The Oxford intelligencer. (Oxford, Miss.) 1860-18??, 1860-07-25


Our present purpose, however, is not to
discuss the grounds Of the preference of The
honest old Wings in the South for Breckin
ridge over the other candidates for the Pres.
idency 1t was only to relate the circum,
stances Of Mr.. Clay's relation with John C.
Breckenridge that we commend this article
The greatest victories ever achieved in POI
litical canyasses and Congressional contests in
this country were those which Maj. Breckin-
ridge won, some eight or ten years ago, over
two of the most experienced and popular
Wing chiefs in the Union. These were the
contests of the representation in congress Of
the Lexington Districts in which Mr. Clay
had all his life resided and where the Wing
party had an overwhelming majority. Maj.
Breckenridge was then about the age of Bo-
naparte when he made the campaign Of Italy.
His opponents were veterans of political
strategy and eninently endowed with the
general qualities, as men and speakers, which
command so great an influence over Kentuck-
ians. Yet they were both utterly routed by
their gallant adversary, who met them at ev-
cry point, fought them with every Legitimate
weapon, and not only defeated the Wing par
ty, as it never before had been beaten, but
managed thereby to secure their profound re-
spect and admiration. OF the last of these
contests, the general tribune and leader of
the party, then confined to his residence in
the centre of the district, By old age and de-
biiity, was not an uninterested Observer
With his characteristic regard for lofty bear
ing and true gallantry, he could not refrain
from the most open aud emphatic express
ions of his respect for the heroic young Dem
ocratic chief If he did noyote for him it is
undeniable that those nearest him in blood
and closest to him in social and friendly re-
lations gave their vote and warm support for
Maj. Breckenridge. In grateful appreciation
Of this sympathy, as well as from an impulse
of veneration AID respect, the first duty which
Maj. BrcclSinrilge imposed upon himself on
his return 70 Lexington bearing the laurcls of
victory was to hasten to Ashland, and there
to confess his esteem and gratitude to one
whom had hbeentaught from infancy to re-
gard asthc patriarch and patriot ofhis State and
District, for the kindly and magnanimous
feelings he had evinced towards one Of oppo-
site political views. This speech, which has
been described to us as one of singular
felicity and good taste, in which, without
sewity or man worship, the presumption Of
So young a man placing himself in opposition
to the party of which Mr.. Clay had been the
founder aud the great hero, was so modcsty
and justified upon grounds
which were consistent with the most exalted
esteem for the great orator, produced pro-
found impression upon all who heard it, and
elected from the venerable Clay the response
which is even now SO often repeated by the
friends Of both in Lexington aud throughout
the State. Thus spoke the gallant Harry of
the West, to his successor in personal indu-
cnce, in oratorical talent, .and in all the quail
tiles of a political leader aud popular repre-
sentative, on the occasion of the great victo-
ry aohia~1d by tho lattor' ''Af,j Drvohi.r;iSe,
| congratulate you. You are worthy to rep
resent the people of this district, whose es-
teen aod favor has been the chief object ofmy
mbiIion, aud most prccious rewards of my
long am. abourous life" and thea dropping
his voice to the mildcr tone of affection, he
added: my dear John, be true to your
name. Never forget that you are a Kcntuck
i'm and Brcekinridge, aud the highest hon
ors OF the hcpubhc, OF what is more valuable,
the consciousness Of having served your coun-
try, will be your glorious reward"
Such were the sentiments and the relations
Of Henry Clay to John c. Breckenridge.