New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1856-09-16
LETTER FROM SENA TOR CLAYTON
To no Editors Of The National infsafSsnes'

To no Editors Of The National infe0igsner.
GEKrLEMES: Iheve felt much reluctance In sd60
of the day desired not to be suspected of psrsd4
nv own opinions with tho expectation Of inHueney
those of Others. But these opinions have been M
the subject Of conjecture and doubt in portion OF
public press, and simple justice TO myself rcquis
that the course have determined to pursue In egd
to Presidential candidates should be- plainly undsp
stood BY publishing these few lines you will NJ
only DO me this justice, but relieve me from bu,ds
some correspondence with PERSONAL friends who hsw
inquired, and who have right to know, my detefnt
nation.
am too much out Of. health to become the saiw
partisan Of any candidate for the Presidency, eva
were anxious to be such. But the truth Is, hsw
long since resolved to be the partisan Of no MAJ 70
follow the conscientious convictions Of my own tsdg
ment alone, and, no matter which of the candidSs
may be successful to support him in the Senste az
that think right, and to oppose him there in al ~
/ think wrong, untrammeed by party ties. Ny oeso
will DO to be true to the country and ts interest,"
knowing no other pole-star a. the guide Of my W.
duct.
While the Wing party was In existence a. q naiioa!!
organization after the straighes sect of that pafyb
lived Whig But the parties have now taken such
direction, and the divisions and distractions In or
country have become alarming that no longer fed
mysef at liberty to follow the dictates Of sect fss
tons. will at moments notice help any set OF me-
that stand by the country and oppose any that refas
to do so. During the small remainder Of the dap
which have to devote to the public service will live
hoping nothing personally from the smiles, and feasis
nothing from the frowns, of parties or party mea
because believe can thus best serve tho interess
which led to tho destruction of the great nsoA
party to which adhered with unfaltering fidelity whe
it existed. watched over its cradle, and | hase
followed its heaIse. 1t did not fall by my hand adj
have deeply incurred at its funeral.
Let mo add that have been so long IN the pao1
councils that see necessity Of pnniny my faith -
Lodging my future course upon the policy pe
dopted by any Of the distinguished gentlemen "
re Presidential candidates, for each OF whom rTI
feel and desire to express all proper respect. shsa
candidate for public hOnors or favors that say
them can besow. II the position have TINS sssulH
be deemed by any one liable to objections - nosas
unprecedented, have now only to add in defense e
that the condition Of the country il at this time Of
same character, and, as humbly think, requires 80
my hands. To the kind friends who have uphsm
through long course Of service in the COUNCILS q n
nation, il will hardly be necessary for mo to say Ins;
can never prove an apOsatc 10 our anGlenk Pn~..t-
and professions, and that shall still entertain TOT
the same sentiments of personal regard asd grrs.sI
which have never failed to actuoto me. aud VIE
trust have always manifested teTard theh VIZ .
had an opportunity Of doing 50 ince ,bs
great difference in our relEhse Posiuons "a
period While they at p6sect liberty 70 nAs s<ss
course in the Presidential struggle a. to tnea a.
judgment may seem proper, they will, with AZ u ce
Gent charity for me- tadiy appreciate the IA so1
nay, the loathng with which. at my time o. ~" ssouN
in the present aspect Of cur national ensirs, svns
reappear in the Ser.aie next Winter, reekins .,rV
political struggle violent that by when ow - msv
Ii convu.sed. No one of the candidates. ,scy hss
be selected by my country mea for the
right to ask OF me moro than an honest {rrmeah
his Adm nistra,on in all that is right in my lSd By
and no one of them shall receive less. Cover ery
the ~ me principle, will oppose any Of then s.osd
act OF his that think wrong, and he ousn'
NJ. other course at my hands. ...ars
am Gentlemen with sentiments Of greet "a YfON
! D<taWars, Sept ", 1875,