The New York Herald Newspaper, June 30, 1852, Page 1

_ THE NEW YORK HERALD.- ee | WHOLE NO. _7182. DOUBLE SHEE T National Ca’amity. DEATH OF HENRY CLAY. “PIE CAST MOMENTS OF TOE GREAT SENATOR. “Biographical Sketch of the Late Dis- tinguished American Statesman, His Public Life and Services, &e., hen, de. TELEGRAPHIC. MR. CLAY’S DEATH. APROVAL OOMRRSPFONDENCE OF THE NEW YORK HERALD. WasuinerTon, June 29—10 P. M. Henry Olay breathed his last to-day, a ‘teem minutes past eleven o’clock, at his rooms in athe National Hotel. His eldest son, Thomas Hart Clay, and Goveraor Jones, of Tennesseo, were the only persons present at the time. . Mr.@lay bas been rapidly sinking for some days past—atill, the very near approach of his death was not anticipated, and consequently his physician «Dr. Hall), as also Mr. and Mrs. Calvert, of the National, whose attentions have been unremitting, -did not happoa to be in the room at the time of his «leath. Mr. Clay had long beou aware that he could not srecover, but not a murmer was ever heard to cross his lips, beyend the regret he fult at the trouble he supposed he gave his friends. His miad retained its clearnoss to the last, but his body was so wasted that he lay for weeks as helpless as an infant. His expectoration was so profuse weeks bofore his death, that it was feared, when he had no longer ‘the power of throwing off the phlegm, that ho would suffocate. Fortunately this danger was averted by ‘his cessing te expectorate xeveral days ago. He shas, consequently, suffered no pain. Large deses of opium were administered to him «during the week. Occasionally, whon he woke ‘from aleep, the effect of the narcotic was perceptible for some minutes. He would sometimes imagino himself in the Sonate; again, surrounded by his family, or talking to some friend who had long sinoe preceded him te the spirit land. But his brai& soon threw off the influence, and his thoughts flowed as sever. Hie son made him aware of tho result of tho Whig ‘Convention, but he appeared to tako little interest Unit. His last words this morning, addressed to his son, -were, “Tam dying—I am going.” His spirit fled, ind all waa still.” His death was as calm and poaveful as an infant's aleep. During his illness he has been attended by Rev. Dr. Butler, of Trinity church, (Episoopal,) and par- ook of the sacrament several times. His body is wasted away to a mere shadow—in fact, life olung to him apparently whilst there was remnant of his former self left. It is wonderful show he survived as long as he did. His family have requested, upon several occasions, tpermiesiom to come on here and attend him. He ‘would not, however, consent that any one but his eldest son should be hero. The announcement of his death will bo made to- morrow ia the Senate and House. The funoral ceremonies will probably take place _on Thursday, immediately after which his remains will be takon to Lexington, Kentucky, by his re- aquest. ¥ Thosrrangoments as to tho coffin, inseription, &o., sare not yot made, and probably will not be till Con- gress appoints the committee. The body lies in the room where he died, but no srereon is as yot permitted to see it. x. FROM OTHER CORRESPONDENTS. WasntneTon, June 29, 1852. At soventeon minutes past eleven Henry Clay ‘oreathed his last, at the National Hotel. He had been for three days past so low as to be scarcely able to converse with his son or pastor, Dr. Butlor; but no further visible change was observod in his eondition until a few moments before death, except that he had suffered from cold sweat during the night. His physician, Dr. Hall, was then hastily sent for, but before his arrival Mr. Clay had breath- -ed his last. No one was present at the time, ox- cept his son, Thomas Hart Clay, aud Gov. Jones, of ‘Tennessee. His last moments were calm and quiet, and he seemed in full possession of all his faculties, sppr- rently suffering but little. He did not speak for several hours before death; but his countenance indicated happy resigitation, aud full knowledgo of his condition. He had long since made every preparation for -death—giving his son iull instructions as to the dis- position of his body, and the settlement of his eworldly affairs. Wasurnaten, June 29—11 P.M. Mr. Clay was shaved about an hour before ho died. His last words, as recollected by Governor Jones, who was present, were a request to his son to fix his shirt collar. About twenty minutes before his death he said to ‘his son—“ My son, I am going, and you bad bottor ait by me.” He simply slopt away. So quietly was his doath chat it was some five or ten minutes before Governor Jones could satisfy himself shat he was actually dead To-morrow morning the remains will pass into the chargo of the Senato Comm'tteo, and they will determive whether they shall be exhibited to the oublio—probably they will be. Tho body will be removed to Kentucky, without ‘being entombed in Washington, and will be taken sirectty from the Capitol to the depot. Judge Underwood will announce Mr. Clay's death &n the Senate, and Mr. Breckonridge in the House. Privavecrnia, June 29, 1852. The following is tho Aespatch to the Ledger from Washington :— Yesterday afternoon there appeared to be a giving way im Mr. Clay's system, Imagination atisihuted it, in some degree, to excitement produced by the enthusiasm ‘of the ratification meeting. At night he was calm, but Gis mind wandered, and in a low, distinct voice, he mamod ‘Als wife, son, and other relations, Rev. Dr. Butler offered his services to watch during the might, but they wore deemed unnecessary. On his last interview with Dr. Butler, Mr. Clay expressed entire pa- Gience, reeignation, and confidence in the Redeemer. This morning, Mr. Clay was perfeotly tranquil and ox- Geedingly feeble, and showed « dirposition to alamber. About half-past ten, he asked for cool water, which he ‘Was accustomed to take through « silver tube. On re- moving the tube from his mouth, he seemed to have more AifMovlty than previourly, Ie turned to his son, and ald, “Don’t loave me.” Soon after, he made s motion to have bis shirt collar open. and then added, “I am going von,” and serenely bi vathed his last The Sonate Committee meet to. morrow, until when no- thing