Weekly national intelligencer., 1851-04-05
Mn. CLAY AND THE GOVERNOR OF CUBA.

The New Orleans Picayune of the 22d ultimo
has an interesting account Of the reception of the
Hon. HENRY CLAY at Havana by Don JOSE DE LA
CoNcHA, the Governor General Of Cuba as follows:
I" Mr. CLAY having sgnfed, when he transmitted his
passport that his desire, in common with many Of bis
counymen pay their respects the CAPTAIs GENERAL
such ms he might be pleased suggest his EIceency
appointed the following day, at IL o'clock, the hour when
he would be happy to receive them. At that time Mr. CLAY
accompanied by bis friend Dr. MERCER and also by Senator
DowSs Of this State Senator CLEMENS Of Alabama Sena-
tor JosEs, of Iowa, and the Hon. Messrs La SzRr and
PEsN Representatives in Congress from this State and the
Hon. Messrs. VoLsEr E. HowAnD, of Texas STANTON, Of
Tennessee, and HoLMEs Of South Carolina, with COL VAN
ALLEN, Of New York, Coils. JENNINGS and STEWART and
D. c. LABArr Esq Of this city, repaired to the residence Of
his Excelency Mr. Ia SERB, at the request Of Mr. CLAY
acted interpreter, the Captain General speaking French
On reaching the palace the party ushered into elegant
apartment, where the Captain General plainly but tastiy
atred in citizens Dress entered the room, and greeted Mr.
Clay with much cOrdaliy. The latter then introduced bis
friends and begged Mr. La Sere say his EIceency that
he glad to have the opportunity Of thanking him, in
person, for the courtesy with which both himself and compa
Mons had been allowed to land. ..
"The Captain General replied that he happy to
extend him the coueses Of the Island during his stay and
desired to know how long he and his friends puposed remsn-
ing in Havana. Mr.. Clay answered that he desired to re-
main about two weeks parenhesng with great good ase
with your Excellencys permission He went say that
his friends returning to their respective homes with the
exception Of Mr. Holmes, who, account of his
youth, his way to California. This said with
Mr. Clays customary smile of dry and quaint humo, and
casoned not little mrth among those who could that
Mr. H. had arrived at full years Of maturity. Mr.. Clay
nued and said that he visited Cuba with three objects
one, to recruit his health, another meet his old friend Dr.
Mercer turnng gracefully that gentlemsn and the third
to pay his respects to his Excelency in person.
"Tbe Captain General then remarked that the Govern
ment Of Spain bad always been the friend of the United
Saes from the day Of their independence, and that he trusted
their amcabe relations would be strengthened by the visit of
the distinguished gentlemen he around him. Mr. Clay
replied that the Government Of the United States far
he informed, extremely anxious maintain uniner-
rupted those friendly feelings which had existed and
that whatever might be done by individuals threaten the
continuance Of these relations he was sure the Government
would deplore, and do all in its power TO avert
The Captain General here alluded to rumor that
other expedition being fitted out from the United States
against Cuba, and in the Of his esrks that
the leland felt strong enough defend sefin such event.
Aer Mr. Clay bad assured him that 10 his opinion, there
little foundation for such rumor the Captain General
invited him, and such Of his companions might remain in
Havana, to dine at the palace the Sunday following, at
the time stating that he sorry their short visit pre-
vented him from entertaining them desired He how
ever invited them bring their ladies' in the evening" pro-
menade through the palace and listen to the music n the
plaza, and thus ended bis interview"