Browse Items (174 total)
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Letter from Henry Clay to William McConkey, Jr., Baltimore, Maryland. Ashland, Ky., 28 September 1844
In a dictated letter Clay acknowledges receipt of McConkey's friendly letter transmitting a note from good friend Mr. Hughes. Clay wishes that McConkey's sentiments of patriotism and disinterestedness were more prevalent in the country, and graciously thanks McConkey for his favorable feelings and opinions (toward Clay). Clay writes that throughout his life he has been anxious to deserve the esteem of good men and will persevere in his way, though sometimes misunderstood and often misrepresented. Clay wishes him health, happiness and prosperity, signing the letter in his own hand and adding a post script in his own hand. -
Letter from Henry Clay to Hon William P. Thomasson. Ashland, Lexington, Kentucky. 8 July 1844
Hesitates to make a statement on the naturalization laws. Entertains "strong doubts as to the propriety of my expressing my opinion on public questions, since I became formally a candidate for the Presidency." Comments on his views on foreigners and the need to be guided by public opinion. -
Letter from Henry Clay to Thomas Ewing, Lancaster, Ohio. Ashland, Lexington, Kentucky. 19 June 1844
Clay details his stand on naturalization of foreigners for Congressman Ewing and asks his opinion as to whether he should make a public expression of his views. A draft of Ewing's response, dated 23 June 1844, states that Clay should not reveal his stance on this issue. -
Letter from Henry Clay to James Watson Webb. New York. Mobile, Alabama, 29 February 1844
Explains a misunderstanding on the part of the postmaster at Lexington, Ky. caused the cancellation of Clay's receipt of Webb's newspaper. Normally Clay receives 40 or 50 newspapers daily from such friends as Webb, even though he does not subscribe to them. -
Letter from Henry Clay to Thos. W. Duffield, Jr. (et al.), Frankford, Pa. Raleigh, 15 April 1844
Thanking them for the invitation to visit Frankford if he should return home by Philadelphia. -
Letter from Henry Clay to J. Morrison Harris, Baltimore. "Ashland," 1 Dec. 1843
Letter informing Harris that he will receive $1500 from a deceased aunt; that Clay does not have the funds to pay him immediately; and notes that money was not "strictly payable" until six months after her death. -
Letter from Henry Clay to Henry M. Brackenridge, Tarentum near Pittsburg, Penn. Ashland [Ky.], 12 November 1843
Discusses divisions between the Anti-Masonic and Whig parties in Penn.; the Compromise of 1833 and criticism against it; and the reestablishment of a national bank. -
Letter from Henry Clay to William L Hodge, New Orleans, La. Ashland, Ky. 10 August 1843
Clay thanks Mr. Hodge for his letter explaining the causes of the Whig defeat in Louisiana and says that the State has never been politically friendly to him. He expresses high optimism over Whig chances in the election of 1844 and says that there is no reason to fear Daniel Webster's influence in New England. -
Letter from Henry Clay to Jacob Strattan, n.p. Ashland [Lexington, Ky.], 13 September 1842
In a contemporary lithographic facsimile of an original letter, Clay outlines, as requested, the tenets of the Whig Party, including a "sound National currency"; "Just restraints on the Executive power"; and honest government. He also thanks Strattan for sending him "the patriotic purposes and views of the young men of Philadelphia." -
Letter from Henry Clay to Thomas Spencer, Syracuse, N.Y.-- Ashland, Fayette Co., Ky., 6 August 1842
Henry Clay, in response to Spencer's letter, relays his views regarding the need for a national tariff and President John Tyler's use of his veto powers. Clay claims that while the country is in need of a tariff, he does not want to see "the land measure" sacrificed. Clay also thanks Spencer for an annual report on the manufacture of salt in Syracuse and asks for some alum salt to be shipped to him in Maysville. -
Letter from Henry Clay to John Kelly, Allegheny City, Pa., Lexington, Ky. 28 July 1842