of the arrangements will be definitely known, fur- thor than that the funeral is to be on Thursday. It ia generally understood from the bost possible sources, that the body escort will leave by the oars on Thursday aftor- noon through Baltimore, en route for the Erie Railroad. If thoy pass directly through thoy would be in Philadel- phis at midnight. a BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH AND PUBLIC LIFE OF MR. CLAY. In the county of Hanover, in Eastern Virginia, is & neighborhood commonly called ‘the Slashes,” and here Henry Clay was born, April 12, 1777; hay- ing been the seventh child of his parents, both of whom were of English ancestry. Branches of tho Clay family are still in the mother country, of which Sit William Clay, baronet, and member of the Britlsh House of Commons, is supposed te bo one ef the original stock from which Henry Clay descended, some of whom were among the early set- tlers of Virginia. The Hudson family, on the maternal side of Mr. Clay’s ancestors, migrated from England to Virginia, about tho beginning of the eighteenth century. Tho Rov. John Olay, fathor of Honry, waé a man of great vigor of character, of exemplary virtue and manners. Ho died in 1781, leaving his widow, who was a woman endowed with ominent femalo virtues, in straightened circumstances, with seven children, Henry being then four years of age. The Rev. Por- ter Clay, the youngest of the family, was living at Jacksonville, Mlinois, in 1844. Mrs. Clay, the mother, was married a second time, to Captain Henry Watkins, a worthy gentleman, who took a fatherly interest in the family. In 1791, when fourteen yoors of age, Henry Clay was taken into the store of Richard Denny, at Rich- mond, Va., his education at that time having ox- tended no further than a graduation at tho ordinary school of Mr. Peter Deacon. But his step-fathor was not sutisfied with this situation for tho boy, and therefore placed him in the oflice of his friend, Peter Tinsley, Esq., then clerk of the Court of Chancery, at Richmond. Here he attracted the attention of Chancellor Wythe, whe being in want of a private secretary, # connection was formed which continued four years, Henry being nominally in tho office of the Clerk in Chancery, but chiefly employed in tho office of the Chancellor. I¢ was in this connection that Mr. Clay's mind received its high destination. It introduced him to a new sphere of thought and improvement. The Chancellor became much at- tached to him, and perceiving his uncomm»a capa cities, gave him the use of his library, and suporin- tended his studies for the legal profession. It has been remarked that from the hour when Chancellor Wythe took him by the hand, his fortune was de- cided, and he was made for life. He was for years the pupil and companion of that distinguished Vi ginian, who, discovering the high promise of his pro- tege, was not less ambitious to fit him for his dos- tiny than he himself was to attain it. The bonefits of the society and tuition of the venerable Chanevl- lor, probably transcended the advantages that could have been provided by an ample fortune. In 1796, Mr. Clay left the office of Mr. Tinsley, and entered asa regular student of law, with tho Attorney General of Virgivia, Robert Brooke, Hq The following year he was sdmitted to practice, by the Court of Appeals. He removed to Lexington, Kentucky, in November, 1797, to establish himself in the profession of the law, being thon in his twon- ty-first your. His mother, with his step-father, Capt. Watkins, and most of the fumily, had re- moved from Virginia to Woodford county, Kontucky, in 1792. By Capt. Watkins she had seven children, aud died in a good old age, in 1829. At Lexington, Mr. Clay commenced the practide of the law, under auspices not the most favorable Many years afterwards, alluding to his early career he sayshe ‘ was without patrons, without friends, and destitute of means. I remombor how com- fortable I thought I should be, if f could make £100 Virginia money ver annum, and with what delight Treceived the first fifteon shillings fee. My hopos were more than realized; I immediately rushodinte a lucrative practice.” Perhaps at no previous po- | riod was the Lexington bar more distinguished for the talents and learning of its membors, than ot that time. Among them were Nicholas, Brecken- ridge, Murray, and others, who fonnd in Mr. Clay a most formidable competitor, whose talonts sooured | reepect, and soon put him on a level with his older and more experienced rivals. Hoe soon sucsoedo, also, in obtaining the confidence of the community where he resided, and, as is well known, continued to enjoy the public favor there throughout his long life Ja April, 1799, Mr. Clay married Luoretia Hart, daughter of Colonel Thomas Mart, of Loxingtoa, a gentleman famed for his enterprise nnd hospitality: Jones Brown, Esq., afvorwards Senator from Lowis” iuna, and Minister to France under Prosidonts Movree afd Adams, married another danghter o Col. Hart, who resided at Hagerstown, Maryland, where Mrs. Clay was born, in 1731. By this lady, Mr. Clay has had cleven children, five sons and six daughters. Of these, wo believe, only two sons now survive Henry Clay,Jun., the third son, bora in 1811, it will be recollected, was killod at the battle of Buena Vista, Feb., 1847 Mr. Clay firet ontered the field of polities during the administration of John Adams, when ho took part at public moctings in disoussing the Alien and Sedition laws, and other measures of the federal party, whiok were particularly unpopular in Kon- a State ia which the democracy wore largely preponderance. Mr. Clay soon became a decided favorite with the republican or demo party, and was a warm advocate fur the election of Mr. Jefferson, as well ay subsequently ove of the most zealous supporters of his adminis tration. In 1803, the citizens of Fayette county for tho firet time brought him forward as a candidate for the Legislature of Kentucky, and although lav in the field, and at first nominated against bis own wishes, ho was triumphantly cleoted. In tho Legis: lature, Le earned # reputation which caused him to be chosen by that body, in 1806, to the Senate of the United Biates, to fill ap the