Details
CLAY, Henry (1777-1852). American statesman. Autograph letter signed ("H. Clay") to the Whig citizens of Philadelphia, New Orleans, 10 February 1844. 1 full page, 4to, light blue stationery, integral blank, slightly frayed along right edge and some foxing.
PRESIDENTIAL HOPEFUL HENRY CLAY REVERENTLY HONORS GEORGE WASHINGTON
A letter of lofty praise for the "Father of his Country" written by Clay in the year he ran for President against James Polk. Clay, a native of Kentucky, was the predominant member of the Whig Party in the 1840s. A long-standing Senator and three-time presidential candidate, Clay had the reputation as a master of accomodation, having negotiated the vital Missouri Compromise and the Compromise of 1850, in both cases providing a temporary solution to the divisive issue of slavery extension.
Declining an invitation to join a Whig celebration on Washington's birthday in Philadelphia, Clay writes an eloquent letter of praise for the first president: "Of all the men, of whom history or tradition has preserved any account Washington, by common consent, deserves the greatest admiration. The birth of no man that ever lived is so well entitled to perpetual commemoration, as a rare blessing, bestowed on mankind by the goodness of Providence. In contemplating his career and character, we behold displayed and concentrated in him, calmness, dignity, moderation, firmness, fidelity, disinterestedness, wisdom, - all the virtues that adorn the Warrior, the Patriot, the Statesman, and the Honest man. Most justly has he acquired the title of Father of his Country. During the Revolution and since, many great men have arisen in the U. States; but Washington stands, at an immeasurable height, elevated far above them all. He is the model of true greatness, which it should be the highest ambition of the youth of our Country to strive to imitate; but alas! When again, if ever, will the world behold his equal." With noted anger at the state of party politics, Clay expresses a longing for the virtuous days of Washington: "The task of recalling the purer days of the Republic...and of reviving the unadulterated republican principles...by distinguished celebration of the anniversary of his birth...is eminently worthy of the Whig Citizens...of Philadelphia."
Clay's last major attempt to win the presidency in the election of 1844 failed when he took a public stance in opposition to the annexation of Texas, alienating him in the South.
PRESIDENTIAL HOPEFUL HENRY CLAY REVERENTLY HONORS GEORGE WASHINGTON
A letter of lofty praise for the "Father of his Country" written by Clay in the year he ran for President against James Polk. Clay, a native of Kentucky, was the predominant member of the Whig Party in the 1840s. A long-standing Senator and three-time presidential candidate, Clay had the reputation as a master of accomodation, having negotiated the vital Missouri Compromise and the Compromise of 1850, in both cases providing a temporary solution to the divisive issue of slavery extension.
Declining an invitation to join a Whig celebration on Washington's birthday in Philadelphia, Clay writes an eloquent letter of praise for the first president: "Of all the men, of whom history or tradition has preserved any account Washington, by common consent, deserves the greatest admiration. The birth of no man that ever lived is so well entitled to perpetual commemoration, as a rare blessing, bestowed on mankind by the goodness of Providence. In contemplating his career and character, we behold displayed and concentrated in him, calmness, dignity, moderation, firmness, fidelity, disinterestedness, wisdom, - all the virtues that adorn the Warrior, the Patriot, the Statesman, and the Honest man. Most justly has he acquired the title of Father of his Country. During the Revolution and since, many great men have arisen in the U. States; but Washington stands, at an immeasurable height, elevated far above them all. He is the model of true greatness, which it should be the highest ambition of the youth of our Country to strive to imitate; but alas! When again, if ever, will the world behold his equal." With noted anger at the state of party politics, Clay expresses a longing for the virtuous days of Washington: "The task of recalling the purer days of the Republic...and of reviving the unadulterated republican principles...by distinguished celebration of the anniversary of his birth...is eminently worthy of the Whig Citizens...of Philadelphia."
Clay's last major attempt to win the presidency in the election of 1844 failed when he took a public stance in opposition to the annexation of Texas, alienating him in the South.