Thanks Kelly for his "friendly motives" in writing him. Has not yet seen the papers or statement to which Kelly refers. However, he cannot appear in the papers or even authorize contradictions as coming from him without appearing oversensitive. In speech, he thinks in 1823-24, " in defending the protection of American industry," he expressed hope government would not be exclusively regulated by the slave labor of the South. The effect of this "would be to make white laborers the slaves of black slaves." -
Letter from Henry Clay to John B. Morris, n.p. Ashland [Lexington, Ky.], 16 July 1842
Clay notes that Mr. Erwin had been detained in New Orleans longer than expected; supposed he was then in Nashville; left home without hearing of the "protest of bills; " that some of the bills were drawn on Erwin's funds; and informs him that the stoppage of the New Orleans banks made it difficult to sell bills. Clay requested Morris to get bills continued for 15 or 20 days if he didn't receive the amount before they were due. -
Letter from Henry Clay to the Honorable James T[urner] Morehead, Washington City. Ashland [Ky.], 11 June 1842
Clay forwards a bank note from Judge Alexander Porter subscribing Porter to the Independent and asks Morehead to direct the paper to Porter at the White Sulphur Springs, Virginia until the first of September, and after that to Franklin, Louisiana. Clay also tells Morehead of a "brilliant barbecue" given for him with approximately 15,000 people attending. -
Letter from Henry Clay to McKean Thompson McKennan, Washington, D C. Ashland, Lexington, Ky., 31 May 1842
Congratulates McKennan on his election to Congress from Washington County, Pennsylvania. Clay is glad the appropriations for the army and navy have been cut and urges economy. Asks about the tariff. -
Letter from Henry Clay to Samuel C. Morton. Washington, D.C. 18 April 1842
Expresses his appreciation for the resolutions of his friends at Dock Ward. The legislative and executive departments of the government are split in feeling and Clay feels he has little to contribute in this situation. Clay gives his opinion that presidential prospects should not campaign for the job and that he is not decided yet whether to be available for the presidency. -
Letter from Henry Clay to Reverend Gilbert H Sayres, Jamaica, Long Island, New York. Washington, 12 April 1842
Clay thanks Sayres for his letter and for "the sentiments of esteem and confidence" that he expressed. Is grateful for "the lively interest" Rev. Sayres takes in his "spiritual welfare. " Has perhaps neglected "preparations for a future extate, " but thinks his retirement will afford the leisure for a more serious contemplation of it Is sending Sayres a copy of "a little farewell speech" he recently made in the Senate. The speech he refers to is the "Valedictory of Henry Clay," 31 March 1842. It is printed on silk and is in The Filson Club Museum. -
Letter from Henry Clay to James Watson Webb. Washington, D.C. 15 March 1842
Discusses debate in the House of Lords about a creole and notes that the discussion overlooks the property aspect. While the British conduct is unfriendly and unjustified, the creole should not be a cause for war. -
Letter from Henry Clay to Genl. Leslie Combs, n.p. Washington, 29 December 1841
Sympathizes with Combs re: latter's son. Suggests contacting U.S. Minister to Mexico through the Sec. of State. Regrets Combs' financial situation; uneasy about own financial affairs. Using him as a recommendation to Mr. Tyler only prejudice Tyler against Combs. Doesn't visit Tyler. Gen. Scott probably not help either. Wise probably best person to serve him. Doubts currency plan will pass in present or any other form. Neither party supports it. -
Letter from Henry Clay to Hon. N. P. Tallmadge. Ashland, Lexington, Kentucky, 30 October 1841
Clay comments adversely on President Tyler's programs and laments Whig defeats. Discusses the possibility of his not returning to the Senate. -
Letter from Henry Clay to William E[rigena] Robinson, n.p. Washington, 14 June 1841
Clay refuses a public speaking engagement, writing if he is not detained in Washington he will be "too jaded and worn down" to accept such invitations. He is honored however to be appointed an honorary member of the "Brothers in Unity. " Transmits a copy of his land speech (not present) and notes a correction regarding public domain acreage.