unexpired torm of the Hon. John Adair, who had resigned his seat. Tho election was for one sossion ealy, the torm closing the 4th of March, 1607. During this short session, Mr. Clay delivered a speech on internal im- provement, which has not boon preserved. Ina the summor of 1807, he was again elected to the State Legislature, and, on taking his seat, made Spoaker of the House. After a service of two sossions i this capacity in that body, he was again choson by the Legislature to the United States Senrte, for the unexpired term of two years of the Hon. Buckner ‘Thurston, resigned; in 1810. In 1811, the prospects of war with Great Britain a question in which Mr. Clay took @ dosp interest, induced him to decline a re-election to the United States Senate, and to stand as a candidate bofore the people for the House of Representatives, pre- ferring that field of action in Congross, at that peculiar crisis in tho state of the country. Being triumphantly chosen by the poople of his Congressional district, ho, for the first time, took his seat in the popular branch of Congress, on the aseembling of that body, November 4, 1311, and was cleoted Speaker of the House, on tho first bal- lot, by # majority of 31, out of 128 membors progont. Thia waa considered s remarkable honor for a now ors momber of a Honso, in which, at tho time, there Wore many veteran mombers of tho republican par- ty, te whioh"he belonged. Tho honor was oontian- ously conferred on him, till 1825, when he was ap- printed Seorctary of State, with the exception of his ion and absence, to negotiate the treaty of Ghent, in 1814; but on his return was again chosen Speaker, at the opening of Congress, in 1815; and in 1820, he temporarily retired from the Speak- or’s ohair, and in 1821, from Congress, antil 1823, when he was returned again to the House, without opposition in the district, and re-elected Spoaker, by the large majority of 130 to 42. Mr. Clay, thorefore, was elected Speaker of the House six times, vis :—1811, 1813, 1815, 1817, 1819, and 1823, and ocoupied the chair in all about ten years. In 1505, Mr. Clay became involved in aa affair of honor with Col. Joseph H. Daviess, who, in conse- quonce of some severe romarka by Mr. Clay, ata trial in court, sont him » challenge, which was ac- cepted’; but the affair was sottled by tho’ frionds of both parties, amd the most cordial friendship existed betweon them until the death of Col. Daviess, who was killed at the battle of Tip- pecanoe. In 1808, a violent quarrel took place be- tween Mr, Clay and Mr. Humphroy Marshall, who was a federalist, and had represented Kontucky in the United States Senate, but was now a moua- ber ofthe State Legislature. Lhe quarrel progressed until itreached the stage where Mr. Clay considered himself bound, according to the laws of hovor, to challenge Mr. Marshall to settle their disputes in single combat. The challenge was accepted by Marshall; tho parties met, and exchanged two or three shots, resulting in a slight wound to each. The duet was terminated by the interference of the seconds Many years afterwards, namely, in April, 1826, when Mr. Clay was Secretary of State, 2 hos dolph, then 4 United Sonator from Virginia This duel was caused i} on the character of Mr Clay in debate, which caused a challenge from the Secretary of St und the same was accepted by tue Senator. were exchanged without effect. chargo, Mr. Randolph, by firing iutothe air, showed his disinolination to continue the fight, and the affair terminated by the parties becoming recon- ciled. Mr Clay, on another vocasion, romarked (in the course ofa public addross)—** 1 owe it to the community to say, that whatever, heretofere, Lumy have dong, or, by inevitable cireumstances, may be forced to do, no man in it holds in deeper abhorrence then I do the pernicious j ractice of duelling. Con- demnod, as it must be, by the judgment and philo- sophy, to say nothing of the religion, of every thinking man, it is an affair of fooling, about which we cannot, although we should, roa- j son. The true corrective will be found when all shall unite, as all ought to unite, in its unqualified prose: iption ’” Those several affairs of hoaor in which Mr. Clay bad been engaged, wore often usod st him, particularly at Presidential elections, aid were Supposed to have been among the causes ich operated to injure him with a portion of the vga og Mr. Clay's first torm as Speaker iv Con- gress, war was declaved by the United States against treat Brituin, viz, in June, 1812. Clay and Gal- houn were umnong the most active leaders of the war pacty, and advocating preparatory moasures urging the policy on the reluctant Presidont Madi- son, and upon Congress. The fow speeches of Mr. Clay at this period, which are presorved, do not, | however, exhibit the eloquence and argument which guished his subsequent efforts during his Congressional career. His majority for Speskor at on, in May, 18138, was thirty-five over Mr. Pitkin, the federal, or peace party candi- | date. This second election as Speaker showed the continued confidence of the republican party in Mfr. | Clay ; and ths subsequent wintor, January. 114, he was appointed by President Madison one of the commissioners to negotiate a treaty of pench with Great Britain. His colleagues in the commission were John Quincy Adams, James A. Bayard, Albert Gallatin, and Jonathan Russell. Mr. Adams was thon Minister at the Court of Russia, and Mossrs. Gallatin and Bayard had been appointed in April, 1815, Commissioners to joiu Mr. Adains to negotiate a treaty of ponce under the intorvention of the Em- peror of Russia, and those Commissioners had beon some months ladotpbin in May, f a interference was declined by England, that government, how- ever, ollering to treat diceetly with the United States. This oiver was accepted by President Madi- son, and Mostrs. Clay and Russell wer commission. Till they were appoint party was without a reprosentative in the lagat Adams, Gallatin, sud Bayard, having been .origi- nally opposed to the war. On the Jth ISU, Clay and Rassell wore nominated as Commia- sioners, sad on tho ich Mr. Clay resigned tho Speaker's chair, in which ho was sueceoded by Mr Jheves, of South Carol On the 