Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1852-02-19


noble exceeded in grace, emphasis, or appropriate
feeling.
Mr. Clay received The Address Standing with the
deepest attention. and then proceeded to observe
that. although II had been his habit in addressing
public bodies. larger or smaller 10 speak extern
poraneousy. he had been induced on this occasion,
as well out Of profound respect to the Committee,
as in regard ID his feeble State of health TO depart
from his ordinary practice and reduce his replyl;o
writing He then read, in firm though someRhat
feeble voice. the following reply.
GgSrLeMgN:-This is among the mostinterest
ing and gratifying days ofmy life, allE96gh Ihaye
!, been eoninedtg these rooms for long time byIa
tedious and doubtful illness. Yoa have come here
the representatives large and enlightened body 81
ardent and devpied friends OF mthe in the ely III
New York. To- present TO me a beautiful and costly
gold MEDAL intended 10 commemorate my public life.
On one face OF Hit is engraved all the great public
measures adopted in the National Councils in
which was SUPPOSED 10 have had any conspicuous
agency, and on the Other remarkable accurate
likeness Of ME- The lime and The place of presen-
talon, and the friends who have contributet this
splendid testimonial give 10 it inestimabe value
The time is whey am about to retire forever from
( public life, anaIwhen cannot expect much longer
TO linger here below the place is the city Of Wash
ingdn, the principal theatre OF those public services
. which have commended themselves 10 your APP
nrahaiiop- ThEaugboutmy public lie have been
the strongest sentiments OF gratitude but nowhere
have they surpassed those 10 the city OF New YORK
~ zsai constantly and fidelity, and in Distinguished
and various demonstrations Of their affection INA
atachment. Whilst one is in the ardent pursuit
Iof public life, and i. held up for its highest bonor
II IS not practicable ALWAYS to discriminate amon
his supporters, between those who bestow their suf
irages from pure, patriotic, and disinterested mo-
tives and those who are actuaieiebY selfish ends.
bur on this occasion no such difficulty exists Yoh
have come, al tnnch personal Inconvenience to he
bed OF sick ana afflicted friend TO present 10 him
IN your names and in the name of numerous bodv
Of his personal and political friends whom yo,
represent mpsI precious token Of yoar esteem
and aftecionaie regard. That friend has nor now
and never viii have any public patronage 10 ais.
.pcnse. The high and hdnorabe and disinierested
character OF YOUR moif@s cannot, therefore, be
questioned
Gentlemen, Irequest ypu to acccpt Yourselves
and 10 communicate % NY absent friends whom
you represent, my cordial and heartfelt hanks ana
my grateful ann profound acknowledgements for
ans rich trlhuae 10 the sentiments whchthey dome
the honor TO entertain towards me | shouId bavo
been most happy to have expressed nv great obli-
cations 70 all Of them personally il il had been in
NV power. li
shall soon pass from tile jurisdiction az nv con-
temPorarles and OF the present generation TO that Of
history and poSteFity, if the one shall deem me
worthy of any record on its pages or tradition shall
transmit any recollection Of me 10 the ether. NJ
II not within my legitimate province 10 exnress
any opinion on my own public career Or public
eeeas: lhat once belongs TO them. and shall,
consider my future fame fortunate il il shallbe re-
garded BY them with small portion of the favor
win which the pariiality oi yourselves and yonr
associates now Contemplate it,
shall soon APPEAR before higher ana more holy
Gloun y ihan any earthly one, which can uner-
rlnglY Judge Of the motives as well as Inc acis Il
man Tic thai tribunal look forward with com
posure and confidence, that shsIl be acouts,ed ot
having ever been prompted ndhe discharge OF my /
pubic duties by any mean or sordd or selfish ends
q ueen animated oy any other purpose than 10 pro-
naote the>honoF the prosperity, and glory of our
common ceuntTy!I IN
Medals are generally struck by the authority and
paid Tor out Of he public Treasury of Government.
aad most frequently are intended to reward and
si?nallze The irlunlphs achieved in war But that |
which you now ~ kindlytender 10 na acceptance
y Inc spontaneous Offering ofpryate citizens, from
thelr private purses for public services exclusively
IN the civil department, shall fondly and CRATE
iuiiy cherish and preserve il whilst life endures
md transmit il ID my descendants under the hone
that they will receive and carefully guard ii win
emotions OF lively gratitude TO my View York H
friends, as The pEeudest ahd richest legacy that
coIld leave them.
During the deiiyery Of This beautiful and anpro-
propriate reply tie most perfect Silence pervaded
he chamber; every eye was fixed en- the tall and
form 50 long known to The public,
,ut respect and admiration were mingled with +
ender regret on witnessing the evident struggle be-
ween the unimpairei vigor Of The mipd and the
eebleness or its nav eulaciated and shaken ,cne-
nent. Yet the eYe still gifttered wiki unsubdued
ustre, and at times the tones Of his voice rose into
in emphasis which reminded one OF ancient DAYS
The manuscripts having been laid aside, Mr..
clay proceeded To a more minute examination ef
be Medal, a; which be had, previous 10 repiYing.
,ursorily glanced. Ii is or pure California cola
massive and weighty, and Is enclosed 10 : silver
ass, which openswith d hinge in the manner of
luLsias Maien; "a the lace Of the medal is fine
80 ~ ~: Siay most teileitous in the likeness
~ sohseIlng ne characteristic impression Of his
"a degree Than any Of the busts or
asuaI seen Ihe Ielei is very high,
i 10 give il It's freshness sharpness an,
milne The reEerse exhibits ihe foo.r;s' g
ionls 70 ilsellp-