The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1852-04-15
\ Ind 70 unise in the eontsmpl..ed fs..ivities Of

and 10 unite in the contemplated festivities Of
the 18th. . ee.. ttss
The coinmemor aton Of my birthday on this and
former occasions, chiefly confined to the city OF
New York, l have ever regarded as being pr onped
BY the hea''s OF ardent and enthusiastic friends,
by their devoted attachment to me, aud by their
generous and unbounded confidence. ] never
conceived that il would pass the Unite VI their
circle, or tbat il would pariake in the snaliest de
gree OF national character. Our country has
been blessGd by Providence with but one man
whose birthday ought to be and hope ever will
be celebrated as q great national anniversary in
al! times to come. But gentlemen, owe on ex.
precision Of my profound acknowledgment, and
my deep obligation, for this distinguished and re-
newed testimony Of the esteem and regard which
the Clay Festival Association does me the honor
to entertain. And Iimplore, upon the heads Of all
ts members, the blessings of Providence, of health
happ iness, and prosperity, and all other blessings
am, with the highest respect your true and
'aith'ui 'riend' H. CLAY
Messrs. BRAproup, WHrrE, BREwrn, woop, and
WAsHINaroN, March 10, 1852.
GENrLEMEN: have the honor to acknowledge
the receipt OF your favor OF the 18th Instant invit
ing me to be present the occasion of the coming
celebration Of the anniversary Of the birthday of
Henry Clay, on the 18th Of April next, in your
city, by the Clay Festival Association and beg in
reply to express my sincere regret that my official
engagements in this city must deprive me of the
pleasure of joining you on that interesting occa-
sion. Every testimony OF respect is due to the
time honored patriot, who has shrunk from no
duty and avoided no responsibility to advance the
glory and prosperity of his native country
With high regard, l remain, very sincerely
yours, WILLARD FILLMORE.
WAsHIsGroN, April7, 1852.
GENTLEMEN: Ireceived in the course of mail
your obliging letter OF the 18th Of March, to which
circumstances have prevented me from returning
an earlier answer; and l ain now obliged to say
with much regret, that my public duties will not
allow me to be in New York on the 18th inst
| You invite me, gentlemen, to Join your associa-
| ton in commemorative the birthday Of Mr.. Clay.
You say, with becoming emphasis and warmth,
that your object Ia $50 pay honor, not to the parti-
can, but the man--not to tender tribute to party
services but the attributes which charac-
erze the patriot, who, in the advocacy of his
| try's cause, knows no North, no South, no East
| no West-nothing but his country"
| entirely concur with you, gentlemen, in this
high COMMUNICATION have known Mr.. Clay in
the councils Of his country for many years, and
have always entertained admiration for his talents
and entire confidence in bis patriotism. have re-
garded him uniformly as man of broad nationa
| policy, and quite free from the influence of loca
prejudiccs. opinions, or feelings Your remcm
brance Of him at the approaching festival will b
state Of his health. II your fsrvept wishes, gen
tiemen, and mine could be grstified, VIC woult
soon see him restored again, in health and strength
|
spect may be designed by Providence, he will b
sure of our united sympathies and prayers SO lonl
as he shall be spared to his country.
am, gentlemen. with high regard, your frient
| and obcdient servant,
DANIEL WEBSTER
WAsHINoroN. April 10. 1852.
| GESTLEMsS: have received your invitation t
be present at the festival to be given by your As
sociation to commemorate the anniversary of tn
birthday of Henry Clay, and have delayed answer
| ing il in the hope that might be able to accept
] find, however, that my public engagements her
will prevent my doing SO, and have only to &C
| knowledge your politeness, and to express my re
greet that cannot avail myself oft
! believe that few even now, will differ from me
when say that to no man living is his country a
much indebted as it is to Henry Clay. After
long life Of party controversy, he has had the
| good fortune to survive party sninosties. He hs
received, while living, that justice which is rarel
melted out, except to the dead, and has tn
purity Of his motives and the iofiness of his pa
| triotism acknowledged, even by thosc whosc po
| litical opinions differ most widely from his own
He belongs no longer to party but to his country
| to mankind; and all who admire genius, com
bined with exalted worth, can consistently unit
to do him honor. With how much more grati6ca
ton can such tributes of respect be paid to him b,
those who like ourselves have long shared his opin
ions and participated in bis struggles.
l remain, gentlemen, very respectfully. you
I, obedicnt servant, &. NJ. CONRAD.
WAsHrNoTos, April 10. 1852.
GEsTLEMEN: Igrcatly regret my inability TO b
presents at your coIDmemoration OF the birthday G
| Henry Clay on the 18th instant, agreeably to you
| kind invitation.
His advanced age and prcceriovs health impair
more than the usual interest to this occasion. Fol
nearly the whole Of the frat half of the nineteenth
century one OF the great lights in American coun
ellis, his yet fingers above the horizon ha How
into affection the long cherished admiration of his
friends, to disspate the mists OF prejudice and oh
loqoy which surrounded his IQore active life, t.
| graduate his country on its greatness and pros
perity, in no small degree the resut of his owl
wisdom, and TO cheer and encourage the votaric
| 4 national freedom in all quarters OF the globe
The history and example OF such man, who even
now enjoying what only posterty awards to tb'
ordinary bencfactors Of race, cannot fail 10 b,
REQUIRED to for precedent and nstruc in all thu
vicissitudcs which await in the future Jone
may he yet live to rejoice in the consciousness o
talents md energies successfully devoted to tn,
welfare Of mankind, md in the tributes Of friend
ship which has no motives for nsuery.
With assurances Of heartfelt sympathy in tb,
object OF your association,
am, gentlemen, with sentiments OF respec,
| your friend and obedent servant,
WILL. A. GRAHAM
The festivities were prolonged to late hour
and were Of the most joyous and spirited char