Lot 136
Clay, Henry (1777-1852) American politician from Kentucky; known for his oratorical skills and called "The Great Compromiser. He served as U.S. senator, member of the House of Representives, Secretary of State, and was the Whig presidential nominee in 1832 and 1844. Autograph letter signed ("H. Clay"), 3¼ pp, 10 x 8", Ashland, Nov. 21, 1829. Great political content, written to P[hillip] R[ichard] Fendall, who was editor of The National Journal in Washington, D.C. from 1824 to 1830. Clay praises Fendall's paper as "standing unquestionably at the head of the papers which are arrayed against the military despot," referring to President Andrew Jackson. In part: "On the subject of a nomination, I think my friends generally in the West have settled down on its inexpediency this winter, unless some event should occur to recommend it. In lieu of that measure, it is thought more advisable to express, in the form of resolutions…the disapprobation of the Legislators of the manner in which the patronage of the general government has been recently excercised, attachment to the American System, &c….I do not think that any discouragement ought to [?] out of the results of the late Elections. The last Presidential contest was too recent, and the next is too remote…." More interesting content. Jackson was the first President to use the spoils or patronage system, whereby loyalists from his party were rewarded with government positions. The American System to which Clay refers, was his program for federally financed internal improvements, primarily roads and canals, and a high protective tariff.
Estimated Value $1,000 - 1,250.
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