27th Fobruary, ISA, Mesars Clay and Russoll, with Messrs. Hughes, Shale. aud Henry Carroll, as secretaries and. go- ents, sailed from New York in tho bn Adams. Af:er a tompestusus pas idod at Gotteabarg, in Sweden, but ed the other Commissioners at Ghent, » Which had been selected as the place of although Gottonburg had boen first in Bolgiu meeting, nemed Ghent was then occupied by British troops, and the Americon ministers were a long time at that piace waiting for the English legation, who did not arrive until the Guh of August. These h com- | missioners were Admiral Lord Gambier, Hoary | Goulbourne, and William Adams. The feeling in | Kogland towards this coustry, at the iime, was al- mort aniversal anger, aversion and contompt, and tho negotiations opened, on the 8th August, with an arbitrary aud haughty tone onthe part of the Bii- tish commissioners. They were mot with spirit and | determination by the Amoricans, Mr. Clay being the most unyielding of the five commissionors. Ghent was full of persons to watch the negotiations for commercial speculations—A merican and Koglish merchants and others—among the reat, Me. Churchill ©. Cambrolong, of this city, Mr. George Emlon, and Captain Win Shaler. The negotiations were pro- tracted, amid much public anxiety on both sides of the A tic, between four and five months; but the treaty was finally signed oo Christmas eve, Satur- | day, the 24th of December, 1814, and several copies were taken, Mr. Carroll waa despatohed with one copy to the United States, arriving at New York, im the British sloop-of- war Favorite, Pabrusry 41, 1315, Aftor visiting Franoe and Wogland, Mr. Clay om- barked in September, 1815, for New York, whore, on his arrival, he and Mr. Gallatin were compli- menied with @ public dinner. Tue people of his Congressional district had unanimously re-clocted him to Congress while he was still in Berspe: and at the pete heme as wo have stated, the House again called him to preside over its deliberations. During the session he ably defonded the terms of tho now eae the attacks of the fedoral- inte, br - with Midnct and others ia promoting tho passage of many important laws, rendered necessary by the oe itr. Clay sa ce the charter of the United States Bank fs $16, although he had, while a twembor of the United States Senate, spoken and voted against the renewal of tho charter ot the first National Bank, in 1811. From this period, it may be romarked, that the series of measures, and the system of policy advocated by Mr. Clay, in conducting the adminis- tration of the general government, did not differ materially from the polioy which had distingaishod Washington’s adrinistration, and been ought forward by Alexander Hamilton. After 1816, how- ever, the federal party, as a national political dis- tinction, soon ceased to exist, and tho republicans, or democrats, under President Monroe, ado; those measures which they deomod best to fel to eomean of the comniey — muoh re= gerd to ents, or party designations. To eketoh in full the pub io life of Mr. Clay would be to write the political history of the United States foe the last hall contucy. We uwaet tharo- tilo meeting took place between him and Joba Rua- | consoquence of a viuleat attack | Shots | After the flest dis- | | fore an idly over moat of the ceeeiset Mic cas | wantwelil -foar, each State, sooonding to the consti. | reer ne eee the war of 1812. In December, | tion, Dein entitled to one vote in the House, for | 1817, he was chosen 8) er, by 140 votesout of 147 | President. The oes of mombers were an- fens and in December, 1819, he received 147 out » whole number takon. During these suc- cessive seesions of Congress, among the most im- i} pen meagures advocated by Mr. Clay, wore _ in ion to domestic manufactures, a system o! ternal improvements, and the acknowledgement of the independence of the South American republics. Ho was the earliest advocate in Congress of the emancipation of South America, years before Mr. Gaaaing claimed, in the House of Commons, to have called that new world into existence, by sevaratiog Spain and the Indies, in gpa e inde- dence of the Spanish American colonies. Ia january, 1819, Mr. Clay made his great speech against Genoral Jackson, for his conduct in the Se- minele war, which speech caused » complete sepa- ration’ between him and the General, who was oven then begun to bo talked about for President, but to bee earnnen Mr. C:ay always expressed a decided oatility. In Denacnbea 1816, Mr. Clay presided at a meet- ing, at Washington oity, to consider tho propriety of colonizing the free peoplo of color of the United States in Africa. The meeting resulted in the for- mation of the Colonization Soviety, of whioh Jud Busbrod Washington was chosen Presideut. Mr. Clay continued # loading momber and officor of the Soviety ever aftorwards In Maroh, 1816, Mr. Clay attended the caucns of membors of Congross called to nominate President and Vice Presivent of the 1 Statos, when Monroe and Tompkins wore nominated. On that ocession he submitted a resulution declaring that it was inexpedient to make, in esucus, any recomntmon- dation to the good people of the United Statos of persons to fill tho pra of President and Vico Pre- ident, &e. The resolution was rejeoted, but Mr. Cluy thus early expre: hisdisapprobation of can- # vom ipations fer dent, # tach became unpo- lar al dwere discontinued, ofter the last attempe © affairs compelled him to for- ion as Speaker to the Clerk of the Houce, which he did at the opening of the second session of the sixteerth Congress, in Novem- ber, 1820 His letter stated that be should not be able to attend until afior the Christ mas holidays. John W. Taylor, of New York, was therefore elected Speaker in his place, and Mr Clay took his seat ag a member of the House, on the itth of January, (821. From that date to the expiration of the term of that Congress, on the 4th of March ensuing, (forty-seven days.) was the only part of bis career, a6 a member of the House, that ho did not hold tho office of Spoakor. During this short period, as a member, bo per= formed a most important service to the country, in allaying the civil diseord which agitated Congress and the cation, by efleoting tho Missouri compro- misc, which admitted that Stuteinso tke Union, and settled the boundary of slavery west of the Missis sippi. 