Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1858-10-20
THE GAZETTE.
WEDNESDAY MORNING, OcropER 90, 1858

"REMINISCENCES OF HENRY CLAY.
/, has been suggested to mo by number
friends, that it might do good to give publicity
70 some facts that came under my personal
observation, touching the religious character
of MIR. Clay. Having been born in bis neigh
borbood, and being the son Of a personal
friend, though of a political opponent, / do
not remember when | frat formed bis ac-
auaintsnce. In the I, al Of 1885, | travelled
with him from Kentucky to PHILADELPHIA
lie was on bis way to Washington. | was
going to Princeton to prosecute my theological
studies He rec, guized me at once, and
treated me with great attention. during cur
Journey, though at that time be made no pre-
tensions to personal religion, | remember
we'll the emphatic manner In which be spoke
of the truth and importance OF Christian.
ity, aud expressed hope that he Wou!a
some day be Christian himself. he
spoke to me words Of encouragement,
and expressed high appreciation OF
learned and pious ministry. l can never
forget the kindness and attention which
he showed me, an uuknown young man, on
the way, aud after our arriva! 10 Philadei.
phia, where no remained few days. lie
introduced me to a number of the most dis
tinsushed men 10 the ration, and such wece
his kidd attention that was taken by many
to Le a member Of his family.
After my settlement 10 the ministry, when
ever we met, which was frequently, be al
WAYS treated me as friend and often refer
red to our iourueyirg together. La the
& 1Sl--S 1 him Naw Dr.
leans, and travelled with bin to Mobile. lie
spoke freely ON the su ject OF religion, aid
also gave bis views OF some OF the churches,
that were very striking. From the CONVERSE
ton, which he introduced himself, | was sat
listed that he was thinking seriously of max.
ing profession of religion, which be did
soon after. My impression was, that while
he was perfectly sincere and earnest, yet that
he bad at that time on iosdrqua:c conception
Of the spirituality of religion.
Not great while after he united with The
Episcopal Church. called to sec hin at
Ashland, in company With two distinguished
ministers from distance, and from his con-
yersation then the impression was deepened
upon nv mind, and made also or theirs. la
the course of few years, returned 10 the
neisbborhood of Ashland TO reside. No one
gave me q heartier welcome than Mr.. Clay.
| do not remember ever to have passed him
without a cordial Salutalion, ard generally
a somewhat protracted conversation. Upon
meeting him on one occasion, be said to me,
"Sir wish to come and spend Il day with
you in the country. There are some things
about sbich wish to converse with you"
Shortly after, be came early in the morr-
ing and spent the entire day. 1t was not
long before he lett his h0me tor the last time
for Washington. | can never forget that
day. Mr.. Clay was very feeble, and, evident
ly believed that his busy life was rapidly
drawing to close. | had seen him in the
vigor of his manhood, AID he certainly was
the most iml osing and commanding man |
ever saw. Now, be was gentle aud tender
as a woman; his mind was clear and strong;
his views and feelings about religion had eT.
identity undergone q great change. They
were evangelical and catholic, and his ieel-
ipgs were those OF a lerge-bearted and hum
Bile Christian. He spoke freely upon the
whole subject. Heexpressed great doub, about
his living to take bis seat IL the Senate, but
hope1 that God would spare bis lie until be
could once more speak to his countrymen. l
was exceedingly struck with the purity and
depth of bis 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 bis country.
Just before he left, the young ladies of my
family, (about sixty of them) TO whom be
bad been introduced in the morning. at his
own request came to receive his farewell
He arose, and with great feeling addressed
them for about twenty minutes. 1t was one
OF the most sensible, appropriate and p!ous
addresses / ever heard. He alluded TO lis
age and iDfrni.ies, and its being, in oil prob
ability, the last time he would ever meet
them On earth, and he wished TO leave with
them bis testimony of the value aud import.
ance Of the Christian religion. lie expressed
bis deep interest in the education OF the ris
iDg 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 lie, and in the
most feeling and impressive msouer recon-
needed to them the daily study OF the Bible
q we'll as attention to the text books Of tle
school.
He said: 81 am an old man. have been
q very wicked man. l have seen great
deal of the world and can tell you hothirg
is so important to you as 10 te the true fol-
lowers Of Christ" 1t was to RE beautiful
and sublime spectacle 20 SEQ the first citizen
Of the Republic, upon whose accents oag Sen
ate had often hung entrsnced, and whose
name al d lame were Worldwide, standing in
the midst OF that lovely, youthful band, coun-
selling and blessing them in ratrarchal style.
Although had beard Mr.. Clay 10 some
of his greatest efforts at the bar and before