Lynchburg daily Virginian. [volume] (Lynchburg [Va.]) 1852-1861, 1856-04-09
Tfom The AIbauy Atairsmanl
Mr.. Claws Amelicanism

II was known IN tho canvass Of 1871, t. many
of Mr.. Cay's personal friends TINT he gave
his full approval TO the principles which now
characterize the American party-but the fact
was not publicly announced The following letter
kindly furnished Us by Senator Brooks, shows
that Mr.. Clay was in heart aul principle with IL.
Indeed this is what might have been cxp,cte /
Of that illustrous patriot. Read Hon. Garrett
Duvs's letter:
SENATE CHAMBER ALBANY, March %, l3jG
To the Editors Of tho Albany Statesman;
enclose for publication in the Statesman the
following letter, received by me-, from the Hon
Garrett Davis, of Kentucky, in regard to the
opinions entertained by MIR. Clay of the prnci
pies of The American party in 1874. | heeive they
were unchanged to tho day of his death. and in
pcfcc harmony with the views frequently ex-
pressed by him in conversation with Ills friends
| was induced to address Mr. Davis upon this
suhpc, h,cause he was the confidential friend of
Mr., Clay. and because knew of the meeting cx
planned in Mr. Davis's letter. Another reason for
Writing was the expressions of doubt the
part OF some of the opponents of Mr.. Clay. that
such views were ever entertained by that dlstin-
guI>hed Patriot and Statesman. Having follow
ed the political fortanc- of Mr.. Clay through my
own political lfeand chrrishing as do that res.
pect for his memory and opinions, which grow
confess TO very NATURAL desire, far as posi-
bic, still to make his principles part ofmy own
political faith. Yours. &c,
EEAsrUs Books.
PARIS, Ky, Ma, oh II, 1856.
DEAR SIR: On my return home from short
visit to II ncighboring county. your favor Of the
iHt Instant was placed in my hands, an in reply
to make this statement. Late in the SKINNER
! or carly in the fail Of 1874. in company with
/ or | ,,itl
! MIR, Clay, at Ashland; the Hon. George Rnbcrt.
son, formerly Chief Justice Of our Court Of APP
I peas was of the party. A. the company were
taking leave after dlnner, MIR. Clay suggested In
Judge Robertson and myself his wish that We
should remain after the other gentlemen should
| have left. We did so-when Mr.. Clay inform
ed Us that he had rcseveda communication from
some Native American Organization Of Pennsyl.
wanna declaring in favor of the principles of that
movement, and requesting If hi, opinions were in
| accordance with those communicated tn him. to
give expression Ia them. and authorize their
publication. MIR. Clay distinctly and without re.
serve. stated his adhe sion to the Native American
principle; and then added he wished to consult
with rs rs to the propriey of his authorizing the
public avowal of this opinion. As the Native A
mcrcan Principle had not been adopted by the
! Wing party as part Of its creed, and as the in
tervenng period to the election was short both
Judge robertson and myself expressed the opin-
ION to Mr.. Clay. that he had better not author
'ze his support IT the Native Amer lean Principle
t" be made public. We suggested that It would
ne an important aud unexpected move by him,
That would necessarily disturb for the time the
public mind and that there would not be sniff
Gent time before thu election for this principle
To have ITS proper legitimate effect in reference
% himself with the American people Mr.. Clay
! expressed his concurrence in these views
Mr.. Clay did not read or hand to Judge Rob
ertSon or myself, the communication which he
nHd received, nor did he enter inioa particular
detail of its contents
With high regard, yours, &c.
GARRETT JAWS