1 the Seventeenth Congross, as wo have staled, Mr. Clay declined a re-election, devoting that pes riod of two years to his private affairs, and partially realized bis wishes in repairing his pecuniary lossoa. in consequence ef intense application to ‘his pro- fessional duties, his health became seriously imapair- ed--se much so that his life was despaired of. Hav- ing somewhat recovered, and as be had consented to a re-clection to the HKightconth Congress, he was enabled to take bis seat in December, 1528, and was, for tho sixth time. chosen Spowlor. Ho had rey 1 among the candidates for Pn Monroe, whose second term expired in The Legislature of Ken- 825. mal tucky, al an meeting of the mem- bers, on the 18th of November, 1822, Wil- Tiam T. Karry chairman, {afterwards appointed Postmaster-General, by General Jackson,) it was resolved, ** that Henry Clay be recommended as a snitabie person to succecd James Monroe, as Prosi- an address to the people was also adopted, . Clay us the candidate of the ¢. Mv. Clay received a like nomination from the Legislature of Missouri, which was followed, in January 1823, by @ similar moyement in the Legislature of Ohio. la Louisiana aiso he received a nomivution by a large portion of the members of the Legislature It heing understood that the Presidential election of 1824, must, in all probability, devolve on the Honse of Representatives, in consequence of the division of the people between Adains, Jackson, Crawford, and Clay, great cfforts were made by the friends of Mr. Clay, t> secure a suflicient number of electoral voter for him, to return him to the House se one of the three highest candidates from which, as the constitution requires, a choice must be made. His yosition, influence, and popularity in Congress, twas believed, would inswe his election by tho House of Representatives, whatever might be the iumber of electoral votes he received, if sufficient to place bim among the three highest. ‘The friends of Adams, Jackson, snd Crawford, absorbed so much of the public attention for those candidates, that it was difficult to effect extensive ‘organizations in favor of Clay.— Kentucky, Ohio, Ind sé4ouri, and Louisiana, giving in the aggrogato, at that eloction, 43 olec- coral votes, wore contidently relied on, and for the balance required Now York was looked to Tho electors of this State were then chosen by the Jegisiature, and neither the friends of Crawford or Adas had a majority in that body: the friends of Mr. Clay having about one-fourth of the mombers, held the balance of power. The late Gen. Peter b. Porter, of rie county, long prominent in the demo- cratic ranks, but then a private citizen, was tho prinoipal nauager on the part of the friends of Mr. Clay, with the Legislature, but, owing to sundry spe. and want of skitl on the par he Clay rs, he received hut four of the el 1 8 pw York—twonty-six being tor Adams, five for Crawford, and one for Jackson. Mr. Clay also | tuiled to receive the electoral votes of Louisiava, which were divided between Adams and Jackson. ‘The actual electoral votes received by Mr. Clay were as follows:—Kentucky, 14; Ohio, 16; Missouri, 3: New York, total, while Mr Crawford re- crived 4} (or foar more than Houry Clay), and was consequently returned to the House as one of the 5 dates from whom a choice get be made, ctoral votes received by Mr. Gay were all given by the people, except the four from New York ‘Tho eteetoral tickets formed by his friends in Povnsylvenia, Virginia, Marylaud, and {ilinois, reocived but a slender support In Indiana, the plurality of Jackson over him was nearly 2,00) ; State the Adams ticket’ received owing that Jackson was then in the bat Suite, aihough he received the Congressional yore. If we compare y with that of Mr. led was the regu- pula Crawford, who it will be recold lar caucus candidate in 1824, wo find but little dif- ference ; the aggregates being, for Crawford 47,305, Oluy 68. while Jackson received 152,95t, and Adams 195 Of the whole number of electors chosen in 1b24, there were 68 elected by legisla- vo bodies. The aggreg votes of the cloctoral colleges, stood as follows :—Jacksou 99, Adams 84, Crawford i1, Clay 37. These facts are incoresting, to show the genoral broaking up of partios which ocerrred in Is24, and proving that neither of the four candidates voted for received a national sup- port. The election was dly sectional and per. sonal in its characjer, ‘ems absurd to pre- tend, as is often asserted, that Mr. Clay by his course at that time de erted the democratic party After the failure of the friends of Mr. Crawford, who Was the favorite candidate of the democracy of Vir- givia, Georgia, and a few other States, to unite tho Majority of the members of Congress, in # caucus to nominate cavdidates for President and Vice Presi- dent, according to former usage, the party was gone- rally considered as dissolved The t f Jusk ron and Calhoun, iu refusing to join in the Congres- sional caucus which nominated Crawford, were as much seceder@ as were the friends of Adams and Clay, by pursuing the sume course. Whe it beesme known that Mr. Clay had failed to be returned to the House as one of the three can- didates for President to be voted for by that body, his position became ono of peculiar delicacy and im- portence. His situation as Speaker, which office he bad held longer than any of his predecessors, and his personal popularity among the mombers, gave him a commanding influence. THe was known to have been he ate to the caucus system on which Mr. Crawford depended. At the same time, the ill heaith of that gentlemen forbade him to think favorably of hia election. To Goneral Jackson he was decidedly hostile, and between him and Mr. Adams there had been long oxisting a coldness and difference, growing mainly out of their ao- tions in the negotiations at Ghent. The oa of Kentucky were also much oppo: to Ir. Adams; and the Legislature, on the motion of Mr. Crittenden, a friend of Mr. Clay, had instructed their delegation in Congress to vote for Jackson as the second choice of Kentucky, after the failure