The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1856-09-26
From the Kentucky Statesman.
TO THE AMERICAN PEoPLE-A VOICE FROM ASH
.5.sFts -. LAND.


The following brief dignifed, and teaching appeal
not fail TO in the bosom Of every true American
emotions Of the deepest sympathy for the aged rect OF the
departed patriot of Ashland and feelings Of indignation at
those ruthless defame who for party purposes have not
hesated to invade her domestic privacy and expose to the
rude glare OF public criticism those family relations and
hearhone scenes held sacred TO the humbest among us
II Notifying to the American people that the declining
years Of the widow of him to whom this republic loved TO
recognise debt Of public gratitude should not be permit
ted pass in that calm serenity her eminent virtues would
merit 1t is enough TO bow the head OF every kentuckan
in shame for his native State when he that peace and
quiet which the widow of Henry Clay had hoped TO
the brief of her days disturbed by and cruel
assaults upon the domestic relations OF her immediate fam
lily circle.
She has in silence witnessed unjust attacks upon her
son. until her aged heart longer withhold its trib
ute to his ial love and devotion She has the ties
of affection which once united her family criticised and
msrepresented until her duty to the memory of her de-
parted husband demands her interpretation She comes
forth with pain from that retirement which should
have been invaded and in that calm dignity becoming
her position applies the American people for protec-
ton. Let that people atone for the past il aonement is
possible by visiting upon the heads who have driven her
to this painful position their deep indignation.
For the Kentucky Statesman.
Mn EDITOR: In compliance with the intimation con-
tanned in the suboned note addressed TO by the
rabe relict of the Hon. H. Clay request you give it
an insertion in your earliest issue
Yours, &c,
I. A. MARSHALL,
]. q. HARRISON.
SEPTEMBER 10, 1856.
GENTLEMEN: Having seen from time to time the most
abusive and unjust attacks made upon son, James b.
Clay in the Louisville Journal had hoped that among
the many who rossed to be the friends Of the father
might be found willing and anxious vindcate the
son. knowing as many of them know the injustice
and untruths contained in those attacks. But such
hopes appear to be uess repugnant as it is to to
pear in any way before the public feel that II is duty
that owe the memory Of my husband to say you,
his executors and through you to the public that the
charges made against my James utterly and un-
quaedy alse that he possessed the love- respect and
confidence of his father and TO both his father
and myself most aectonae and dudful son, always
deavorng to alleviate our sorrows and add to our happ
...
His father took his advice in the making of his last WILL
and all times advised and consulted freely and acc.
tonatey with him, having confidence in his love- ntegr
ty, and Judgment
He was not with his father at the time of his DEATH it
being the express desire of his father knowing the cond
ton Of his familyin distant State upon place,
among strangers and his wife in feeble health herself but
lately bereayed Of fatherthat he should not leave them
and go to him.
He cas present his fathers funeral directing the
mournfu preparations and Offering words of consolation
and of comfort TO his widowed mother.
1t my husbands desire and hope that his James
should be the posessor of Ashland and although it had
been my intention reside Ashland during my life
time yet partly owing to the tumblug, ruinous condition
of the house. through Of you Mr. James o. Harrison
| begged my SON to come at once and purchase the
place. Y.
have only TO add, gentlemen that make this state
you pithout the knowledge OF my James and
regret that should have been drawn forth
from the privacy and seclusion in which had hoped to
pass the brief remnant of my life.
Yours, very truly, "a.
LUCRETIA CLAY.
To Judge Thomas A. Marshall and James o. Harrison,
Esq. ~.