Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1858-11-02
"reminiscences of Henry Clay.


Mr.. Olay Having been born in his neighbor-
hood, and being the son Of personal friend,
though of political opponent, do not remem.
ber when first formed his acquaintance. In
the Fall of 1886, | travelled with him from
Kentucky to Philadelphia. He was on his way
to Washington. I was going to Princeton to
prosecute my theological studies. He recogniz-
ed me at once, and treated me with great atten-
ton. During our journey, though at that time
be made no pretensions to personal religion, l
remember well the emphatic manner in which
be spoke of the truth and Importance of Chris
tianity, and expressed hope that he would
some day be Christian himself. He spoke to
me words of encouragement, and expressed q
high appreciation of a learned and pious minis
try. can never forget the kindness and atten-
tion which he showed me, an unknown young
man, on the way, and after our arrival in Phila-
delphia, where be remained few days. He in
troduced me to d number of the most distin
guished men in the nation, and such were his
kind attentions that was taken by many to be
member of his family.
After my settlement in the ministry, whenev-
er we met, which was frequently, he always
treated me as friend and often referred to our
journeying together. In the Winter-of 1878,
saw him in New Orleans, and travelled with
him to Mobile. He spoke freely on the subject
of religion, and also gave his views of some Of
the churches, that were very striking From
the conversation, which he introduced himself,
| was satisfied that he was thinking seriously of
making profession of religion, which he did
soon after. My impression was, that while he
was perfectly sincere and earnest, yet that he
bad at that time an inadequate conception of
the spirituality of religion.
Not great while after he united with the
Episcopal Church. called to see him at Ash
land, in company with two distinguished minis
ters from a distance, and from his conversation
then the impression was deepened upon my
mind, and made also on theirs. In the course
of few years, returned to the neighborhood
of Ashland to reside. No one gave me hear
tier welcome than Mr.. Clay. do not remem-
Der ever to have passed him without a cordial
salutaton, and generally somewhat protraoted
conversation. Upon meeting him on one occa-
sion, he said to me, "Sir, wish to come and
spend day with you in the country. There
are some things about which l wish to converse
with you"
Shortly after, he came early in the morning
and spent the entire day. 1t was not long be-
fore he left his home for the last time for Wash
ington. can never forget that day. Mr.. Clay
was very feeble, and, evidently believed that
his busy life was rapidly drawing to close
had seen him in the vigor of bis manhood, and
he certainly was the most imposing and com
manding man ever saw. Now, he was gentle
and tender as woman; his mind was clear and
strong; his views and feelings about religion
had evidently undergone great change. They
were evangelical and catholic, and his feelings
were those of large-hearted and humble Chris.
tian. He spoke freely upon the whole subject.
He expressed great doubt about his living to-
take his seat in the Senate, but hoped that God
would spare his life until he could once more
speak to his countrymen. was exceedingly
struck with the purity and depth of his love
of country and the Union. He seemed to have
merged his character as the greatest of party
leaders into that of second father of his country.
Just before he left, the young ladies of my
family, (about sixty of them) to whom he had
been introduced in the morning, at his own re-
quest came to receive his farewell. He arose,
and with great feeling addressed them for about
twenty minutes. 1t was one of the most sensi
BILE, appropriate and pious addresses ever heard.
He alluded to his age and inirmities, and its
being, in all probability, the last time he would
ever meet them on earth, and be wished to
leave with them his testimony of the value and
Importance of the Christian religion. He ex-
pressed bis deep interest in the education of the
rising generation of females, of education with
religion to fit them for the positions they would
be called upon to take in the world. He also
alluded to his past life, and in the most feeling
and impressive manner recommended to them
the daily study of the Bible as we'll as attention
to the text books of the school.
He said: 81 am an old man. have been q
very wicked man. have seen great deal of
the world and can tell you nothing is so i'm.
portant to you as to be true follower of Christ.
1t was to me beautiful and sublime spectacle
to see the first citizen of the Republic, upon
whose accents our Senate had often hung entran-
ced, and whose name and fame were worldwide,
standing in the midst of that lovely, youthful
band, connselling and blessing them in patri-
archal style.
Although had heard Mr.. Clay in some of bis
greatest efforts at the bar and before the people,
on no occasion did ever feel that he was more
truly great than when commencing the religion
of cruci6ed Savior to those young and admir-
ing hearts. Another thing that deeply impress
ed me with the conviction that he was true
Christian was the subdued and kindly feeling
that he manifested to every human being.
In the course of long Summers day things
both past and present were freely touched upon,
and in no instance did discover even the shad.
ow of bitterness or unkindness toward those
who had opposed him in his most cherished
plans. He seemed to have risen above all that
rancor of party feeling, which is almost inevita-
bic with the purest and greatest statesmen while
engaged in the daily conflicts Of party contests
When be left he promised to return and spend
another quiet day before he went to Washing.
ton, expressing the great pleasure the visit had
afforded him. Circumstances prevented my Wis
iting him in his own home, and at the time ap.
Iponted for his second VISIT instead of the pleas
ure OF seeing him | received kind and effec
tionate letter assigning sickness as the cause ol
his failure, which preserve as a grateful me.
mento OF his personal friendship. His great ef
forts in the Senate the ensuing Winter for the
preservation of the Union, and his calm and
peaceful death in the Spring, are part of the
public history of the country.
Hoping that these pleasant "reminiscences may
do some good to my countrymen, and also be-
lieving that they will present Mr.. Olay's charac
ter in new and interesting aspect to many who
only knew him as great orator and statesman
send them to you for publication Presbyte
rian Herald.
/ don't care what man professes-"how doe
he liUe ?" There is volume in the question
Profession is nothing. Men should be measured
by their actions Deeds are more eloquent thar
words. 81 feel five dollars for the man; how
much do you feel ?" was the practically express
ed sympathy of the kind-hearted Frenchman
when neighbor was in trouble. That's tht
test. How mach do we feel when we talk g.
Talking is easy. Words cost nothing, and fur
nish the warp and woof of some most gloriou.
friendships Such friendships are like some
mems libraries, beautiful in gilt and to be ad