Lot 241
Clay, Henry (1777-1852), Autograph Letter Signed, one page, 7¼ x 9¼ Ashland [Lexington, Ky.], September 19, 1848. To "Jacob Van Orden Esqr", a New York Delegate to the Whig Party convention in Philadelphia, thanking the New York delegation for their support and declining a late movement to have his name be placed on the ballot as an independent Whig candidate (the convention had selected Zachary Taylor as their candidate), in part:
"…From the period of the decision of that Convention against my nomination…I have submitted with entire acquiescence. I have given no countenance or encouragement…to the further use of my name in connection with that office. I would not accept of a nomination, if it were tendered to me. And I shall deeply lament if any of my friends should persist in the use of my name…"
The Presidential election is already greatly complicated. The introduction of my name into the Canvass, at this time, would be attended by no good whatever…
Fine condition with a couple slight splits at ends of folds. In a custom quarter-leather portfolio with historical background and an engraved portrait.
Estimate 1,500 - 2,000
Clay was bitterly opposed to the nomination of Taylor, considering him completely incompetent to hold the office of President. He felt that the Whig party had abandoned its principles by nominating the popular military leader simply because he was available and "electable". However, during the campaign he remained totally silent, never expressing any public opposition to Taylor, who easily defeated Democrat Lewis Cass.
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| Realized $3,500 |
