J., & G.S. Gideon (firm), fl. 1825-1858 Valedictory of Henry Clay, in the Senate of the United States

GLC05863

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GLC#
GLC05863
Type
Broadsides, posters & signs
Date
1842/03/31
Author/Creator
J., & G.S. Gideon (firm), fl. 1825-1858
Title
Valedictory of Henry Clay, in the Senate of the United States
Place Written
Washington, District of Columbia
Pagination
Primary time period
National Expansion and Reform, 1815-1860
Sub-Era
Age of Jackson

Clay announces his retirement and introduces his successor, John J. Crittenden. Briefly, Clay compares the senate to other legislative bodies. States that in November, 1840, he began planning to retire but remained because of President Harrison's death. He appeals to history to judge his work, and God to witness his disinterested motives. Alludes to his attackers and supporters and answers the charge that he has acted like a dictator. Describes his ardent temper and offers an apology to any senator who still feels resentment from "offensive" language used in debate. In conclusion, Clay presents Crittenden. At the end of the speech, the broadside indicates that Senator William Preston requested that because "What had just taken place was an epoch in their legislative history, and from the feeling which was evinced, he plainly saw that there was little disposition to attend to business. He would therefore move that the Senate adjourn; which motion was unanimously agreed to." Printed, with black ink on white silk with an acanthus border, by J & G. S. Gideon.

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