Clay, Henry (1777-1852) to Thomas I. Wharton
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC00645 Author/Creator: Clay, Henry (1777-1852) Place Written: Washington, D.C. Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 12 December 1823 Pagination: 2 p. : docket ; 25 x 20 cm. Order a Copy
Discusses his recent election to Speaker of the House, alludes to its possible effect on his presidential run in the election of 1824, and explains that his political opponents desire to form a caucus. Also notes his improving health. Remarks on foreign affairs, particularly "the affairs of Spanish America," which had resulted in the declaration of the Monroe Doctrine ten days earlier. Clay argues: "Physically we can not, morally we may interfere in the affairs of Europe; and the great sheam [sic] of moral power would not be small nor unfelt."
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