Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1852-07-05
TuIRTT-S ECOND CoNGREsS--Isr sEssIo.
WEpSEspAy, JUNE 80, 1852.
HOUSE OF IiEPRESENTATIF
,,r,,U,ry nEr RE, N-pU CJaU

The resolutions of the Senate having been read
Speaker rise perform the melancholy duty of announc-
ing 10 this body The death of Henry Gay late senator in
Congress, from the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
MIR CLAY pircd his lodgings in this city yesterday
morning seventeen minutes past eleven O'clock In the
76t! wear his age His nnbc intellect unclouded TO
The last Aler proaced surngs he passed away with
out pan gently did Tho spirit leave his frame That The
rnlncn of departure not observed by he Flends VINO
watched his bedside His last hours were cheered by
Of aectionate and e died surrounded
by friends, who during hs long illness had done all that al
fiction could suggest to soohe his suerings.
Although this sad event has been expected for many
weeks The shock produced and the nnucrahe tributes
respect his memory exhibited on every eide, and IN
every FORM prove The depth Of The public sorrow and the
greatness Of the public loss.
Imperisliaby associated us his has been for fifty
wears with every great affecting the fortunes OF our
country, il is difficult to realize tina. ne is indeed gone
forever difficult feel that shall no more ms
noble form within these wals-tat shall hear no more
his patriot tones, rouang his countrymen to Vndcac
their rights against foreign foe imporing them 10
preserve concord among themselves We shall sec him no
more The memory and the fruits OF his services none re-:
main Amidst the general gloom The Capitol lsell
looks tcsoia,e the genius of the place had
Already The intelligence has reached almost every quarter OF
republic, and people mourn with US to-day inc
death OF their most iusrous citizen Sympahizng os we
do deeply with his family aud friends, yet private aiicton
absohcd in the general Borrow The spectacle OF "noe
community lamentine the loss Of great man is Tar more
touchpp Than anv manifestation Of private grief In speak
iop If loss which is national will not attempt 10 dcs-
cbe univers1 burst OF grief with which Kentucky VIII
receive these dings The attempt would be vain TO depict
tho pillar Of fire has been removed which has guided their
footsteps for the life of generation.
IT is known the country that from the memorable ses-
sion lS495U, Mr. Cays health gradually declined. Al
though several years OF his senatorial term remained ne did
propose continue In tho public service longer than the
present session He came Warrington chiefly defend,
if il should become necessary, the measures OF adjustment
10 The adoption of which he largely contibuted but the
condition his health did allow him nj any time to par
cipac In the discussions of the Senate. During the win
ter he was confined almost wholly his room with eight
changes in his condition. but gradually losing the remnant
OF his strength During the long and dreary winter he
vcrsed much and chccruy with his friends and expressed
deep interest in public affairs Although he did expect
restoration health, he cherished The hope that the mild
Of spring would bring 10 him strength enough 10
Ashland, and die in The bosom OF his family But,
alas spring that brings life 10 all Nature brought life
nor hope him. After the month Of March his vital pow
rapidly wasted and for weeks he lay patiently awaiting
the stroke Of DEATH But the approach OF the Destroyer had
terros for him. No clouds orcrhung his future He met
the end with composure and his pathway to the grave
frightened by the cheering hopes whrch spring from the
Christian faith.
Not long before his DEATH having Just returned from Ken
lucky bore him token of affection from his excellent
wife, Never forget his appearance his his
words After speaking of his family his friends and his
country he changed the conversation to his future and
looking me with his fins eye undimmed and his voice
full of its original compass and melody he said am not
afraid to die sir. have hope, faith, and some confidence
do think any DO entirely certain in regard
his future state but have abiding in The
and mediation OF our Saviour 1t will as.uaQc The grief OF
his family 10 know that he looked hopefully beyond the
tomb and Christian people will rejoice 10 hear that such
man, his last hours reposed with simplicity and conf
dtncc the promises Of the Gospel.
1t is the CUSTOM occasions like this TO speak OF the
parentage childhood of the deceased and follow him
step by step through life will atcmp, relate even
the great of Mr. GAYS life, because they fam
lar the whole country and il would be needless
long is OF public services which form part Of
American history.
Beginning life as frendless boy with few advantages
those conferred by Nature while yet minor he left
Virginia. the State of his birh and commenced the prac
ce Of law at Lexington In Kentucky Al bar remarka
BILE for its numbers and TALENT Mr.. CLAY the
first rank. At very early age he elected from the
county Of Fayeie the general assembly OF Kentucky
and speaker of thar body Coming into the Senate
of the United States for the first time In 1906 he entered
upon parliamentary the most brilliant and
full in annals. From time he remained habitualy
in the public eye, SENATOR member of this House
and its Speaker representative OF his country abroad
and high officer in the executive department OF the go
vernment he Immediately connected for fifty wears
with every measure Of American policy or the mere
party Of This period do propose speak,
Many Of them have passed away and remembered only
the occasion for the great intellectual efforts which mark
ed their discussion Concerning Others opinions still
divided. They will go into history, with the reasons on
either side rendered by the greatest intelecs Of the time
As leader in deberative body Mr. CLAY had equal
America In him. intellect person. eloquence and cour-
age united form character ft command. He fred
with his own enthusiasm and controlled by his amazing
will individuals and No reverse could crush his
spirit nor defeat reduce him despair Equally erect and
dsuniess prosperity and adversely, when successful he
moved accomplishment Of his purposes with severe
resolutions when defeated he rallied his broken bands
around him. and from his eagle eye shot along their ranks
the contagion Of his courage. Destined for leader
he everywhere asserted his Destiny In his long and