Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1860-05-08
Letter from Henry Clay.
L6tter IrUH HeHiy way
From tile albany Statesman.

The following letter was written by Hen
ry Clay Immediately after the adjournment
of the Philadelphia Convention, in l848.-
1t is now first published from the orig
inal in our possession. On the eve OF an
other Presidential struggle it will be read
with interest:
"AsHLAND, JUNE Is, l849.
My Dear Sir: Before the receipt of your
obi ing letter of the 29t'i ult, was prepar-
ed to expect the event which has since hap
ced to strengthen my anticipations of it,
The intelligence of the nomination of Gen.
Taylor, reached me the same day it was
made
lost the nomination from three causes:
First the course of the Kentucky delsga-
ton; second, my very great disappointment
in not obtaining, as | had every reason to
suppose | should, the support of the Ohio
delegation; and, third, the persevering adher-
ence of the Mas sachusetts delegation to Mr..
Webster. How such delegates came to be
appointed from Kentucky, you doubtless
have heard from some of our Kentucky
friends ut Philadelphia. Never was | more
surprised at any occurrence of the kind
than was by the unexpected course Of
the Ohio delegation.
| had received the strongest assurances
from the most eminent men in the State,
in various forms, that the support of that
State would be given to me, and that it
would not go for Gen. Taylor, if nomi-
mated. | was entreated by the Governor,
and by several delegates to the Conyen-
ton, and by various other eminent persons
Of Ohio, not to decline the use of my name,
before | addressed my note to the public
was informed that some eight or ten Of the
delegates were chosen expressly to sustain my
nomination. and that all who were appoint
cd to sustain Mr.. Corwin would 20 for me
upon his declining. Such was the influence
on my mind OF these assurances, and this in
formation, that they constituted "a leading
motive with me in allowing my name to 90
before the Convention. And if had fore
seen that Ohio would have pursued the
course she did in the Convention, never
would have consented that my name should
have been presented to that body.
Idwcll on this subject of Ohio, not in any
complaining or repining spirit, but because
it is the only important fact stated in my
note to the public, which has not been sub
sequenly sustained.
But if | have had great cause of surprise
in respect to that State, have abundant rea-
son for eternal gratitude to the City and
State of New York, and to my numerous
faithful, ardent and enlightened friends in
them, for their Jealous and constant support
ofme. And to none more than to yourself,
for the ability, activity, energy, and eficien-
cy which you have displayed throughout the
arduous struggle.
The work is done, and | have no alterna-
tive but quiet submission. | am relieved
from painful suspense, and great anxiety,
during the canvass if | had been nominated,
and from fearful responsibility, if had been
elected. | ought not to regret the event,
on my own accountpersonaly,a and believe
there are but few men who could bear it 80
we'll. On account of my friends, indeed, |
could have wished thatit had been otherwise.
deeply regret that have no way of testi-
flying my great obligation to them but !
hope they will be assured that shall ever
hold them in grateful remembrance.
The nomination of Gen. Taylor, as far as
| have yet heard in kentucky, has occasioned
much Disappointment, and has been coldly
received. The papers will tell you, perhaps,
otherwise, but they greatly eyaggerate. That
of Mr.. Fillmore gives entire satisfaction.
As for myself, shall take no active part
in regard to the nomination. Of course
can never support Gen. CaSs. The case of
Gen. Taylor is not like that of Gen. Harri-
son. The former is purely military man
without any experience whatever in civil
affairs. The latter was far more distinguish
ed as a civilian tlian as military comman-
der. Gen. Taylor is no Wing, or, if he be
one sort Of nondescript Wing Wing in
name without the principles of the Wings.
Cen Harrison was an open and avowed
Wing in principle as we'll IS in name.
| presume my residence in slave State
lost me the nomination. And yet those who
could have secured it. have allowed one to be
nominated who is far more deeply imbued
with the doctrines Of slavery than ever | was
or shall be. Their course resembles that of
the Aboitionists OF 18Th. They complain
that they have not got Il thorough-going
Wing, and when they had got the power to
nominate thorough going Wing, they would
not exercise it.
But must close with fervent prayers that
you may long live in health and happiness,
and the enjoyment of every blessing.
With constant and cordial regard,
III rt