of their favorite, Clay. To counteract these instructions, the people of Mr. Clay's Congres sional district denied the right of the Logislature to interfere in the matter, and requested their represen- tative to vote according to tho dictates of his own beat judgment forthe public good. Under those circumstances, Mr. Clay, in letters to confidential Fe ba announced his intention to vote for Mr. ems. ‘The oumber of States a4 thas timo in the Uaion, derstood to be as follows, by States, via:—For Adams, 9; Jackson, 7; Crawford, 4; Clay, 4—ne- essary tos choice, 13. Yt was, therefore, in the power of Mr. Clay and his friends to give the election to Mr. Adams, but notto Jackson. It was be- leived that the friends of Mr Crawford generally, at that time, preferred Adams to Jackson; and if Mr. Clay and his followers had given their votes to Jackson, the election of Adams would still have been probable, through the support of the Crawford men, and thus the coalition would have been of a@othor character from that which triumphed, and in oonse- uence, doubtless, was the cause of the ruin of Mr. lay’sfuture yp ta for the Presidency. ‘be frionds of Gon, Jackson wore, howevor, oon- fident in the belief of Mr. Clay’» powor te settle tho nestion of the election in favor ot their candidate. Bftorts wore accordingly mado to induce him wo de clare for Jackson; but when his determination be- came known or understood, he was assailed with anonymous letters aud threats of various kinds At last the celebrated charge of bargain and corruption was mado in a Jotior published in the Columbian | Observer, of Philadelphia, aud dated Washington, | January 25, 1625. This letter was aftorwards avowed by Georgo Kremer, a member of the House from Pennsylvania. The charge was, that over- tures had beon made by the Clay mon to the friends | of Jackson and refused: but that it was then ascor- tained that pers Clay had transforred his interest to Jobo Quincy Adains. ** As @ consideration for this ab: nment of duty to hia constituents, it is said and jeved, (adds the lettor) should this un- holy coalition prevail, Clay is to be appointed Seo retury of State.” This allegation Mr. Clay lows no time in-denying, in a card published in the National Intelligencer, in which he pro- nouuces the author of the letter ‘a base and infi- mous calumniator, and called upon him, whoever he might be, to come out boldly avd avow his uame, adding that he would then ‘ hold him responsible to all the laws which govern and regulvto men of honor.” When Mr. Kremer avowed himself as the anthor of tho letter, Mr. Clay appealed to the House, and de- manded an inveetigntion. mittee Was ap- pointed. ce ting entirely ef the opponents of Mr. Jency; but in cunse- quence of Me. Kiemer’s do 1g to appour bofore the m, the matter was soon suffered to drop. But this charge of bargain and corruption was kept up against Mr. Olay, in various ways, tor years afterwards, and was the main cause of alienating tho foclings of a large postion of the poopte of the United slates, which otherwive might have boon drawa towserds him. Mr. Adams was clooted Prosid pt by the House of by tho aid of veived the votes of thirteen States on the first ballot, Jackson sovon States, and Crawford four. Mr. Clay was appointed Seoretury of Stute by Mr. Adams, Many of his friends, (away from Washington) were of opinion that ho ought to decline the office; but the prepon- derance of opinion among thenr was in favor of his acceptance, und he accordingly conformed to that opinion, and was the leading member of the cabinet of John Quincy Adams. Mr. Clay's principal olje for Presidont was, that h that of @ military chieftui before the clection, declared himself opposed t elevation of mere ar nto the first offi the gift of tho pe Many of Mr. Clay political opporonts approved of hia vote in favor of Mr. Adatna, Among others, the regular democratic candidate fi President in 1824, William A. Crawford, wrote Mr. Clay as follows :— on to Coneral Jackson qualification was only ; und he had all along, th Wooonswn, Feb. 4, 18: My Drax Sir—I hope yo know me too welt shat T have countenanecd the charge of corrup) Kusheen reiterated against you. The ueuth ix, Lapproved of your vete when it was given, and would have voted as you did between Jackson and Adams. But candor com. pels me to say that | dieepproved of you ‘i ofive nnder iin WM. il ¢ letter, say: opposed to my acceptance my friends—rnd. le —Mr, MoLane, of Delaware, of Georgia urged me strongly not to was ropresented by my friends that vodit for the forbewranes, but that, it would be said thet my forbearance was iaving made »beagein. though unwilling ‘These wad other similar arguments were and, after a week's deliberation, | yielded is quite possible that I may have erced. 0 eats of self reproach Wation of Mr. Adams this coeruption against the Presi- i vewed, aud con- linucd threngh the whole term ef four years, form- ing the principal ground of clectioucsriag during the Presidential cumpuign, which resutied in the defeat of Mr. Adame, and the election of Genoral d von to the Presiweney i Mr. Clay's career us Secretary of State was | marked by many important suggestions and nego- | tiations “Tis favorite project of « Congress of Na- tions at Panama, suggested originally by Bolivar, although swnctioned by the various branches of our | government, was a fiilure, owing to the tull co-operation on ihe part of the South in governments, and a lack of any definite plan of agreement among the diferent powers concerned. | The aff of the office of Secretary of State were ably managed yur yours of Mr. Clay's | continuance in After the tion of General Jackson, Mr. Clay retired to private life, on bis farta at Ashiand—a | utiful seat, situated about a mile from Loxing- » Kentucky. In the autumn of 1831, he was elected to the United States Senate, by the Legisla- ture of Kentucky. About the same timo, he was nominated by a National Convention of anti-Jack- senmen, or national republicans, assembled wt Bul- timore, for President of the United States, to as @ candidate in opposition to General Jacksoi It was a great mistake on the part of Mr. Clay in | secepting this nomination for the Presiden for there