Clay, Cassius Marcellus (1810-1903) to Frank W. Ballard
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC05692 Author/Creator: Clay, Cassius Marcellus (1810-1903) Place Written: Washington, D.C. Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 5 February 1861 Pagination: 1 p. ; 24 x 19 cm. Order a Copy
Clay, an abolitionist, informs his friend Ballard that he was misrepresented by the New York Tribune. Discusses the possibility of New Mexico entering the Union as a free or slave state, and the Compromise of 1850. Defends himself from Horace Greeley's criticism (Greeley was editor of the Tribune). Concludes by stating, "Things look awfully gloomy-- I feel a split on the slave [line]! God save the Republic."
[Draft Excerpt:]
The Tribune knowingly misrepresented me. To give New Mexico an enabling act to come as a free or slave state as she chooses is but carrying out an existing law of 1850 (Compromise)[.] The south won't have it so, because they say it will be a free state! So say I. Now this violates no law or rule or plank of the Chicago platform! It seems Greeley in his raid on Weed - seems disposed to run over the dead bodies of all his friends. Besides he compliments C.A. Adams' speech while he denounces me for sustaining the same proposition! Whilst I claimed as an [offsett a ?] liberty bill for the South against mobs!
I am pleased with your efforts on my behalf at +++. "Conciliation" has removed all that difficulty from Ky! It will all be right.
Things look awfully gloomy - I fear a split on the slave line! God [save ?] the Republic!
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