J. & G.S. Gideon (Firm) Valedictory of Henry Clay, in the Senate of the United States
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC05863 Author/Creator: J. & G.S. Gideon (Firm) Place Written: Washington, D.C. Type: Broadside Date: 31 March 1842 Pagination: 1 p. ; silk ; 47.1 x 37.3 cm. Order a Copy
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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