The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1889-02-17

James b. Clay, fOuth son of Henry Clay
was the only son that inherited his fathers
oratorIcal talent, and was said to resemble
him very much in his manner on the ros-
trum. In 1S49 he accepted from President
Taylor the mission to Portugal not SO much
from his own wish for public life, as by the
desire of his father, who regarded the ten
der to his son as a delicious compliment to
himself. That James B. Clay displayed
sagacity and ability in his first public trust
Is manifest from the public commentator
Of President Fillmore in the message of 1851,
and the private testimony of MIR. Clayton
and Mr.. Webster. In 1857 James B. Clay
was rendered the mission to Berlin by Presi-
dent Buchanan, but declined it. Soon
afterward he received and accepted the
unanimous nomination by the district demo
cratic convention to make the canvass for
congress in the Ashland district.
Without opportunity" said Mr.. James
Clay Ito consult anybody but my dear
wife, who God bless her never gave me I'M
sound advice, | made the canvass and was
elected by a handsome majority" He de-
clined the denomination for congress in
1859, and did not again appear in public
life, until his appointment to the peace-cOn-
gress in 1861, with a view to stay if possible
the terrible civil war. The result of that
congress the country too well and too sadly
knows. DR.. Stuart Robertson, gifted di-
First Presby terian church in Louisville, KY,
said of the intellectual ability Of James B.
Clay: I'VE, perhaps make higher esti-
mate than the public at large, who seem to
lose sight of the son in the overshadowing
greatness Of the father. Indeed his own
reverence and admiration for the greatness
of his father seemed to render him uncon-
scious of his own powers. When extraor-
binary occasion called him to exertion, he
exhibited a power of reasoning, a states
man-iike sagacity and even a power over
men through speech that was not unworthy
of the fame of his father His burly hon
esty, his untiinchlng stesdiness to principle
aud his contempt for all chicanery aud all
maXims Of self expedlence might have pre-
vented him from being popular idol, but
good men would have honored him. He
died of consumption in Montreal, Canada,
In the 47th year of his life, and lies in the
beautiful Lexington cemetery. He was the
owner of Ashland at the time Of his death.
He married Miss Susan Jacob, of Louisville,
KY, a cultivated and elegant lady, belong
ing to an old and wealthy family of that
city. She is highly intellectual, and her
children have deep affection and rever-
ence for her. She now resides at "Balgo-
wan" her home, near Lexington in quiet
seclusion, only having at present two Of
her children with her. Miss Lucretia Clay
her only daughter, is great comfort and
her mothers especial companion. She is
lovely in character and person. and has a
winning, gracious manner. She must pos
sess he grandfather's magnetism TO attract,
for at once you feel drawn TO her. The
youngest son George II. Clay lives with his
mother.
James b. Clay, Jr., the eldest son Of
James b. Clay is the owner Of "Iroquois,n
a beautiful bluegrass farm adjoining his
mothers, ind be is largely interested in
thoroughbred horses. A good many Of
Henry Clay's descendants seem b have in
herited his passionate love for the country,
its rural lights and fine stock. A letter
written by Mr.. Clay from Ashland, to his
old instructor in Virginia, tells something
Of his local attachments. 81 assure you most
sincerely that feel myself more aud more
weaned from public affairs. My attach
ment b. rural occupation every day acquires
more strength, and If 10 continues TO in
crease another year as il has the last, | shall
be fully prepared TO renounce forever tho
strifes Of public life. | shall make a bot
ter farmer than a statesman
James b. Clay Jr., married Miss Eliza
Ingles OF Lexington. Ho has no children.
He entered the confederate army Mt rs years
Of age, and remained through the entire
war.
Henry Clay, the third son Of James b.
Clay, had he lived, would have had q bril-
liant career. The eloquent tributes paid 20
the doad lawyer by his brothers Of the bar
will give some idea Of the high esteem in
when he was held IN Lou,1ville, Ky.
Gen Basil Duke was one Of Harry Clay's
nearest and dearest friends. He says:
Sew knew him more intimately. and his
intellectual endowments were OF the highest,
order; and had he lived, believe he would