Nashville daily patriot. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1855-1857, 1856-04-08
ur. CIay's AmrricsnIsm.

Il was known in the canvass Of 1874, TO many
OF Mr. Clay's personal friends, that he gave his
full approval to the patriotic principles which now
characterize the American psrty-but the fact
not publicly announced, though, we believe, gen
temen in the city of Philadelphia, Who at that
time, a prominent participation in the Native
American movement, had private letter from the
Sage of Ashland, in which his approval clearly
and distinctly expressed. 1t was, however, never
published, and it is perhaps doubtful whether it
will ever be. But the following letters, just pub
lished by the Albany Statesman, leave no doubt as
o what Mr.. Clsy's views and feelings were:
SENATE CHAMBER,
Albany, March % 1856. (
To the Editor Of the Albany Statesman:
enclose for publication in the Statesman the
folowiug letter, received by me, from. the Hon.
Garret Davis Of Kentucky, in regard to the opin-
ions entertained by Mr.. Clay Of the principles Of
the American Party in 1874. l believe they we're
unchanged to the day Of his death, and they were
in perfect harmony with the views frequently eK-
pressed by him in conversation with his friends
/ was induced TO address Mr.. Davis upon this sub
ject because he was the confidential friend of Mr..
Clay, and because knew Of the meeting explained
10 Mr.. Davis's letter 10 myself.
Another reason for writing was the expression Of
doubt on the part Of some of the opponents Of
Mr.. Clay that such views entertained by
that distinguished Patriot and Statesman. Having
followed the political fortunes of Mr. ClEy through
my own political life, and cherishing as l do that
respect for his memory and opinions, which grow
upon me day by day, now that he is no more, /
confess TO a very natural desire, far possible,
still to make his principles part Of my politi.
cal faith. Yours, &c, ERAsTUs Brooks.
PARIS, KY, March 9th, 1855.
Dear Su:-0n my return home from a short
visit to neighbOring county, your favor Of the LIST
inst was p ased in my hands, aud in reply to it !
make this statement: Late in the SUMNER or early
in the fall Of 1874, in company with some dozen
fifteen gentlemen dined with Mr.. Clay at Ash
land The Hon. George Robertson, formerly Chief
Justice of ous Court of Appeals, was OF the party.
As the company taking leave after dinner.
Mr.. Clay suggested to Judge Robertson and myself
his wish that we should remain after the other gen,
tleman should have left We did so--when Mr.
Clay informed US that he hdd received comm,s1dcO
tiOn from some Native Amcrican Organi-
cation Of Pennsylvania, declaring IA faUo'
of the principles of that Increment, ana
requesting, II has opinions tOere an accordance
sCifh those communicated 10 him 10 giUe oppression q
them, aud authorize their pubiicdtion.-Sr Clay
distinctly, and without reserve, stated his adbe'
sion TO the Native American principle; and then
added he wished to consult with us as to the pro
priety of bis authorizing his public avowal of this
opinion. As the Native American Principle had
not been adopted by the Wing party as part OF its
creed, and as the intervening period to the election
was short, both Judge Robertson and mvsel! expires
sed the opinion Mr.. Clay, that he bad better not
authorize his support Of the Native American Prn
ciple 20 be made public. We suggested that il
would be al important aud unexpected move by
him. that would necessarily disturb for the time the
public mind and that there would not be sufficient
time before the election for this principle TO have
it's proper and legitimate effect in reference to him
self with the American people Mr.. Clay express
ed his concurrence in these views
Mr. CLAW did not read, or hand to Judge Robert
son. or myself the communication which he had re
coived; nor did he enter into particular detail oil
its contents
With high regard, yours &c,
GARRETT DAVIS.
Hon ERAsrUs Brooks, Albany, n. Y.