Browse Items (174 total)
-
Letter from Henry Clay to Zebulon T. Davis. New Orleans, Louisiana. 7 March 1849
Clay has received Davis' letter stating his wish for a government appointment and wishes him success with his application. He has long known Davis' father, who has sustained the Whig cause in Alabama with great zeal and fidelity. Davis may use this letter to promote his object. -
Letter from Henry Clay to William Wilkins, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Washington D.C., 18 January 1812
I do not entertain a doubt that we shall have War before the termination of the present Session, unless England repeals her orders in Council, of which I think there does not exist much probability. Discusses war preparations and the granting of commissions. Believes Wilkins can be given a major's rank. -
Letter from Henry Clay to William Taylor, n.p. Lexington, (Ky.) 28 September 1802
Encloses $500 in bank notes. Gentleman he had intended to send doubloons by has broken his leg and had to postpone his trip. Therefore further payment will have to wait until he can procure more bills. Expects to receive the balance owed by Shepherd and Hubbard in ensuing month. -
Letter from Henry Clay to William Murphy. Lexington, Kentucky. 18 September 1821
Clay cannot receive the sum from Col. Pickett in Bank of Kentucky notes as too much would be lost converting them. Clay lost his brown coat with velvet cape between Maysville and Washington and asks Murphy's aid in searching for it. -
Letter from Henry Clay to William Murphy. Ashland, Lexington, Ky., 26 October 1823
Letter concerns financial affairs involving a note of Murphy's made out to Clay. -
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 William Leete Stone, n.p. Washington. 19 March 1832
Concerns an article in Benjamin Franklin Hallett's paper, the anti-Masonic Boston Daily Advocate asserting that Clay had said Masonry does more good than harm, etc. Clay states that Hallett is in possession of his denial of having written the paragraph, and gives his reasons for not pursuing the matter further. Has taken the stand to neither the pro or anti Masons legitimately concern national politics. Thanks William Leete Stone for the slip containing the article and letter of Dr. Perrine on tropical plants and comments on the improbability of naturalizing them. -
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 William Jones, Philadelphia. Washington, 3 March 1818
Enclosing a copy of the late act of Kentucky imposing a tax on the offices of Discount and Deposit. He is mortified that the Legislature of his state has adopted a measure of this kind. -
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. -
Letter from Henry Clay to William D. Lewis, St. Petersburg, Russia. Washington D.C., 25 January 1818
Reminds Lewis he (Clay) is a poor correspondent due to nothing of interest occurring when away from Washington and being too busy when there. Relates what he knows re: Lewis's affair with Mr. Harris. Believes the president does not think less of him and Pinkney's report did him justice. He has recommended Lewis to Adams for the consulate position in St. Petersburg or any other appropriate position. The country is prosperous, the Federal Party almost extinct, and independence a possibility in Spanish America. However, the Government is apprehensive about European reaction to U.S. support of any independence movement. Closes with news of family and acquaintances, particularly regarding diplomats. -
Letter from Henry Clay to William B. Rose, Esq. Ashland, Lexington, Kentucky, 4 July 1835
Clay tells Rose that he cannot advise him to establish a newspaper supporting Clay for t he presidency; feels that the press should be free from the influence of candidates. Clay has tried "to avert the impending evils;" is ready to serve the country but will not seek office. -
Letter from Henry Clay to Wiilliam B. Rose. n.p. 26 April 1839
Clay acknowledges receipt of Rose's letter and accompanying newspaper. Informs Rose that he has not recommended men for Federal positions for nine years and cannot therefore recommend Rose for an "appointment in one of the Executive Offices." -
Letter from Henry Clay to W. F. Dunnica. Ashland, Lexington, Kentucky, 21 June 1839
Asks that the sale of land in Pike County belonging to Clay and Col. J. Morrison for 1832 taxes be investigated. Clay wishes to recover the property, if possible. -
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 Thomas W. H. Moseley and P. H. Olmsted, n.p. Ashland Lexington, Ky, 14 May 1847
Clay thanks the gentlemen for their condolences upon the death of his son at Buena Vista. Believes only God can heal the wound and he seeks to submit to His will, but the loss is still irreparable. -
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 Thomas N. Lindsey. Ashland, Washington, 9 December 1835
A letter send to Thomas N. Lindsey giving instructions about the deed for a land he has purchased. -
Letter from Henry Clay to Thomas I. Wharton, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Washington, D.C.3 11 March 1827
Clay has let the Supreme Court know Wharton's interest in being appointed Reporter to the Court and believes they are favorable. He expects the appointment will be made at the next term. Asks Wharton to criticize a sketch of Clay written by a friend that is sent separately. -
Letter from Henry Clay to Thomas I. Wharton, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Lexington, Ky. 19 April 1829
Clay discusses the health of his son Thomas. Requests the purchase of two sofas and an ottoman for Ashland with description of style. Comments on the support shown him on his way home.