Clay, Cassius Marcellus (1810-1903) to unknown
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02448.05 Author/Creator: Clay, Cassius Marcellus (1810-1903) Place Written: Richmond, Kentucky Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 23 August 1851 Pagination: 1 p. ; 25.5. x 20.4 cm. Order a Copy
Written from "White Hall," Clay's estate. Clay, an emancipationist, replies to a letter from an unspecified recipient. Possibly discussing his run for Governor as an anti-slavery candidate in 1851, writes, "The number of votes cast for the anti-slavery candidates is small- I believe my vote is about thirty five hundred... The causes of my small vote are the inherent difficulties of the movement; Old party organization, and the violent misrepresentations by the Whig party of my views." Declares, "...slavery is the disturbing cause of old partyism everywhere... the time is near if not now- when there will be only two parties. One for liberty and Union- the other for base submission to the slave power to the enslaving of the whites- or to the dissolution of the Union!" Contains a postscript in right margin, initialed by Clay.
[Draft Excerpt]
My "Maine" letter was made to threaten "insurrection and revolution" when every sensible man, read that my declarations are merely exhortatory to nobility of spirit, and in case of force which is threatened from the South to defend our rights!...We will "never give up the ship"...You may refer to this letter in print, & use extracts.
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