May 23, 2013 - Sale 2316

Sale 2316 - Lot 10

Price Realized: $ 1,680
?Final Price Realized includes Buyer’s Premium added to Hammer Price
Estimate: $ 800 - $ 1,200
WHY HE WILL NOT BE A CANDIDATE FOR PRESIDENT CLAY, HENRY. Autograph Letter Signed, "H. Clay," to Editor of the New York Daily Express James Brooks, thanking him for a favorable editorial, explaining why he is opposed to being made a candidate for the Presidency, discussing the forthcoming Philadelphia convention, stating his opinion of the Whig party, and noting his lack of support for General Taylor. With a postscript, additionally signed with initials, remarking that he favors Fillmore. 2 pages, 4to, with integral blank; scattered short separations at folds, wax seal and address portion of mailing envelope mounted to blank third page. Ashland, 8 September 1848
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". . . I had received from the State of Ohio two communications, signed by several persons, inviting me to become an Independent Candidate for the Presidency. I promptly returned an answer stating that I could not comply with their request, and that I could not consent to any further use of my name in connection with that office.
"Altho' the proceedings of the Philad'a Convention did not inspire me with much respect for its powers of order, deliberation and investigation, I thought it proper to submit to its decisions, so far as I was personally concerned, and I have accordingly quietly submitted to it. I have not done anything to oppose or thwart its nomination, and I have not written or uttered one word for the public eye or ear, except the answer above mentioned. I have given, and shall give, no countenance or encouragement to any movement to bring my name, as a Candidate for that office before the public.
"I think that the Philad'a Convention has placed the Whig party in a humiliating condition. Still, out of deference for my friends who think otherwise, and because I can give no support to the competition of Gen'l Taylor, I have made no opposition to his election.
"I have problems, and shall probably continue to forebear, to take any active or partisan part in promoting his election. I have adopted this course, from self respect, from consistency with long cherished opinions, strengthened by experience and observation, from a belief that his election will be to establish a mere personal party, and from a desire neither to lead or mislead anyone. Numerous and strong appeals have been made to me to recommend him as a Whig. But I have declined doing so. I know nothing of his politics beyond his own public expression of them. According to that, he is a qualified Whig, who repudiates all pledges or obligations to support the measures of any party.
"I could not say anything on behalf of his election without assigning reasons which would perhaps injure him more than my support would benefit him. I have therefore determined to stay silent, and if I am spared to go to the polls and give the vote which I may deem the least injurious to the Country.
"This letter is not written for publication. Indeed, I dislike writing at all, as uses are too often madeof my letters contary to my intentions.
"But on one point I desire no secrecy, and that is, that I am utterly opposed to the use of my name as a Candidate for the Presidency."
The postscript: "I ought to say that I think highly of Mr. Fillmore . . . ."
From the Allyn Kellogg Ford Collection, property of the Minnesota Historical Society (see Swann 2276, April 17, 2012).