yours. Rising above any difference of opin-
ion which heretofore has unfortunately existed be-
tween us Sin many points Of public policy" you
have done me the honor to express yourselves in
most 1attering terms in regard to my recent excr-
tons to avert a great calamity to our common
country. Looking back on the perils from which,
hope, we have escaped, it is most encouraging
and gratifying to have witnessed with what zeal
and alacrity Wings and Democrats, burying all
former dissensions put shoulder to shoulder to up
hold the threatened existence of the Union. was
right that they should have made the combined
effort, and suspended their prior divisions; for if
the Union was gone, nothing would have remained
to contend for. Among those who stood up most
prominently in defence of that Union was the
Senator in whose honor the ball of the sixth is to be
given. Regrettng that cannot partake of the fes-
tivites of the occasion, and hoping that they may
realize the most sanguine antioipations,
am, &C., your obedent servant,
HENRY CLAY.