Clay, Henry (1777-1852) to Joseph Gales
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC04353.01 Author/Creator: Clay, Henry (1777-1852) Place Written: Lexington, Kentucky Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 19 July 1818 Pagination: 1 p. : docket ; 25.2 x 20.1 cm. Order a Copy
Discusses his "second speech on Internal Improvements," which Gales had copied down for him. Briefly comments on the activities at Pensacola during the first Seminole War, noting "that the Executive must feel embarrassed." Mentions expecting a good corn crop.
Lexington 19th July 1818
Dr Sir
I recd. the letter which you did me the favor to write transmitting your draft of my second speech on Internal Improvements I found it pretty correct, judging from recollection; for I have no notes used on the occasion. As I had some few alterations to make & had here in the County a greater command of leisure than when I was in the City I concluded to copy to over & now return it to you. I had neither the Virginia resolutions, drawn by Mr. Madison, nor those of Massachusetts which were used by me; and I have been compelled therefore to state the substance. I should have preferred (particularly in the case of the Massachusetts resolutions) the insertion of the passages cited at large as they are strong than any Statement of them could be. I do not know whether you will be enabled to do this, but if you should, in regard to the latter, you will oblige me.
The Intellr. appears to be unwilling to commit itself to any precise opinion respecting Pensacola. I have no doubt that the Executive must feel embarrassed by the occurance. All the alternatives which the even presents are painful.
We have the prospect of good hopes. [illegible] of Corn in particular I have never seen so good, after our having been seriously apprehensive in the Spring that we should [illegible] none -
Yrs. faithfy
H. Clay
Jo Gales Jr. Esq.
[docket:]
H. Clay
Aug. 1818
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