Clay, Henry (1777-1852) to James Robb
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC00539 Author/Creator: Clay, Henry (1777-1852) Place Written: Washington, D.C. Type: Letter signed Date: 31 December 1851 Pagination: 3 p ;. 25 x 20 cm. Order a Copy
Comments on the current perilous state of the Republic, and praises Senator Solomon W. Downs for his help in passing the Compromise of 1850. Asks Robb to help make sure that the Louisiana legislature re-elects Downs as a senator. Worries that the election of another man may lead to increasing sectionalism and instability in Congress. Written six months before Clay's death.
Solomon W. Downs was born in 1801, and served one term as Louisiana Senator from 1847-1853. He died in a duel 1854.
James Robb, born in 1801, was a prominent New Orleans entrepreneur and Louisiana state legislator. He made his wealth investing in railroads and gaslight companies.
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