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Clay, Henry, 1777-1852 to Thomas Robinson Hazard

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC05721 Author/Creator: Clay, Henry, 1777-1852 Place Written: Lexington, Kentucky Type: Letter signed Date: 22 July 1851 Pagination: 2 p. : envelope : free frank Height: 25 cm, Width: 20 cm Order a Copy

Clay writes from Ashland, his estate, to Hazard, the noted reformer. Declines an invitation to visit Hazard in Rhode Island, relating that he will not be able to leave home this summer due to ill health. Also due to his health, this letter is written by an amanuensis. Notes that though the climate and sea bathing of Rhode Island would aid his health, "the journey, the cities, the crowds, and the company which I should encounter would neutralize any advantage that I should derive from visiting Newport." Agrees with Hazard on African colonization, remarking, "Its success and prosperity are among the objects nearest my heart... The greatest obstacles to it, at present, are the cross fires from the abolition batteries at the North and the secession batteries at the South. It is so wonderful that, with such opposite views in regard to the African race, they should both unite in denouncing African Colonization." Expresses surprise that members of the Society of Friends are opposed to colonization, noting this opposition is likely limited to the Hicksite branch of Quakerism. Thanks Hazard for sending him two publications, one being "The Christian Philosopher."

Clay, Henry, 1777-1852
Hazard, Thomas Robinson, 1797-1886

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