Richmond daily times. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1853, 1851-03-12
LETTERS FROM MR.. CLAY.

We publish below two letters from Hon. HEN
RY CLAY, which have reached us simultaneously
from different quarters of the Union; the one hav-
inc been addressed to committee of the people of
Macon, Georgia, who had invited him to attend a
celebration of Washingtons Birthday in that place,
and the other being in reply to an invitation to be
present at ball at Tammany Hall, in New York,
in honor of General Cass. In both are evnced
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 unquestonable love of country.
| WASHINGTON, Feb. 10, 1851.
| GENTLEMEN: have received with more than
ordinary pleasure the invitation which you did me
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
60, if | could, on such an occasion, with more
satisfaction that 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 ofhe Union. TO that safety Georgia
has greatly and gloriousy contributed.
| Of the Compromise ofthe last session of Con-
gress, think it may justly be said, as it was said
by Washington of the Constitution itself:
"That it will meet the full and entire approba-
but each will doubtless consider that, had her in
terests alone been consulted. the consequences
might have been particularly disagreeable OF inju-
rious to others; that it is liable to as few eXcep-
tons as could reasonably have been expected, We
hope and believe; that it may promote the lasting
welfare of that country, so dear to us all, and Sc
cure her freedom and happness'is our most ardent
wish"
Upon the adjournment of Congress, after the
last session, when the calm Judgment of the peo-
pie was to be passed upon the Compromise, all
eyes were turned 10 Georgia, and all hearts pa pa-
ted with intense anxiety as to her decision. Ultra
ism had concentrated its reasonable hopes upon
that decision, never doubted it, knew many of
her eminent citizens, their patriotism and their de-
votion to the Union. knew the manly and deci-
ded course taken by her representatives in Con-
gress, OF both parties. At length Georgia announ-
ced her deliberate judgment. 1t was worthy of
her, and of her eminent position in the Confedera-
cy, 1t dffused mex pressibe JOY among the friends
of the Union, throughout the whole length and
breadth of the land. it crushed the spirit of dis
cord, disunon, and civil war.
Gentlemen, j, requires only perseverance. concert,
and co.operation among the friends OF the Union, 10
secure the fruits OF the great victory which hae been
Whatever others may do, for myself en- firmly re-
solved never TO my for any whose fidelity
to the Union adm is OF the least doubt
regret sincerely that my public duties here restrain
Me from accepting yonr invitation.
am your iiiend and obedient servant,
II. CLAY
10 Messrs. A. II. Chsppell, James A Nisbet, Jas. w
Armstrong, Samuel Hall, S. T Chapman, and Robt
S. Lanisr.
WAsBiNGToN. March 81.
GESTLrMEN: ! thank you must cordially TOR the
compliment Of your Invitation to the ball intended to he
eveo to the Hon Lewis Cass at Tammany Hall on the
9th instant. Although have passed the period of
much enjoyment OF the pleasure, Of the ballroom go