were no possible chances of success, and a | pee defeat by oral Keon Was sure to mar iis future prospects for the Presidoney. The anti- reply lo this was rath t to their force. T shall, at least, daw | | | suffrage | oal life of Mr. Clay—reaohing over half = contury minds of the; uence neon! joaga:nat Mr. Clay, in conseq of his course towards Gen. Jackson, ‘and on the aub- jeot of the United States Bank. Tho snti Syne y of New York and Pennsylvania wou! liverted the vote of those States from Mr 1840, as they did under other namoa in 1844. Nor could Mr. Clay have relied on the votes of Maino, Indtapa, and Minsissippi, which voted for Gen Har- con in 18; bat all went against Mr. Clay in 844. ‘After the cleetion of Geveral Harrison, his dent's, in 1841, and the accession of John ‘tyler tothe . dency, Mr. Clay was disappointed in his effort: wa leader of the whig party in Congress, to chwrter « United States Bank, and (0 carry out other tuvorits measures, in consequence of the refusal of President Tyler to cooperate with the whigs. In 1412, there fore, Mr. Clay resigned bis seat in the Senate, aud again retired to private Jife, ov his farm at “Ashiand fo 1844, Mr. Clay was avanimously nomigated by the whiga as their candidato for President. and bie ‘ot# of success wore of first doomed sure But the democrats brought furwurd the question of the annexation of Texes, an a subject of agitation; they dropped Mr. Van Buren and nominated Mr Polk, to run against Mr Clay. The reault, a6 will bo resol- lected by all, was a most unexpected one to Mr. Clay and the whig party. His defeat by a man #0 com- paratively unknown ao Mr. Polk, was ® now source of mortification to Mr. Giay and bis frienda, but the Toxas question powerfully contributed to the result. Jn addition to the main es of defeat, there is reason to believe that My Clay lost the votes of the States of New York and Pennsylvania, wed perhaps some other States, in consequence of the over con! | dence and neglect of his pmiitical friends, who were | the leadera of (he party ia those States, and ao! on eommitteca having charge of the nocomury | arrangements aad bargainy which circumstances then rendered necessary to effect the romult they de- sired. The fact was evidend vo the knowing one that Mr. Wi r, und not Str Clay, wae the fe vorite of the arisiveracy of the whig party, oud those peculiar friends of Mr Clay who undertook to effeot his election in 18H, althongh confidont of success, Were not the strong men ot tho party. It is nlso to be observed that the boss and most ainoere friends of Mr. ©luy wore not those noiny duals who were slways to be hoard at public moat- ings, calling for cheers whenever hit name wna mee- tioned, and disgurting meu of acuse by their uollew- hearted ** hurrahs for Henry Ola It was those noisy ward poli ns and ever bray office seekers who did more barm to the cause of Mr. Clay tham hosts of his political opponents. Very fow public men over had more cause than Mr. Clay to oxolaim, “Save me from my frieads.”’ ‘The people of the Lexington Congressi»nal dis- triot, where Mr. Clny so long resided, always aus tuinod Mr. Clay in overy vicissitude of his polisioal life. ‘The most -erious spposition he over mot with, ag a candidate for Congrosa, was in 1816, when the celebrated John Popo (who had been a colloague of Mr. Clay in tho United States Senate) ran against him. The ground of his opposition Mr. Clay was that the Speaker bad voted for the Compensation bill, so called, by which members of Congress were to be paid $1,500 per annum, instead of receiving pay by, the day. ‘Tho Gomponsation bill was unjopular in tho Western States, wud some who had voted for it were defeated. Mr. Clay, howover, was chosen by 2 majority of about six hun- dred over Mr. Popo. Previous to ibe Presidential election of 1848, Mr Clay had given his frionds to understand that be should not be a candidate aguin for President Cor sequently, Mr. Jobn J Crittenden, Mr. John BP. Kennedy, Mr. John M. Clayton, Mr. Trumaa Smi' and other prominent friends of Mr. Clay, commit themselves in favor of General Taylor. “Subsequeat- ly, Mr. Clay waspormaded, by sundry: emall poli- ticians, to alter his mind, and consent to les his name go to the Whig Covvention, aaa candidate. ‘This matter alionated the foelinge of some of Mr. Clay’s best frionds towards him, and caused a great deal of asperity and trouble pre-, vious to, and at the Whig National Conovontion which met at§Philadelphia, in June, 1548. That Convention were from the first determined to nomi- nate General Taylor, as the only available whig candidate. Consequently the votes givon to Mr. Clay, by those who were sincerely dosirous to nomi- pate him, were few in aumber, and as a matter o course, General Taylor received the nomination, at which Mr. Clay was very much displeased, partion larly as Kentucky had refused to vote for bim in the Convention. After the Presidential olection, tho feelings of Mr. Clay were somewhat soothed by his eloction To the United States Senate, by the Logisla tucky. He took his ret in that body 1449, whore ho had first appeared as @ Senator more Ls forty-tiree years before, via., in November | During his recent brief Senatorial earcor, Mr. mf has principally distinguished himself. as is well known, by his labors in the cause ot the Uvion, and bringing forward the Com- promise measures on the subject of Texas, New Mexico, California, and slavery. Although the series of measures brought forward by Mr. Clay, in what was called his ‘‘omnibus bill,” were not adopted by Congress, they led to the’ adoption of milar measures in separate bills, which snawered the same purpoxo It is unnecessary for us to remind our readers of the character of Mr. Clay as an American staces- man, and the pre-eminent qualifications whioh dis tinguished him as » public man, in every phase of his career. All aro fumiliar with his great morits, and the strovg hold which he possessed in the hearts of his countrymen. It is not the fortune of every public benefactor to be popular with the masses; nor ean it be expected that a public man er states- mon, who is decided in his political course, aad ia the advocate of measures and policy whereon the people are