The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1852-07-15
LETTER FROM CAssIUS M. CLAY.
WHITE Hall 2. O.

MADISON Co, Ky, July 5, 1852.
My DEAR SIR My name has been by some
friends suggested as a candidate for President,
and by more for Vice President of the United
States, on the Free Democratic ticket. Allow
me to say that have, in all my conversations
and letters, discouraged any such procedure.
now decline altogether having my name used
i'm the Pittsburgh Convention. In doing so, do
not fail to appreciate the very distinguished
honor which were | successful in such nom-
nation, would be conferred upon meas much
more honorable than Wing and Democratic
nomination would be, as Freedom is more glo-
rious than Slavery. Neither am influenced
by the prospect Of temporary defeat for it is
in my view far more honorable to deserve sue
.,..9s .san to win it! But |, though an old
soldier in the cause OF Ar,a.;can Republican
ism, am new conner in the Free Demo- 80;
organization; and deem it but just that the
compliment of standard-bearer should be con-
ferred upon those whose advanced age will not
allow them to reap any of the fruits Of their
labors in the achievement of victory and power.
think the chances are in favor of my living
to see both have yet faith that the declara-
tons of rs are not only true, but destined to
accomplishments that not in vain were the as
pratiOns of those great-hearted patriots, who
died that we might be free; that these events
which have illustrated the last half century are
not to be dimmed by confirmed despotism that
it can hardly be that the mission of America is
to hunt down n fugitive slave! Over the skies
of my vision no such clouds of despair lower!
Ny spirit is not marred in all its possible hap
piness by any such event! THIS, not only the
eternal course of Destiny declares, but the late
Conventions at Baltimore attest Liberty,
after ALL is not so low in the reverence of its
blasphemers, when upon the shrine of her pro-
pitiation is poured out the blood of a Cass Il
Buchanan, Fillmore, and Webster No;
our cause is one upon which the ideal builds
the heaven of its happiness, and the practical
rests its great development-the cause of HUI
mainly and of God The Free Democracy
must at last and soon control the destinies of
this Republic. Sacred be the memory of our
fathers! Their principles shall be indicated
their avowals made good; the devil of our great
woe shall be cast out; Slavery shall perish !!
True Republicansm shall be established
| America shall be free! Our alliance with for
eign despotisms shall be dissolved the great
pressure of our apostaey shall be lifted off from
the crushed hearts of the Democracy every.
where we shall be not only the hope but the
help of the nations till their destiny be accom-.
plished! A soldier, then, in the ranks, the
nominees of the Pittsburg Convention shall re-
ceive my unreservcd support. ! shall not dis
honor myself by associating with parties who
despise me- or vindcate political creeds which
in the same breath | denounce! Cant or
can be elected" never was and never shall be
in my political vocabulary! ask myself,
"Am / right?D And ever, amid the thunders
of the battle my war cry shall be, "Don't give
up the ship"
] have the honor to be your friend and ODE
dent servant, c. NJ. CLAY.
q. Bailey Esp