Details
CLAY, HENRY, Congressman, Senator, Secretary of State. Autograph letter signed ("H. Clay") to Thompson Reynolds, Ashland, [Kentucky], 19 June 1849. One page, 4to, small ownership stamp and traces of old mount on verso.
A fine, candid letter regarding his often-thwarted candidacy for the White House. "...You tell me that you were opposed to my nomination as a Candidate for the Presidency, because you apprehended that I could not be elected, and you did not wish to expose me to another defeat. I recognize your perfect right to act as you did, and appreciate the motive by which you were persuaded. Most certainly I had no desire for the nomination, if I were to be subsequently defeated. Altho' my opinion differs from yours, as to the result, if I had been nominated, believing that I should have been elected, I admit that it was a question on which opposite views might be honorably maintained. The decision of the Convention leaves me at Liberty to remain in retirement, so well suited to my inclination and condition, and I shall never cease to offer up prayers for the welfare and prosperity of my country...." Clay had been defeated by John Quincy Adams in his 1824 campaign for the Presidency, lost out to Jackson for the Whig nomination in 1832 and to William Henry Harrison in 1836 and 1840. Finally, in 1844, he became the Whig candidate, only to lose the election to Polk. Although Clay sought the nomination again in 1848, many Whigs were convinced he could not be elected, and Zachary Taylor was chosen instead.
Provenance:
1. Dr. Max Thorek of Chicago (sale,
2. Elsie O. and Philip D. Sang Foundation, (sale, Sotheby's, 3 June, lot 890).
A fine, candid letter regarding his often-thwarted candidacy for the White House. "...You tell me that you were opposed to my nomination as a Candidate for the Presidency, because you apprehended that I could not be elected, and you did not wish to expose me to another defeat. I recognize your perfect right to act as you did, and appreciate the motive by which you were persuaded. Most certainly I had no desire for the nomination, if I were to be subsequently defeated. Altho' my opinion differs from yours, as to the result, if I had been nominated, believing that I should have been elected, I admit that it was a question on which opposite views might be honorably maintained. The decision of the Convention leaves me at Liberty to remain in retirement, so well suited to my inclination and condition, and I shall never cease to offer up prayers for the welfare and prosperity of my country...." Clay had been defeated by John Quincy Adams in his 1824 campaign for the Presidency, lost out to Jackson for the Whig nomination in 1832 and to William Henry Harrison in 1836 and 1840. Finally, in 1844, he became the Whig candidate, only to lose the election to Polk. Although Clay sought the nomination again in 1848, many Whigs were convinced he could not be elected, and Zachary Taylor was chosen instead.
Provenance:
1. Dr. Max Thorek of Chicago (sale,
2. Elsie O. and Philip D. Sang Foundation, (sale, Sotheby's, 3 June, lot 890).