divided: in opinion, should not find « barrior crocted to oppose his pro- gress, when an appeal is made to the popular On Tooking bavk, therefore, at the politi- in time—we eee abundaet cauros for bis want of success in reugbing the guol of his honorable ambi- tion without ebarging ingratitude upon tho Ameri- cun people. : » purty had been formed, sud now Mr. Wirt as thoir candidate; thet party cont large wumbers of the former supporters of Adains, Without whose sid very few of the States | opposed to General Jackeon could be carried. Tho consequence might bavo beon foreseen. CGoneral dacksou was re vlected by an overwhelming ina jority of the etectoral votes, which stood—Jackson, 219: Clay, Wirt (Vermont), 7; Floyd (the f South Carolina), 11. These last were given st Gen Jackson on account of the qiarrel be- »bim end Mr. Calhoun, which brought about the nullification agits Mr. Clay took his seat in the United States pate in December, 1831, and was re-elocted for ano ix years in 1887. Ho resigned bis seat in Mebruary, S42, afier having boen in oon- tirucus service in the Senate for uearly eleven yes During this Senatorial careor, many im- portant measures were agitated and settled, amon others, the celebrated Compromise Tariff bill, originating with Mr. Clay, which settled the na , 1833. Mr. Clay also orward his famous Land bill, to distri- proceeds of sales among the States, which oth _ho but failed’ im consuquence of Lof Gen. Jackson to sanction it. of the great measures on which Mr. Clay exerted bis strevgth to carry through Congress, was the attempt to re-charter the bank of the United , States. That bil! passed both houses of Coogress, but was vetoed by Gen. Jackson ; who subsequently removed the government deposits from that 1astitu- tion. Por this last measure the Prosident was con- sured by @ voto of the Senate, in # re introduced hy Mr. Clay. There can be no doubt that the activ position of Mr. Clay to Gen. Jack- con, during his Senatorial career, greatly increased the nomber of his opponents as au aspirant for the Previdency, and was one of the main causes of his subsequent defeat, when a canaidate fur tho votos of the people for the highest office in their gilt. Io 1589, previous t the nomination of » candi- date for President by the whig party, Mr. Clay, and many of his most zealous friends, wore stroug iu the expectation of his nomination, to run agaist Mr. | Ven Buren. Tho leading whigs in New York and some other States, however, doubted the probability of his suovess. The anti apse het of the | whig party were particularly opposed to the nowi- pation of Mr. Clay, who was a mason, and had writ- ten # seornful letter to the sati-masons of Indiana. | Aas Gen. Harrison was considered superanpuated, | the idea wes started in this Stato of Srnging fore ward General Scott. As @ proliminary wovo- ment, the General was nominated by a movt- ing of Jackson democrats at Rochester, aad threo fourths of the delegates elected from the Stato of New York to the Whig Natiowal convention at Harrisburg, which met in December, 1639, proved to be in favor of Gen Scott. Finding Scott could not be nominated, tho Svott delogates from New York, and other States, votod for Harri- #on, Who was consequently nominated, very much to the chagrin and disappointmont of Mr. Clay aad his friends. They have always contended, that Mr. Clay could then bave been oleeted had ho received tte nomination. But this is more than doubeful, when we connidvr the dory som y ia the fication question in Mar brought bute the pacsed by A Lowtil But the long Congressional career of Mr. Clay, his diplomatic sorvices, and the ability he displayed ### cabinet minister, added to his brilliant repute- | lion as an orator, anfadvocste and philanthropist, | are sufficient to fill the measure of any man’s glery. He bas had the consolation of having outlived the rity of party feeling, and goes down te the tomb with (be esteem and regret of all classes of his cvuptymen, who will enshrino his name among the gréat men of the republic, Somes THE EFVECT IN THIS CITy ‘The death of Mr. Clay was announced in thia city by telegraph at half-past eleven o'clock in the morning The rad news was toon known in all parts of the motropo- iy, All the public places, the shipping ia the barbor— indeed every flag-stal—immediately displayed the Aruert- can flag at half mast, All pub clings of any momoat were adjourned, and expressions of respeet for the memo ry of the @hatinguishod dead were to be seen at eveey point and pigs THR couRTA. UNITED STATES DISTAIOT CouR Before Hon, Judge Judson. THe DEATH OF HENME COAT June 20—Mr. Whiting. in announcing to the court the lose this country had 1 ined in the death of ber iliaatei- our staterman Henry Clay, moved that, out of respect to his mu mory, the further proceediags be suspended, and the court now adjourm, Judge Judsou fully conourred in the motion, and ordered the exurt to be adjourned for the day THR OTHER LAW COVRTY. It was understood that motions would be made in the other courts this day, Wednesday, to adjourn, out of re spect to Lim memory of this great and good man THR COMMON CoUNCIL. The Wards of Aldermen and Asei-tante will moet tite day to wake some public expression respecting the deede Uthe (ilnetdows Henry Cia) ACN IRIE ay TELEGRArEC, THE EFFECT ELSEWHERM Wasnisoros, Jone 2 1869 The announcement of the death of the «reat patriot, Henry Clay, bas thrown a gloom over the whole vity. Nearly all the stores on the avenne are closed, the prinat- pal streets are draped in mourning, and all the outward emblems of grief sre manifested. Congress, upon the aanouncemont. immediately ad- journed, and all the public offices wero closed. Tho Ca- binet beld 9 meeting this afternoon, and rosolved upom the suspension of public businoss until after the faneral, obecquies, which, I learn, will take place on Friday, in the Copitol ; after which, the remains will be oonveyod te the care, for removal to Kentucky. Minute guns wore fired by Captain Buokingham’s Artillery, and alro at the Navy Yard and Arsenal, during the aflernoon, At sundown the bells of the city ware tolled, and (he firing of minute guna was continued Mayor Maury bad summoned thy ity Vounsily te