Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1852-07-07
MIR. Clay,s Dsatir.
A Washington letter Of 10Th June, IN the Phil

|
eternity was so calm and gentle that for some min
utes it was doubtful whether he had ceased to ex
, list. 1t seemed as if he had fallen into an cas-
slumber and while in this condition his spirit hal
separated from its mortal tenement. He was full,
conscious of his approaching dissolution, and pre-
pared for it with the decent dignity which became
his illustrious character. An hour before the fna
summons he desired to be shaved. Within ffteeI
minutes of his decease, he beckoned his son Thorn
as to his side, and said to him, 'NIy son, am 90
ing sit near me-" These were the last words HI
uttered Parental affection predominated in the fl
nal thought and expression of him whose career
had been illustrated by public service and pub
lie renown which have never been surpassed
At the time of Mr. Clay's decease, there were
no persons present but his son, Thomas Clay, Elk
Governor Jones, Of Tennessee, and one of the at
tendants of the hotel. Other friends, who have
been assiduous in their attentions, and who would
have been present to receive his last sigh had they
supposed the event was 50 near, were temporari
ly absent, under the impression that he might sur
vive for another day.
1t is gratifying to know that all causes of mis-
understanding and misapprehenson between Mr.
Clay and Mr.. Crittenden, arising from their polit-
ical relations, were happily and satisfactorily adj
justed more than two weeks ago. Mr.. Clay took
occasion to make an announcement to this effect
to his friends, and to explain to them that Mr..
Crittenden had suffered injustice at their hands.
For two days past Mr. Clay had spoken but lit
tie. From the prostration induced by his illness,
and the anodynes it was found necessary to admin
lister, his mind occasionally wandered but when
ever it was ixedaon any object, its workings were
clear and forcible., In his extremely debitated
condition it required an effort to overcome the
physical exhaustion of which few besides himself
wonld have been capable.
Mr.. Clay's temporal affairs were wisely arrang-
ed long ago. 50 that in his closing hours he had no
cares lying near his heart but those which belong
ed to the future. He was regularly attended by
the Rev DR. Butler, from whom ne received every
religious consolation and after living long life OF
eminent and devoted patriotism, he died the death
of sincere and noble Christian.
The Washington Republic of Wednesday,
says
Information of Mr.. Clay's decease was commu-
nicated to the President at about the hour of open
ing the Tuesday morning reception. The doors
of the Executive mansion were immediately clos
ed, and notice was given that no visitors would be
received during the day. A communication was
then addressed by the President to each of the
heads of the Departments, announcing IN approprl-
ate terms the painful bereavement, and suggesting
that the public offices should be closed for the
mainder Of the day.
On Wednesday, Mr.. Underwood announced in
the Senate the death of his iustrious colleague.
He read an eloquent, interesting and feeling sketch
of the life, services, last illness and death of MIR.
Clay He said that on Sabbath morning last, Mr.
Clay said to him, there may some question a
rise where my remains shall be put. Some per-
sons may designate Frankfort; but wish to repose
in the Cemetery in Lexington, where many OF my
friends and connections are buried. On his motion
the usual resolutions of respect were adopted and
further it was resolved that the remains should be
removed to Kentucky, in charge of the Sergeant
alarms, and attended by Committee of six Sen
ators.
Messfs. Cass, Hunter, Hale, Clemens, Cooper,
Seward, Jones of Iowa, and Brooke followed in ell
oqdent tributes to the memory and virtues of the
great and distinguished dead.
In the House, addresses were made by Messrs.
Breckenridge and Ewing, of KY Mi. Chandler. of
Pa, Messrs. Bayly and Caskie, Of Va, and MIR.
Venable, of n. G..
The funeral ceremonies took place at Washing
ton on Thursday The remains were carried from
the National Hotel to the Capitol attended by the
President and Cabinet, both Houses of Congress,
all the officers of Government and large concourse
of citizens. The Rev. Mr.. Butler, Chaplain Of
the Senate, read the 18th Chapter of the First E.
pistle to the Corinthians, and preached sermon
from the text, elbow is the strong staff broken and
the beautiful rod"-Jeremiah 4Sth, 18th verse.
After the service was concluded, the plate COW
erng the glass over the face of the corpse was re-
moved, and all present drew near in Succession
and took last view of the illustrious dead. The
body was then removed to the Railroad station and
placed in special car, to be conveyed to Kentucky,
and amid general gloom the train Departed.
&C. The point in Gen. SCOTS letter of accept
ance, the Richmond JYhig, says, by which the
Democracy are more particularly annoyed, is that
relating to the Naturalization Laws. The Locos
had prepared themselves to make world of CAPT
tai out of an old letter, written some years ago, in
moment of excitement. But all the wind is ia
ken out of their sails. The cid Hero, who knows
the worth of the brave men who seek our shores
for liberty and happiness proposes that one years
service in the army or navy, in time of war, shall
entite them to citizenship. This suggestion is in
accordance with the spirit Of letter, written by
Gen. Scott soon after his return ffom Mcxico-in
which he pays just tribute to the brave men of
foreign BIRTH who bore the American banner to vic
tory. We sutjoiu the letter:
WASHINGTON, May 20, le4s.
DEAR Sin: In reply to your kind letter of the
Sth inst, take pleasure in saying that. grateful
| II L., al on m
services. YOU do me no more than justice in assum
ING that entertain ''kind and liberal views to-
ward our naturalized citizens" Certainly, il
would be impossible for me to recommend or sup
mort any measure intended to exclude them from a
lust and full participation in all civil and political
rights now secured to them by our republican laws
and Institutions.
1t is true that in season Of UNUSUAL excitement.
some years ago, when both parties complained OF
fraudulent practices in the naturalization OF for
eigners, and when there seemed to be danger that
native and adopted citizens would be permanently
arrayed against each other in hostile facoiisl was
inclined to concur in the opinion, then avowed by
many leading statesmen, that some modification OF
the naturalization laws be necessary in order to
prevent abuses, aliay strife, and restore harmony
between the different classes of our people. But
later experience and reflection have entirely re-
moved this impression, and disspated my appre-
tensions. ,l-&
In nv recent campaign in, Mexico, very large
proportion of the men under my command were
your countrymen, (Irish,) Germans, &c. Il wit
messed with admiration their zeal, fidelity and val
or in maintaining our flag in the face OF every dan
ygE Z. wn ssh snsI ad er 1as o9
and heroic daring 1 was happy to call them broth
ers in the field as shall always be to salute them
as countrymen at home.
remain. dear sir, with great esteem,